My kilted experience at the dog park

**Hiburnicus** · 8th February 15, 04:56 PM

Greetings!

I wanted to share a recent experience and my observations from daily wear of my kilts at my local dog park.

I enjoy wearing my kilts in daily life a couple times a week or more. Sometimes it's a traditional kilt ( I have a couple now) or My multicam 5.11 TDK.

Normally, folks are very friendly at my local dog park, the Dogs run and play, the people chat about dog stuff and life in general. It's a fun place to go for an hour or so several times a week.
I've noticed that when I go there kilted, folks are much less friendly, sometimes stand-offish.

Only one time has anybody actually said anything about my kilt, which was yesterday.
A woman's dog barked at me, and I asked why it was barking...The woman, with her young daughter were walking laps around the park.
The woman said, "He's barking because you are wearing a skirt." as she walked past. I didn't respond at all, being a bit suprised.

the next time they walked past, the girl came over and sheepishly asked why I was wearing a skirt. I informed her, "This is a kilt, and it's something that men sometimes wear. I like wearing this one." The girl said, "Oh, ok then." And the woman said, "I could have told you that!" And then asked if I was wearing underwear...lol
I said, "Yes, indeed I am! Are you?"
The woman said, "No I'm not", which embarrassed her daughter. She said, "Mom, you're not supposed to tell people THAT!"
Mom said, "well I asked him first, I think that's fair." And we all laughed a bit.
It was a funny moment.

We talked a bit more, I've seen them there several times and they like my dog. I thought the entire episode was a bit refreshing, since this woman is the first to actually address the subject which has clearly been on a few people's minds.

I fully intend to continue wearing my kilt there or not, freely as I choose to...of course!

**Mike in Dayton** · 8th February 15, 05:53 PM

When my dog was younger I would go to the dog park. We have a very nice one in my community. I found the same thing that the kilt was more of a negative then a positive. Of course dog parks, in general, are less about exercising and socializing your dog and more about the dog's owner finding a date. Wearing a kilt did not fit the profile of what a lady was looking for so I was ignored. Having a small dog was also a negative. My dog was a terrier and would try to pick fights with the big dogs so I had to keep him on the small dog side of the park.

**tundramanq** · 8th February 15, 06:04 PM

An aggressive dog won't help anyone socialize at the parks. I have no problems at parks being kilted with my ever friendly pug. She is my ice breaker. Once a few people know you are wearing a kilt for the right reasons, the word gets around and all is well.

**Dughlas mor** · 8th February 15, 08:53 PM

That`s an interesting story. It sounds like you and the daughter were maybe able to change the woman`s perspective a bit. It also sounds like she maybe wants a date.

**Norbo** · 9th February 15, 05:50 AM

I assume you had a sporran as well so its plain that its a kilt . I'm going to Egypt in a few weeks and will take 3 kilts so it will be interesting to see what they make of me .

**Dale-of-Cedars** · 9th February 15, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Norbo

I assume you had a sporran as well so its plain that its a kilt . I'm going to Egypt in a few weeks and will take 3 kilts so it will be interesting to see what they make of me .

Hopefully those you meet will remember their own Egyptian kilted heritage...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shendyt
I'd avoid downtown Cairo though...

**Tarheel** · 9th February 15, 06:35 AM

How wonderful the reaction of pets and young children are in breaking the boundaries of conversation. They (children and pets) don't see color, age, sex or any bias that will prevent an honest response. It is the world I prefer to live in.