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Do Dogs Really Hate Hats?

deanzat

One of the Regulars
Messages
125
Location
Ojai, CA
Sometimes I think that when it comes to sentient beings, all evidence, however carefully collected, is ultimately anecdotal. The problem is that when I doff my hat to calm the dogs, any humans nearby recoil in horror...
 

CharlieB

A-List Customer
Messages
368
Location
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
My sister had two Labradors that hated anyone in a hat or cap.

My Lab mix and Rotty mix have grown up with me wearing them, so they know it means "time to go out" when they see one on my head.

I think it's all in what they get used to.
 

T Rick

Practically Family
Messages
934
Location
Metro Detroit
My sister had two Labradors that hated anyone in a hat or cap.

My Lab mix and Rotty mix have grown up with me wearing them, so they know it means "time to go out" when they see one on my head.

I think it's all in what they get used to.

Or what they're not used to. The Fedora with it's full brim is not something seen all that often anymore, and if it is totally new to a dog, it can freak them out. I've gotten a slight bit of a puzzled look from a friend's two dogs (dogs that I know well and see daily), until they got used to my hats. But at first, there was definitely some trepidation on their part (more one than the other, but a noticeable reaction from both).
 

Ordinary Guy

One Too Many
Messages
1,292
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
My dog loves them

img1657sm.jpg

The only time my dog was upset when I was wearing a hat , was when he wanted to wear it instead of me...

Hence my avatar.......
 

azhiker

One of the Regulars
Messages
218
Location
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
I wear my 'beater' fedora conversion every day when I walk my dog. She is a Jack-Shitz, and very excitable. she could care less if I have a hat on, as long as I have that lease! we see alot of other folks walking dogs, NEVER any reaction from other dogs to my hat, but my 15 lb terror does intimdate most male dogs, especially larger ones!
 

Bebop

Practically Family
Messages
951
Location
Sausalito, California
As a dog behaviorist and trainer, I can tell you that if your dog is used to people in hats, it will have no problem when you approach it while wearing a hat. That is why I've never had a dog that "hates hats". To a dog that isn't used to seeing hats, you are a guy with a weird shape to your head and even more scary is that you can remove part of that head with your hand, which is something it's owner doesn't do.
Generally speaking, dogs do seem to have more of a problem with men than women. It's the energy level you present. Women are usually less dominant with their energy level. Socializing your dog and getting it around all objects and people is pretty important.
 

jackparker

New in Town
Messages
2
Conventional wisdom around here says that dogs dislike men in hats. I've developed a habit of doffing my hat as I approach properties with excitable dogs on my daily walk.

Anyone know if there's real research on the topic?
Fortunately, no. DOGS of any age can become comfortable with hats through consistent and positive exposure. To help your dog conquer their fear of hats, begin by wearing a hat around them for a few weeks. During this time, you should also introduce your dog to friends wearing hats.
 
Messages
11,894
Location
Southern California
Our dog couldn't care less about hats, probably because I've been wearing them since we brought him home so he's used to them. If I'm out in public somewhere and encounter a dog who seems to be bothered by whichever hat I'm wearing, I've found that removing it slowly and holding it out for the dog to sniff (while I'm talking to the dog) and otherwise examine usually removes the mystery for them and they no longer care.
 

scottyrocks

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,160
Location
Isle of Langerhan, NY
Our dog couldn't care less about hats, probably because I've been wearing them since we brought him home so he's used to them. If I'm out in public somewhere and encounter a dog who seems to be bothered by whichever hat I'm wearing, I've found that removing it slowly and holding it out for the dog to sniff (while I'm talking to the dog) and otherwise examine usually removes the mystery for them and they no longer care.

My dogs have never cared, either, about hats, also because I've been wearing them for as long as I've had dogs, if not longer.

My next door neighbor's dog, however, goes nuts when he comes out into the back yard when I'm out in my back yard, especially as I get close to the shared fence. My neighbor says it's because of the hat. I've even taken it off in front of her, but that hasn't seemed to make any difference. I just think the dog goes nuts naturally, hat or no hat.
 
Messages
11,894
Location
Southern California
...My next door neighbor's dog, however, goes nuts when he comes out into the back yard when I'm out in my back yard, especially as I get close to the shared fence. My neighbor says it's because of the hat. I've even taken it off in front of her, but that hasn't seemed to make any difference. I just think the dog goes nuts naturally, hat or no hat.
It's probably you the dog "goes nuts" for, hat or no hat. :D
 

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