I saw some cute dog outfits online and was surprised by how adorable they are! I’m thinking about getting a few for my small dog, but I’m not sure if she’d even like wearing clothes. Since the store has a no-return policy, I want to check with you all first. Does anyone have experience with this? Do small dogs generally enjoy wearing clothes? Any tips for someone in Australia would be great!
Asking if all small dogs like clothes is like asking if all humans enjoy the same things. Each dog is different. Some may enjoy it, while others might hate it. It really depends on the dog.
If your dog doesn’t like wearing clothes, don’t force it. I’ve had big dogs that loved wearing t-shirts and even asked to have them put back on, but I’ve also had smaller dogs that would get very uncomfortable or even aggressive when dressed. It depends on the dog’s personality, just like with people.
@Bliss
Haha, I remember our German Shepherd getting jealous of our Bichon’s sweaters, so we’d put one of my dad’s t-shirts on her. She loved it!
In my experience, small dogs usually wear clothes to keep warm. My mom’s small dogs wear sweaters in the winter because we live in a cold area, but it’s important to remember that dogs don’t regulate their body temperature the same way we do. You don’t want to make them too warm!
@Aris
Makes sense, thanks!
Zayden said:
@Aris
Makes sense, thanks!
No problem! You could always try a light t-shirt and see how your dog reacts before going for a whole wardrobe!
I’d suggest buying something cheap from a local pet store first before committing to any expensive online buys. My dogs only enjoy wearing costumes for the attention, but once the excitement dies down, they want out of them ASAP.
My Chihuahua loves his sweaters and gets all playful when I put one on him.
Zane said:
My Chihuahua loves his sweaters and gets all playful when I put one on him.
On the flip side, my Chihuahua mix gets so sad and depressed when I dress her up. Living in a cold area means I sometimes have to put her in a coat, and she looks so pitiful.
My dachshund freezes up when I put any kind of clothing on him. Won’t move an inch!
Sam said:
My dachshund freezes up when I put any kind of clothing on him. Won’t move an inch!
Same with one of my dogs! He’ll tolerate his regular collar but absolutely nothing else.
My dog likes clothes but can’t stand hats or boots.
I’ve never seen a dog actively ask to wear clothes, haha! It’s something they just tolerate.
Noel said:
I’ve never seen a dog actively ask to wear clothes, haha! It’s something they just tolerate.
When my senior dog got older, I bought her a sweater for the winter. She eventually learned that if she was cold, she could bring the sweater to me, and I’d put it on her! Some dogs really do appreciate the warmth.
Noel said:
I’ve never seen a dog actively ask to wear clothes, haha! It’s something they just tolerate.
My dog actually loved his t-shirts and would cry when we took them off. Dogs can be surprising!
@Bliss
My big dog has a meltdown if I don’t put his tutu on when we go for a walk. Clothes aren’t just for little dogs, apparently!
Some dogs like clothes, some don’t. My dog only wears a coat when it’s cold outside, but he hates hats. He refuses to go outside without his coat in the winter though!
I think some dogs like the feeling, especially if it makes them feel secure like a weighted blanket. Maybe try a cheap t-shirt first to see how your dog reacts. If they’re neutral or happy about it, then go ahead and buy those cute outfits!