Dog Grooming Hints

Dog Clothes

Hartstrings Girls 2-6x Toddler Dog Rain Coat, Berry Pink, 2T

• Fully lined
• Snap front

Hartstrings Girls 2-6x Toddler Dog Rain Coat, Berry Pink, 2T

Have you ever wondered how dog clothes became a part of today’s culture? The history of dog clothing is very interesting and it may not be what you expected. Clothing designed for your dog was not always the iconic image of fashion with a hint of sensibility mixed in that’s sold today. In fact, they went through many stages before becoming the stylish and fun outfits you see pets everywhere wearing.

The military was actually the first to use dog clothes. They were designed to protect military dogs in the same way that armor and uniforms helped to protect the soldiers fighting next to them. They were created with this specific function in mind, not for fashion. These brave and dedicated dogs needed protection from the changing weather and sometimes, even attacks. These uniforms did their jobs and helped keep these amazing canines safer.

Police, firefighters and other organizations that we commonly look to for keeping the public safe, were the next group to use dog clothing. These uniforms were used partly for protection but they also distinguished one group from the other. For example, you can recognize a police dog in a crowd and tell which department he works for by its uniform. Seeing Eye dogs and other helper dogs were next in line to receive clothing. Their uniforms make it easy for the people to know the owner has some type of disability.

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For years, dog clothes were used to symbolize some type of special training, then it began to expand and clothing for family pets started to appear. At first, pet owners dressed their dogs in Christmas and Halloween outfits just for kicks. Before long, celebrities began dressing their pets in fancy outfits. These were mainly just for show.

Over time, dog clothes became more acceptable for the average pet and many practical designs were introduced to consumers. These include T-shirts, jerseys, tanks, sweaters and winter outfits such as hooded jackets with fur, raincoats and boots for wet and cold climates.

Today, buying clothing for your dog is as common as buying it for yourself. They still serve a practical purpose by keeping your pet warm and dry. In addition, they help protect your pet from cuts and scrapes they can encounter when playing. However, style is right up there at the top of the list when it comes to doggie clothing. You can even buy outfits for weddings, birthdays, sports and many other special occasions.

Military and other working dogs still wear their uniforms although; they have changed somewhat over the years to become more stylish and more durable. For example, police and military dogs have bulletproof vest now that can protect their vital organs from bullets when out in the field.

Dog clothing has been around much longer than many people realize. Just as humans need warmth and protection, so do our animals. They also look great wearing these outfits around no matter what size dog you have. Since dog owners want the best for their furry little friends, dog clothes are becoming more and more popular every year.

Dog Clothes question by sour_waffle: does anyone know a good site to get small dog clothes?
I got 2 chi chi’s. a boy dog and a girl and I wanted to get them matching clothes for Easter. like a dress and a polo maybe.

Dog Clothes best answer:

Answer by UHave2BeKiddingMe
These folks specialize in items for small dogs

http://www.gwlittle.com/prod_detail_list/pet_fashion

KR tv dog clothes

kparker722′s webcam video September 25, 2011 06:07 PM
Dog Clothes Video Rating: 0 / 5

"All About Boxers covers everything you need to know about taking care of, maintaining and training your Boxer in one handy Guide which both current and prospective Boxer owners will love!"

Boxer dogs are loyal, quick to learn and eager to please, patient, and always ready to play at a moments notice. Their high intelligence has led them to be widely used as assistance dogs, police dogs and rescue dogs, but they are also wonderful family pets, and will calmly suffer the pokes and prods of children, always happy to spend time with their ‘people’.
Read more…

I have been a dog groomer for 11 years and my parents have owned a dog kennel for 16 besides that I was raised with dogs all my life. In all my experiences with dogs of all sizes and having groomed well over 20,000 dogs I have to completely disagree that smaller dogs are safer than larger ones. I have been bitten hundreds of times throughout the years and 90% of the time it has been by a smaller dog. The damage they have done has by far been worse than a larger dog as well. I am a professional and have an advantage of reading a dog but the everyday person is not as lucky. I have 2 children who have been raised around dogs as well and of course they want a little dog they can carry around but they also have been bitten by smaller dogs and never larger ones.

Coming from a family that has made dog care a profession we often have the many children in our family around strange dogs as well as family pets. My mother has 2 larger dogs, a pit bull and a husky, both very friendly dogs. The children like to think of them as horses at times and pull on their ears as well but neither dog lets it bother them. In addition to the 2 larger dogs she has 3 smaller dogs as well one who has bit pretty much every child in our family. Nothing too severe but a bit none the less. We have definitely went out of our way to teach them all the correct handling of strange dogs of all sizes but kids will be kids and they do not always listen. Smaller dogs are less tolerant of child play and not quite as sturdy as a larger dog so children need to be more gentle, which is a lot to ask of a child at times.

I will agree that a larger dog has the potential to do more damage based on the size of the teeth and the strength of their jaw but the assortment of larger breeds that are dosal and well known as family dogs far outweighs that of smaller breeds. I would never allow a shih tzu, cocker spaniel, or a chihauha around my children as they are 3 examples of the worst I have seen of all dogs. On the larger breed side you have wonderful commonly owned golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, newfoundlands, collies and so many more that I could list that I have never seen aggression from. It is hard for me to say that when it comes to any smaller dogs. It is not because I am grooming them because I am one of the most patient groomers and well known for doing the most difficult of dogs. I am not afraid of being bit because I can read a dog. Not everyone is able to do so. I also have the luxury of using a muzzle if needed which I do not like to do but when I have to it is usually on a smaller dog.

I would never say to run out and get a chow or a doberman for your child as there will always be certain breeds not well suited for children but larger dogs are just more sturdy and able to be tolerant of childs play. I can name far more larger breeds great for children than smaller breeds but no matter what it will always come down to training the dog while it is young. All breeds are known for a certain temperament so you must consider that when choosing a dog for a child’s pet. I also have many scars from smaller breeds and only 2 from larger ones. The choice in larger dogs being pets as opposed to smaller dogs can be seen as well throughout the dogs we board in our kennel. It is Thanksgiving weekend and we have approximately 150 dogs of which less than 20 are smaller breeds. It has become the family choice to have a larger more dosal breed than a smaller wirey one. Either way always choose wisely, have your children meet and play with any dog before you make the decision on whether to make a permanent choice.

Everyday more and more money is being spent on pets including the Shih Tzu. The professional Shih Tzu groomer is a rather unique entry in the professional world. Outside the family and the Shih Tzu’s vet, the professional Shih Tzu groomer is the one person closest to the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy.

If you plan to use a professional Shih Tzu groomer, the groomer will see your Shih Tzu regularly either monthly or bi-monthly. A knowledgeable professional Shih Tzu groomer will be able to supply you with advice on matters of health, breeding, boarding and various Shih Tzu products. The extent to which the professional Shih Tzu groomer fills these roles affects the relationship between the groomer and Shih Tzu owner. A close bond between the family and the professional Shih Tzu groomer is desirable.

The Shih Tzu Grooming Shop:
Many professional Shih Tzu groomers start out in their basements or spare room in their house and then graduate to their own shop on Main streets in towns throughout the country. Although a Shih Tzu groomer should have knowledge of how to groom all breeds of dogs, specializing in the Shih Tzu breed can be a unique opportunity for those who love the Shih Tzu exclusively. The Shih Tzu breed is one of the top 10 favorite family pets. Their popularity continues to grow, therefore, to specialize in Shih Tzu grooming would definitely be a professional groomer’s own unique niche.

Quality training:
Be sure to seek out the best instruction available. This instruction should come from licensed, qualified instructors in state-approved locations with adequate space and facilities. Proper training is the most important part of your investment. Without proper training, there is no business. Good dog grooming instruction means training in grooming all breeds with access to dogs of as many breeds as possible. Specializing in Shih Tzu grooming can come later. The school’s reputation is most significant. Check with your State Education Department, the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies to determine the reputation of the schools you choose. Make a personal visit to the school.

Shih Tzu Grooming Shop Site:
Once you are fully trained and/or you have built up a customer base while working out of your home you begin to consider setting up a shop. Go where the action is. Shih Tzu pet owners will like locations in a good part of town, one with good parking. If funds allow, a busy shopping mall would be an excellent location for a Shih Tzu Grooming Salon.

An important factor to consider when deciding on a location for your Shih Tzu grooming shop is the element of competition. Is there already a grooming shop in your chosen location? And how long has the shop been in business? If the grooming shop has been in business for quite some time, you may want to choose another location.

Zoning
Most state laws are loose about zoning requirements for dog grooming shops and so would be the same case for a Shih Tzu grooming shop. Usually a commercial area or on a main street there are no problems with zoning. If you begin your grooming at home, you may have to cope with complaining neighbors if the traffic begins to become congested in the neighborhood, etc. You will need to check your local zoning laws in a case such as this.