Why You Should Consider Shopping Small

 Alot of people to to the big stores to purchase stuff for their dogs, whether it’s online or in person. While these stores can be very convenient, there is a downside to shopping big. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider shopping with a small company instead.

Big store versus small business

1) Big stores are geared toward the "average" dog. That means the clothing they carry for your dog might be made to fit the "average" dog, which your dog is probably NOT. It's too complicated and time-consuming for them to accommodate lots of variations, so they don't.

A small company has a greater ability to individualize products. If they aren't responsible for making the product, they usually know who does. These products are usually made on a smaller scale as well, so modifications are not as difficult.

2) A large company works with hundreds or thousands of people and their dogs every day. The odds of being able to work directly with someone to get something just right for your dog gets much more difficult when you're one of many.

A small shop doesn't work on the same type of scale as a large company. The chances are that when you contact a small shop, you'll either talk directly to the owner or to someone who talks to the owner every day. This means you talk to someone who might be able to find a way to meet the specific needs of your dog.

3) A large company gets many sales all the time. So many, that they can't really pay attention to each client.

Dog diapers, as well as any other dog clothing, work much better if they fit. A small company like Made by De can give each dog the individual attention they need.

A small company is more likely to notice each sale and be able to connect with the person making the sale.

4) A large shop is able to sell you something right away. They usually have a large inventory of "average" products.

A small one might take a bit of extra time to get just what you need. However, the time might be well spent if you don't have to keep looking for that product that fills the need of you and your unique dog best. Specific can be much better than average.

Plus, when you buy from a small business, you are buying from someone who is working to keep a roof over them, feed their family, get their kids what they need. If you don't know them personally, they're probably just like people you know.

Why you should consider a small business for buying dog clothes, or anything else for that matter.

Most owners of small businesses take great pride in giving their clients the best products and services they can. The price may be a bit higher, but that's often because they are making sure whatever they provide is made well. In the long run, you save money because their products will last.

My company, Made by De, is a one-person shop. When you contact my company, you talk to me. I take great pride in meeting the needs of my clients and their dogs to the best of my ability. Take a look and see how I can help you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dog Diapers that fit your dog

 

How should a dog coat fit?

You’ve decided your dog needs a coat or other clothing. But how do you get the right fit? No matter what the product, sizing is important. The dog coat has to feel good for your dog or you're going to have problems. A comfortable dog will be able to work better.

How do you get a good fit?

The most important thing is that the coat is proportionate to your dog. That means you'll have to measure them in several different spots, depending on the garment. You’ll want to use the specific standards of your intended maker to get the proportions right.

Length

A good place to start is back length (A in the diagram below) since the coat proportions generally are based on length. A coat that is too short or too long is likely to have fastenings or other features in the wrong place.

Neck

The neck (B in the diagram) needs to have enough room but not too much to feel good. A couple of fingers should fit between your dog and the neck of the coat. If the neck is too big, the coat will hang low over the shoulders and get in the way of movement.

Chest or girth

Chest or girth (C in diagram) is the third measurement that is important. If the coat won’t fit over the ribcage or just barely closes, your dog won’t want to move (remember tight jeans?) if you can even get the coat to stay on. Again, you should allow at least a couple of fingers between your dog and the coat for movement.

Other considerations

The shoulders should have enough clearance that your dog can walk, run, jump, etc., with ease. Measurements for special features like a hood, pajamas, etc., need to be considered on a case by case basis. The key is to make sure that the garment, whatever it is, does not restrict your dog.

There are lots of options for dog coats out there. You may be able to find a great fitting coat that is readily available. Or you might need to consider having a custom dog coat made for your dog. Whatever you decide to do, you will have more success in helping your dog if you watch fit carefully. Observe your dog. Their nonverbal communication will tell you quite a bit about what they think and how they feel.

A dog coat should cover all the parts it’s supposed to and none of the parts it isn’t. I make custom dog coats. If you’re looking for a quality dog coat for your canine friend, go to my website, Made by De, to find out more.

 

Why your dog needs a cool coat

Feb 15

Older dogs have a more difficult time regulating body temperature. They can benefit from a cool coat even on moderate days.

Many older, heavily muscled, or flat-faced dogs have trouble staying cool.  A cool coat can make the difference between comfort and overheating.

A dog cool coat from Made by De is made of synthetic chamois. The great thing about chamois is that it soaks up water so it helps dry your dog after swimming too.

A dog cool coat can help your dog feel their best, even when it's hot outside.  If you get one from Made by De, it can fit well because it's made for them. 

Hiking with your dog can be much more fun if they aren’t at risk of overheating. A cool coat helps keep your dog comfy and safe.

Adventure doesn't have to be put on hold because of the summer heat if your dog has a cool coat to keep them comfortable.

If you have a high-drive dog like this one, you might have noticed that they’ll work until they drop. Taking the precaution of putting a cool coat on them can help keep them safe from heatstroke.

Dogs can't cool themselves off like we can.  A dog cool coat can do the cooling for them. If you're in the market for a dog cool coat, take a look at Made by De.

2/19/26 When your dog needs a diaper, fit is important.

 

When your dog needs a diaper, fit is important.

Feb 16

Even though they are sometimes necessary, dog diapers are not usually something your dog wants to wear. Made by De dog diapers are designed to allow maximum range of motion and an adjustable fit so your dog can be as comfortable as possible.

Not all dogs need diapers.  If you have a girl who's intact or an incontinent dog, finding a diaper that works for both you and your dog becomes a high priority!

Dogs with big, fluffy tails don’t usually like to have their tails pulled through the tail hole of a diaper. Great Fit dog diapers have a unique design with straps for each side of the tail instead of that uncomfortable hole.

You can find a number of different products on the market; anything from cheap and disposable to expensive and fancy, and everything in between. The thing is they don't all work the same. What are the things you need a dog diaper to do?

Athletic dogs, especially those with a long, lean build, can have a rough time having diapers that fit. Great Fit diapers adjust in several ways to help make the fit more custom. In addition, they are made just for your dog for the best fit possible.

Characteristics of a diaper that works:

1)  It keeps the mess contained!  That is the number one reason you would use a dog diaper.

2)  It stays on. This one is important because the diaper won't do any good if it falls off or won't stay in place.

3)  Your dog doesn't feel the need to walk funny.  Many diapers rub, bind, or otherwise restrict your dog's movement, leading to soreness, waddling or even refusing to walk.

4)  Your dog is comfortable enough to run and play or lie down and chill. If your dog is comfortable, they'll be happier and a lot less likely to chew off the diaper or run away when you need to put it on.

5)  It's worth the money.  Disposable diapers are less expensive than reusable ones in the short run.  However, since they're single-use when they're used, they're done.  A good reusable diaper can be washed many times, leading to saving money.  It's also easier on the environment if you're not adding to the landfill.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Here is what one of my clients said about Great Fit dog britches. Clients and their dogs love these britches for their fit and ease of use.

A Great Fit dog diaper from Made by De is designed to be extremely adjustable.  Each diaper ordered is made to the specifications of your dog. No matter whether you have a pug, a greyhound, or a mastiff, you'll get a diaper that fits YOUR dog!

If your dog needs a diaper, you have lots of choices available. But will they actually fit your dog? Will your dog be comfortable while wearing them? Are they made to be soft and breathable? Reusable? Great Fit dog diapers are all of these and more!

Take a look at my website for more information and to order.  While you're there, don't forget to sign up for the Insider Group.  You'll get a coupon good for 20% off all orders! 

 

Dog coats explained

Feb 17

You might wonder about whether dog coats are necessary for your dogs. You’ve probably seen the cute little pampered pooches with their fancy clothes on YouTube or Instagram, right? Their outfits look pretty, but not very functional. And sometimes, they’re downright frivolous.

Do dogs need dog coats?

Do you know if your dog needs a coat? They generally have fur, with a few exceptions, as any dog owner knows. They certainly shed enough. However, sometimes the coat they were born with isn’t enough for their living conditions.

History of dogs and people

Centuries ago, when early dog relatives were in the wild, they were suited for the environment in which they lived. If they were near the equator, they didn’t need thick coats and didn’t have them. Likewise, the insulation would help them survive if they lived near the poles, so they had nice thick coats. Their dog coats were well suited to their homes.

Then they started hanging around people. People decided dogs could help them with their work, so they raised dogs for those various jobs by selective breeding, choosing parents specifically to pass on the desirable traits. 

The more dogs were developed, the less they resembled their ancestors. The result has been that, while dogs are very skilled at their assigned jobs, they aren’t suited to live in the wild. They might have traits from their ancestors who lived in the tropics while residing in the northern reaches or vice versa. For that reason, they need us to help them by providing gear, like dog coats, that help them exist comfortably in the places we have them living.

Not all dogs need a coat. Some are very comfortable, just as they are based on where they live. For example, a Newfoundland in Canada has the perfect jacket for staying warm in those bitter winters. Likewise, a whippet with its lean build and smooth coat suits a desert home. Try moving a whippet to Minnesota and see how that works.

Why your dog needs a coat?

How about your dog? How can you tell if your dog is comfortable? Just observation and common sense will tell you a lot. Dogs feel cold like we do. Ways you can know that you need to buy a dog coat:

• Your dog is shivering

• They don’t want to go outside

• Your dog may be all huddled up or curled up, trying to stay warm

• The natural coat is smooth

• Their build is lean, with little fat

• Temperatures are cool enough that you feel chilly or even cold, meaning they will.

  
  

If you see any of these, it’s time to consider dog coats.

Fortunately, many people have noticed that dogs need help staying warm sometimes and have designed coats to help them. And the choices are almost limitless. Big stores like Walmart, pet specialty stores like Petco, and smaller boutique stores all carry versions of dog coats. You can even get them custom-made for your dog or create your own if you’re handy. 

Finding the right dog coat

If you decide to get your dog a dog coat, take a look at Madebyde. I make each coat just for your dog.

No one option is always best. To get the best coat for your dog, consider

• Does your dog need to stay warm, dry, or both?

• Is your dog going to spend long periods outside or go for potty breaks?

• What activities is your dog going to perform in that coat?

• Does your dog have special health needs, or are they elderly?

  
  
  

Once you’ve figured out what specific needs that new dog coat should fulfill, you can search for a suitable option. The main point is that if your dog needs a dog coat, they’ll be much more comfortable if you get them one. You'll both be happier.

Keep your dog safe and comfortable with a dog coat.

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