Maki hates any form of clothing,harness, collar etc.

[MakiRoll]

Hello everyone,

This forum is GREAT! I have a pied named Maki and he is the center of our life. He is 8 months old and has been a gem since the first day we brought him home. I couldnt have asked for a more loving friend.

The question i have for you is.....Everytime i try to put a leash, harness, sweater or any type of clothing on his body, he runs underneathe the couch or onto his bed and gives the cutest sad expression! Only until i open the door does he burst towards the opening. This is when i catch him to put his collar on. After fastening the leash does he settle down and absolutely enjoys his walk. From time to time, during our walk he scratches at the collar and rubs his entire body against walls or trees. I give him a good scratch every once in while and he LOVES it!

Has anyone ever had this experience and any feedback would be greatly greatly appreciated!

Thanks again!!!

[franp]

Ok, this is what I did when Dari came home. First I got a SOFT collar and washed it several times to make it even softer.Then I put it on her and LEFT it on her..

Of course she hated it; she was not used to it.There has not been a pup that I have ever seen that liked a harness or collar when they first wore it. They need to get used to it.

Tough love; put it on and leave it on..

A funny story..I decided to get Dari a raincoat. So I went into one of the local stores and picked up one of those awful yellow one with the hood. Put it on her; she STOOD and would NOT move..I dragged her home. People were laughing; was it at my funny dog or the raincoat that did not fit??

Returned it the next day and started the search for one that FITS.. 3 years and much money later we got one. But it took time for her to get used to it..

It is all time and practice. And patience.

[adora's mom]

Maybe the type of collar or harness you tried is itchy to him? You might try getting one of the "puppy collars" - the really soft ones that have no holes, just kind of a nylon weave. Or - you might try an all cotton one.

I don't think all dogs like wearing collars off the bat, but he will get used to it :)

[MakiRoll]

Thanks so much. I had the same experience where maki would not move....he would just stand petrified there with the sweater or coat on and give the saddest face of discontent. Although i have only had him for 4 months, he has always had a collar whenever we take him out of the apt. I will wash and soften his collar even more and fasten it on him more often even in the apartment. Thanks for the quick reply!! This forum is truly a wealth of knowledge.

[MakiRoll]

I have one leather collar, one cotton collar, one ultra fleece soft collar and a soft harness as well......he dreads anything that touches his skin. But like you said...it will take time and patience. My obedience trainer also recommended associating putting on the collar with a lot of praise and treats. I was just curious if it was in the nature of the Frenchies breed to be pro nudist. Thanks again for the quick replies!