What could be cuter than a toy poodle or a Chihuahua all decked out from ear to paw in a tuxedo? Dog apparel is in, and the possibilities are rapidly becoming endless. Of course, adorning your pooch with lusciously adorable outfits is bound to get mixed reviews from the general public. If you venture into this world, there are a few things to keep in mind when dressing your dog up for special occasions — or any occasion, really.
Not everyone will agree with dressing up your dog. In fact, there are those who will be downright offended and won’t hesitate to express their disapproval. I’ve witnessed a fairly harsh exchange between a human with a dressed dog and someone with adamant feelings opposing the dressing of dogs. Some believe it is a bit cruel, while others view it as harmless fun.
Those who see dog apparel as a ridiculous attempt to humanize animals usually claim they feel this way because they don’t believe the dog enjoys it. Dogs, by nature, tend to prefer dirt over dresses and smelliness over smocks. Dogs are just dogs, and they shouldn’t be “pampered” like furry children. However, you can bet your puppy’s fuzzy little bathrobe that the opposition pampers their pup just as much — they just do it in different ways and don’t view their actions as “pampering.”
Is it Normal to Dress Up Your Dog?
This begs the question, “Is there anything wrong with dressing up Fido for his stroll about town?” Well, there’s no single answer. It depends on your dog. If your dog responds well and shows signs of puppy laughter and excitement when you pull out their favorite outfit, the answer is probably no. However, some dogs simply hate it. Some would rather go through the castration process again than be dressed up. It’s your responsibility to distinguish between the two — or whether your dog is somewhere in between.
Some dogs have very vivid and perceptible moods. Some will allow you to dress them up one day and even seem to enjoy it, while the next day, they greet the wardrobe with fancy snarls.
Determining your dog’s reaction comes down to understanding their personality while also recognizing their general adherence to commands. Be honest. Everyone wants to think they have a well-behaved dog, but few people have dogs who are ready and willing to get dressed just because they know their place. Tolerance and enjoyment are two different things, and you should know which one your pup is displaying before you deck them out in leather or lace.
Most dogs who take well to dog apparel and seem to enjoy it start being dressed up when they are just young pups. These dogs are usually the smaller breeds, where primping goes hand in hand with grooming. Of course, a peppy little mixed breed can get in on the action as well. Puppies naturally want to play with everything and anything. When you first introduce them to their new clothing line, you might want to keep a close eye on them once they’re dressed. Their playful spirit might not only ruin the outfit, but also put them in danger.
Dogs dressed for a town outing should never be left alone in their garb. Dogs tend to be accident-prone regardless of how well-behaved they are in their everyday attire. Snags, catches, and clips all pose dangers that may require human intervention.
Just as you’re likely to encounter resistance from naysayers of doggie dressing, you’ll also come across puppy dressing enthusiasts. Many people gather weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly at the local puppy park for a casual fashion show. Just ask your pooch to don their best outfit of the week and show up. Everyone gets a chance to admire new styles, share creative ideas, and swap dog stories. The dogs benefit from excellent socialization and are typically eager to return.
Despite being a former naysayer myself, I’ve found practical uses for dog apparel over the years. As dogs get older, especially smaller breeds closer to the ground, their general discomfort in their bones can be exacerbated by cold weather. A heavy sweater designed to come all the way down to the hips (while still allowing ample room for mess-free urination) can really help keep that almost inevitable stiffness at bay during outdoor activities.
Dogs who have a strong aversion to rain can benefit from the shelter offered by dog-specific rain gear. I used to think the little rain booties were over the top — until I ended up with a pup who absolutely hated getting his precious paws wet. Even a tiny puddle on a sunny day was too much for him.
For dogs suffering from incontinence, doggie diapers are a real lifesaver. Most people with a passionate intolerance for dog urine all over the house still love their dog enough to seek a reasonable solution. Dog diapers help restore the dog’s dignity while keeping their owner’s emotions in check, offering a relatively simple answer to what was once a heartbreaking problem.
Whether your motivation is practical or fun, dressing up a pup who enjoys the process can strengthen the bond between human and canine. In most cases, both the dog and the human have fun, showing off around the neighborhood and giving naysayers something to think about. After all, how adorable can you get without finally pulling on even the firmest of heartstrings?
