Security - In addition to clothing functioning to help a Yorkshire Terrier maintain body temperature, extra security can be gained by some Yorkies due to the feeling of the clothes and not just the warmth that they provide. If you are familiar with 'thunder vests', these are close-fitting vests or shirts, meant to fit as a wrap to keep a dog calm during times of high stress, such as thunderstorms.
They can also be used at other times such as being within hearing distance of a firework display; and though they are marketed to be used for
separation anxiety, we do not recommend them for that purpose since that would require long-term wear of a close fitting piece of clothing.
However, they work similar to how a baby is swaddled and this works quite well for many dogs. When you place clothing on a Yorkie, though it should not fit as tightly as a stress-reducer vest, the very element of feeling soft fabric over and around the chest and back can help a Yorkie feel safe and often, calmer.
Extra cuteness factor = surprise benefit
- Of course, when you place clothing on your Yorkshire Terrier, an added benefit is that he or she is going to look extra cute. But this results in something often unexpected... During the holidays, at family gatherings or when attending other events, often there is more chaos and commotion; this can leave closely bonded dogs like the Yorkie to feel a bit left out.
So, one benefit of clothing that many owners do not realize until it happens, is that when a Yorkie is dressed up for an event and looking extra cuddly, he is getting more attention.
Dogs are very
aware of when they are gaining that extra attention; and this does not just refer to verbal recognition or being petted; canines are quite remarkable at picking up non-verbal cues including facial expressions and body language. Being admired, even passively, can be just the thing to allow a Yorkie to feel special and confident.