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How to put a hat on a dogFive short steps to a dog who's happy in a hat

Introduce the hat in short, rewarded steps over a few days, never all at once. Most small dogs stop noticing a well-fitting hat within a few minutes. The secret is fit: eyes clear, ears comfortable, ties loose enough for two fingers.

Guide · Updated

Step by step

  1. Let your dog sniff it. Put the hat on the floor next to a treat. Let your dog sniff and investigate it for a minute. Praise any calm interest.
  2. Touch the head with it. Hold the hat against the top of the head for a second, then treat. Repeat three or four times. Keep it short and cheerful.
  3. On for ten seconds. Slide it on from the back of the head forwards, guide the ears into the pockets or through the holes, and treat straight away. Take it off before your dog paws at it.
  4. Tie and build up time. For a hood, tie it loosely under the chin: two fingers must fit underneath. Over a few days build up to a few minutes indoors, with play or a chew as distraction.
  5. First walk. Put it on just before you leave, so the walk itself becomes the reward. Take it off when you come back in.

Two or three short sessions a day for a few days work better than one long one. Stop while your dog is still relaxed.

Getting the ears right

In a hood with ear pockets

Hold the hood by the back, slide it over the head from behind, then guide each ear up into its own pocket with a finger. The ear should stand or lie in the pocket naturally, not folded. Tie under the chin.

In a beanie with ear holes

Stretch the opening with both hands, slide it on from behind, and ease each ear through its hole from the inside. The ribbed part settles round the neck like a snood. No ties: it stays on by stretch.

Upright Chihuahua ears and floppy ears both work in either style. Not sure which to choose? See hood or beanie.

Check the fit before the first walk

  • The front edge sits above the eyes and doesn’t slide down when your dog shakes.
  • Ears aren’t pinched or bent.
  • Two fingers fit under the ties or the neck.
  • Your dog can open its mouth, eat a treat and pant freely.
  • Pom-poms are firmly attached: check before each walk.

A hat that won’t stay on is usually the wrong size. Measure the head and compare with the size guide.

When to take it off

  • As soon as you’re back indoors.
  • When it gets soaked — a wet hat against the ears is colder than none. Dry it flat.
  • Whenever your dog will be alone, in a crate or in the car without you watching.
  • If your dog keeps scratching, rubbing or pawing at it after the first few sessions.

Wondering when a hat is worth it at all? How cold is too cold has the temperature guide.

Questions

My dog keeps pawing the hat off. What do I do?

Go back a step: shorter sessions, more treats, and take the hat off before your dog tries to. Check the fit too — a hat that presses on the eyes or squashes the ears will always be pawed at. A hood with chin ties stays on better than a beanie.

Is it safe for my dog to sleep in a hat?

No. Hats are for walks with you. Never leave your dog alone in one, and never in a crate: ties and loose knitting can catch.

How tight should the ties be?

Snug enough that the hat doesn't slide off when your dog shakes, loose enough to slide two fingers under the chin. Tie a bow, never a knot you can't undo quickly.

Can I put a hat on a puppy?

Yes — puppies get used to hats faster than adult dogs. Keep sessions very short, choose the smaller size, and remember puppies feel the cold more than adults.

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