Puppy won't move with coat on

[LadyLuna16]

Hi,
We have a 6 month old miniature schnauzer. She gets wet on walks and gets quite shivery and takes a while to warm up. Get a coat I thought.

Got one and it is a little big and she just stops dead when it's on. She doesn't seem distressed, just won't move an inch until it's off.

Ordered an Equafleece which arrived today - same thing. No movement what so ever. Her head dips and she freezes for a full five minutes until I take it off.

Should I persevere? Will she get used to it? I don't want her getting cold :(

[LadyKalila]

You have to get her used to it, maybe make the dog wear it around the house to get used to it.

[BiteyShark]

I tried to put a coat on my spaniel puppy once and he absolutely refused to budge. Tried to coax him with treats and toys but it was obvious he hated it and felt restricted. I gave up in the end and just made sure we moved enough to keep warm on the walk then towel dried before getting back in the car.

[Hazelnutwhirls]

Mine freezes when I put the coat on and won't move but once I put the lead on and take him out he is fine! (Same with the harness)

[TwitterQueen1]

I know it's not funny really OP, but it is . I have a mental image of your dog just looking at you and silently saying "Get this fucking abomination off me RIGHT NOW."

[LadyLuna16]

It is funny. Look!

She stayed stick still like that for a full five minutes!

[MrsSnippyPants]

I have no wise words, but perhaps your dog would feel better if you show them this?
I make no excuses, he loves dressing up; 'Sherlock' Bob

[mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork]

Just an idea but maybe she doesn't like the feel of the sleeves? I have Equafleece stuff for my dog and I decided not to get her anything with sleeves as I thought she'd take dim view of anything that felt so restrictive. Their ordinary dog coats are OK and she is VERY happy with the "tankie" (no boring strap and more free and easy). Is it worth asking Equafleece to take the one you bought back (they are v helpful) and buy a tankie? They are quite toasty and waterproof and the dog can still move with great freedom.

[LightDrizzle]

I too reckon it’s the legs (sleeves?!) Did the first coat you tried also have legs?

[doodleygirl]

She is gorgeous, she is however saying to you, get this off meeeeeeeee.

I have no advice, my 9 year old girl did exactly the same when she was a pup, we have never been able to walk her with a coat on because she wont move

[LadyLuna16]

Thanks everyone. The first coat had no sleeves. I think it might be the schnauzer stubbornness coming through 😀.

I’ll get in touch with equafleece and see what they say. It might be a lost cause.

[adaline]

She shouldn't need a coat - just keep her walking and keep a towel with you to dry her off whenever you stop and as soon as you get home. Can you maybe warm a towel on the radiator or something or wrapped around a hot water bottle in the car so it's nice a warm for her afterwards?

However if she really feels the cold what about a jumper? They're less restrictive and not as noisy as a coat.

[LadyLuna16]

Success! Put it on for day care today as I knew she would be so excited about going and playing with the other dogs that she would probably get over it. And she did. 😀

[pilates]

Hey lady I have a six month old miniature schnauzer too 👋
How are you getting on with her generally? We are loving ours, he just wants to be with you all the time. Although he is a bit barky with other dogs, not aggressively but out of excitement and wants to play.

[puppymouse]

Our retriever is a bit anxious and high needs about stuff other dogs take in their stride.

He wears a snuggy hood dog rug to keep some of the endless fur from getting covered in mud when he comes out hacking with me.on my horse. At first he froze and looked uncertain and he still orang enjoy it being put on but he's fine once it's attached.

[puppymouse]

Exhibit A

[LadyLuna16]

That face! 😍

Pilates - we are getting on well. She’s been a bit of a dream really. She loves to be with us all but is also fairly independent. Happy to be alone for an hour or two, although it’s not often we do that.

Ours can also bark at other dogs, but like yours it’s when she wants to play and especially when on the lead.

Our bigger issue at the moment is running up and jumping up at other people when we are walking. It’s all friendly but we don’t want her doing it. The main problem is that 90% of the time she gets people fussing over her which makes training her to stop nearly impossible. Working on it though!

[pilates]

Have you tried the pet corrector? It has helped us greatly with the barking and also when he went through the nippy stage.

[ABitOTT]

Congrats on getting your puppy to wear the coat. My favourite photo of my old dog is wearing his annual Christmas jumper. The look on his face said "get this fucking thing off me!" He would also wear a coat if I, or my daughter took him out but refused if my husband or son took him out? Selective spaniel stubbornness 🐶

[Cheripie64]

I cant understand why people put coats on dogs, the only one's that need it are thin coated like greyhounds.
Its just a fashion thing.
I would no way make my dogs look stupid for the sake of following the crowd. And dressing them up in 'cute' outfits is just making fun of the dogs, ridiculous.

I often think if only they donated the price they pay for fashion to dog rescue for dogs that dont even have enough to eat or decent shelter, then there would be a lot of happier dogs.
Its just showing off, the have and the have nots of the dog world.

Pet hate of mine!

[Princess1066]

I have 2 elderly dogs and one very thin coated younger dog (a rescue) & all need coats in cold or wet weather when they are out in the garden during the day.

And yes they have plenty of manmade and natural shelter but like to "guard the house" and watch the world go by.

It's not a fashion choice it's a responsible owner's choice - nothing worse than seeing dogs shivering needlessly

[LadyLuna16]

Cheripie64 because she was shivering on a walk. And shivering after she got home. Not because I want to dress her up to look cute.

That is some judgement you’ve got going on there.

[Cheripie64]

Yep my opinion, I am allowed one, even if you dont like it.
It is fashion, you did not see this until a few years ago, all you are doing is putting money in the pockets of the manufacturers unnecessarily.
Of course spend your money how you like, but it is not necessary

[Princess1066]

I'm speaking from 30+ years of experience in dog ownership - all ours so far have well outlived life expectancy for breed so do jog on Cheri dear