Is This Picture Degrading To Whippets?

[TC]

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I have no idea if this has worked or not, but if it has I'd love to know how all my fellow member feel (w00t) I know we have a varied mix of people in here, and it will be interesting to find the outcome :- "

I have posted this poll on another forum that I visit, and I'd love to see how the results differ :thumbsup:

Honest opinions please, contrary to popular opinion, I CAN take harsh critisism you know 8) (w00t) :cheers:

Please feel free to add your own Christmassy pics to this thread. I know I'm not the only one who's made them

Happy Voting

 

[nicky12]

(w00t) aww how seriously cute do they look :wub:

 

[FeeFee]

I'm not really a fan of dressing dogs up myself, but so long as the dogs don't mind then I don't see any problem with it.......and I have to say your dogs do look cute :wub: :wub:

 

[~elizabeth~]

I'd be fascinated by this too, as you know I too have demeaned and embarrassed my whippet a couple of times :b To be honest, I think the worst part for them is just the boredom of having to sit for the picture for more than 2 seconds (although the pained expression is often part of the humour :b ) I think as long as it's just a one off thing for fun, dressing them up is fine.

I do cringe when i seed adverts for chihuahua or yorkies, with the puppies dressed up in what look like doll's clothes, I don't think that sends out the right message to anyone

 

[TC]

Excellent to see people voting and replying, thanks guys :thumbsup:

I think it's interesting too Elizabeth. Both mine wear coats and jumpers when it's necessary, although I have to admit it's Ollie more than Jacob, as he has a bit more natural covering :- "

Here's another pic of the same session (which lasted about 10 minutes) showing how much they enjoyed themselves (w00t) :wacko: :b

 

[TC]

Although I love this shot, it told me that Jake had had enough and boredom had set in, and we stopped :thumbsup:

 

[Janimal]

Ive done it too :b so yes guilty....

but Im not a fan of dressing up outfits for dogs, and really think they should not be sold in shops as I think it may encourage children to dress dogs up.

I have admired peoples pictures on K9 but would never put a full outfit on mine - just a personal thing.

so it was a No each to their own.....

 

[Janimal]

and an embarassed Kobi too...... :lol:

 

[Trish]

im another guilty party too,but to me its just a little festive fun.

 

[~Helen~]

I think there are far too many serious cases of dog neglect and cruelty.

Worrying about whether people dress up their dogs is very low on my list of 'things to ban' :b

You love your dogs, you treat them well (I presume!) so what does it matter if you put a Christmas hat on them once or twice a year?

 

[TC]

I think there are far too many serious cases of dog neglect and cruelty.Worrying about whether people dress up their dogs is very low on my list of 'things to ban' :b

You love your dogs, you treat them well (I presume!) so what does it matter if you put a Christmas hat on them once or twice a year?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

You're absolutely right Helen, there's much to much neglect and cruelty going on :angry:

The reason I made the poll is that I was quite happily snapping away after trying on the outfit (we have a couple of Christmas Parties to go to :wacko: :b :- " ) and then started playing around when I downloaded the photos.

I don't know what made me put that exact caption on the photos, but I just thought it summed up the picture perfectly. Then I thought "God, what if that's what people really think of what I've done" Hence, I thought I'd ask the question......

I know that they definitely enjoy the attention, and they get very excited when they hear the jingle jangle of the bells, it's like me first, me first, honestly! I just wanted to know what others thought......

:thumbsup:

 

[~Helen~]

I think there are far too many serious cases of dog neglect and cruelty.Worrying about whether people dress up their dogs is very low on my list of 'things to ban' :b

You love your dogs, you treat them well (I presume!) so what does it matter if you put a Christmas hat on them once or twice a year?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

You're absolutely right Helen, there's much to much neglect and cruelty going on :angry:

The reason I made the poll is that I was quite happily snapping away after trying on the outfit (we have a couple of Christmas Parties to go to :wacko: :b :- " ) and then started playing around when I downloaded the photos.

I don't know what made me put that exact caption on the photos, but I just thought it summed up the picture perfectly. Then I thought "God, what if that's what people really think of what I've done" Hence, I thought I'd ask the question......

I know that they definitely enjoy the attention, and they get very excited when they hear the jingle jangle of the bells, it's like me first, me first, honestly! I just wanted to know what others thought......

:thumbsup:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

I wasn't criticising you for doing the poll :thumbsup: :huggles: It just got me thinking because someone else made a negative comment on K9 a few weeks ago about dressed-up dogs :unsure:

Some people say 'they can't complain or consent' :wacko: but then, we do so much for them without their consent. We have to, in the course of taking care of them. They don't really have free will. We make decisions on their behalf all the time - type of food, vaccinations, length and location of walk, perhaps going to shows/racing. We assume they're okay with all that.

And if my two ever get a hat popped on their head for a photo, they don't seem to mind. Often it means extra treats :teehee:

 

[TC]

I think there are far too many serious cases of dog neglect and cruelty.Worrying about whether people dress up their dogs is very low on my list of 'things to ban' :b

You love your dogs, you treat them well (I presume!) so what does it matter if you put a Christmas hat on them once or twice a year?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

You're absolutely right Helen, there's much to much neglect and cruelty going on :angry:

The reason I made the poll is that I was quite happily snapping away after trying on the outfit (we have a couple of Christmas Parties to go to :wacko: :b :- " ) and then started playing around when I downloaded the photos.

I don't know what made me put that exact caption on the photos, but I just thought it summed up the picture perfectly. Then I thought "God, what if that's what people really think of what I've done" Hence, I thought I'd ask the question......

I know that they definitely enjoy the attention, and they get very excited when they hear the jingle jangle of the bells, it's like me first, me first, honestly! I just wanted to know what others thought......

:thumbsup:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

I wasn't criticising you for doing the poll :thumbsup: :huggles: It just got me thinking because someone else made a negative comment on K9 a few weeks ago about dressed-up dogs :unsure:

Some people say 'they can't complain or consent' :wacko: but then, we do so much for them without their consent. We have to, in the course of taking care of them. They don't really have free will. We make decisions on their behalf all the time - type of food, vaccinations, length and location of walk, perhaps going to shows/racing. We assume they're okay with all that.

And if my two ever get a hat popped on their head for a photo, they don't seem to mind. Often it means extra treats :teehee:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

I didn't realise there had been a negative comment before. Hope I haven't stirred up a hormets nest :b

I know what you mean about the extra treats :- "

 

[peapod25]

I'm really glad you posted this question. Thank you!

I'm one of those folks who honestly kinda cringes when I see a "decorated" dog. Always wondered...what were those people thinking and don't they have a better way to spend time with their dog?

Never thought of it as "abuse" or truly degrading or something that should be banned or anything....I just totally don't get it. And I don't know any people personally who do it to their dogs, so I never had anyone to ask "Why???"

So I find it really helpful to see how people think on this issue.

 

[~elizabeth~]

what were those people thinking and don't they have a better way to spend time with their dog?

I think it's a matter of degree. Everyone I know well on here DOES spend a lot of time doing lots of things with their dogs, whether it's racing, lure-coursing, or just taking them for long walks in the countryside, and lets them express themselves fully as dogs. I can't see how taking a 20 minutes out of a fun-packed, energetic doggy year for a few fun photos is a problem in this context even if those photos don't appeal to everyone. Some whippets do need clothing as they simply don't have the body fat to cope with the cold as well as others, that is the only reason my dog ever wears a fleece.

On the other hand, there is probably a very small minority (not including anyone I know who owns whippets :thumbsup: ) that have a slightly confused view of dogs, and show a tendency to anthropomorhpise them (treat them as if they had the needs of humans rather than dogs); this can result in a failure to appreciate their need to lead an active life doing doggy things which can lead to behavioural issues down the line; an obsession with dressing them up can be a symptom of this, which is why it makes some people uncomfortable at times I think.

 

[TC]

I'm really glad you posted this question.  Thank you! 
I'm one of those folks who honestly kinda cringes when I see a "decorated" dog.  Always wondered...what were those people thinking and don't they have a better way to spend time with their dog?

Never thought of it as "abuse" or truly degrading or something that should be banned or anything....I just totally don't get it.  And I don't know any people personally who do it to their dogs, so I never had anyone to ask "Why???"

So I find it really helpful to see how people think on this issue.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

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Hi Peapod,

I can only speak for myself, but this is my take on it....

The boys go ballistic when I come home with a bag with new collars or coats or jumpers etc. They queue up as if to say, me, me (w00t) They just love parading round and getting attention, admittedly I am making all the cooing and ahhing noises :b It's all a bit of fun, and to be honest, we all know our own dogs and what turns them on, as well as what switches them off (I hope that makes sense) If they didn't want to do it, I would know.

Last year, my inlaws fell in love with the boys and were coming round for Christmas. They made a comment about me dressing the dogs in their posh collars and coats for the occasion, so I thought "Okay then" and proceeded to purchase the elf collars from a friend who makes them. I know I sound a complete mental case but the dogs love it, they jump all over the place if ever I go to the cupboard in the hall and accidentally knock the bag with them in and they hear the bells.

I must admit, I went one step further this year and bought the reindeer harnesses and antlers ( Wouldn't want to wear the same thing twice:b ) but they both stood there waiting to have theirs on (w00t)

As far as having a better way to spend time with my dogs, dressing up is just for Christmas, and anyone who knows me will vouch that the dogs are my life and I spend every second I can with them doing all sorts of things. This is just another game that we play, and I am quite happy with the fact that my dogs actually trust me enough to let me put something on their heads and then tie up some string under their chin.

I'm pleased that you were glad the poll was posted :thumbsup:

 

[peapod25]

what were those people thinking and don't they have a better way to spend time with their dog?

I think it's a matter of degree.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Thanks! That's why I'm finding this thread so helpful. After viewing this board for a long while I finally decided to join because it is so clear how very involved and active the members are with their dogs. And this thread is really helping me open my mind on the issue.... to see it as sometimes just one more layer of fun and involvement for people who love their dogs.

 

[TC]

what were those people thinking and don't they have a better way to spend time with their dog?

I think it's a matter of degree. Everyone I know well on here DOES spend a lot of time doing lots of things with their dogs, whether it's racing, lure-coursing, or just taking them for long walks in the countryside, and lets them express themselves fully as dogs. I can't see how taking a 20 minutes out of a fun-packed, energetic doggy year for a few fun photos is a problem in this context even if those photos don't appeal to everyone. Some whippets do need clothing as they simply don't have the body fat to cope with the cold as well as others, that is the only reason my dog ever wears a fleece.

On the other hand, there is probably a very small minority (not including anyone I know who owns whippets :thumbsup: ) that have a slightly confused view of dogs, and show a tendency to anthropomorhpise them (treat them as if they had the needs of humans rather than dogs); this can result in a failure to appreciate their need to lead an active life doing doggy things which can lead to behavioural issues down the line; an obsession with dressing them up can be a symptom of this, which is why it makes some people uncomfortable at times I think.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Excellent reply Elizabeth :thumbsup:

Just to clarify....

My dogs are dogs, and run like whippets a few times a day. We lure course, race, dabble in agility and show. They have a good diet and plenty of good old doggy things like balls to chase and soft toys to destuff :wacko: :angry:

I suppose I am slightly hypocritical with the Christmas outfits in that I obviously feel it's fine to do this, but get as upset at the next person to see dogs being treated either like toys, or as Moriate has said, like humans.

I am not ashamed to say that my boys wear coats, one especially is very prone to getting cold, but they don't wear "outfits" (w00t) only at Christmas :- "

 

[TC]

Oh No, Caroline's reading this. I'm dead :b

 

[dessie]

I voted against, I don't like to see any dog 'dressed up', never mind whether they are Whippets or not.

I know there are those who don't agree with rugging their dogs up in cold/wet weather but that is a different issue altogether, that is done for a purpose. I cannot see any justification for dressing dogs up other than ridicule.