Best Training Methods to get your Dog Comfortable Wearing Clothes and Taking Photos

Silky, our Silkese modeling for our newly launched Macrame Bandana Collection

We started creating dog accessories around 2020 and at this time we only had Silkie, the Silky Terrier and Maltese Mix. She was used to wearing a collar and leash but we really didn’t dress her up much, except for an occasional sweater when it was cold. Our first product collection included dog necklaces and we needed her to model them. Even though they feel very much like a collar and it was easy to have her wear them, sitting down patiently while I snapped a great photo was a whole other ball game. 

Silkie knew the basic “sit” command but never knew to sit for a longer period. When we taught her to sit on command, we offered a small treat. Eventually, she would sit without expecting a treat for following the command. I knew we had to go back to basics!

It’s very important to have a calm environment. I would normally do these short training sessions when the kids were in school. I started telling her to “sit” and adding the word “stay” as I put my hand up in front of her. She understood pretty quickly not to get up from the sit position, as long as I kept repeating the word “stay”. I’d reward her each time, even though the first time she bounced up pretty quickly. 

The next phase of training was showing her the treat while I said “Sit” and “Stay”. I would create distance as I said “Stay” and then call her to get the treat. Eventually, I could walk around the island of my kitchen repeating the phrase “Stay” and when called, she’d come running to where I was to get her treat. 

So, I’ve watching many training videos and none of the trainers ever had to repeat any phrase but I haven’t been able to master that just yet. 

Now, Let’s add in getting dressed into this routine.

I pull out one of her buckets that has her clothes, let her sniff them, dress her and give a treat. I praise her and tell her what a good girl she is and watch her tail wag away!

She was pretty comfortable with putting clothes on as long as I was gentle and took my time putting anything on her and always letting her sniff at them while letting her know it’s ok and it won’t hurt her. Then, I let her walk around to make sure she’s not showing signs of anxiety. Signs of this could be lying down flat immediately, rolling in a nervous manner and obviously trying to bite at it. If I saw this I would give her a treat while praising her and then remove the item just as gently as I did when I placed them on her. After some time, repeat the process and be sure to be patient. It may take 2, 5 or 10 attempts before her feelings about it changes. 

Once she showed signs that this was a positive activity, I moved on to adding in the Sit and Stay Command followed by holding up the camera. 

In the beginning, she received a treat after she was dressed and after she sat and stayed for some pictures. To ensure you’re not giving your pup too many fatty treats, include healthy options like blueberries, small pieces of apples and carrots. Silkie is so comfortable taking photos now, which makes my job easy and enjoyable. Often times now, if I’m taking a photo of my kids or our other pup, Skippy, she’ll photobomb almost every time! It’s definitely turned into a fun experience for us all!

So, this was my personal method and experience. Let’s re-cap some basic principles to keep in mind when beginning your training with your fashion pup in the making.

1. Start with Simple and Comfortable Accessories 

2. Make sure your environment is calm and free of distractions. 

3. Keep Training Short and use Positive Reinforcement 

4. Stay patient and connected to your dog’s emotional cues. 

Click the photo to view our shop! Silky has proudly modeled many of our dog accessories!