| When it comes to the art of giving, a gift of | | | | doggie costume out there that are good for a |
| clothes is fraught with peril. We all have stories to | | | | chuckle or two.There's really only a couple of rules |
| tell, and if you don't, you will. Just give it time.Mine | | | | you'll need to keep in mind when shopping for dog |
| started early. My grandmother, having survived | | | | clothes: |
| the Depression, knew how to stretch a dollar. | | | | One is that if the dog in question is an avid |
| Clothes for her grandkids were always purchased | | | | chewer, you should avoid buying him anything |
| 3 or 4 sizes too big so we could "grow into | | | | tempting. Shiny buttons, fringe, and feathers are |
| them". And she passed this charming trait on to | | | | examples that come to mind. An object that can |
| my mother. So, we endured our baggy clothes, | | | | easily be chewed off and swallowed is a choking |
| with the sleeves and pant legs rolled up, until we | | | | hazard and can get stuck in the dog's digestive |
| were finally big enough to wear them with dignity. | | | | tract.The other rule is that any dog, no matter |
| By which time they were ready for donation.Then | | | | how tolerant, will be more comfortable wearing |
| there's my husband. Heaven forbid I should try to | | | | clothes that fit. Proper fit typically requires |
| give the man a Polo shirt with an uneven hemline. | | | | measuring from the dog's collar to the base of |
| Most Polos are made longer in the back to help | | | | her tail for length. Most garment's girth can be |
| them stay "tucked", but hubby goes un-tucked -- | | | | adjusted with velcro tabs, but could still be an |
| always. He rejects any polo that breaks the rule, | | | | issue with a barrel-chested breed such as a |
| no matter how subtly. For an otherwise | | | | bulldog. Measurements are typically in |
| easy-going guy, his behavior is almost perverse.If | | | | inches.Remember that a dog will never "diet |
| you must give clothes this season, there's one | | | | down" into an outfit that's too small , or -- unless |
| giftee on your list who's sure to look great in any | | | | you're shopping for a puppy or a pregnant female |
| outfit you buy him. He'll wear your gift with pride | | | | -- "grow into" an item that's too big. (Sorry, |
| and appreciation, head held high and tail | | | | Grandma.)Oh, and one more thing--if you're handy |
| wagging.That's right, your dog. Or your best | | | | with a sewing machine, you can make your own |
| friend's dog. It's so easy you'll wonder why you | | | | dog clothes creations. Just don't forget to include |
| didn't think of it before.Dogs love any kind of | | | | an opening for the dog to relieve himself. Don't |
| attention you lavish on them. So, Spike will wear | | | | laugh, it happens a lot!Now, if you're shopping for |
| his outfit - whether it's cute or ridiculous - as soon | | | | your own dog, you're all set. But if you're buying |
| as he sees how happy it makes his owner. Spot | | | | clothes for someone else's dog, I've got a few |
| will eat up all that extra attention he gets from | | | | more tips for you.Surveys conducted on the |
| strangers. And Fifi might even want to Vogue for | | | | subject of gift preferences of men and women |
| the camera.Clothes shopping for dogs is a lot like | | | | have shown that men prefer gifts that are more |
| clothes shopping for babies. Unless you're going | | | | playful or practical. So, if the dog's owner is male |
| for practicality, cuteness is what counts. And | | | | this might translate into a doggie Harley jacket, a |
| that's easy to accomplish, given that any dog | | | | funny costume, or a reflective hunting vest (more |
| wearing clothes looks pretty darned cute.Choices | | | | on practical clothing in another article!).Women, on |
| in dog clothes range from winter sweaters to | | | | the other hand, prefer gifts that are beautiful, |
| football jerseys and summer tees. You can get a | | | | memorable, and personal. It shouldn't be hard to |
| set of flannel PJ's for bedtime or a terry robe for | | | | find an item of clothing for a woman's dog that's |
| after bath. There's even an entire line of Harley | | | | either beautiful or memorable or both, and it will |
| clothes for dogs, complete with leather cap and | | | | of course be personal!Exception: if the woman is |
| studded collar. Dog costumes made for parties | | | | someone you don't know well. The more distant |
| and holidays are just too cute for words.If you | | | | the relationship between giver and receiver, the |
| really want your gift to be a hit with admirers, | | | | riskier it is to give a personal gift. So, be they |
| accessorize. Try a designer dog collar and maybe | | | | man or woman, if you don't know the dog owner |
| a cool pair of sunglasses--they make them just | | | | very well, you probably shouldn't be buying dog |
| for dogs. And I recently heard that leg warmers | | | | clothes for their pet.I hope you'll have fun picking |
| are making a come back.Got a mischievous sense | | | | out something nice for the canine on your |
| of humor? Making the baby look silly might be a | | | | shopping list. If you get a chance, send me a |
| no-no, but it's good clean fun when it comes to | | | | photo! |
| dressing up a dog. There are some really creative | | | | |