How do I get my dog used to wearing a coat?

Let the dog approach and sniff the coat on its own terms for a few sessions, dropping treats near or on top of it, so the object itself becomes unremarkable and non-threatening before any attempt to put it on. Rushing straight to fastening a coat on a dog that has never encountered it before often creates more resistance than a few extra days of simple familiarization would have prevented.

Once the dog is relaxed around the coat, drape it loosely over the back for just a few seconds, rewarding calm behavior, before progressing to fastening one strap, then the full coat, over several short sessions rather than attempting the complete process in one go. Keeping each session under a minute or two in these early stages, ending on a calm, successful note, builds confidence faster than a single long struggle.

Once a dog tolerates the coat being on, encouraging a little normal movement indoors, walking around the living room or doing a simple trick, helps it adjust to the unfamiliar feel and restricted movement before facing the coat for the first time on an actual walk outdoors with more distractions.

A dog that freezes, tries to bite at the coat repeatedly, or seems genuinely distressed rather than just mildly unsure may need an even slower approach, sometimes over a couple of weeks, or a different style of coat that goes on more simply, such as one that slips over the head rather than one with multiple fastenings and leg loops.