Where's The Abuse?
- Thread starter Juicy
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Umm ok I'll bite. I have no idea what it means to be pack leader (and I am not even american) I am a human not a dog. Domestic dogs don't pack so I don't see the point in it anyway. I do have coats for all my dogs (for those cold Ontario winters) and have a collar fetish, as I like my dogs to look nice.
So what does people dressing up their dogs have to do with pack leadership? Or being American?
So what does people dressing up their dogs have to do with pack leadership? Or being American?
I don't think it's abuse except in extreme cases, like people who pierce their dogs' ears to put in earrings. 
All the same, I would never dress up a dog except for practical reasons (like a coat in the dead of winter.) Or as a one-time joke deal, like for Halloween. (I like the daschund-as-hotdog outfits. )
Maybe my cat ownership is influencing me on this, because I know they WOULD consider it "disrespect" and would be MORTALLY INSULTED. (They won't even keep their collars on!)
All the same, I would never dress up a dog except for practical reasons (like a coat in the dead of winter.) Or as a one-time joke deal, like for Halloween. (I like the daschund-as-hotdog outfits. )Maybe my cat ownership is influencing me on this, because I know they WOULD consider it "disrespect" and would be MORTALLY INSULTED.
(They won't even keep their collars on!)
Based on my dogs, the reaction varies.
Beau finds it HILARIOUS. He gets excited if you pull out his hoodie or a sweater. then he literally struts around the house. (He'll also pull the hood over his eyes and run into walls, tho...)
Summer has only worn a practical sweater. She didn't care one way or another.
Rose, on the other hand, HATEs clothes. We put one on her once and she just wilted. So we took it off and haven't since.
Nik used to be tortured by me as a kid by dressing her up in my sister's dress up clothes, lol. She was tolerant. I went through a sewing phase and sewed her a poodle skirt for halloween once.
And my sister and I made Trey a 'suit' of armor for that same halloween. I wish I had pictures of it. It was so funny. They both went trick or treating as knights.
Beau finds it HILARIOUS. He gets excited if you pull out his hoodie or a sweater. then he literally struts around the house. (He'll also pull the hood over his eyes and run into walls, tho...)
Summer has only worn a practical sweater. She didn't care one way or another.
Rose, on the other hand, HATEs clothes. We put one on her once and she just wilted. So we took it off and haven't since.
Nik used to be tortured by me as a kid by dressing her up in my sister's dress up clothes, lol. She was tolerant. I went through a sewing phase and sewed her a poodle skirt for halloween once.
And my sister and I made Trey a 'suit' of armor for that same halloween. I wish I had pictures of it. It was so funny. They both went trick or treating as knights.
Here's my two cents on the subject.
I see nothing wrong with dressing up your dog, or carrying them in carriers. In fact, it makes me mad for people to say "THAT POOR DOG!" when they see Dixie in a t-shirt. I do however think it's inhumane to leave them in clothes all day/unsupervised, because they can get their legs stuck, get choked, etc. And the big froo-froo dresses with lace and things shouldn't be kept on all day, even with supervising, because I'm sure it can get itchy or uncomfortable. I just use them for pictures. I don't like wearing things with lace, so I'm not going to subject my dog to it. Cotton t-shirts however, are comfortable, and my dogs actually enjoy wearing them. You can see their eyes light up when you put them on, and they get all 'prancy' because they know they look pretty. This however is not why I dress up my dogs. I do it because I think it's cute. It's a fun activity to do with my dog. I put cute things on them, take pictures, take the clothes off, and throw them in a drawer, where they spend 90% of the time. The fact that people are willing to spend money on clothing for their dogs, at least shows that they ARE spending money on their dogs. I'm sure if they can splurge on a $40 designer jacket, the dogs are being fed okay. My dog sitting in my house on my couch with a mickey mouse hoodie on, is alot better off than the 5 hunting beagles down the road that are smashed together in a 10x20 cage with a dog-house in the 15F weather, and the snow. People who have nothing else left to complain about, will pick something else out. We're always doing something wrong. I have no problem understanding that some people would rather not dress up their dogs. There's no problem with that, unless your practically coat-less greyhound is shivering in the snow. There is no real reason to dress your dog up otherwise, but why not? Why not have fun memories with your dogs, and cute pictures to look back on? It's just another fun thing I did with my babies. Carrying bags on the other hand, I honestly don't see where people are coming from at all. I'd NEVER, EVER, EVER let Dixie walk on the ground in public. She's not even 4lbs, for crying out loud, if she got near another dog in petsmart, it could eat her in one bite. If someone stepped on her on accident, because they weren't watching where they were going, her leg could break, or her BACK. My little dogs do take walks, they are exercised, they go on hikes with me, just like Holly does, but when I'm out in public, I'm going to do what any good owner would do, and pick my baby up, so she's out of harm's way. The fact that a dog is in a carrying bag has nothing to do with how much it's walked. How much excersise could it really be getting walking around in petsmart? Sure, if I saw someone on the street with their dog in a bag, I might be a little "" but I've never seen anyone do such a thing, maybe it happens. The people who's dogs are just a 'fashion statement' sicken me. I have no comment at all on that, because it'd be way too long. But I agree with Juicy, just because bad owners dress their dogs up, doesn't mean everyone who does is bad. Just because bad owners have pit-bulls doesn't mean pitties are bad. Just because bad owners use prong collars the wrong way, doesn't mean prong collars are bad. They all just have to be used in the right way. (Prong collars are a controversal subject, but I personally think when used the right way, they are actually more responsible, because you are keeping your dog from harming itself, and other people/dogs without harming the dog).
It's almost midnight, so I have no idea if any of this makes sense, so I apologize in advance.
I see nothing wrong with dressing up your dog, or carrying them in carriers. In fact, it makes me mad for people to say "THAT POOR DOG!" when they see Dixie in a t-shirt. I do however think it's inhumane to leave them in clothes all day/unsupervised, because they can get their legs stuck, get choked, etc. And the big froo-froo dresses with lace and things shouldn't be kept on all day, even with supervising, because I'm sure it can get itchy or uncomfortable. I just use them for pictures. I don't like wearing things with lace, so I'm not going to subject my dog to it. Cotton t-shirts however, are comfortable, and my dogs actually enjoy wearing them. You can see their eyes light up when you put them on, and they get all 'prancy' because they know they look pretty. This however is not why I dress up my dogs. I do it because I think it's cute. It's a fun activity to do with my dog. I put cute things on them, take pictures, take the clothes off, and throw them in a drawer, where they spend 90% of the time. The fact that people are willing to spend money on clothing for their dogs, at least shows that they ARE spending money on their dogs. I'm sure if they can splurge on a $40 designer jacket, the dogs are being fed okay. My dog sitting in my house on my couch with a mickey mouse hoodie on, is alot better off than the 5 hunting beagles down the road that are smashed together in a 10x20 cage with a dog-house in the 15F weather, and the snow. People who have nothing else left to complain about, will pick something else out. We're always doing something wrong. I have no problem understanding that some people would rather not dress up their dogs. There's no problem with that, unless your practically coat-less greyhound is shivering in the snow. There is no real reason to dress your dog up otherwise, but why not? Why not have fun memories with your dogs, and cute pictures to look back on? It's just another fun thing I did with my babies. Carrying bags on the other hand, I honestly don't see where people are coming from at all. I'd NEVER, EVER, EVER let Dixie walk on the ground in public. She's not even 4lbs, for crying out loud, if she got near another dog in petsmart, it could eat her in one bite. If someone stepped on her on accident, because they weren't watching where they were going, her leg could break, or her BACK. My little dogs do take walks, they are exercised, they go on hikes with me, just like Holly does, but when I'm out in public, I'm going to do what any good owner would do, and pick my baby up, so she's out of harm's way. The fact that a dog is in a carrying bag has nothing to do with how much it's walked. How much excersise could it really be getting walking around in petsmart? Sure, if I saw someone on the street with their dog in a bag, I might be a little "
" but I've never seen anyone do such a thing, maybe it happens. The people who's dogs are just a 'fashion statement' sicken me. I have no comment at all on that, because it'd be way too long. But I agree with Juicy, just because bad owners dress their dogs up, doesn't mean everyone who does is bad. Just because bad owners have pit-bulls doesn't mean pitties are bad. Just because bad owners use prong collars the wrong way, doesn't mean prong collars are bad. They all just have to be used in the right way. (Prong collars are a controversal subject, but I personally think when used the right way, they are actually more responsible, because you are keeping your dog from harming itself, and other people/dogs without harming the dog).It's almost midnight, so I have no idea if any of this makes sense, so I apologize in advance.
Mochi likes being dressed up. He likes anything that will bring attention to himself, especially from girls.
He too will strut around and model anything you put on him.
I don't have any clothes for him, but he does fit into my clothes, barely. Incidentally, I found out this past winter that I fit into his X-back harness....
He too will strut around and model anything you put on him.
I don't have any clothes for him, but he does fit into my clothes, barely. Incidentally, I found out this past winter that I fit into his X-back harness....
HAHAHA :rofl1:
I've never dressed Holly, but I tried to buy her a shirt, and my dad said "You are NOT putting MY dog in purple and pink clothes." I was just like "". She's inside most of the time anyway, and we keep it cool inside, so there'd be no worries about her being too hot, but I don't think my dad'd let me froo-froo her up, anyway. Not his "Holly girl."
I've never dressed Holly, but I tried to buy her a shirt, and my dad said "You are NOT putting MY dog in purple and pink clothes.
" I was just like "". She's inside most of the time anyway, and we keep it cool inside, so there'd be no worries about her being too hot, but I don't think my dad'd let me froo-froo her up, anyway. Not his "Holly girl." 
This is cute.. do they talk to you?
I know dogs that hate collars/harnesses on them. Does that make everyone else a crappy owner for using those devices on their dogs? It depends on the dog. Now, I don't personally like leaving collars on all day, but for those who don't I'm not going to say their dog is being pestered by it or they're abusing their dog for doing so.
I have "practical clothing" for the dogs - boots from dogbooties.com to keep their feet protected in the winter, Fidofleece coats for the winter as well, and a cooling jacket for Ilsa in the summertime.
I don't like the look of dogs in clothes, it's a personal preference. Ada has ONE cotton shirt, but I only bought it because it has "Doberman Wanna-be" on the back and I couldn't resist. She never wears it though, and I waited until it was on clearance to buy it.
I don't like the look of dogs in clothes, it's a personal preference. Ada has ONE cotton shirt, but I only bought it because it has "Doberman Wanna-be" on the back and I couldn't resist.
She never wears it though, and I waited until it was on clearance to buy it.I think people overeact to it too. Wrigley (16lbs) hates clothing--so I don't put it on him. Honey (6lbs) doesn't even notice that it's on--she'll run around and play and everything with it on--believe me it is obvious when a dog doesn't like clothes (Wrigleys tail goes down, he slumps his shoulders and looks up with that "why are you doint this" look).
I don't put clothes on Honey when it is too warm or when going for walks--but I will put her in a dress for instance when I take her to the nursing home to visit my mom. All the residents love seeing honey in her red white and blue sparkle dress or her 'punk rock' camo and skull and crossbones dress. I do have a bag for her--but it is generally only used as a carrier to transport--like to the dog park or to the vet. Wrigley has a doggie duffle bag that he is way too big for but seriously loves--so he gets to go in that for short trips. This way I can buckle them both by the strap of the bag in the back in case of accidents--AND no dog hair in my car! Best of both worlds I think!
I don't put clothes on Honey when it is too warm or when going for walks--but I will put her in a dress for instance when I take her to the nursing home to visit my mom. All the residents love seeing honey in her red white and blue sparkle dress or her 'punk rock' camo and skull and crossbones dress. I do have a bag for her--but it is generally only used as a carrier to transport--like to the dog park or to the vet. Wrigley has a doggie duffle bag that he is way too big for but seriously loves--so he gets to go in that for short trips. This way I can buckle them both by the strap of the bag in the back in case of accidents--AND no dog hair in my car! Best of both worlds I think!
Clothes. I do not think it's abuse...but I will say this. And this applies to daily wearers...hours...not a photo opp or quick trip to a Therapy visit etc.
NOTHING is as lovely as a nicely kept, nicely groomed, well fed dog's coat. Nothing. To cover said up with "fabric" to me, is like B'Dazzling the Mona Lisa. She needs nothing to make her better...she is a masterpiece as is.
I am PROUD of the sheen, shine...and condition of my dogs coat's and when I take them places they look like what they are..well cared for beautiful animals.
Carriers? Not abusive to me unless that dog has never been on grass or smelled a peepost. Those are things that are integral to a dog's social life and IMO...denying them that is rather unkind. If you need to carry your dog for it's comfort or security that is fine...otherwise I reserve the right to snicker as you walk by.
NOTHING is as lovely as a nicely kept, nicely groomed, well fed dog's coat. Nothing. To cover said up with "fabric" to me, is like B'Dazzling the Mona Lisa. She needs nothing to make her better...she is a masterpiece as is.
I am PROUD of the sheen, shine...and condition of my dogs coat's and when I take them places they look like what they are..well cared for beautiful animals.
Carriers? Not abusive to me unless that dog has never been on grass or smelled a peepost. Those are things that are integral to a dog's social life and IMO...denying them that is rather unkind. If you need to carry your dog for it's comfort or security that is fine...otherwise I reserve the right to snicker as you walk by.
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Bringing a carrier along on a hike to put a small dog in after they tire is different from bringing them into wal-mart, IMO.
Basically, if my dog is allowed somewhere OUT of a carrier, I don't care if you bring your dog IN a carrier.
As for clothes...I only put sweaters on Milo in winter but he "dresses" himself. He'll put his legs and head through the arm/head holes, it's too funny.
One time, at an "agility class" we went to, there were people with a king charles spaniel puppy (first off probably WAY too young to be jumping). It was about 80 degrees and they had the poor thing running agility in a t-shirt. The "instructor" said "It's not hot enough you have to dress the poor thing???". They did take it off of her, but I felt bad the poor dog had to live with such dumb people.
Basically, if my dog is allowed somewhere OUT of a carrier, I don't care if you bring your dog IN a carrier.
As for clothes...I only put sweaters on Milo in winter but he "dresses" himself. He'll put his legs and head through the arm/head holes, it's too funny.
One time, at an "agility class" we went to, there were people with a king charles spaniel puppy (first off probably WAY too young to be jumping). It was about 80 degrees and they had the poor thing running agility in a t-shirt. The "instructor" said "It's not hot enough you have to dress the poor thing???". They did take it off of her, but I felt bad the poor dog had to live with such dumb people.
I don't have a problem with it. My mom takes her maltese Scandal shopping with her in a little carry purse. Never to any places that say "No Pets Allowed" on the door, but you'd be surprised how many businesses are fine with it when you have a quiet, tiny dog that is kept in a purse. And Scandal absolutely loves it. She gets all excited and happy when the purse comes out.
IMHO, most of the objections raised by larger (meaning larger than a toy breed) dog owners are based on simple jealousy. I really sympathize--I want to take my boys everywhere, too. But I can't, and I know why. A dog walking at the end of a leash can be a distraction and a liability. It can shed and leave footprints everywhere, reach merchandise, take up valuable space in a tiny shop, and can make non-dogloving customers very uncomfortable.
A tiny, quiet dog in a purse is very different. It's 100% contained, not a distraction, and not a potential hazard to either customers or merchandise. Scandal is very quiet and well-behaved, and my Mom will often be in a store for nearly an hour before people even realize she has a dog with her. You just can't do that with a big dog.
There are things that toy dogs can do that bigger dogs can't. By the same token, there are things that bigger dogs can do that toy dogs can't. I knew that when I decided to get a larger dog in the first place. And I'm sure that the portability of toy dogs is an important factor for many people who decide to get them. So what's the problem? You don't see toy dog owners complaining that they can't get into Schutzhund clubs with their chihuahuas. Why should large breed owners complain because their dogs aren't as portable?
IMHO, most of the objections raised by larger (meaning larger than a toy breed) dog owners are based on simple jealousy. I really sympathize--I want to take my boys everywhere, too. But I can't, and I know why. A dog walking at the end of a leash can be a distraction and a liability. It can shed and leave footprints everywhere, reach merchandise, take up valuable space in a tiny shop, and can make non-dogloving customers very uncomfortable.
A tiny, quiet dog in a purse is very different. It's 100% contained, not a distraction, and not a potential hazard to either customers or merchandise. Scandal is very quiet and well-behaved, and my Mom will often be in a store for nearly an hour before people even realize she has a dog with her. You just can't do that with a big dog.
There are things that toy dogs can do that bigger dogs can't. By the same token, there are things that bigger dogs can do that toy dogs can't. I knew that when I decided to get a larger dog in the first place. And I'm sure that the portability of toy dogs is an important factor for many people who decide to get them. So what's the problem? You don't see toy dog owners complaining that they can't get into Schutzhund clubs with their chihuahuas. Why should large breed owners complain because their dogs aren't as portable?
actually it's not jealousy in my case. It's worry that because SOME people do not obey rules and in some cases LAWS...others will have to bear the consequences IF something ever happens. I get annoyed when people do not STOP at a stop sign or red light too...I get anoyed when people choose to ignore laws and rules...it's just something that bothers me, because it shows the kind of entitlement "that rule doesn't apply to me" that is indicative of the root of many many problems in this country.
ETA: Bottom line? Those people in the "no dogs allowed" place with a dog, are pleasing themselves, thinking of themselves, and only themselves...and yeah...that's bothersome to me. respect for rules and one's fellow man...is apparently a lost art.
ETA: Bottom line? Those people in the "no dogs allowed" place with a dog, are pleasing themselves, thinking of themselves, and only themselves...and yeah...that's bothersome to me. respect for rules and one's fellow man...is apparently a lost art.