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Dog clothes and costumes can be adorable! But how do you know if your pup really likes getting dressed up? Here are some things to think about to keep their wellbeing top of mind. Cuteness and consent can go hand in hand.
What to consider when choosing an outfit for your dog
Our dogs experience the world differently than we do.
- Avoid fabrics and materials with strong smells, especially if they're artificial. Our pups have extremely strong noses!
- Dogs' facial tissue is particularly sensitive. Try not to cover your companion's snout or eye area with a costume.
- Some pups are comforted by tight clothing — this is why things like Thundershirts are popular — but others feel trapped when there's too much pressure on their fur. Generally, you want an outfit that's loose enough to provide plenty of breathing room without hanging down and getting in the way of your dog's movement.
- Speaking of movement: You always want your dog to be able to move freely!
- Unless you're prepared to take your companion's clothes or costume off every time they have to use the bathroom (which we don't recommend) it's a good idea to look for an option that leaves their rear end uncovered.
How to condition your dog to new clothes
Dogs don't automatically feel comfortable in clothes and costumes. While some pups tolerate them better than others from the get go, it's always a good idea to slowly get your companion used to the sensation!
- Pair your dog's new outfit with some of their favorite things — treats and toys are an easy option — to create a positive association.
- Start by simply showing your pup the clothes and rewarding them for investigating. Don't rush the process of getting dressed!
- Put a new costume on piece by piece, over multiple short sessions, instead of all at once. This can help your dog adjust to their new look gradually.
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How to tell if your dog is comfortable in an outfit
- Loose body language: Your dog shouldn't look frozen, stiff, or hunched over when they feel good wearing something.
- Free, natural movement: Make sure your pup can walk, run, stretch, and play without restriction.
- No biting, chewing, or pawing at their clothes: It can be natural for your dog to investigate their new fit with their mouths at first. But they shouldn't keep trying to remove their costume — that's a sign they're not enjoying having it on.
- Minimal stress signals: Each dog expresses their body language a bit differently. Some things to watch out for are lots of yawning, lip licking, "whale eye" (where you can see the whites of their eyes), and a tucked tail. If you notice lots of stress (also called calming) signals, it's time to revisit your conditioning process more slowly or decide on a different, less intense costume altogether.
Alternatives to clothes and costumes
Love the idea of getting festive with your pup... but not sure they're sold on wearing a complete costume? You're in luck. Here are some ways to meet them in the middle!
- Bandanas: Many dogs who are used to wearing a collar are happy to don a bandana too. You can make your own with some leftover fabric — just cut it into a square and fold diagonally along the middle — or find fun seasonal patterns at your local pet store or favorite small business online.
- Colored collars: Along with bandanas, themed collars are one of the easiest ways to deck out your dog!
- Partial costumes: Maybe your pup doesn't feel comfortable in an entire onesie but is fine wearing just a shirt or a hat. You can experiment with simple, single pieces to still dress up your pet without pushing them past their limit.
- Photoshop: Image editing software keeps getting more accessible even for those of us who aren't professional graphic designers. If you really want a cute image of your dog in holiday gear or a perfect outfit, consider using Photoshop, Canva, or another editor to your advantage.