Hi there,
It's getting colder outside, and I've read that in a colder climate a Boxer should have some sort of coat if they are going to be outside (due to the short fur). Now, Bella won't be left outside for hours upon hours, but from time to time we might go to the park to run around or on a longer walk. This is her first winter (she's just 6 months), so we have got her something similar to this:
http://www.barkavenue.com.au/store/files/Dapper Dog Coat Red.jpg
The problem is she detests the thing. Now I expected that, seeing as she's never had to wear anything like this before, and it would be new. When she gets it on, she'll refuse to walk, and when I encourage her with my voice and some treats she'll walk a little while then just sit down again. Sometimes she'll forget she's got it on, but ultimately she'll figure it out and begin trying to tear it off. Once she gets into this mode we can't stop her. I am reluctant to take it off (so as to reinforce the behaviour) but the last couple of times we've had to... it's either that or carry her home.
Any ideas/thoughts on coats, whether they're really needed and ways to get her to wear it?
Thanks in advance....
It's getting colder outside, and I've read that in a colder climate a Boxer should have some sort of coat if they are going to be outside (due to the short fur). Now, Bella won't be left outside for hours upon hours, but from time to time we might go to the park to run around or on a longer walk. This is her first winter (she's just 6 months), so we have got her something similar to this:
http://www.barkavenue.com.au/store/files/Dapper Dog Coat Red.jpg
The problem is she detests the thing. Now I expected that, seeing as she's never had to wear anything like this before, and it would be new. When she gets it on, she'll refuse to walk, and when I encourage her with my voice and some treats she'll walk a little while then just sit down again. Sometimes she'll forget she's got it on, but ultimately she'll figure it out and begin trying to tear it off. Once she gets into this mode we can't stop her. I am reluctant to take it off (so as to reinforce the behaviour) but the last couple of times we've had to... it's either that or carry her home.
Any ideas/thoughts on coats, whether they're really needed and ways to get her to wear it?
Thanks in advance....