Hey Woofas

I know we all love to see our dogs in cute Christmas Outfits – I get it – they look cute!

However, have you actually taken a look at your dog’s body language to see if they really do love being in that Christmas outfit?

I’m guilty of it, in my Dog Grooming Salon at Christmas time I put reindeer ears on the dogs and take pics.

I also use treats to get them to sit by the Christmas Tree for a good Christmas pic.

Or I’ll have them sit on the Salon lounge near a Christmas pillow.

I DO NOT make them wear outfits!

And I do note that if at any stage they are uncomfortable with what I’m doing – I stop.

So my point of writing this post is to ask you – Does your dog really love those Christmas Outfits?

DOES YOUR DOG REALLY LOVE THOSE CHRISTMAS OUTFITS?

If you answered yes, how can you tell?

Are your sure it isn’t more YOU that loves them in the Christmas outfits?

Questions To Ask Yourself  BEFORE  You Put The Christmas Outfit On Your Dog!

1. Has your dog worn an outfit before?  If not proceed cautiously and take your dog’s reactions as indications of whether they want it on or not.
2. Are you sure that your dog will want to put the outfit on?
3. Are you sure the outfit will be comfortable for your dog?
4. Is it the right size for your dog?
5. Is it an actual dog’s outfit?
6. How long will the outfit be on for?
7. Is it just for a quick picture for Christmas or will it be on all day for Christmas Day etc?  If it’s going to be on all day, will someone be with them the whole time, if not don’t leave it on them.
8. Will the outfit restrict your dog’s movements?
9. Is the outfit appropriate for the weather?
10. Can the outfit easily get caught on things around the house or yard?  You don’t want your dog to get stuck on something, which is why only having the outfit on while supervised is a must!
11. Do you have other pets or dogs that will try to pull the outfit off the other pet or dog? i.e one dog dragging the other one around uncomfortably by the outfit.

Signs To Look Out For If Your Dog Doesn’t Really Love Those Christmas Outfits!

1. Is your dog showing signs of discomfort?  Are they trying to  get the outfit off, swiping at it, trying to get out of it?
2. Has your dog gone into submission mode, laying on their back with tail between their legs?  They don’t want it on.
3. Is your dog moving away from you when you’re trying to put the outfit on?
4. Once the outfit is on are they standing still and not moving (this is not funny)?
5. Does your dog appear uncomfortable, constantly wriggling to get the outfit off?
6. Is the outfit an actual outfit for dogs and not a child’s outfit?  People clothing is not for dogs.
7. Is your dog panting too much?  The outfit could be too hot for them to be in or they have become very anxious in the outfit.
8. Is your dog drooling too much?  Your dog is definitely anxious while wearing the outfit or overheated!
9. Behaviour such as running around and shaking their head to try to remove the outfit, shows discomfort from having the outfit on.
10. Showing teeth or growling as you are trying to put the outfit on are warning signs from your dog that they do not want to wear the outfit.

These sets of questions are what you need to ask before putting the outfit on your dog AS WELL AS signs to look out for that your dog doesn’t really love that Christmas outfit.

Just because you think it’s cute doesn’t mean your dog does.

If you want to dress your dog up for Christmas make sure your dog tolerates an outfit.

If they’ve never had an outfit on before it’s going to be uncomfortable for them.

Don’t have the outfit on all day, just for the duration of  a few hours with supervision, or just for a quick pic if they tolerate it.

Supervision is a must if they are wearing the outfit – I’ve heard some horrible stories of dogs nearly losing their lives because what they had on got stuck and the dog couldn’t move for hours and hours………………it’s wasn’t good at all.

Listen to your dog, read their body language it’s your responsibility to keep them safe.

Other Things To Try Instead Of A Christmas Outfit!

1. A Christmas Bandana – it can be placed around loosely enough around their neck, similar to a collar.  Billy has a large collection of bandanas.
2. Reindeer Ears – for a quick picture only, they won’t stay on too long. Dogs in the salon are lucky to have them on for a few seconds before they are flicked off.  You have to be quick.
3. A Christmas Tree shot – if your dog is treat driven, hold one in your hand, get them to sit near to the Christmas Tree.  Use the treat near the phone so they’re looking at the camera and take the pictures.
4. Place some safe Christmas items around your dog as they are sitting still, again for some quick pics.
5. Or Place a Christmas teddy bear near your dog for some quick pics.
6. Something that is non-invasive and that is comfortable and safe for them would be more appropriate.
7. Use Christmas blankets or pillows around your dog also, while they are sitting nicely on the lounge or floor.
8. With AI these days you can put your dogs pic into a Christmas themed pic without them having to actually be in it.

I’ll say it again, listen to your dog, read their body language it’s your responsibility to keep them safe.

NOTE – dangling Christmas lights over, around or on your dog is a big FREAKING NO NO………………..

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

I can appreciate that we want our dogs all cute for Christmas.

But that doesn’t mean we have to dress our dogs up, especially if they’ve never had an outfit on before!

Or if they hate having outfits on, there are other options for cute Christmas Dog pics.

Watch your dog’s body language and take note of it.  More importantly don’t keep persisting with an outfit if your dog is showing warning signs of discomfort.

We want everyone safe and happy for Christmas, including our dogs.

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – IF YOU’VE TAKEN SOME CUTE CHRISTMAS PICS OF YOUR DOG?