Nothing can beat having fun in the snow with your dog, but winter weather brings its challenges and it’s important for both you and your pup to be properly dressed. Not surprisingly, dog owners often assume that fur will provide more than enough protection for their four legged friend, but that’s not always true. While some breeds are naturally able to withstand cold temperatures and other winter hazards, not all are. If you want to introduce your dog to wearing winter clothes you might have a challenge ahead of you but the tips below from Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado can help to make the process easier.
Teach your dog to love winter clothes
Wearing clothes doesn’t come naturally to dogs so getting them used to wearing winter sweaters, jackets and boots can sometimes be difficult. Not all breeds require extra protection to provide warmth, so you should bear that in mind. If you do decide to introduce your dog to the idea of wearing winter clothes there are a few things you should remember to make the process easier on both of you:
- Size matters – because they’re not used to wearing them, clothes can often feel restrictive to dogs so you need to be sure to choose items that will be easy to put on and off and fit comfortably on your dog. They should be snug enough to provide warmth but not too tight so that they don’t restrict movement. If you have questions about sizing, our staff at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO are happy to answer your questions.
- Keep things positive – no matter what kind of clothing you’re introducing, the most important thing to remember is to create a positive association with it so that your dog will actually want to be dressed. You can do this by staying calm, keeping your voice light and happy and using treats at every stage of the teaching process.
- Stay slow and steady – when it comes to acclimating your dog to winter clothes, you need to take it easy. Don’t rush the process, allow your dog to get used to the item at a slow pace so they don’t become agitated. Start by letting them sniff the article of clothing before wearing it, then put it on slowly and carefully and leave it on for a short time. Gradually work your way up to wearing it for longer periods of time in the house and eventually take the dog out for a walk with the clothes on. Remember to use treats and praise at each step of the process to form that important positive association.
- Watch your dog’s response – as you progress through the teaching process, always be aware of your dog’s behavior and how it is responding. Some dogs take longer to get used to wearing clothes, so if your dog is showing signs of being uncomfortable you may need to take a step back and start over. Remember any time you’re teaching a dog, patience is key.
There are many kinds of winter clothes for dogs, including sweaters, jackets, boots and goggles, all of which can provide protection from the elements and from winter hazards like ice, salt and chemical de-icers. Your dog may not need all of these but that will depend on its breed and on the harshness of weather conditions in your area. Here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado we understand the difficulties of winter weather and we want to help you keep your pet safe, but some dogs just won’t take to clothes no matter what. Ultimately, you need to use your best judgement about what is necessary and never try to force the issue.
