Why Put Clothes On Your Dog??

Joachim

Hi everyone. I thought I should start a thread here, cause I don't get why you should put clothes on your dog..!

It's important that you treat your dog like a dog, and not as a human baby.

I think it's so wrong when I see those tiny dogs dressed up in "dog clothes". Sure, the clothes do no harm, but the way I see it, that's just not the way to treat a dog. Treat your dog as a dog.

Understand this: dogs are animals and they have some natural instincts they will follow. Dogs are very social animals and very protective of their territories and in the wild they live a lot like wolves, in packs.

So why put clothes on a dog?? I don't get it...

Please explain though!:P

Joachim

PitsandPugs

I put sweaters on my guys in the winter so that we can go for walks without them freezing
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Blue pup

Like Pitsandpugs said, some people have to put clothes on their dogs so they don't freeze (mainly small dogs with not much fur, dogs with small amounts of body fat- like the doberman- or dogs with health problems). Just watch what you say because I don't think there are many people who dress their dogs on this forum. I think people who treat their pets as accessories usually are the type to dress em up(to the extreme)... so ya, I don't think there are people like that on this forum...

StephanieF

Well, no one says you SHOULD. But you have that option. As it was already mentioned, some breeds require a coat in the winter and for reasons that are health important. Besides that, what exactly does it hurt, exactly, to put a shirt on a dog? I am of the opinion that if it doesn't hurt the dog or impede him in some way, it isn't a big bad thing. People put sunscreen on Cresties. That is a "human behavior" Should they stop?

Besides the fact that dogs are not wolves, I really don't know what packs of dogs in the wild have any thing to do with putting clothes on your dog. Wild animals also are not vaccinated, fed, and taken to the vet when injured or ill. I think you have your argument a bit confused, and your anger misplaced. I think it's wrong people dump/abuse/kill dogs. I don't think it's wrong they put a shirt on them sometimes.

Joachim

Hi Stephanie

I think you've misunderstood me. I'm not angry at all. And I say in the post "Sure, the clothes do no harm, but the way I see it, that's just not the way to treat a dog".

What I don't get is exactly why you should do it...You say some breeds require a coat in the winter and for reasons that are health important, but then I wonder "what did they do before dog clothes was made?". They are still here, so they survived without it...

But sure, it can be good for some dogs to get something warm when it's cold outside, but I think much of it is unneccessary...Don't you agree?

Joachim

StephanieF

No need to quote yourself, I read your post. I thought it was insulting to owners needlessly.

You forget that dogs breeds were "created" by us. Anyone can search various breeds and see how they've changed over the years. Domesticated animals are obviously not the same as wild animals. Our dogs certainly would not survive without the aid of humans. Doberman's, for example, are EXTREMELY cold sensitive.

No, I clearly don't agree. There are WAY worse things happening to animals than clothes being put on and LOADS of things are unnecessary. I really don't understand why it bothers you at all.

pawzaddict

I am sure clothes came about b/c our shirts were not very fitting...I have sweaters for my chihuahuas. Its like asking why people bring their dogs inside during hot summer months... I dont dress up my dogs and put them in a matching purse to carry them around, but initially clothes were meant for the good of the dog weather it be to protect them from the sun, to keep them warm, or to aide in a healing process.

Blue pup

Well, most breeds that need clothes for cold weather probably came from somewhere hot where it was not needed, then we brought them up north with us because we love dogs, and we want them to be with us. Then we figured out they can't deal with the cold, so we gave em clothes.

I also don't see what's wrong with it??? It doesn't harm em, gives em more attention...??? So what's harmful here?

If your going to complain about this, you might as well complain about everything else we do: Clothe em, ban certain breeds, dye their hair, give em "unatural" hair cuts, breed em for shows...ect...

kmes

I agree that some people may go overboard, but for many breeds it is a necesity! I know you may not believe that! Many people don't until they own a breed that needs clothing occasionally.

I do have clothing for my dogs. Some of it is for fun, such as holiday outfits, but most is very practical! The vast majority of the time my dogs go without clothing. However, in cold or rainy weather you can bet you will see at least my Min Pin and Pug wearing a coat! Without it they would freeze to death! Not to mention, without a coat in winter, I couldn't walk my Min Pin. Without adequate daily exercise she would be bouncing off of the walls and be getting into all sorts of trouble!

Joachim

"Sure, the clothes do no harm"...All I'm saying is that you should treat your dog as a dog, and not as a human baby...


Matter of fact, I do. I don't think it's how you should treat a dog. Of course you should take care of your dog, and make sure her stays healthy and all of that, so wash it etc is fine. But dress them up just for show isnt the right way to treat a dog...That's my point of view..

Joachim