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Dressed Up Dogs: Is This Abuse?


sandgrubber
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I don't mind people putting fancy dress costumes on dogs for a competition or photos but dressing dogs in clothes on a daily basis is just warped in my book. If the dog needs a coat to keep it warm then the main consideration should be how comfortable it is.

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I don't mind people putting fancy dress costumes on dogs for a competition or photos but dressing dogs in clothes on a daily basis is just warped in my book. If the dog needs a coat to keep it warm then the main consideration should be how comfortable it is.

oops I forgot to mention...he's a Chinese Crested hairless, clothes in winter are a necessity

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We've just returned from a caravaning holiday and at this time of year caravan parks are full of Grey Nomads with their dogs (all types of breeds). 'Most' of their dogs had various outfits, although we also saw a SWF with a hot pink tail :eek: and another in a special dog pram :confused: . I got the impression some of these people were treating their dogs more like children - but they were all VERY much loved :)

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If the dog is overheating, pulling at the clothes in distress, etc then it is cruel. Putting them in clothes all the time might be a little mean too, since I know ours like to lick/'flea' themselves, and roll around on the grass etc...as long as the dog can still be a dog, and enjoy it's everyday life, then I don't really think it is mean. I wouldn't do it, but there are things that I do that others wouldn't, so each to their own...

My sister's dog wears pajamas to bed, simply because she gets so cold in winter :)

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I don't mind people putting fancy dress costumes on dogs for a competition or photos but dressing dogs in clothes on a daily basis is just warped in my book. If the dog needs a coat to keep it warm then the main consideration should be how comfortable it is.

oops I forgot to mention...he's a Chinese Crested hairless, clothes in winter are a necessity

Dog coats, including those with hoods and legs if necessary, in cold weather are fine for dogs that need them but I really think it demeans the dog to dress them in "people clothes" all the time like the dogs in the movie Beverley Hills Chihuahua.

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I do not believe that dogs feel humiliated, or that they would laugh at another dog that is wearing silly clothes. That's what humans do. Dogs couldn't give a crap. It CAN be cruel, as other have stated, if the clothes cause the dog to overheat, or cause more than minimal restriction of movement, or if the dog just downright doesn't like wearing a coat/clothes.

I'm not personally a fan of dressing up dogs to look like little girls, but that doesn't mean it's abusive or cruel. A lot of dogs who wear costumes LOVE the extra attention and treats they know it will bring them. My Tommy Greyhound adores his flash ouside coat, because he knows that when it comes out, he is going to go for a walk or a car ride somewhere. Both greyhounds leap up and run over to me when I bring out their longjohn pyjamas during winter. Nissa even picks up her paws for me, in the correct order, so that I can put her pjs on her faster :laugh:

Yes, my dogs' coats and pyjamas are worn because the dogs get cold during winter (we had snow the other day - yay!) but whilst function and comfort are the primary concerns, they are not the ONLY things I think about. I'd rather dress them in warm, comfortable coats made in a nice colour and pattern than in equally warm, comfortable coats in baby-poo brown. My dogs don't suffer just because what they are wearing isn't ugly :laugh:

Love that present carrying costume, it is very clever. I've seen a similar one, on a larger dog, with pirates carrying a treasure chest. I also love the Imperial Walker whippet coat :thumbsup: I would absolutely dress my greyhounds in costumes like these if we were going to to breed promotion at something like a Million Paws Walk because, funnily enough, it helps people to see them as fun pet dogs rather than creatures-that-are-only-good-for-racing-but-you-wouldn't-have-one-in-your-home-besides-they-wear-muzzles-so-they-must-be-vicious.

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Guest donatella

I'm going to put it out there and say that after looking at those pics Chi's definitely do dressing up the best :laugh:

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I do not believe that dogs feel humiliated, or that they would laugh at another dog that is wearing silly clothes. That's what humans do. Dogs couldn't give a crap. It CAN be cruel, as other have stated, if the clothes cause the dog to overheat, or cause more than minimal restriction of movement, or if the dog just downright doesn't like wearing a coat/clothes.

I'm not personally a fan of dressing up dogs to look like little girls, but that doesn't mean it's abusive or cruel. A lot of dogs who wear costumes LOVE the extra attention and treats they know it will bring them. My Tommy Greyhound adores his flash ouside coat, because he knows that when it comes out, he is going to go for a walk or a car ride somewhere. Both greyhounds leap up and run over to me when I bring out their longjohn pyjamas during winter. Nissa even picks up her paws for me, in the correct order, so that I can put her pjs on her faster :laugh:

Yes, my dogs' coats and pyjamas are worn because the dogs get cold during winter (we had snow the other day - yay!) but whilst function and comfort are the primary concerns, they are not the ONLY things I think about. I'd rather dress them in warm, comfortable coats made in a nice colour and pattern than in equally warm, comfortable coats in baby-poo brown. My dogs don't suffer just because what they are wearing isn't ugly :laugh:

Love that present carrying costume, it is very clever. I've seen a similar one, on a larger dog, with pirates carrying a treasure chest. I also love the Imperial Walker whippet coat :thumbsup: I would absolutely dress my greyhounds in costumes like these if we were going to to breed promotion at something like a Million Paws Walk because, funnily enough, it helps people to see them as fun pet dogs rather than creatures-that-are-only-good-for-racing-but-you-wouldn't-have-one-in-your-home-besides-they-wear-muzzles-so-they-must-be-vicious.

Yup, how good is it :D

nns00p.jpg

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I would add that, most people who cared enough about their dogs to dress them up (ridiculous or not) would also be the kind of people who would like to parade their dogs around in public, meaning that owner gets some gratification and attention from humans about "what a cute/adorable/ridiculous-looking dog", and dog gets lots of pats and socialisation. So a win for all in my book.

Of couse, including the caveats about comfort and overheating that has already been discussed.

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I've never seen the DOL community so strongly in agreement on a question.

Guess there's no need to feel embarrassed about getting a grin and a chuckle from pictures of dressed up dogs :).

Maybe we need a new thread for displaying dogs in a different kind of show.

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