How to get your Dog to wear a hat

You need a dog sized hat with elastic or other earloops and a velcro or ribbon tie under the chin.
You will also need some treats, and have your dog's leash handy.

It may be best to start while they are young, but there is no reason you cant teach your old dog new tricks, its just knowing how to get him to wear that cute cowboy hat or jaunty beret!.
Most hats for dogs have some elastic or other loops that go around their ears and some way of fastening under the chin. While holding and showing that you have treats, put the hat on pulling the ears through the loops. Then velcro or tie the under the chin strap. Hopefully he will be focused on getting the treat in your hand and not worrying about what you are doing to his ears. For a hat with elastic loops and a tie, measure roughly and remove the hat and tie the tie to the correct length while off his head, he wont be so patient while you are tying. Then pull the hat with the tied chinstrap on his head pulling his ears through.
Stop here and have him sit and focus while you finish adjusting the hat. When he tries to shake make a short sharp but loud sound like "hey" or a "Ak!" this will distract him. When he is still and you have his attention, make sure you praise him and give him treats.
At this point it is a good distraction to go for a walk, get the leash and head for the door, and he wont be worrying about what is on his head.
Once he is outside, he may shake but you can re-adjust the hat show him you still have treats and start walking. When he starts getting attention by wearing the hat he will become less opposed to the idea, especially when there are treats and walks involved!
Be prepared for a cuteness overload!

by Rischa Leinweber
brought to you by Bad Dog Hats
http://www.baddoghats.com/