Nikita's Closet
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Nikita's BioNikita is a Southern California rescue pal who loves to suntan on the deck and roll in the grass on hot summer days. And she likes to cool down after with her favorite snacks of watermelon and ice cream.
In winter, she curls up under the blanket hoping her large dog clothes will be pulled from the closet. She is pictured left in her favorite blue hoodie and green pullover. Nikita is 7 years old and weighs 80 pounds. Her adoptive parents were informed that she is part Boxer and part Pit Bull; but her ears perk straight up like a German Shepherd. |
Many caretakers have difficulty helping large dogs enjoy clothes; so to help, Cecil V has discovered a few simple tips.
Talking with other ball-tossers last winter at Big Pooch Park revealed some techniques on how to help your best friend enjoy some extra winter protection. Following these steps for the first few trials will help your pal enjoy wearing dog clothes for large dogs in the long run:
1. Wait for cold weather
2. Make it fun
3. Try the proper size
Waiting for the cold:
It is not comfortable for a large dog to retain heat in summer.
Waiting until winter is a must for large dogs trying on clothes for the first time.
Making it fun:
Many caretakers see pictures of large dog clothes and decide to try it for a laugh or to snap a quick photo, but this is a bad idea if you want your best friend to enjoy wearing clothes. Making it fun is about making it fun for your furry pal, not about a prank for your giggles. So how do you make it fun? Wait for the right conditions: a cold day when doggie is cooling down after some play, but not overheated. Have your pal sit, and then pull the garment over his or her head. Then, like the rest of us, ask for one leg at a time. After it's on, reward your pal with affection or treats; and then just observe. Leave the garment on for a few minutes and then take it off. Also, take it off if doggie becomes annoyed. Repeat a few times a week, increasing the time with each trial.
Proper sizing:
Proper sizing is key. If large dog clothes are too tight, a large dog may feel threatened or uncomfortable. If the garment is too loose, a large dog may trip over it or pull it off. Unfortunately, apparel sizes have not been standardized for large dogs. An XL from one manufacturer may be the same size as a Large from another. To remedy this problem, many retailers ask you to measure before making a purchase, but who has time for that? It is good advice to measure if your pal is an English Bulldog or another unique body shape, but what about the rest of us? Can't we have standard sizes for our average adorable rescue mutts? I guess not, so for now the gang at Big Pooch Park will only try clothes if a weight range is given.
CVDB's large dog clothes have sizes listed by weight, but Cecil V takes e-requests if you'd prefer to measure.
Talking with other ball-tossers last winter at Big Pooch Park revealed some techniques on how to help your best friend enjoy some extra winter protection. Following these steps for the first few trials will help your pal enjoy wearing dog clothes for large dogs in the long run:
1. Wait for cold weather
2. Make it fun
3. Try the proper size
Waiting for the cold:
It is not comfortable for a large dog to retain heat in summer.
Waiting until winter is a must for large dogs trying on clothes for the first time.
Making it fun:
Many caretakers see pictures of large dog clothes and decide to try it for a laugh or to snap a quick photo, but this is a bad idea if you want your best friend to enjoy wearing clothes. Making it fun is about making it fun for your furry pal, not about a prank for your giggles. So how do you make it fun? Wait for the right conditions: a cold day when doggie is cooling down after some play, but not overheated. Have your pal sit, and then pull the garment over his or her head. Then, like the rest of us, ask for one leg at a time. After it's on, reward your pal with affection or treats; and then just observe. Leave the garment on for a few minutes and then take it off. Also, take it off if doggie becomes annoyed. Repeat a few times a week, increasing the time with each trial.
Proper sizing:
Proper sizing is key. If large dog clothes are too tight, a large dog may feel threatened or uncomfortable. If the garment is too loose, a large dog may trip over it or pull it off. Unfortunately, apparel sizes have not been standardized for large dogs. An XL from one manufacturer may be the same size as a Large from another. To remedy this problem, many retailers ask you to measure before making a purchase, but who has time for that? It is good advice to measure if your pal is an English Bulldog or another unique body shape, but what about the rest of us? Can't we have standard sizes for our average adorable rescue mutts? I guess not, so for now the gang at Big Pooch Park will only try clothes if a weight range is given.
CVDB's large dog clothes have sizes listed by weight, but Cecil V takes e-requests if you'd prefer to measure.
