The best way to measure your dog for a coat

How can you make sure that the dog coat you purchase is going to fit your dog? Good measurements can help.

Buying a dog coat.

So you've decided to get something for your dog to wear.  Whether it's a coat, pajamas, or a diaper, you want it to work for your dog, it pays to do the work to get the information you need. Who wants to waste their time and money on something that your dog can't or won't wear?

If you want your dog to like whatever you get for them, they'll have to learn to wear it.  Dogs aren't naturals at wearing clothing, so they need some help learning to accept what you're offering. If the item fits well enough that your dog can move freely, your dog will be quicker to get it.

Getting a dog coat that fits starts with accurate measurements. You want to use a seamstress’ measuring tape and have your dog standing squarely on all four feet.

Why it's essential to measure your dog.

Have you ever tried guessing how long a foot is or how much something weighs?  It's much more difficult than you might think. The same goes for your dog.  Sure, there are some consistencies within a breed.  But not all Labradors, for example, or members of any breed are the same size. 

Choosing a size for a specific breed might work, but then again, it might not, and you're probably not shopping for a product that doesn't even fit your dog. And if the product isn't broken down by breed size, it's even more of a guess. If you have a mixed breed dog, it gets even more difficult to estimate based on breed.  

One thing you can do to ensure a good fit is to measure your dog and the item.  The item needs to have a little more room than your dog needs to provide an excellent fit to be comfortable. But how do you know what to measure and if your measurements are correct?

Your dog will like wearing the coat if it fits them comfortably. A good fit with plenty of room for movement but not so much fabric as to be bulky will help.

What tools do you need?

You don't need a lot.  A diagram or other instructions will help you get the location for correct measurements.  These are often provided by the maker of the product you’re considering. You'll also need a cloth measuring tape.  A ruler or tape measure won't work well because they don't conform to your dog's curves like a cloth tape will. If you're like me, you might need a pen and paper or another way to record so you don't have to rely on your memory to get it right. That's it.

Can you guess the length of your dog? You can try, but you’d be surprised at how often you aren’t quite right. Using the proper tools and technique can lead to much greater success.

Tips for getting the best measurements

Measuring a dog can be tricky, but here are some ideas to help.

-  Probably the most important thing you'll need is a good dose of patience. Remember that your dog probably doesn't understand what you're doing.

-  Many dogs wiggle or try to "help" you measure, making it more difficult to find the right landmarks for measuring.  Try to choose a time when your dog is likely to be more calm. 

-  If your dog has a short attention span, you can try getting just one dimension at a time.

-  Having a second set of hands can be helpful.  Someone to help your dog hold still while you measure can make it go more smoothly.

-  Position is important.  In order to get accurate numbers, they need to stand squarely on all fours and hold still, all at once.  

Measuring your dog can be a challenge, but it will be worth it when you have a product that fits right away rather than needing to exchange it or not be able to use it. If you're considering a Made by De product, I make everything custom, so I can help you get the best fit possible.  Take a look at my website and see what I have to offer.