If you’ve ever thought a dog looks adorable wearing a coat or sweater, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for people to dress dogs in clothes, whether it’s a fashionable pair of booties or a snazzy tutu. Dressing your dog in clothing can be a very personal decision.

Although these outfits are endearing to look at, you may wonder about dressing up your dogs. For example, do dogs like wearing clothes? It turns out that there are plenty of practical reasons why people dress their dogs, but the answer can still depend on you and your dog. Let’s review the various benefits of dog clothing.

If you’ve ever thought a dog looks adorable wearing a coat or sweater, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for people to dress dogs in clothes, whether it’s a fashionable pair of booties or a snazzy tutu. Dressing your dog in clothing can be a very personal decision.

Although these outfits are endearing to look at, you may wonder about dressing up your dogs. For example, do dogs like wearing clothes? It turns out that there are plenty of practical reasons why people dress their dogs, but the answer can still depend on you and your dog. Let’s review the various benefits of dog clothing.

Is It Bad to Put Clothes on Dogs?

The short answer: no! As long as your dog is comfortable, it’s perfectly fine to dress up your dogs. In fact, certain clothes are even recommended in certain situations.

That said, dogs aren’t accustomed to wearing clothes on their bodies like we are. Your dog’s initial reaction will likely be to shake the clothes off or fidget around to adjust them. This process is pretty normal – your dog isn’t used to having something other than fur.

It’s essential to take things slowly when dressing up your dog. Let your dog sniff the clothes first to get used to them. You can also give them a treat after they interact with the clothes to help them associate these garments with positive encouragement. After that, rest the clothing on your dog’s body and continue to praise and reward him. The goal here is to teach your pup that clothes are perfectly normal and helpful.

The first time you put some clothes on your dog, start with a short amount of time. You want to slowly get your dog used to clothes. Throwing outerwear on him and expecting to go on an outing isn’t practical, so take your time when asking your dog to wear clothing. You can steadily increase the time clothes are worn and reward him for each session.

When dressing your dog, you’ll want to be sure that the clothing is not too tight around their neck and anywhere on their body, that they can move freely and easily, and that the clothing is not a hazard for them to walk and jump. Items that cover your dog’s head can make it hard for your dog to see and hear, so be sure to look out for those issues.