Last-minute dog gift ideas

December 20, 2020|Dog coats, Dog situations

It's not too late!

Have you just come to the conclusion that you are out of time for getting that perfect gift for your friend or family with dogs?  Time is running short.  But there are still some things that you can do.

-   Choose gift certificates that can be purchased to allow the receiver to choose their gift.

-   Buy services like Bark Box, which get delivered monthly.

-   Make homemade dog treats, toys, etc.

-   Give a training session or other class for the dog/human team to participate in.

-   Buy services like Bark Box, which get delivered monthly.

-   Subscribe to a magazine or newsletter that includes topics of interest.

-  Promise a gift of your time for dog walking, washing, or pup-sitting.

You can still find a gift that you feel good about giving to your dog and human friends and family with a little creativity.  

Made by De offers gift certificates in any amount, available to use for any of my products. Take a look at my website or contact me for more information.

And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for the Made by De Insiders.  You'll save 20% on all orders, including gift certificates.

 

 

 

 

 

Five tips for giving a present to a dog that isn't yours.

November 8, 2020|Dog coats, Dog situations

So, you want to give a dog a gift for Christmas or some other special occasion.  If that dog lives with you, you know what works for them.  Probably pretty well. Since they're handy, you can measure them. You know what they like to do, their favorite foods, and their favorite toys.  Most likely, you know what bothers them too.  These are the things that help you give a good gift.  

But if you want to give a gift to the dog of a friend or family member, it's probably a little more complicated.  You may not know them as well. Plus, getting measurements can get tricky, especially if you want to surprise their person too. Since you aren't around them all the time, you can't possibly know all the little details. So what do you do?

Ideas for dog gifts

There are some workarounds so that you can give a gift that will be loved by a dog and their parent. Here are some ideas.  

A gift that a dog can open

If you want a dog to open your gift, you could put something in it that smells good to them, maybe a tasty treat. Make it easy enough for them to open because the gift's opening is probably the main point here.  After that, it probably won't matter to them as much.

A gift for a favorite activity

If you know that the dog enjoys agility, frisbee, scent work, etc., you could give something that can be used in their sport.  

Someone who has a service dog always needs gear to help their dog perform at the highest level. A cool coat can help keep their dog from overheating.

A sentimental gift

Sentimental gifts are more for the dog parent than for the actual dog, but they can be a nice touch.  You could pair it with something that smells good so that the dog can open it, sort of a two-for-one thing. Dog oriented Christmas ornaments or stockings or a cherished photograph could work well.

Gift certificate

Although this one isn't personalized, it can allow you to get things that require knowing measurements or other specifics.  Most companies offer some kind of certificate so that you can prepurchase and let the receiver of the gift (in this case, the dog parent) get the best item for them. Dog coats are a great example here (ahem!) Go to Made by De for more about my gift certificates.

A dog cool coat can make a great gift for your dog or for someone else's dog.

Subscription service

Companies like Chewy or Bark Box have some really cool subscriptions that the dog parent can customize for their dog.  

Giving the perfect gift to a dog

I don't know about you, but my goal is to give a gift that the receiver will really be able to use, which shows some thought and appreciation.  I hope these tips can help you figure out what that looks like for the dogs on your gift list so that you can feel good about the situation. The holiday season can be stressful, so checking things off that to-do list can make you feel downright festive!

What are your go-to gift ideas for dogs when you don't know what to give?  Tell me in the comments below.

When you go to my website, don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!    

A fleece dog coat can serve lots of purposes, from lounging around on the couch to layering under other coats on really cold days.

 

 

Ten best dog things in 2020.

December 27, 2020|Dog situations

Best of 2020 for dogs

The best thing about 2020 for many people is its end.  It's been a tough year for most of us.

However, as with most things, there has been at least some good to come out of the situation. I don't think dogs minded 2020 nearly as much as people in many ways. For example

1)  Dogs got to see a lot more of their people. Since people were restricted to their homes for much of the time, they were there for their dogs.  People weren't so crazy about it, but dogs liked it.

2)  More shelter dogs found homes. Many people who were stuck at home felt that they had the time to take in a new dog and make them part of the family.

3)  People did more training with their dogs.  Since people were at loose ends, they were looking for stuff to do with their dogs.  Many of them decided to work on training with their dogs.  

4)  People took more online classes, many of which helped them in their relationships with their dogs. Again, considering the lack of things to do at home, people turned to online classes to fill the time.  Many of these were dog-related, so dogs benefitted.

5)   For the most part, dogs didn't catch COVID-19. I heard about a couple of dogs that may have caught the virus, but I never heard about it causing any serious illnesses in dogs.

6)  Dogs got walked a whole lot more. People sought activity, especially outside, so dogs got to go on many more walks than they did pre-COVID.

7)  Dogs got to comfort their people more often. As people worried about the changes they faced, dogs did what dogs do; they comforted their people.  How can you not appreciate that love and care? Read this post for other things that dogs did for people.

8)  Dogs gave people a sense of normalcy in the crazy world that was 2020. Being dogs, they don't worry about all the things.  They appreciate the routine of eating, playing, walking, lounging with their loved ones.  That sense of calm is contagious to dog people. 

9)  Dogs didn't get left home alone as often.  Since people were home so much, dogs weren't alone nearly as much as pre-virus.  

10) People had time to shop online and buy their dogs lots of stuff.  I doubt any dogs were complaining about all the stuff.

I hope your dogs helped you make the best of 2020.  I know mine did.  Tell me about how your dogs made your life better in the comments below.

And while you're doing some of that online shopping, take a look at my website.  Sign up for the Insider Group to get all the insider information to save you money and help you give your dog their best life.  You can also save 20% on all of your orders.  Can't do better than that!

Purposes for dog clothes; they aren't all the same.

November 1, 2020|Dog coats

The purpose of dog coats depends on the needs of the dog.

Dog coats aren't all the same.

A dog coat is a dog coat, right? That isn't exactly a true statement.  It's what people usually think of when it comes to the term "dog coat."  But there's so much more to it than that.

In general, if you go to good old Google, when you look up "dog coat," you'll find lots of links that refer to a product that's intended to keep your dog warm.  But if you look a little closer, you'll see that the products have a whole bunch of differences.  You'll find dog clothes made of a wide variety of fabrics.  Each product will have different features.  They'll most likely be intended for different types of dogs; big dogs, little dogs, specialty dog breeds, etc. And their purposes may range from keeping warm to staying dry to cooling.

How do you decide what your dog needs, or if they need anything at all, with so many choices? Here are some factors to consider.

If your dog needs to stay cool, so they don't overheat, a dog cool coat is just the thing.

Your home climate

The first thing you'll need to do is consider the situation you and your dog live in. Do you have a long cold winter with lots of snow, ice, and wind?  Maybe you live someplace more temperate and only have the cold stuff once in a while.  Or do you live in a rainy climate? Some people and their dogs live in hot, dry places. Each of these places could place different demands on your dog. If you live

- in an arid climate, your dog may need something to help cool off.

- where there's a lot of rain, you'll want something waterproof but not necessarily warm.

- someplace that gets cool but not cold, you'll want something warm but don't need bulk.

- where it's freezing, you'll want to look for a more insulated coat, probably waterproof as well since getting wet makes it more difficult to stay warm.

Read more about keeping your dog warm in winter, here. 

If your dog doesn't get very cold but getting wet is an issue, a custom dog raincoat can help your dog be comfortable and dry.

Your dog's adaptations

Once you've considered climate, the next thing to look at is your dog.  Do they have a thick fur coat or a smooth one?  Big or little?  What is the heritage of their breed or breeds?  What purpose are they bred for?  A Newfoundland, bred to work in the North Atlantic's cold waters, will most likely enjoy cold winter weather.  On the other hand, a chihuahua that's bred to be a lap companion is definitely NOT suited for the cold. Factors include 

- Size: a small dog tends to get cold more easily than a big dog due to surface/body ratio

- Amount and color of fur; a dog with a thick double coat is less likely to get cold than a dog with a smooth coat. If staying cool is the purpose, a dog with a light-colored fluffy coat is more able to insulate itself from extreme heat, so cooling off may be easier for them than a dog with a smooth black coat.

- Muscle mass: since muscle creates heat, a heavily muscled dog won't get cold as quickly as a more lean dog. Heavily muscled dogs are more likely to need help cooling off for the same reason.

AKC has a great post about this.

Dogs with a lot of muscle need help to stay cool. Get them a custom dog cool coat and help prevent overheating.

The activities the two of you participate in

If you and your dog stay in a temperature-controlled environment most of the time, they may not need any assistance in the form of clothing.  However, if you have a smooth-coated dog that loves to play in the snow with you, they may need some help staying warm so that the two of you can have fun together. 

- Activities:  If your dog is an indoor dog that only goes out for brief potty breaks, they probably don't need something as warm as a dog that spends a lot of time outside in the elements.

- Environment: A dog walking on a leash around the block probably doesn't need something as durable as a dog that's running off-leash through underbrush or forest.

- Sports: If your dog participates in strenuous activities, the clothes they wear will need to appropriately keep muscles warm, be durable enough to hold up, and allow freedom of movement.

Purposes of dog clothes

Each dog and owner team will have its own needs.  That's why you need to consider all the factors to decide what's best for you and your canine friend. Once you've considered the needs, you can choose something that suits your purpose.

At Made by De, I make dog clothes for a wide variety of purposes and dogs.  I'd be happy to work with you to get your dog the perfect clothing for your needs. I make each item custom so I can help the two of you get the perfect outfit. 

Don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!   

Sometimes a fleece coat is just right for cool but not necessarily cold weather. Or even better, layered under a winter coat on frigid days.

 

Winter dog coats; what do you need to know?

January 3, 2021|Dog coats

If your dog needs help staying warm, they need a dog coat.

Winter dog coats - which dogs need them?

If a dog needs help staying warm, they will benefit from a dog coat. Usually, small dogs, lean dogs, and dogs with smooth coats need a coat when the weather turns cold.  If your dog is shivering, curled up, or refusing to go outside, they are probably not warm enough.  

Which type of dog coat does a dog need?

Not all dog coats are alike.  You'll find a wide variety of fabrics, styles, and features available. So how do you know what will best help your dog?  

A custom dog coat that provides insulation can help your dog stay warm.

Dog coats keep your dog warm in a few different ways.  The first way is to provide insulation, which keeps the body heat in and the cold out.  Coats can have different amounts of insulation or more than one layer of fabric to accomplish the goal.

Another way coats can keep your dog warm is to keep them dry.  A less known fact is that when a dog is wet, they lose more body heat due to evaporation.  Evaporation causes a drop in temperature. Therefore, if a dog is dry, they are better able to stay warm. If you are in a climate with a fair amount of rain or snow, this would be a good quality for a dog coat to have.

If your dog gets wet, it's much harder to stay warm. In that instance, a waterproof dog coat would be a good idea.

A third way of keeping a dog warm is to block wind since it also causes a decrease in body temperature.  Just decreasing the amount of wind your dog feels helps your dog maintain a comfortable temperature. If you live in a windy location, this factor will be important.

Other factors to consider

Once you have decided that your dog needs a coat and which qualities your dog's coat needs, it's time to consider features. Dog coats come with hoods, neck covering, belly covering, leg covering, and a variety of attachment options, etc.  

You know your dog, their physical traits, their likes and dislikes, etc.  It's important to remember that your dog will be more likely to appreciate the coat if they are comfortable in it.  

Your dog's health situation could dictate their needs as well.  If your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or is elderly, a dog coat can make them more comfortable since cold aggravates the pain involved.  Read this post about hip dysplasia for more information.

There is no absolute right answer here, as long as your dog is staying warm and comfortable.  If you feel good about the purchase and your dog doesn't mind wearing it, then that's the right coat.

A coat that has an outer shell that blocks wind or moisture will help your dog stay warmer.

When you go to my website, don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!      

Measuring for a dog coat; how to get the best fit.

October 11, 2020|Dog coats

A dog coat that fits will allow your dog to play without getting in the way.

 

So, have you decided that your dog needs a coat or pajamas? If so, I'll bet you want to be sure they fit right so your dog will like wearing them. To get a good fit, you need to know how to measure your dog for dog clothing.

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Dogs have certain basic features; walking on all fours (unless they’ve lost a limb or something), back, head, tail, or tail stump. So measuring for any coat will have similarities across the board. You can check with the company you’re considering for their specifics, but if you’re able to list the measurements as specified in the diagram below, you should be able to get pretty close.

 

Steps to measure for a dog coat

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Measure according to the diagram above, from the Made by De website. Some makers will use slightly different formulas, but these should be very helpful.

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• Length of back from the base of the neck (where the neck and body meet) to the base of the tail (where back and tail meet)
• Around the base of the neck
• Circumference around the rib cage
• Groin or “waist.”
• Underneath length from a notch above the sternum, between legs to end of the belly just below the ribcage
• Circumference of the head in front of ears
• Height of your dog from the top of shoulder to ground
• Neck length from in front of ears to the base of the neck (where neck and body meet)

​

A dog coat that fits well will allow your dog to run and play like this.

Tips for measuring correctly for a dog coat

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1. Use a cloth tape. It’s flexible, so you can measure your dog around the curves and all. Do Not use a ruler or a carpenter’s measuring tape. Your numbers will be inaccurate and probably result in a poorly fitting coat.
2. Measure your dog while standing. If they’re sitting or lying down or otherwise not straight, your numbers will also be off.
3. Find out where your coat maker marks the length of the back. For example, if you include the neck, your coat could be several inches too long and out of proportion.
4. Be sure to let the maker know the age and breed of the dog. A puppy is going to grow. Even a one or two-year-old dog will have measurement changes. And breed affects the amount of growth and proportions. If the coat maker knows these things, they might be able to allow for growth.
5. Measure to the 1/4 inch, loosely. Put just a little gap (a couple of fingertips) in. This allows for slack. Dogs don’t like their clothes tight any more than we do.

Dog diapers should fit well so that they aren't rubbing anywhere but they'll stay on.

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There you have it. To get the right dog clothing, it's important to measure. But it’s not too difficult and well worth the extra effort. If you have any problems, your maker will probably welcome your questions. You want the coat to fit your dog and for you both to like it. For more about dog coats, read my post Dog coat fit; how should they fit? or this post from AKC.

When you go to my website, don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!   

 

 

 

Five tips for giving a present to a dog that isn't yours.

November 8, 2020|Dog coats, Dog situations

So, you want to give a dog a gift for Christmas or some other special occasion.  If that dog lives with you, you know what works for them.  Probably pretty well. Since they're handy, you can measure them. You know what they like to do, their favorite foods, and their favorite toys.  Most likely, you know what bothers them too.  These are the things that help you give a good gift.  

But if you want to give a gift to the dog of a friend or family member, it's probably a little more complicated.  You may not know them as well. Plus, getting measurements can get tricky, especially if you want to surprise their person too. Since you aren't around them all the time, you can't possibly know all the little details. So what do you do?

Ideas for dog gifts

There are some workarounds so that you can give a gift that will be loved by a dog and their parent. Here are some ideas.  

A gift that a dog can open

If you want a dog to open your gift, you could put something in it that smells good to them, maybe a tasty treat. Make it easy enough for them to open because the gift's opening is probably the main point here.  After that, it probably won't matter to them as much.

A gift for a favorite activity

If you know that the dog enjoys agility, frisbee, scent work, etc., you could give something that can be used in their sport.  

Someone who has a service dog always needs gear to help their dog perform at the highest level. A cool coat can help keep their dog from overheating.

A sentimental gift

Sentimental gifts are more for the dog parent than for the actual dog, but they can be a nice touch.  You could pair it with something that smells good so that the dog can open it, sort of a two-for-one thing. Dog oriented Christmas ornaments or stockings or a cherished photograph could work well.

Gift certificate

Although this one isn't personalized, it can allow you to get things that require knowing measurements or other specifics.  Most companies offer some kind of certificate so that you can prepurchase and let the receiver of the gift (in this case, the dog parent) get the best item for them. Dog coats are a great example here (ahem!) Go to Made by De for more about my gift certificates.

A dog cool coat can make a great gift for your dog or for someone else's dog.

Subscription service

Companies like Chewy or Bark Box have some really cool subscriptions that the dog parent can customize for their dog.  

Giving the perfect gift to a dog

I don't know about you, but my goal is to give a gift that the receiver will really be able to use, which shows some thought and appreciation.  I hope these tips can help you figure out what that looks like for the dogs on your gift list so that you can feel good about the situation. The holiday season can be stressful, so checking things off that to-do list can make you feel downright festive!

What are your go-to gift ideas for dogs when you don't know what to give?  Tell me in the comments below.

When you go to my website, don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!    

A fleece dog coat can serve lots of purposes, from lounging around on the couch to layering under other coats on really cold days.

 

Starting a business; how Made by De got started

October 18, 2020|Dog situations

A dog cool coat can help your dog have fun even when it's hot.

  

Starting a business; in the beginning.

Starting a business making custom dog clothes has been an adventure. I have been making custom dog clothes for more than 10 years now (hard to believe……the time has flown!).  I didn’t really think much about making anything for a profit before then and certainly about having my own online business.  It is funny how life works.

I was an RN for lots of years but got tired of the long shifts, working weekends and holidays, running all day, and having very little control over how my day went. It was good, mostly, especially the pay, but I wanted a change.  That’s when life decided to intervene.

Life works in mysterious ways.

Although it doesn't sound like a good thing, I got injured.  After I broke my ankle, I couldn't work as a nurse until I healed up. This unfortunate event was actually just the thing I needed to get me out of my rut. 

While healing, I had time on my hands.  But I am the type of person who doesn’t sit still much, so I was wanting something to do.  We had an old sewing machine sitting around, and I decided to mess around with it.

At about the same time, I had a friend who had a little local coffee shop that sold gifts and trinkets. She would buy dog coats made out of repurposed second-hand clothes from another lady in town who needed the extra cash.  They were stacking up at her shop!

Little dogs like dachshunds can be really hard to fit. A custom dog coat is just the thing.

People buy dog coats, really!

We got to talking, and I told her I was looking for something to do and would try to list them on eBay.  Many of them sold there.  However, in trying to sell them, I kept hearing from this person who had a dachshund or that person who had a Mastiff that was having a hard time finding something to fit their dog.

Since I was learning how to sew, I told them I would make coats for their dogs.  After doing this a few times, I thought maybe I could try putting together a website and seeing if I could sell the coats I was making.

Starting a business!

I put together a website, and then an Etsy site.  I talked to more and more people about it and started trying social media or google ads for marketing. And I quit my RN job.

I also started looking at agility trials and dog shows. Turned out, I could set up at events and sell my stuff there too! It was a lot of work going to events and setting up a booth, then taking it all down, preparing for another show, and doing it all again, but it was a really great learning experience!

At the shows, I talked to lots and lots of dog lovers.  They liked the fact that I made coats to fit their dogs.  Many of them told me how tired they were of buying stuff that didn’t fit.  Or not being able to find the right raincoat, etc. Many of my clients would ask me about this or that item they were looking for, and usually, I could come up with a way to get it done for them.

It turns out that many dogs have trouble with the heat. Dog cool coats help to prevent them from overheating.

I've developed new and better products and updated my website numerous times since then, but it all started because of a usually negative event that turned out to be a positive one.

See my page, Made by De, for more information about all my products. Do you know why a dog needs a dog coat? Read Dog coats; explained for more. Or you can read my posts about Why your dog needs a custom coat or How a dog coat can help your dog to discover more about dog coats and clothes.

When you go to my website, don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!      

Do you use dog clothes for your dog?  What do you want them to do for your pup? Tell me about your experiences in the comments below.

 

Why get a dog raincoat for your best friend?

January 17, 2021|Dog coats

Why does your dog need a raincoat?

Does your dog need a raincoat?

Not every dog needs a raincoat, but some do.  Is yours one of them?  That's going to depend on several factors. The place you live, what you do with your dog, and their characteristics can be factors in your decision about getting or not getting a raincoat.

Keeping your dog dry will help keep them warm.

You might want to consider getting a dog raincoat if

-  You live someplace with a lot of rain.

-  Your dog has long fur that takes a while to dry.

-   You want to keep the "wet dog" smell under control.

-   You want to decrease the amount of rain and mud all over when your dog comes in from the rain.  

-   You want to keep your dog from getting chilled if they have to spend time in the rain.

A dog raincoat can keep your dog warmer too.

If you want to keep your dog's fur looking well-groomed, a raincoat can keep it dry and looking good too.  Certain breeds take quite a bit of grooming and rain can add a bunch of work.

A custom dog coat can be made to cover the parts that need to be covered from head to belly to tail.

You can find raincoats made of different fabrics.  They can be lined or unlined.  You'll also find a variety of features like hoods, reflective strips, or tummy coverage. These can help you get the most from your purchase when they're suited to your needs. 

For more information about dog coats' functions, read the post Dog coats; fashionable or functional. You can also check out this post from topdogtips.com to read about the benefits of raincoats and dog coats in general.

If you're interested in a raincoat for your dog, take a look at the Made by De website for styles, features, and more.  When you go there, sign up for the Made by De insiders and save 20% on your order.

Keeping your dog dry in a custom dog raincoat will help them have more fun and you have less mess.

A custom dog raincoat can fit any dog, even a muscular dog like thi

 

 

Quality dog products; how do you know?

October 25, 2020|Dog coats

A quality dog coat will last for years and will fit your dog well.

Why get any dog coat when you can get a quality one?

Quality dog products are important if you have a dog, right?  You want to know that you're getting the best stuff for your dog but not wasting money while doing it. But how do you know if you're going to ACTUALLY get what you expect for your money?

One of the steps you can take to make sure you're getting quality is to research companies you want to buy from. Google is great for this.  You can also check them out on Facebook since many companies will be there too.  Read this post about buying quality products in general for more info.

A dog cool coat that fits well will help your dog enjoy the heat.

What should you look for to make sure it's quality?

A reputable company will have a website or other information that describes available products.  They'll probably have reviews that tell you what other people thought of their products and possibly ratings or testimonials as well.  There aren't any real requirements or standards, so you have to rely on your impression of what you find. 

While you should see many great reviews, all companies get a negative review now and then, so that's not necessarily a deal-breaker.  A good company will resolve any issues and probably go overboard to do it. When you read the reviews, you want to see a pattern of excellent service and quality.  They might even talk about how the company resolved any issues, which is extra valuable to a prospective buyer. 

Another way for a company to build trust with customers is to have a guarantee.  If they have a guarantee spelled out, you can familiarize yourself with what to expect from that company.  Chances are that if they aren't living up to that guarantee, reviewers will reflect that lack. 

A dog coat that is made well will last for years.

Made by De produces quality dog products

I believe I've built a reputable, well-respected company over the years.  I think that's one of the most important qualities of a company someone would want to use. I treat each customer like family and work to provide just what they want and their dog needs. I have many reviews to this effect.  And I have quite a few clients that have bought from me more than once.  

Whether new or repeat customers, any client wants to know that they are getting quality dog products. That's why Made by De also has a guarantee, as follows:

I'll make clothing that fits your dog, something that you and your dog will love! With a little help from you. And I'll be with you down the road. Each custom dog item comes with free minor alteration and/or repair for the life of your purchase. After the purchase, all you'll have to pay is the cost of shipping it to me. I'll ship it back for free too!  

I encourage you to take a look at my website. Read the guarantee.  Ask me any questions.  I want Made by De to be THE place to go for quality dog products, custom made just for your dog.

Great fit dog britches are made to last. And since they're also made to be comfortable, your dog won't mind wearing them. At least not as much.