Do Dogs Really Hate Hats?

[deanzat]

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...

 

[Sam Craig]

HeyMoe!

That's one great pooch.
Did he pick out the hat himself, or was it a gift?

Sam

 

[CharlieB]

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]

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]

My dog loves them

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.......

 

[Feraud]

My dog likes my hats a little too much. He'd happily chew them up if given half a chance.

 

[scottyrocks]

My dog didnt care what I wore. He just reacted when I made any move toward the front door.

 

[azhiker]

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]

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]

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.

 

[suitedcboy]

I have had several dogs of mine that LOVE hats. I wear a hat when I get in the car to go somewhere and the dog gets to go most of the time. I come into room with my hat on and sit down to get shoes or boots on and he is READY. He has no fondness for ball caps as I don't go anywhere wearing a ball cap.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I wear a hat when I get in the car to go somewhere and the dog gets to go most of the time.

Ditto.

 

[Zombie_61]

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.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

My shepherd doesn’t care for hats much:

 

[scottyrocks]

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.

 

[Zombie_61]

...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.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

I asked my dog if he loved or hated hats & you're not going to believe it but he replied "What's a hat ?"
I know..I know, completely unbelievable. 10 years old & he doesn't even know what a hat is !

 

[M Hatman]

My shepherd doesn’t care for hats much:

View attachment 251360

I do not have a dog anymore only a cat.....and no matter how I try to show him some nice ones (in his size even)....he just WILL NOT wear one......

 

[scottyrocks]

My dog loves hats . . . but unly vit a schmeer.

 

[Just A Hat Rack]

My shepherd doesn’t care for hats much:

View attachment 251360

Looks like he's a long oval!