Dog fashion

It seems no more embarrassing to get caught buying clothes for dogs at the mall or in a small shop. So, since it is not, let's talk a little about fashion, as this article indulges into :

But the truth of it is, one of our dogs, a terrier mix named Chewie (half New England Vain Terrier mixed with Common Obnoxious Terrier) has gradually assembled a wardrobe rivaling that of most humans

Putting on the dog for the holidays.

Safety tips for dogs in winter

Coats for dogs are not always necessary. If you want to find out if your dog need one, you will want to check this great article out :

 If your dog is smaller with shorter hair, or older, or both, a cosy dog sweater and booties might be the required

Winter safety tips for dogs of all sizes

Clothes for dogs - Fun and important.

photo © 2004 Brian Snelson | more info (via: Wylio)Hello and welcome to this blog about clothes for dogs !
Who would have thought, say two decades earlier, that this topic would grow out of pure fashion to become a real society phenomenon ? But make no mistake : I will propose here that clothes for dogs are in no way a crazy idea for people who don’t know what to do with their money.

At first, I have been living long enough to notice big changes in our ways of life, especially within the last twenty years. Did you know that chemistry was almost non existent before world war two ? This is one of the indirect reasons why our four legs best friends need clothes.

Indeed, this is not a natural world anymore, especially if you happen to live in cities. Many chemical components are included in products that we don’t care much of, because we are wearing shoes : washing liquids and anti freezing liquids to name two of them. Would you like to go barefoot on splashes from those ? Sure you would not. See, suddenly, boots for dogs are not a weird idea anymore...

When you think about dogs, numerous modern owners own small dogs. Chihuahuas, Yorkies and other small breeds are very commonplace in big cities, for the very reason that living in apartments suit those dogs very well. The thing is some of these small size breeds were born out of crossings. And some of them are not naturally cold proof. So when winter comes, you simply cannot take the dog out for a walk if it does not wear some warm coat or rain coat. Period. Unless you love the vet and like to give money away to treat dog illnesses that could have been easily avoided.

Another thing to consider is a bunch of accessories that are often times categorized as clothes for dogs, or to put it better, complement clothes for dogs. They are all sorts of leashes, collars, jackets. For example, dog shock collars are a big hit among owners, especially the electronic ones. Here technology combined with the expertise of dog trainers have come up with a fantastic educational tool. As for dog life jacket, many do consider the idea ludicrous, arguing a dog can swim. Many more do get their dogs life jackets, for they have witnessed maybe only one drama when dogs were unable to swim in unfriendly water, or owners drowning while trying to rescue their endangered dogs.

In closing this overall tour, there are the great funny shirts for dogs that carry humorous messages that only a dog could safely say, for example “I took this human out for a walk”. Even those can be fun and useful in the same time, for example for dogs that have a tendency to lose their hair a lot (in a natural way).

So with all that being said, happy reading of the clothes for dogs blog !

Clothes for dogs made by a sewer

A self taught sewer talks about custom clothes for dogs he made on his blog. Cool article :

 I honestly don't care what our dogs wear as long as they have an extra layer of warmth during the winter.  When it's really cold (below freezing) we generally don't take the dogs out at all.

Pet Peeves: sewing for dogs.

Clothes for dogs and other things in winter

Winter is the season when you want to make sure your pet has its clothes for dogs on. You may also want to implement further things, as explained in this great article :

 it's important to remember that steps need to be taken to ensure that four-legged family members are just as warm and comfortable as their owners

Don't leave pets in the cold.

Funny dog outfits

One of the benefits of small dog clothes is there are plenty of cool and fancy items to be found. As talked about in this cool article :

dogs can be more than pets to people. They can be your companion fashionista. Miniature clothes look particularly good on dogs

Best Ideas for Funny Dog Outfits.

Christmas and winter shopping for dogs

This is about a new search engine that you can tweak for clothes for dogs. For example : 

On Twenga, the new-generation shopping search engine, there are more than 5,200 dog clothing and accessories available from more than 120 shops for your favorite pet!

Keep Your Pooch Warm and Fashionable This Winter.

Turn socks into clothes for dogs

What has Christmas to do with clothes for dogs ? To be able to spoil anyone in the family, it is great to have original ideas, like this one about socks :

And what if you’ve gone a little sock crazy and find too much yarn on your hands? “Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks” edited by Judith Durant. Turn that yarn into mittens, baby knits or dog clothes.

These books will sock it to you.

Safety tips to prevent dog drowning

There are many reasons why a dog should have its own dog life jacket. There are also other interesting tips in this article as regard to dog drowning prevention :

Use a dog life jacket when going to the beach or walking near water or lake. Dog life jackets will give you peace of mind on the safety of your dog.

Safety Tips To Prevent Your Dog From Drowning.

The latest trends in dog couture

Although the main purpose of clothes for dogs is practicality, I sometimes like to have a look at the fashion side : 

That’s why fashion, which is about status and symbols, loves dogs; always has. “The next best thing to having the world at your feet is to have a dog at your heels,” proclaimed British Vogue in 1930

Work it, bitches.

Barking dog

We have talked about the dog shock collar topic recently. One of its use is to stop the dog from barking. I liked this article exploring further the origins of inappropriate barking :

When a dog barks for no apparent reason or for extended periods of time, it becomes a nuisance. The Arizona Humane Society explains the reasons a dog may bark chronically 

Barking Dog? Find a Solution.

Prevent dog barking

One of the benefits of a dog shock collar is for those annoying barking habits. If you want to stop this behavior early on, check this great article out :

 Bark collar- Everytime your dog barks, this collar will vibrate, surprising him, making him to stop. This goes on, until he learns to bark correctly. 

Prevent Dog Barking.

An umbrella for your dog

What does an umbrella have to do with clothes for dogs ? With the cold season comes along sometimes (or some may argue often) rain. This woman, Ms Charlot, collects broken umbrellas and makes all sorts of things with them, including :

Charlot creates chic cocktail dresses, tote bags and dog clothes from umbrella material and other recycled fabrics for her clothing line Himane

This has been reviewed by CNN people themselves ! Here : Her umbrella clothes light up world.

Dog training collars

The main purpose of a dog shock collar is to train your dog, to educate it. I liked this article about different types of training collars :

Also called choke collars, this dog training collar  is used to make behavioral corrections by tightening the grip of the metal chain around your dog's neck

Different Types Of Dog Training Collars.

Dogs in winter

As fun and often necessary clothes, coats for dogs can be very appreciated by our four legs best friend in winter. In this great short article, I liked other 'cool' tips regarding how to keep our pets safe during the cold season :

While we can easily put on warm jackets and hats to stay toasty, please remember that our pets rely on us to ensure they are not left out in the cold. There are many simple things you can do to make sure your cat or dog stays safe and cozy this winter season

Help keep your pets safe, healthy this winter.

Environmental friendly dog spoiling

I admit it, I tend to spoil my dog with fitting small dog clothes or whatever toy or accessory I might find enjoyable for both of us. This is why I found this article very interesting :

 there are plenty of affordable products and supplies for your furry friend that will make everyone happy, including Mother Nature.

Spoil Your Pup and Protect the Environment.

Small is beautiful

If you own a small dog then you might want to get small dog clothes. We discussed this on the blog, and here is another cool complementary article :

It’s also important to note that if it is cold outside, small canines may need warm dog clothes like coats or sweaters.

Check the whole article : Small Dog Breeds And Small Dog Clothes – What Owners Need To Know

Choke collar training

In case you are considering getting a dog shock collar, here is a cool article with plenty of tips about the kind of training that it enables :

When fitting a training collar, the loop of the chain which is connected to the leash should be on the top of the dog's neck. This ensures that the collar releases the instant the leash is loosened.

The article is not quite new, but nevertheless interesting. Here : choke collar training.

An alternative to dog shock collar

Many pet owners cannot make their minds about a dog shock collar. In this cool video, there is an interesting alternative demonstrated :

I use slip chains for the "popping" sound, ( this can also be done with lots of tags on a flat collar or martingale in some dogs) and they must stay loose at all times. They are NOT to be used to "choke" your dog.

You might find other info and tips at training by Tara website.

Dog shock collar

This week on the blog we talked about dog shock collar. This great article goes into more details :

The electronic dog training shock collar can be used to train your dog in many more activities compared to the previous one which only prevents your dog from unnecessary barking.

Dog training shock collar.

Measure your dog.

At clothes for dogs blog we talked recently about the possibility to design your own dog clothes. Here is a handy complementary article about how to take measurements :

As humans, we also have our own different body types and sizes. The same goes to dogs. You need to know how to take the measurements in order to tailor or purchase dog clothes.

How to Take Measurement for Dog Clothes

Sew your dog !

Not long ago we discussed the do it yourself attitude at clothes for dogs blog. Here is a very cool forum for those of you that are good with scissors, crochet and so on : 

You can take the knit and crochet patterns that you have made and make a pattern from them. I often do that.  Baby Clothes also make good patterns for dogs.

Dog clothes - Sewing forum.

A simple dog coat

As the weather is getting colder, the most clothes for dogs considered item is a simple coat. In case you project to make one yourself, you will like this great article :

The coat can be customized with the pet's name, or a word describing his or her personality.

Hobbies : coats go to the dogs.

Stop dog nudity !

This is an echo of our recent article at clothes for dogs blog, for those who still ponder the question of putting clothes on their four legs best friend :

They sleep upon fancy beds which are inscribed with their names, they have a toy box overflowing with expensive toys, their professionally shot photos decorate the walls of their home, and... they're wearing clothes?? Should there be a limit to this personification? Is dog nudity still appropriate for these cherished canine children?

Stop dog nudity : should dogs wear clothes ?

In the mood for clothes for dog crocheting ?

Ok, the cold season is slowly setting itself up. You look at your dog and there comes the idea of having some warm clothes for dogs, and in the same time, you like crocheting. This great article is right for you :

This small to medium dog sweater crochet pattern is a modified and illustrated version of the One-Piece Solid Dog Sweater from Doggone Knit, with our doggie, Pebble, as the model

Dog sweater crochet pattern.

Custom dog knitting

When you want to design clothes for dogs instead of simply buying them, you can use your stitching, knitting or crochet expertise. Sometimes your dog can event provide the wool, as discussed in this incredible book :

This wryly photographed book contains the knitting patterns for 25 dogs, from the fairly straightforward dachshund to the more challenging old English sheepdog and Afghan hound. You can knit your very own royal corgi, Lassie or even Bo

Knit your own dog.

Dog shirt

This week at clothes for dogs blog we made a quick post about shirts for dogs. I loved this great complementary and deep article :

Dogs in shirts have become a common sight as more and more people choose to dress their pets, as well as themselves, in a variety of stylish and often practical clothing.

Dog shirt.

Halloween clothes for dogs

Do you want to get clothes for dogs that are special for Halloween ? You might like this cool article :

you want your dog to be hip and trendy this Halloween... right? You have made a wise choice, Doggie Daddy and Poochie Mama.

Cute dog costume.

The benefits of a dog harness

Clothes for dogs can range from funny things like a message t shirt to classic accessories designed to walk your dog. I liked this article about walking harnesses :

The walking harness was designed with these dogs in mind. A means was needed to make it difficult to pull while not hurting the dog too much

Dog walking harness.

Cold weather tips for dogs

Are clothes for dogs a necessity as days are getting colder ? Absolutely, says this great article, in addition to other 'cool' cold weather tips for dogs :

Sweaters and coats are a necessity for short haired dogs in the winter.  Make sure it covers him from his neck to the base of his tail, and his belly.

Cold weather tips for dogs.

Your dog wants a plastic bed

The first look at clothes for dogs blog shows a happy sleeping dog on its bed. I liked this article about recycling plastic and getting eco-friendly dog beds in the same time :

So, every single bed saves 70-120 plastic bottles from being dumped into landfills. The filler looks like cotton candy and it’s so soft. And since it’s made from plastic, it won’t attract bugs; it’s hypo-allergenic and durable. Plus, it really holds its shape.

Pet beds that benefit stray.

Are clothes bad for dogs ?

There are many people that do not question the idea of clothes for dogs. Still, there are maybe more that wonder whether clothes are good or bad for dogs. I have found this thread really interesting about this particular subject :

 i dogsit two pugs regularly and i bought them matching his and her (pink and blue) tommy hilfiger golf shirts ... the girl pug thought it was quite fun and pranced around, the male pug would not move and looked seriously depressed about the situation

Are clothes bad for dogs ?

Your dog doesn't want this to happen

Clothes for dogs are essential to both your and your dog's comfort. So you don't want them to be seized, like what happened to this shop in Russia :

Court bailiffs seized dog clothes and accessories from a business that had failed to repay its debts

St. Petersburg debt collectors seize dog clothes as debt payment

Schmitty The Weather Dog Remembers 9/11

Summer is definitely over, and it is time to put some more clothes on. As for clothes for dogs, Schmitty the yorkie has put on its cute 9/11 sweater :

Schmitty and Meteorologist Ron will be appearing at the "Paws For A Cause" fashion show fundraiser on 9/11 in Cranston, RI at the Park Cinema to benefit the RI Flood Victims.

Whether you do or do not own a yorkie, it won't hurt having a look at their dedicated yorkie forum, where you can comment about this video.

When dogs run the show

If you are short of ideas about clothes for dogs, or else your dog has the 'nothing to wear' look, you might want to check this annual exhibition : 

In every aspect, from product presentation to environment selection Pet Fashion Week NY represents the very pinnacle of what the pet lifestyle industry has to offer

Ok, the event is past for this year, but still, you might get some great ideas from the website : The New York pet fashion week.

Manfred, profession dog model

At clothes for dogs, we have a somewhat sleepy dog model (he would not wake for the sake of being in the blog's front page).  Now, if you would like to know how this or that would suit your yorkie, Manfred is your dog :

Manfred, the inspiration for each design, also became the mascot of the company, with photographs in international newspapers and magazines in the most glamorous dog clothes you can imagine

Manfred, the world's most famous dog model.