Still Want a Walk in the Rain? How Dasha Gets Her Australian Shepherd Out the Door in a Windbreaker

“It’s raining outside, but do you want to go for a walk?” Dasha, who lives outside Austin, Texas, asks her Australian Shepherd as the pup waits by the door. Whether to go out in the rain is a question every dog owner gets stuck on: stay in, and your dog gets restless; go out, and you both come home soaked. Dasha’s answer was to zip her dog into a PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker in Navy Blue — from unboxing to leash clipped, step by step — and head out for their usual walk.

💬 The Rainy-Day Dilemma: Go Out or Stay In?

For a high-energy Australian Shepherd, even one skipped walk shows. Winter rain in Central Texas tends to come in scattered, on-and-off days — and if every rainy day means staying home, it’s hard on dogs and people alike.

👍 Dasha’s Favorite Features

• Water-repellent finish: the DWR treatment helps rain and dirt bead off instead of soaking in.
• Zippers: she points out how much easier the zippers make getting dressed.
• Adjustable hood: extra cover when the weather turns.
• 3D cut: comfortable, free movement for active dogs.
• Reflective piping: added visibility when the light fades.

“Need to attach the leash? No problem — there’s a dedicated opening for a harness or collar, so you’re ready to go,” Dasha says.

She later left a review on the PETT2GO site, too:

“This coat is perfect for my little Aussie pup! It fits great and keeps her comfy when we’re out, even though she’s still growing.”

— Dasha, PETT2GO customer review

One honest note: Dasha calls it “waterproof fabric.” Strictly speaking, the windbreaker has a water-repellent (DWR) finish — it isn’t a raincoat. It handles the occasional light shower well, but its water protection is limited compared with a true raincoat.

👐 First Time Wearing It: What’s the Order?

Following Dasha’s steps, here’s how to approach the first try:

1. Let your dog sniff it first: take it out of the pouch and let your dog check it out before putting it on.
2. Front legs first: crouch beside your dog, guide one front leg in at a time, then smooth the suit back over the shoulders.
3. Then the back legs and the back zipper: with the zipper on the back, your dog doesn’t have to roll over or hold a leg up for long.
4. Leash and hood: clip the leash to the harness through the opening, then pull the hood on and snug the drawcord.

It doesn’t have to be perfect the first time. The goal is for your dog to learn that “jacket on = walk time.” Reward each step at first; after a few tries, many dogs will stand still and wait for you.

🌧️ Is a Windbreaker Enough for a Drizzle?

In winter, a windbreaker isn’t only about blocking wind and holding in body heat — scattered rainy days can throw off your daily walks, too. That’s exactly where the Lightweight Windbreaker shines. PETT2GO tested the fabric with AATCC 35 (a rain-penetration test that simulates steady rainfall): it absorbed just 0.2 g of water — one-fifth of the 1.0 g threshold the industry uses for waterproof ratings. In other words, drizzle and quick showers have a hard time getting through.

Still, a windbreaker isn’t a raincoat. It’s plenty for a light drizzle, but if you expect steady rain for more than 20–30 minutes, switch to the PETT2GO Breathable Raincoat.

🐾 Full Coverage Makes a Big Difference for Fluffy Dogs

Australian Shepherds have a double coat with long feathering on the legs and belly — exactly where rainy-day mud soaks in. The full-coverage suit covers about 80% of the body, including all four legs and the belly, with elastic cuffs at the ankles. Back home, hang the suit to dry and your dog usually just needs a quick towel-off instead of a full bath.

Rainy Walk Pick | PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker

Water-repellent fabric for drizzle and quick showers, full coverage for legs and belly so there’s far less mud to wipe off, plus a back zipper and leash opening for easy on and off.

Shop Now →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will my dog resist wearing a jacket the first time?

Some dogs will. Try short sessions at home first, pairing the jacket with treats so your dog connects it with rewards, then wear it outside once your dog is comfortable.

Can my dog wear the windbreaker on drizzly days? Is it waterproof?

It has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and passed the AATCC 35 rain test, so drizzle and brief showers are no problem. If you expect steady rain for more than 20–30 minutes, switch to the PETT2GO Breathable Raincoat.

Can my dog wear it over a harness?

Yes. It’s designed to go over your dog’s existing collar or harness. There’s a leash opening for collars, and the 3-way waterproof zipper on the back lets you line the opening up with your harness D-ring — no need to change your walking routine.

My puppy is still growing. How should I choose a size?

PETT2GO sizing is based on weight and body measurements, not breed. Start with your puppy’s current weight and coat length in the PETT2GO Size Assistant on the product page; if you’re unsure about leaving room to grow, send us your puppy’s weight and age. We generally recommend choosing a size once your dog is about one year old and at adult size — it’s more accurate.

Is the Lightweight Windbreaker a good holiday gift for a dog lover?

Yes — just find out the dog’s weight and coat length first and pick the size with the Size Assistant. A gift that fits is a gift that gets worn every day.

Related Reading

• DWR Windbreaker vs Spring Drizzle: Enough or Need Raincoat?
• How To Get Your Dog Used To Wearing A Coat?
• After a Rainy Trail Walk — How to Dry Your Dog's Jacket Properly

Rainy days don’t have to mean staying in. Be ready, head out as usual, and keep the daily walk for what it’s really about — time together.

Video shared by Dasha in Texas, used with permission. Review quoted from the PETT2GO website.