Page 20 - Winter 2025 FINAL

WELFARE

Keeping your dog warm is essential in 3. Move onto their body

the winter months. Some dogs might Once your dog is comfortable with
need to wear a coat to help keep them putting their head through the coat,
cosy, especially if they’ve got short hair. you can place it on their body,

continuing to give them treats and
Dogs can sometimes find it challenging
lots of encouragement.
to have clothing, harnesses or other
items placed over their heads or around If your dog is uncomfortable or

their bodies. If your dog has never worn retreats from the coat, remove it
a coat before, it’s important to introduce and feed them anyway.
it carefully.

Try again another time and take it
Train your dog to wear a coat in a back a step if necessary.

positive way and they will enjoy wearing
one for winters to come. 4. Let them wear it

Once your dog is comfortable having
How to get your dog used to
the coat put on, they'll need to learn
wearing a coat
to get used to the feel of it and how
You’ll need lots of your dog’s favourite it affects their natural movement.

treats and, of course, their new coat.
Scatter feeding and letting them just
1. Leave it on the ground move around to find the treats on

Before you try and put the coat on the ground can help to distract and
your dog, lay it on the ground and reward them. If this happens every
put a few tasty treats on it so your time their coat goes on, they'll soon

dog can sniff and investigate it. Give look forward to wearing it at when
them praise and encouragement it's time for walkies!

whenever they show interest in the
coat.

2. Start with just their head
Once your dog is familiar with the

coat, lift it and feed your dog a treat
through the opening. Gradually

move your hand a little further back
to encourage your dog to move their

nose and mouth through the
opening to get their treats.