How to Put a Dog Hat On: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

A dog hat is a stylish and practical accessory for walks, beach days, park adventures and dog-friendly café visits. It can provide additional shade around your dog’s face while adding a little personality to their outdoor look.

Coco + Bondi dog hats are designed with ear openings and an adjustable elastic cord with a sliding toggle, helping you create a comfortable and secure fit.

Wearing a hat may feel unusual for your dog at first, so introduce it gradually and keep the experience calm and positive. Here is how to put a dog hat on correctly.

How Do You Put a Hat on a Dog?

Loosen the elastic cord completely, gently guide your dog’s head through the opening, position their ears through the ear holes and slide the toggle underneath their chin.

The strap should feel secure without being tight. You should be able to fit at least one finger comfortably between the cord and your dog.

Step 1: Let Your Dog Investigate the Hat

Before putting the hat on, let your dog see and sniff it.

Reward calm behaviour with praise or a small treat. This helps your dog associate the hat with something positive rather than feeling surprised when it is placed over their head.

Step 2: Loosen the Elastic Cord

Slide the toggle down to loosen the elastic cord completely.

Opening the strap creates enough room to guide your dog’s head through comfortably without pulling or placing pressure around their face, neck or ears.

Make sure the hat is facing the right way before putting it on.

Step 3: Guide Your Dog’s Head Through

Gently guide your dog’s head through the loosened cord and place the hat over their head.

Move slowly and avoid forcing the hat into position. The front of the hat should sit above your dog’s eyes without blocking their vision.

Step 4: Adjust the Ears

Carefully guide each ear through the ear openings.

Make sure the ears sit naturally and are not folded, squeezed or trapped underneath the hat. Check both sides before adjusting the strap.

Step 5: Adjust the Toggle Strap

Once the hat and ears are positioned correctly, slide the toggle upwards until the elastic cord sits comfortably underneath your dog’s chin.

Leave enough space to fit at least one finger between the cord and your dog. This helps keep the hat secure without making the strap too tight.

Before heading outside, check that:

• Your dog’s ears sit naturally.
• The hat remains above their eyes.
• You can fit one finger under the cord.
• Your dog can move their head normally.
• Your dog can pant and open their mouth comfortably.

How Should a Dog Hat Fit?

A dog hat should stay in position without restricting your dog’s movement.

The front should sit above the eyes, the ears should fit comfortably through the openings and the cord should rest underneath the chin. If the hat moves around excessively, the strap may be too loose. If the cord leaves marks or appears uncomfortable, loosen the toggle.

Always supervise your dog while they are wearing their hat.

What If Your Dog Tries to Remove It?

It is normal for some dogs to shake their head or paw at the hat the first few times they wear it.

Begin with short practice sessions indoors. Let your dog wear the hat for a few seconds, offer a reward and then remove it. Gradually increase the wearing time as they become more comfortable.

Never force your dog to wear the hat. Remove it if they continue to show signs of stress or discomfort.

When Can Dogs Wear Hats?

A lightweight dog hat can be a fun addition to:

• Daily walks
• Beach and park adventures
• Outdoor café visits
• Picnics and road trips
• Dog-friendly community events
• Photos and special occasions

A hat may provide extra shade, but it does not replace other warm-weather precautions. During Australian summer conditions, walk during cooler parts of the day and give your dog regular access to shade and fresh water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should a dog hat strap be?

The elastic cord should be secure but not tight. Leave enough room to fit at least one finger between the cord and your dog.

Where should my dog’s ears sit?

Each ear should sit naturally through the hat’s ear opening without being folded or compressed.

Can dogs wear hats for long periods?

Start with short periods and gradually increase the time. Always supervise your dog and remove the hat if they appear uncomfortable.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Once the fit is comfortable, your pup will be ready for walks, beach days and weekend adventures in true Coco + Bondi style.

Explore the Coco + Bondi dog hat collection and find a colour that suits your dog’s personality.

Comfort first. Style always.