This is a sponsored guest post.
What can be more impressive and exciting than to see a man walking a dog that wears clothes and boots? While it is not relevant during summertime, it is quite common in winter. What makes owners spend money on expensive dog or cat clothes? Why do they devote a lot of time teaching pets to wear these items?
Apart from love, care, and top rated dog foods you provide your fluffy friend with, you should also care for its health. Even though your dog may look funny in little boots, it makes sense. A quality winter set will protect your animal from exposure and dangerous chemicals that can harm its legs. At the same time, it is inevitable to remember that it is not that easy to teach your dog or cat to wear clothes. You will have to spend much of your precious time helping a pet get used to its new jacket and boots. Besides, do not forget to purchase the right size that will be comfortable for the animal.
If the challenge seems to be real for you, have a look at the detailed instruction and recommendations on how to make your dog or cat get used to wearing clothes and boots.
- Specify the task. Working with animals is more complicated and challenging than teaching children. Therefore, make sure you understand the importance of a specific task. Decide whether you want your dog to be obedient and let you do whatever you want, or you strive to teach it a particular command. Once you have made your choice, opt for the phrase that will signal the beginning of the action. For instance, use the phrase “time to get dressed” to tell your four-legged friend that it needs to come up to you and patiently wait until you put on its new jacket and boots. The moment the dog gets used to wearing this stuff and finds it comfortable, it will strive to have it on every time you go outside. An important point here is to make sure every single detail is fitting so that the motions are not restricted, and the pet feels comfortable. Remember that the more time you spend helping your puppy get used to the new experience, the simpler it is to teach it to handle it. Do not be abusive, putting on different types of things at once. Let the animal get used to a single item and only then add some more.
- Start practicing. When you know what exactly you want to teach your dog or cat, you can start practicing it. However, make sure you have everything necessary for the experience. Head to the local pet store to purchase excellent clothes and boots, top rated cat foods or dog treats, and other things that are inevitable for your future experience. Take an animal with you so that it enjoys walking around the tons of different items. Choose the right items and do not forget to purchase lots of treats. The only way you can start practicing is with the help of the reward system. Start with one clothing detail and reward your puppy for letting you put it on. Give another treat after a few minutes and add another item. Thus, your animal will be eager to wear everything you offer.
After a successful experience at home, you can try to walk your dog dressed. The first time may be exceptionally challenging, but once your pet gets used to it, you will have a hard time taking everything off.
- Be patient and consistent. Even if you consider yourself to be a perfect teacher, you need to acknowledge the difference between people and animals. Patience, goal-orientation, and determination are the things you will need to succeed. It may take some time for an animal to get used to the clothes you offer, so do not insist, but rather patiently wait. Additionally, pay attention to the proper place for training. There is no way you teach your pup in public, as it will get distracted exceptionally easy. Find a comfortable, quiet place in your house where you can stay with your dog and give it an important lesson. Besides, do not forget to encourage your fluffy friend all along the way. It may feel uncomfortable in the new outfit, and you should realize all the possible downsides of the experience. Therefore, do not let your dog run around or play in the winter boots while you are still shopping. Instead, just let it stand and get used to something completely new and unknown. Once at home, you can let the puppy do whatever it wants. Create a nice, positive atmosphere, and do not forget to reward and encourage your dog. Although it may take much of your time and energy to teach your dog to wear clothes and boots, the final result is surely worth an effort.