Arf, Arf, -"I luv these Togs!"

This is for those of you who want to purchase doggy clothes on-line and want to get the size right the first time because proper fitting is a must. This can be a challenge simply because there are so many designers and manufacturers of dog clothing. Think of it this way, when you go shopping it's the difference between shopping for clothes at Walmart vs. Macy's. You could be a Small at one and a Large at another. Sometimes you may even take 2 or 3 different sizes of the same outfit into the dressing room because the style or the cut seems a little iffy. It's because the doggie's come in all shapes and sizes that unless certain dimensions are made known, you can't be sure? Do not rely on just the basic clothing size. When buying for your doggie, you will need to carefully and accurately measure these areas.

1.Neck--circumference around neck

2.Girth--circumference around the broadest area of the chest

3.Length--distance from base of neck to start of tail

4.Weight--sometimes asked for in pounds

But even with this information, it may be a bit tricky especially if your sweet pampered doggy weighs a bit more than it should (like mine) or has a lot of hair/fur. So if your baby is borderline for a particular dimension, my advice is, it's better to buy too big than too small. Sometimes vendors will be more than happy to discuss your doggy's figure over the phone to help you with your selection (we do).

Of course one of the very first things to ask is, does your doggy like to wear clothes? If you start dressing them when they are babies they may or may not take to it. Do not expect them to wear all day long and try experimenting with different articles of clothing for different lengths of time. A photo-op with a sweet little dress or a coat on a cool day walk around the block may be just enough. Most owners know this about their doggie's and usually the dogs themselves will let you know adamantly whether they want anything to do with any kind of apparel. There are those dogs that once you put a shirt on them they will stand there ridgid, not moving a muscle, both front paws firmly planted and accompanied with a look of disdain. "What the H____ is this?" While others practically dress themselves.

Like "Charlie" the chihuahua with a perfect physique, who when you slip the little tee-shirt over his head he will pick up one paw and insert into a sleeve followed by the other and then stand there wondering where his accessories are, like his pants, hat, tie or bling? He truly believes it is "normal" to wear dog clothes and he would never dream of being caught naked. When fully clothed he will be like "Okay, I'm dressed, I look good, where we goin?" And these days there are plenty of events to attend with your doggie clothed in the latest fashions, from a dog park outing to a social gathering or a costume contest with their humans in tow. Tis to Laff!

I believe a doggy size chart on every page for every item is a must for customer access. It is a valuable tool for convenience and saving time, less confusion also. So grab a measuring tape, paper and a sharp crayon, and your little doggie and jot down some dimensions for your on-line shopping experience at www.doggytoggery.com.