Key takeaways
- Hoodie time doesn’t have to feel like a mini workout.
- Reward every step (sniff → paw in → fully dressed).
- Keep sessions short for nervous pups.
- Talk gently, move slowly — dogs mirror your energy.
- If your dog freezes, pause. Try again with smaller steps.
- Check fit under the arms and chest. No tugging or tightness.
Every dog parent has been there — the hesitant head tilt, the dramatic freeze, the “I’m outta here” energy.
But with the right approach (and the right hoodie), getting your pup dressed becomes quick, calm and almost … cute.
Because our Pawer to the People hoodies are made with soft stretch, wide openings, and easy-move cuffs, both methods below work smoothly. The trick is choosing the right method for your dog’s size and build.
Method 1: Head-first (best for small to medium dogs)
Perfect for:
✓ Dachshunds
✓ Frenchies
✓ Schnauzers
✓ Terriers
✓ Chihuahuas
✓ Shih Tzus
✓ Pomeranians
✓ Border Collies ( … and any pup under ~35–45 pounds with a smaller chest frame)
Many smaller dogs feel more secure when clothing goes over the head first — it keeps the garment steady while you guide their paws.
How to put a hoodie on head first
- Start with your dog sitting or lying down comfortably. Post-walk calmness is ideal.
- Let them sniff the hoodie. Reward with a treat. Positive association is everything.
- Slide the hoodie gently over the head. Use both hands to widen the opening. Avoid tugging ears — stretch helps here.
- Guide the arms through each sleeve. Lift one paw at a time. Ease it through the armhole with slow, calm movements.
- Adjust for a snug, comfy fit. Smooth the hoodie along the chest, shoulders and back.
Pro tip: Hold a treat low so your dog naturally dips their head — head-first becomes effortless.
Method 2: Arms-first (best for large and extra-large dogs)
Perfect for:
✓ Pit bulls
✓ Boxers
✓ Labradors
✓ Goldens
✓ Huskies
✓ German Shepherds
✓ Rottweilers
✓ Mastiffs
✓ Larger mixes with broader chests ( ... basically any dog with a strong front build or big shoulders.)
Large dogs often resist clothes going over their head first. Arms-first gives you more control and avoids pulling across their neck or ears.
How to put a hoodie on arms first
- Have your dog sit or lie comfortably. Pick a calm moment — bonus points if someone can reward during the process.
- Bunch up the hoodie near the neck opening. You should be holding mostly the sleeves and chest panel.
- Gently guide each arm into the sleeves. One paw at a time. Support the elbow as you slide the paw through the opening.
- Slide the hoodie up, then pull over the head. Now that the arms are secure, the hoodie glides over smoothly.
- Adjust along the back and shoulders. Make sure nothing is bunching or pulling.
Pro tip: A treat or toy held slightly forward encourages your dog to lean in, making it easier to pull the hoodie over their head.
FAQ
Should I put the hoodie on my dog head first or arms first?
Small and medium dogs do best with head-first; large and XL dogs prefer arms-first.
Will a hoodie hurt my dog’s ears or neck?
Not when done gently with the right method. Use stretch fabric like ours to prevent tugging.
How can I help my dog stay still while dressing?
Use treats, a chew, or a toy. Reward often.
What if my dog hates clothes?
Start with short, positive sessions. Let them sniff, reward, repeat.
Do your hoodies work for broad-chested breeds like Frenchies and bullies?
Yes — the stretch and roomy chest make them a great fit.
