Doggone Etiquette —

What To Wear!

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

How do you like the cold, cold days we’ve had? You lucky dogs with thick wooly coats of your own are no doubt enjoying it, and happy to be comfortable without the need for a/c. Then there are those of you who are not so lucky – you dogs with a short thin coat or almost no coat at all. That’s okay; your good VIPeople will be looking into buying you a man-made one to wear when you have to go out in the cold. Sad to say, that’s where problems can crop up. The “fake” coat could be bulky or itchy, not stay put, or make your ears twitch or push your tail where it doesn’t belong. Oh, there could be dozens of perfectly good reasons why you might object to an add-on coat! Let’s run it all by your good people.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

We’ve all known dogs that seem to glory in getting dressed up for any occasion, be it a cold day, a snowball fight, or Mary’s wedding reception, they love it. But then there are all the other dogs. One way to cope, if yours is one of those “other” dogs, is to get a coat that covers only the major portion of the dog’s body – the shoulders, ribs and loin – so it does not interfere with the ears or tail, or of course the rear end. (When a dog’s gotta go, a dog’s gotta go!)

There are so many different kinds of dog coats available now one can get carried away in trying to choose the right one for Rufus. And, of course, keeping in mind that you’ll be seen walking with him. Things like style, color, fabric – even fashion – can be considered. Made of fake fur or lined with sheepskin? Yes! All are out there! A good starter coat for any puppy or dog that’s never worn one is a basic dog sweater. It’s easy to put on the dog, stretches comfortably when he moves, and (unless you go in for cashmere) most can be tossed into the washing machine and dryer for easy care. This would not be the best choice for a dog you walk in fields or wooded areas because dried leaves or bits of twigs and so forth will catch on the knitted fabric. For those walks you’ll need to look at the multitude of dog coats made of flat fabrics.

Be sure to check the body length as mentioned in that last warning about nature’s call. Another tip for the fussier Rufus is to let him get used to wearing it for a few minutes of playtime while indoors. Distraction! Or, make all your usual preparations for that exciting, can’t-wait-for-it walk, and THEN add the sweater/coat as you’re about to go out the door.

Elderly dogs tend to be cooperative (and even grateful) for the added warmth of a coat made of wool, fleece, acrylic, or similar fabric. Such a dog might like it to fit around his neck, not right for every dog, but the needs and preferences of your own Rufus come first.

All this leads us to the big kids’ weekend coming up. Yes, Halloween is almost upon us and that includes possible costumes for the dogs. If Rufus is a ham actor at heart, he may go along with any fancy garb you happen to think suits him or the occasion. But if there’s hesitancy, or out-and-out growling objection, best forget it. Keep that reaction in mind too when meeting costumed dogs or kids whether out on your walk or when they come knocking at the door. Tricks are not always treats to dogs.

More holidays are coming up and what Rufus is to wear on any special occasion needs to be an agreed upon venture. Don’t get too carried away in those fashionable canine coat aisles!

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi