How to dress your Italian Greyhound with ease - 5 tips for less stress
You’re getting ready to head out for a walk with your Italian Greyhound, or maybe you’re running late for dinner and suddenly realise they probably need a jumper or coat. Meanwhile, they couldn’t be further away from the door - burrowed under a blanket, hiding from the dreaded getting dressed.
We’ve all been there, right?
There are times in the year when our Italian Greyhounds really do need a layer, whether it's to keep them warm and/or to protect them against the elements, because of their low fat percentage and thin fur.
Of course, we dress our Italian Greyhounds in clothing to support their comfort, but the idea of it can feel overwhelming for them. Our Italian Greyhounds can be sensitive souls. Some, like our Twiggy, may also have past injuries like a broken leg or orthopaedic conditions that makes dressing a little trickier.
The thing is, dressing your Italian Greyhound in clothes can be a little more stress-free for both you and your dog.
Whether you have a puppy who is completely new to wearing Italian Greyhound clothes or a seasoned Italian Greyhound with a full wardrobe, here are 5 tips to help build a positive association with dressing and wearing Italian Greyhound clothing:
1. High-value treats and praise are your best friend
I may be stating the obvious for the first one, but small, high-value treats are a no-brainer. Just like with recall or toilet training, good treats are currency for dogs. I always look at the protein content of treats as Twiggy definitely rates the higher-protein ones more highly.
Praise goes a long way too and there's science behind it. I will shamelessly admit my voice becomes more high-pitched when I'm talking to Twigs - I can't help it. Research published in Nature shows our dogs' brains respond more strongly in reward and attention areas to higher or more varied pitch commonly associated with infant-directed speech (i.e. baby talk), which supports positive associations. Some studies show this effect is stronger in puppies, but adult dogs still respond. So, the moral of the story is, embrace the baby talk.
You could start with rewarding even small progress, particularly if you have a puppy, such as sniffing the jumper, stepping one paw through etc. It’s the same principle as introducing a toothbrush or anything else new.
2. Choose Italian Greyhound clothing designed for ease
Our Italian Greyhounds have a unique build and a wide range of motion across their body; deep chests, fluid spines, and those long, elegant limbs and necks.
Not all dog clothing is made with this in mind, and design really does make a difference.
I used to struggle to dress Twiggy in certain styles of clothing, like onesies and front-leg designs, with her four legs still on the ground. Often they wouldn't have stretch in the fabric or added into the design, making sleeves a struggle, and I didn't feel good about it. When she broke her leg, I thought surely it doesn't have to be this way and I couldn't put her through it.
Three years of researching, sampling, and testing later, we launched The Hound Edit: a small collection designed specifically for Italian Greyhounds.
We focus on where ease is needed most, adding stretch or subtle fastenings like hidden poppers on The Rae raincoat and elasticated trims at the ankles for definition and comfort. Particularly helpful if the fabric doesn't naturally stretch.
Comfort when wearing the piece matters too. We all know the feeling of a jumper that feels 'stuffy', overbearing, or itchy - it goes to the back of the drawer. Our dogs are active little rockets and some fabrics are quite clever in not only keeping them warm but draw moisture away from their skin (i.e. breathability) which helps them regulate their temperature, such as natural fabrics like cotton and wool or technical fabrics like softshell. As air will be able to flow in these fabrics, there will be reduced irritability = less itch.
3. Take your time
If I'm trying to frantically get out the door, I know Twiggy will sense it too. Multiple studies by researchers from the likes of Queen's University and the University of Bristol show that when we feel stressed, our dogs' stress levels rise too. Allowing some time before you need to head out will make things calmer for you both getting dressed for the outdoors.
4. Take a break if you sense they're not ready
We know our Italian Greyhounds better than anyone else and we know the signs when they're anxious.
Twiggy has been generally confident over the years, but still, it's taken time and patience to help build a positive association with everyday routines. And just like us, sometimes she wakes up on the wrong side of the bed (I'm convinced this is when the sun's not shining for her treasured sun-worshipping activities).
If they're showing signs of anxiety and tension, a pause and reset can work wonders.
5. Pick a calm moment and a consistent spot
I tend to avoid playtime just before we're about to head out as energies are high and she is wriggle central. I also find Twiggy is most relaxed when things are predictable, so we always dress her in the same quiet spot she knows. I also aim to make sure our walks are at similar times each day. Of course, life happens and the latter might not always be possible, but it's worth a try if you can!
All in all, patience, reward, and Italian Greyhound clothing that is designed for ease will bring more comfort in the moment and the long term. If you're looking for a bit more ease in your Italian Greyhound's wardrobe, you can explore our collection here.
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