Have you ever been to a dog show?

Have you ever been to a dog show?

Dog Shows are so cool.  Disclaimer: I've never showed dogs, so the specifics are a bit of a mystery to me.  But I HAVE been to dog shows, seen the action inside the ring and talked to the owners of these canines.  

It's pretty exciting.  So many gorgeous dogs of all sizes and shapes; all with different jobs.  The American Kennel Club, for example, has 193 recognized breeds, with more breeds added every year.  Dogs that you just don't see every day so it's super fascinating to watch and learn about them. And usually, dog owners are more than willing to talk about their dogs and breeds.

What I have learned is this;

1) A dog has to be purebred, registered with the registry of its breed.

2) To be successful as a show dog, they have to have the characteristics that are valued by that particular breed. Breeders spend years trying to improve their dogs.  They search for just the right combination of parents with just the right traits to make their dogs the best representatives of the breed. 

3) They have to have good manners. They need to accept all the activity around them and the judge examining them without nipping or other bad behavior.  They need to "stack"; standing in a formal position with front legs slightly apart but next to each other and back legs slightly apart but next to each other.  They need to "heel" and move on leash willingly.  They need to be upbeat and energetic.

4) Some dogs just need the basics to be ready for the ring; bathed and nails trimmed. Others need a lot more prep.  They might need extra brushing.  Or a special hair cut.  They sometimes use clothes or towels to help their coats look just right.  It can take several hours to have them ready for the ring. Sometimes, the prep continues the whole time between shows as well. Talk about time consuming.

5) They are judged by judges who are familiar with their particular breed and the desired qualities. One dog is selected as the best in breed.  That dog is then judged against the best of each other breed in their group.  The best of group is then judged against the best of each other group to get that one Best. In. Show.  Getting Best in Show is a very high honor and much celebrated. Quite an addition to a resume for a breeding dog.

6) The goal of showing is ultimately to produce generations of dogs that are increasingly better at what they're supposed to do. The show winners are valued for their contribution to the breed. Without their contribution, we wouldn't have border collies with such high level herding abilities or weimaraners with such great hunting abilities.  

I make cool coats, grooming coats and other products for helping your dog show at the highest level.They're made using your dog's measurements and breed information for the best fit possible. My goal is to have your dog happy and looking good.  If you are interested in a custom coat, take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com. 

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P.S.  If you SIGN UP for my email list, you get 20% off of your next order.

Looking for something to do with your dog? Dog Activities from A to Z here!

Looking for something to do with your dog?

Dog activities from A to Z here!

If you have a dog (or two or three), you probably love to spend time with them.  But doing the same old thing all the time gets boring.  With summer upon us, it's a great time to try something different.  

Take a look at these ideas.  Lots of them can be done at home for fun or with very little training. And for more of a challenge, try looking up clubs and competitions online.  Many of them have competitions that are available for skill levels from beginner to expert.  

Agility - Teach your dog agility. Take them through an obstacle course with jumps, hoops, tunnels, A frame, and other challenges. 

Ball Throwing - Lots of dogs get a kick out of chasing and catching the ball (our Aussie, Quinn's favorite activity).

Canine Freestyle - Dancing with your dog to fun music with a specific routine and cool costumes.

Disc Dog - Formally, a competition with different types of frisbee throws.  Informally, throwing the frisbee for your dog.  Lots of fun for high activity dogs.

(Special) Events - Your area probably has special events like "Day of the Dog" or "Dog Day at ......" these are usually listed in local events or online and get lots of other dogs and their people involved.

Flyball - teams of dogs race each other over hurdles to catch balls. 

Go shopping - Lots of pet shops and sometimes other stores allow or encourage dog parents to bring their furkids.

Herding Trials - Many dogs have herding skills and enjoy the challenge, whether it be cattle, sheep, or other animals.

I.P.O. (Internationale Prufungs-Ordnung) - a sport that includes bite work and strong obedience skills.

Joring (Bike or Ski) - You ride the bike or ski while your dog pulls you with a harness set up. Add a bit of adrenaline to your bikeride or skiing. 

K9 Good Citizen - Teach your pup obedience and enjoy the challenge of getting certified.  CGC, as it's called, teaches many basic skills that help prepare for other sports or activities.

Lure Coursing - Chasing a target along a course. 

Mountain Hiking - Check out the trails and see the sights while exploring nature.

New places - Visit lakes, parks, neighborhoods near or far, that are new to you both.

Obedience Training - Teach your dog good manners.  Informally, at home in a few minutes at a time.  Or enter competitions to test your skills.

Parks for Dogs - Dog parks are springing up all over.  This can be a great place to let your dog burn off some steam and socialize.

Question Other Dog Lovers - Check with other dog people to see what they do for fun with their dogs.  Maybe you can all do whatever it is together.

Rally - A team activity that includes you and your dog going through a course side by side. Going from one sign to the next, the goal is to work together with control while timed.

Showing - If you have a registered dog, there are shows that are organized to present your dog looking their best and representing the standard of the breed.

Treibball - The word means "Push ball" in German. Your dog learns to target balls, pushing them to you with control.

Use That Nose - Nosework is a challenging activity for dogs, using their highly sensitive noses to locate items by scent. Nosework is used by search and rescue dogs or drug dogs, professionally.

Visit a Nursing Home - Take your dog to visit the residents of your local facility. The residents usually don't get to have dogs and appreciate the chance to visit. Be sure to check with the people in charge at the nursing home to find out and follow rules and expectations.

Water - Dock Diving, or swimming are great for cooling off, whether informal fun at the lake or formal competition.

eXplore teaching.  Test your ability to teach your dog new tricks.

Your Activities - Take them along with you when you go to dog friendly places. 

Zoomies - Give them room to move and play, especially in the cooler times of the day.


This list is just a fun sample of fun stuff to do with your dog.  The more you look, the more ideas you'll have.  And any fun time you spend with your dog is going to help build the relationship between the two of you.

I make cool coats, reflective vest and coats that could help you and your dog enjoy fun activities. They're made using your dog's measurements and breed information for the best fit possible. My goal is to have your dog happy and smiling.  If you are interested in one of my products, take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com.  If you SIGN UP for my email list, you get 20% off of your next order.

Happy Mother's Day to Dog Moms!

It's Mother's Day. 

Have a great day!

Being Mother's Day, I got to thinking. How do you define "mother"?  What makes a mother a mother?

Is it: 

-   The dictionary definition,  "a woman in relation to her child or children." That doesn't seem like enough.

-   A woman who has children or has given birth to children. Only biology?  There is more to it than that.

-   Someone who has mothered with love and affection? Closer.  

-   A step-parent who is in the role of mother? What about a grandmother? Maybe.

-   A person who has mentored or supported another?

-   Someone who mothers animals?  What about a dog mom?  Lots of people call their dogs (and cats and other pets) their kids. So then they must be mothers, right?  

Does Mother's Day have to be celebrated ONLY for by women who have given birth?  I say NO!  A mother is anyone who acts motherly, who mothers, who loves and sacrifices and supports and nurtures.  Love is love.  And appreciation of love is never out of place.  

So, to anyone who has loved, mothered or otherwise been there, Happy Mother's Day. I hope you get to do something fun with the ones you love and celebrate all that you have done for them.

If a custom dog coat sounds like a good gift for a dog mom you know, you might want to check out www.madebyde.com.  I make every coat just for your dog. And if you are interested,CLICK HERE to sign up for my email. You get 20% off your first order and all the inside info on sales and updates!

Do you know dog agility?

Do you know dog agility?

Can dog coats help?

What is dog agility?

Have you ever seen a dog run an agility course?  Do you even know what dog agility is? I didn't, until recently. It's a sport in which the dog and handler (their human) work to get the dog through a series of obstacles in the right order and as quickly as possible. 

The dogs have a blast!

I don't know the sport very well and have never had a dog that I did agility with.  But what I do know is that those dogs almost always look like they are having a blast!  I think of it as I think a dog would; time with the human, one on one, doing something fun.  Sounds like a great thing to me.

These people REALLY take care of their dogs.

I started watching it a few years ago when I started going to agility trials to sell my stuff.  I love how much fun the dogs have and their people with them. I also love how in tune with their dogs these people are.  They can direct them through the course with a movement of the shoulder or a look of the eye.  Looks alot like a dance.

These people care about the well being of their canine partner.  They know if their pup needs a different diet, or is "off" physically.  They get their dogs a massage or chiropractic treatment.  They buy the expensive food or feed special raw diets.  They buy coats and cool coats (good for business here!). And they love to talk about their dogs and the progress they've made as a team.

The better the dogs feel, the better they compete.

I have learned so much from talking to these dog lovers.  They know how much better their dogs do if they feel good.  That's why I sell so many cool coats at a dog agility trial.  The dogs run out of steam pretty quickly in 80 degree plus heat. A cool coat helps them feel comfortable and ready to compete instead of limp like a wet noodle. And especially important, keeping their dogs cool greatly reduces the risk of heat stroke.

Likewise, in cooler weather, dog coats help.  Injuries happen all the time for lots of different reasons.  Higher drive dogs like those who enjoy agility, put extra stress on their bodies to make those great runs.  Muscles tear easily in dogs just like they do in people and keeping those muscles warm helps keep the dogs happy and sound for a whole lot longer.

Where can I find dog agility competition and clubs?

You can find clubs that are local or nationwide by looking on the internet.  AKC has many dog agility trails, as does NADAC or USDAA and other smaller clubs.  All you have to do is look at their sites to find out where they are, who to talk to and when practices or competitions are held.  It is a sport that is for beginners and experienced dog agility competitors alike.

I don't know if I'll ever actually compete in dog agility.  It takes a lot of time and patience, as well as a dog that is condition for the work.  But I have certainly learned to appreciate what these teams do and how much fun they have together.

If a custom dog coat sounds like a good idea, you might want to check out www.madebyde.com.  I make every coat just for your dog. And if you are interested,CLICK HERE to sign up for my email. You get 20% off your first order and all the inside info on sales and updates!

Your Dog NEEDS a Custom Coat!

Your Dog NEEDS a Custom Coat!

Why? You say?

You love your fur baby. You know they get cold, or hot, or wet. And you want them to be happy and comfortable. But you also know there are a lot of coats out there on the market; most which will not fit right or may not offer the features you want. Or maybe they are not made to last and you’ll have to buy another right away.

What if you had another option? Made by De can help! I make each dog coat as it is ordered, with the features you want. I use the particulars of your dog to make a coat that they can be comfortable in. One that is made to last. One that allows freedom of movement.

And you like doing stuff with them. Fun stuff like hiking, running or maybe throwing the ball or maybe competitions like agility or flyball. They will have more fun and perform to their highest level if they have nice, warm muscles but are not overheated.

If a custom dog coat sounds like a good idea, you might want to check out www.madebyde.com.  I make every coat just for your dog. And if you are interested,CLICK HERE to sign up for my email. You get 20% off your first order and all the inside info on sales and updates!

  

Summer is a comin'

Are you ready for summer?

Is your dog?

Made by De has lots of stuff to help your dog (and therefore you) have a great summer and beat the heat in style!

All my coats are made by me, custom, so they will fit! Check out my website, www.madebyde.com, for listings, diagrams, fabrics..........design your perfect dog clothes!

Dog Cool coats

Dog Cool Collars

Dog Slinkies

Blingy Dog Cool Coats

And so much more! Check it out!

Fall is around the corner. Let's celebrate with a sale!

Celebrate Fall

Made by De is having a sale!

Fall is around the corner.  Cooler weather will be here before we know it.  It will be getting dark earlier and earlier.  Just like every other year.  Seems like it is always an adjustment, even though we know it is coming.

To help you get ready for the change of seasons, I have decided to offer a sale on all my products. You can take advantage of my offer to get custom dog clothes, made with your dog in mind and designed to fit. On my website, www.madebyde.com, use coupon code FALL25 to receive 25% off on all orders of $20 or over.  This sale runs until 8/27/17 so don't wait too long to check it out!