Do dogs like dressing up? How to tell if your pup is happy
Image Credit: @bentley_bella_mini_dachshunds
Have you ever dressed up your dog? There’s no denying the fact that dogs look cute wearing outfits and bandanas, but it’s important to make sure your pup is happy wearing their fashion accessory too.
Dressing up your dog can be great fun, especially on occasions like your dog’s birthday! Plus, you can capture adorable photos of your pooch when they’re all dressed up and share them with your friends and family - because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see your dog looking extra adorable?
However, as fun as dressing up your fur baby can be, their comfort should always take priority.
First, consider your dog’s temperament
There’s no one who knows your dog better than you, so before you decide to dress them up in an outfit or bandana, always consider whether you think they’ll actually enjoy it.
If your dog is timid and shies away from attention, then they may feel uncomfortable dressing up and having all eyes on them. Whereas, if your dog has a confident and sassy temperament, they may lavish the extra attention!
If your dog associates dressing up with attention (and maybe even some yummy dog treats), especially from a young age, then they may love putting on a new outfit or bandana. On the flip side, dogs that aren’t desensitised or accustomed to wearing clothes may be confused and find them annoying.
Keep reading as we explore how to tell if your dog is happy playing dress up.
Image Credit: @miloandleosdoglife
Top tips to make sure your dog is happy dressing up
Ensure your dog’s clothes aren’t restricting
If your dog’s clothing is too tight, they will feel uncomfortable, and this is something you want to avoid. At Yappy, all of our furbulous fashion accessories include a helpful size guide to ensure you find the best fit for your pooch. Make sure to check out our full range of personalised dog bandanas - they’re pawfect for all occasions!
Always be cautious of your dog overheating
This is more of a risk during the summer months, especially for dogs with thicker coats and those who suffer from breathing difficulties. Make sure your pup always has access to fresh drinking water, and as a special treat, you could always spoil them with a refreshing dog beer.
Image Credit: @ladyandthescamps
Gradually introduce clothing to your dog
If your dog is unsure about dressing up but seems intrigued, introduce clothing to them slowly and over time they may start to become more comfortable.
It’s a great idea to reward them with dog treats or a dog toy and play with them, so they associate this positive reinforcement with dressing up.
Always aim to minimise the risk of injury to your dog
A good example is to check their collar won’t get caught whilst dressing them up. Our range of personalised dog collars offer a quick buckle release and can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit.
When dressing up your dog, it’s important to put their needs first. If you notice a sudden change in their behaviour and they start to become anxious, then you should stop it immediately.
Learning to understand when your dog is happy will help you recognise when they’re unhappy and scared, considering this before dressing them up is very important.
While we have tips on how to dress your dog in a bandana, it’s important to remember that if your dog doesn’t like dressing up then you need to respect this.
Signs your dog is having fun while dressing up
They’re acting calm and not being disruptive
They don’t try to remove their clothing
Their ears are pointing forward
Their eyes may start to close slightly – this is a sign they’re relaxed
Positive reinforcements are an excellent way to reward your dog for displaying good behaviour whilst dressing up.
Our delicious selection of dog treats are a yummy way to reward your pup!
Image Credit: @sizzle_the_sausage
Picture Pawfect
Now that you’ve learnt how to tell if your dog is happy to dress up, all that’s left to do is put this advice into practice!
Great for photo opportunities, once you’ve taken an abundance of cute photos of your dog in their outfit or bandana, be sure to check out our gorgeous range of photo gifts. From photo upload cushions to aprons, cards, mugs, tea towels and more, we have a wide range of gifts that are simply pawfect for showing off your best furriend.
Looking to dust up your photography skills? Here are our top 5 tips for taking better photos of your dog.
And, if you’d like to know more about what Yappy offers, don’t hesitate to contact us at help@yappy.com.
