Dressing up your Chihuahua
Have you ever seen those adorable little dogs all dressed up in matching outfits? When you saw them, didn't you laugh, smile, or make a comment on how adorable they were? Did you ever wonder how you could do the same with your dog? Well, now you can with the help of us. You'll learn how to dress up your Chihuahua or other small dog. Turn your cute dog into an adorable, dressed-up, pampered poochala! Also, find out how to get your dog to stay in a stroller or basket!
Many people are amazed that Bo & Boquet are so calm in the stroller and don't mind being dressed up. My answer is usually that they've gotten used to it, because they do it often enough that they know to behave. Or I tell them that they know that they will get more attention if they are well-behaved that if they aren't. How did they get that way? I started dressing up Bo, when he was young(before I owned him. By the time Boquet came along, Bo was wearing hats to the nursing home and riding in stroller. At six weeks of age, she went to nursing home for first time with litter mates! At home, I practiced putting clothes and hats on Boquet. Dressing up your Chihuahua
The first rule of thumb is practice, praise, and patience (The Three P’s). Another thing is frequency and duration.
1. In order for your dog to become comfortable with wearing outfits, practice frequently. However, you’ll want to start out having the outfit on your dog for only a few minutes, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable.
2. While your dog has the outfit on, praise and reward him, making it a fun and enjoyable time for the dog. Play with your dog while the clothes are on. Cuddle with him in your lap, walk him around, and encourage him to be himself. Most of all, make it FUN for the dog & you!
3. You’ll also need patience, because some dogs won’t initially like having clothes on him. He might shake, roll, or try to paw or bite it off. If your dog doesn’t like wearing clothes, try giving him a toy, something he enjoys, or play with him to distract him from the initial discomfort of clothing. However, don’t force your dog if he resists, because some dogs simply don’t like wearing clothing. Other dogs love wearing outfits so much that they will pose for pictures, prance when wearing their outfit, and show off their outfits to anyone they see. Remember, personalities and opinions differ with each dog.
Along with just dressing your dog up for fun, you can dress him up to go to the park, a pet parade, or parties. Also, put on a trick show with your dog wearing a cute hat. Visit friends, shut-ins, or older folks at nursing homes for pet therapy. Or simply enjoy a few laughs, smiles, and an adorable dog. Sometimes, I just put a kerchief (bandana) on Bo & Boquet, and other times a cute hat with kerchief. Occasionally, I’ll dress Boquet up in a complete outfit. There is a lot of dog clothing out there, but I also use baby clothing from a used clothing store. For hats, I buy a couple straw hats at a craft store, and hot glue flowers or something decorative on them. I also found an awesome cowboy hat for Bo that is so adorable on him, and it won’t come off. If a hat or outfit keeps coming off, attach a strip of fabric onto the hat or outfit, with a piece of Velcro on the end. Our dogs shake their heads and knock their hats under their chin. That can be avoided if the hat has ear straps. At first when you put a hat on your dog, he might lower his head or try to shake it off. Again, praise and encourage the dog, and only have the hat on for a few seconds to a minute at first.
If you have any questions or need help with dressing up your dog, e-mail me or post on my message board. Remember those Three P's (Practice, Praise, Patience)!
Getting your do to stay in a stroller
Like everything else, the basics are those three P's. When Boquet was first put in the stroller, she was a little nervous and wanted to jump out when it moved. But, through lots of practice, praise, and patience, she now loves riding in style! But, it's not always that easy.
(1.) You could start out be getting your dog used to a box or dog bed the size of the stroller. With the box or bed starting on the floor, gradually raise it off the floor by putting flat objects (books, bricks, etc) underneath. You might want to do this in several sessions with play time inbetween.
(2.)If you don't have a bed or box the size of the stroller, just put your dog's favorite bed or blanket with some toys and/or treats in the stroller.
(A)If the stroller folds down, have your dog get into it while it is still folded up. That way it is close to the ground and will make your dog feel more comfortable in it. Praise, praise, praise, then treats and toys before more lovin'. But, don't wait until your dog is done to praise and make it fun. You want being in the stroller to be fun, not getting out of it. Remember, keep the sessions short, so it won't wear out or stress your dog.
(B)If folding the stroller down isn't possible, you can just put your dog in the stroller just as it is. The main thing is, don't move the stroller in the beginning. That can really scare the dog and make it not want to try again. Remember, this is a fun activity for you and your dog!
(3.) Once your dog is comfortable in the stroller, you can slowly start to move it. Move it a little, praise, then praise as you move it some more. If your dog jumps out, start back with him just sitting in it. You may find that to have a second person petting, giving treats and lovin' to your dog as you push the stroller slowly may help. It will get the dog's mind off of the moving aspect. Also, depending on what you've already done (training), it might be an indication (if he jumps out) that your dog has had enough for one day or session.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so your dog won't become your dream dog overnight. It will take lots of practice, praise and patience.
But if you are determined and keep at it, you might just end up with your dream dog after all! Keep up the good work and don't give up! That's one way to let your dog known that You are boss, not him.
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