Dog Dress Up Games: Are you up to it?

Most kids go through a phase when they want to “dress up” as a grownup. You can probably remember times you have done so yourself, or have seen your kids doing it. For many kids, however, it doesn’t end there. The “game” expands to involve doll, friends, and , eventually, the dog. While you might want to draw a line with barbed wire here, it could be a good idea to step back and get some perspective.

The fact of the matter is that dog dress up games has become so popular that it seems to be giving rise to an industry. And it seems as if adults enjoy it just as much as children (some people are kids forever….). You can buy the most fashionable outfits for (just about) any dog. It could make a dent in your budget if you are not prepared for it, though.

If your dog is placid enough, and loves attention, playing dog dress up games could be great for strengthening the bond between child and dog. Barring the effect on individual item price, the size of the dog does not make much of a difference. Dog costumes, or outfits, come in all shapes and sizes.

If you do decide to dress up your dog, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind:
(1) Make sure the outfit fits properly. An oversize outfit may come undone, but a tight outfit might restrict breathing, and cause the dog to dislike the “game”.
(2) If the dog appears uncomfortable or irritable, check for snags or “tight spots”.
(3) Groom the dog before and after dressing it up - clothes tend to cause matting, which is uncomfortable. Be careful afterwards, though, as brushing out the matting can be painful.
(4) On smaller dogs, you might want to consider sleeveless designs for practical reasons.
(5) Remember that the dog already has a fur coat, so be careful not to overdress it. This could be severely uncomfortable in summer for long-haired dogs.

Playing dog dress up games could be great fun for your kid, yourself, and even the dog. As long as you apply a bit of common sense, you will cause no discomfort to your dog, and you will probably be the talk of the neighborhood.