Dogs don’t care what we wear - or do they?

We often say that one of the many wonderful things about dogs is that they don't care what you look like, how you're dressed and so on. In a way, that's not completely true.

Of course dogs are not the fashion police. But because of how their senses work and how they naturally behave it still matters what we wear when we are around them. Especially on walks.

BIG, LOOSE AND FLOWY CAN BE SCARY

Dogs observe us all the time and their eyesight is especially good at picking up movement. That also means lots of movement can easily make them stressed. It is best to avoid very loose clothes that move around a lot (flowing skirts, ponchos, wide sleeves, giant scarves, overlarge coats and similar).

BIG HATS ARE A BIT SUSPICIOUS

On a similar note, hats and sunglasses worry some dogs. They are best avoided, especially if we are meeting a new dog or if we know the dog we are going to be spending time with is a bit fearful.

READY FOR ANYTHING

Even if you plan on walking along a sidewalk, something can happen to make you change your course. Especially if you have a fearful or reactive dog, you might need to avoid something scary or unpleasant. All of a sudden you are walking on grass, a muddy bank or another type of terrain. Flip-flops just won't do! It is best to choose footwear and clothes that won't give you trouble in different types of terrain.

EMBRACE THE DIRT

Last but not least, dogs may get a bit muddy or dirty and some of that mud and dirt may get lovingly transferred to us. It's best to dress in sensible clothes so that this isn't a worry - either for us or the dog owner in case we are working as an instructor.