Are you looking for dog clothes? The benefits of shopping small

Big box stores, whether in person or online, are a common place to buy for your dogs.  They can be extremely convenient, but there is a downside. 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, which your dog may not be. Since they are trying to suit as many dogs as possible, they don't try to fit every dog, but just the most common ones.

A small company has a greater ability to individualize products, since they are sold on a smaller scale. 

 2) A large company works with hundreds or thousands of people and their dog every day.  The odds of being able to work directly with someone to come up with a specific solution is almost impossible.

A small shop doesn't work on the same scale. The chances are that when you contact them, you'll either talk directly to the owner or to someone who talks to the owner every day. This means you work with someone who is more personally invested in the satisfaction of each client.

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

The people in a small company are more likely to notice each sale and be able to connect with the buyer.

4) A large shop can sell you something right away because they have a large inventory of "average" products.

A small one might take a bit more time to get just what you need. However, the time is well spent if you find a product that is well-suited to your needs

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.

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 small business owners take great pride in giving their clients the best products and services available. 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.

Made by De is a one-person shop.  When you contact my company, you talk to me.  My goal is to meet or exceed the needs of my clients and their dogs. Take a look to see how I can help you.

Heatstroke is Real! How Dog Cool Coats Can Help.

Preventing heatstroke for your dog will be an important precaution for you to take as summertime approaches. You're probably aware of the risk of dogs suffering from heatstroke.  Since dogs can't sweat except through the pads of their feet, with a little help from panting, when conditions get hot, they can run into trouble pretty quickly.

What does heatstroke look like?

Signs of heatstroke include:

– Panting
– Decreased responsiveness
– Drooling
– Dark red gums
– Confusion and/or anxiety
– Glazed eyes
– Rapid heart rate
– Labored breathing
– Temperature above 103
– Vomiting or diarrhea, possibly with blood in them

If you see these symptoms, you need to try to cool your dog off a.s.a.p.!  What you can do:

– Get them out of the heat
– Let them stand or lay in cool water and bath them in it
– Encourage them to drink cool (not ice cold) water

If these steps don’t get your dog to a normal state quickly, or if you see seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, or minimal consciousness, you need the vet’s help as quickly as possible. Organ damage quickly starts in and makes rescue much more difficult.

Helping your dog stay cool

Since your dog can suffer drastically from becoming overheated, you'll want to prevent it as much as possible. There are several ways you can help your dog cool off.  You can:

-  Keep them in an air-conditioned environment

-  Let them have access to pools or lakes

-  Use fans to circulate and cool air

-  Provide cooling pads for them to lie down on

-  Plan outings for later in the evening or early morning

-  Put cooling coats on them

Why a cool coat is an important tool for preventing heatstroke

All of these methods help in one way or another.  However, they're all used in different ways and have different benefits. Cool coats have the ability to be worn by the dog, so they go wherever your dog goes, allowing for cooling in any location.  

While they can be very effective, the other approaches listed are much less mobile. Unless you don't plan to go anywhere, mobility is a consideration. Having a cool coat can allow you and your dog to go outdoor dog events, on hikes, or parks with more freedom from worry.

When it's really hot, you may want to use several approaches so you can keep your dog as cool and comfortable as possible.

We love our cool coats!

If you're in the market for a cool coat, take a look at Made by De.  I make each coat just for your dog, so it will fit just right. And it'll have all the features you and your dog want to make it the best cool coat you can buy.  

What are dog britches?

 

What are dog diapers, aka dog britches?

If you have a female dog that is intact or an incontinent dog, you know what dog diapers are. They are an article of clothing that your dog wears to keep the mess contained. There are several different ways to attempt to accomplish this, but they are not all equal in terms of comfort, cost and effectiveness.

Why would my dog need a diaper?

The main reasons for needing a diaper are 

1) If a female dog is intact, she's going to have heat cycles, which involves at least some blood and can get pretty smelly.

2) A dog is elderly, has been injured or for some other reason, can't control their bladder or bowel movements. Both males and females can be incontinent, although anatomy leads to some differences in how to contain it.

What are my choices?

You can buy disposable diapers for your dog at most pet stores.  This makes it easy to find but can get pricey and adds up to a lot of trash.

You can buy dog diapers that are made to be reused, out of cloth usually.  These are a little harder to find and a little more expensive at first, but they’re washable and can be reused.  The benefit is that your investment will pay for itself pretty quickly, and you won’t be adding to the trash heap. Plus, you can find people that make them specifically for your dog, so the fit is more correct.

You can rig something up with human baby diapers or men’s undershorts.  This can work in a pinch, but they aren’t designed for dogs, so they may not fit very well and may not contain the mess you’re hoping to contain.

What should I look for in a dog diaper?

1) A diaper needs to be easy to use. Whether it's for a coupe of weeks or ongoing you're going to have to deal with it several times a day, so you want a product that doesn't cause extra work  It needs to be easy to put on and take off as well.  And clean up should be simple.

2) You (and your dog) want a product that doesn't cause irritation or sore spots.  If it doesn't fit right, a diaper will rub at the groin, between the legs or otherwise cause discomfort.  If your dog isn't comfortable, they are likely to try to remove the diaper in any way they can. 

3) The diaper needs to stay in place in order to serve it's purpose.  If the fit isn't right, the chances of it coming off increase greatly, leading to a mess.

FYI, diapers or britches are NOT designed to prevent pregnancy.  

What’s the best choice?

The best choice is the one that works for you and your dog.  When you have a situation that calls for a diaper, it helps to know the options to make the best decision available.  Keeping a diaper on your dog when it’s needed will help your fur kid be more a part of the family instead of being banned to the crate, outside, etc. You’ll feel better, and so will they.

Made by De, my online business, makes custom dog diapers.  Take a look for more information.

How Does a Dog Cool Coat Help Them Cool Off?

Summertime means the temperatures are going up. Here in Wyoming, we are hovering around 90-100 degrees most days during the summer. Many parts of the northern hemisphere are in the same range or higher. I kind of like the heat. Not too bad for me, but it makes people sweat a lot. Dogs don’t like it nearly as much as humans do since they don’t sweat like we do.

To cool off, they can sweat through the pads of their feet. While it’s not sweating, the other thing they can do is pant. Panting allows evaporation through the saliva of the mouth. Since these are such small areas, they don’t work very quickly and are not very effective for keeping your dog cool in higher temperatures. That's why they are at such high risk of overheating and even heat stroke.

What is evaporation and how does it help with cooling?

Evaporation is a process in which liquid turns to gas. It happens naturally with no help from us. While evaporation is taking place, the temperature of the air around it goes down several degrees. Maybe you remember something about that in high school physics class? 

For me, that was quite a while ago, but you can look it up at this site. And more importantly, you can feel it. Put your hand next to but not directly on something that’s wet and in the process of drying.

This process can be used to help your dog cool off in places where they can’t sweat, which is most of their body. Putting a wet towel on them can help, although it’s pretty messy. Your dog ends up drippy, and that dripping water ends up anywhere close to your dog. 

How can you use evaporation to keep your dog cool?

What if you could find something that allows evaporative cooling but doesn’t cause the mess of a wet dog. A few years ago, I started to experiment with this methods. I found this synthetic chamois made out of 100% rayon. It was being sold as a cleaning product but could be repurposed into clothing. Specifically dog clothing. 

It turns out that this fabric holds onto water for several hours. It can be wrung out so that it doesn’t drip and still keep cooling. And when the extra water is gone, the dog wearing the coat doesn’t get wet either. 

While there are many brands of cool coats out there, here's why a Made by De coat is better.

1) Made just for your dog

2) Constructed of quality materials

3) They really work

Find out more on my website, Made by De.

 

Show Dogs Have Special Needs

Show season is in full swing!

If you show dogs in conformation, you know that the show season is now underway.  You may be making plans for attending your breed specialty or maybe you're going to shows closer to home.  No matter how you participate in dog shows, if you're attending you may have a number of issues to deal with in order to be as successful as possible. Made by De can help! I make each item using your dog's measurements and with your input so I can most closely fit the needs of you and your dog.

Keeping your dog from overheating and feeling like a limp noodle is usually a challenge in the heat.  My cool coats, both functional and fancy. They work through evaporation to keep your dog feeling fresh and energetic. Just soak them in water and wring out the excess.

If you have a long haired dog like an Irish Setter or a Cavalier Spaniel, you may have grooming issues.  My slinkies and grooming suits often come in handy for keeping coats smooth and clean or taming those curls.  

And if you have a show dog, you have to have them intact, so diapers (britches or belly bands) may be needed to help manage any calls of nature that might come up.

I can customize to suit most any need so be sure to let me know what you have in mind and I can often come up with something that solves the problem. Be sure to check out my website, www.madebyde.com, to see my current offerings.  And feel free to contact me to discuss new designs, new features, different colors, etc.  That's the beauty of custom, handmade work!

Summer is a comin'. Is your dog ready?

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!

And so much more! Check it out!

Fleece dog jackets! Because the seasons are changing!

Spring (and fall) can be challenging for keeping your pups comfortable.  The temperatures are generally warming up, but mornings and evenings are still pretty cool.  And, in many areas, the occasional snowstorm is not out of the question.

That is why fleece jammies and jackets are so handy.  This girl is wearing some of the lighter weight fleece jammies that I make.  Fleece provides some warmth without overdoing it, like a sweatshirt for us.  Either the lightweight fleece or the warmer Polartec 300 fleece is easy to layer under coats for those blustery days that continue to occur, so they serve double duty.

This sweet bulldog is wearing my Ultra Fleece pajamas, made of a nice dense fabric with water and wind blocking properties. 

And I have Ultra Fleece jackets made of Polartec 300 as well.  They have a turtleneck and tummy coverage but your dog does NOT have to put legs through holes.  Also great for layering for changing weather.

As with all of my stuff, I make each one just for  your dog, using your measurements and giving you choices of colors and options.  Check out my website to see more!

Who wants that "Wet Dog Smell"? Dog raincoats keep the pups dry!

You know that "Wet Dog Smell"?  When it rains, that can be what you get.  Unless you take steps to keep those pups dry. My dog raincoat can help with that. Made of Ultrex outer and lined with cotton flannel, so it's lightweight and comfy for your best friend.

This coat is made of single layer P.U.L. nylon so it folds up small enough to stick in your bag or even a pocket.  Available with many options for fitting your dog.

I can install a harness port for any coat, as well as hoods or flip up collars, tummy panel or a strap, draping, darts, whatever! Let me know what you need and I can usually come up with something to meet that need.

Find out more on my website!

Dog Diapers; making an undesirable event a little better

Can we talk about

Dog Diapers?

Great Fit Dog Diapers were created to allow freedom of movement while keeping your dog comfortable and clean. While attending dog shows, I used to watch dog after dog stiffen up or cringe when it came to stuffing their tails through the holes of the usual dog panties.  Instead of accepting the status quo, I designed something different; straps that come around the tail instead of the tail threading through the hole.

Turns out these dog britches are great for fitting all types of dogs because they are so adjustable. They can be worn with or without crossing  to accommodate straight builds or very tucked individuals. Even better, these diapers anchor at the waist instead of the tail so they are also great for dogs without tails. And since there is velcro adjustment for the straps, growing pups can wear them from their first cycle right on through adulthood.

To put them on, the straps are first wrapped around the waist.  Then the tail straps are pulled up on either side of the tail and attached to the velcro at the waist.  These britches are designed to sit in front of the hip bones so they can use anatomy to help keep them in place.

I use soft cotton fabrics, mostly flannel, to make these britches so they will stay nice and soft; not rubbing or chafing sensitive skin. For the same reason, I avoid elastic or waterproofing.  Instead, to collect the flow, a human pantiliner with sticky backing is placed in the appropriate area and can just be changed as needed.  Although my diapers are washable and reusable, using a pad means less frequent laundering. I can even make these in manly colors and dimensions for incontinent boys. 

Take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com, to see current fabrics, measurement diagram and other pertinent info for ordering.  If your dog (and you) has to deal with heat cycles, at least it can be a little more comfortable and stylish.

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 205 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. 

SHOP NOW

Try my dog cooling vests. Why keep your pups inside when the weather is so nice outside?

Dog lovers usually want to spend time with their pups doing fun stuff.  But that gets more complicated when your pup just wants to lay in the shade and chill because it is SOOOOO hot.

My cool coats are made of synthetic chamois.  You get them wet, wring out the extra water (if you don't want your dog wet too) and put them on.  They work through evaporation for several hours, inside or outside.

They are washable and don't get stiff when dried like real chamois or automotive chamois.  Just wash and air dry as needed.

They can be simple and functional like this one. Great for agility competitions, hiking the trails, etc.

Or blingy and beautiful, like this.  Your pup can make a fashion statement at ringside!

These cool coats can even help working dogs do their jobs more efficiently because they stay focused.

Since these coats are made custom, I can fit any dog!  Find out more at Made by De.

Your Dog NEEDS a Custom Coat!

Your Dog NEEDS a Custom Coat!

Why does your dog need a custom coat?

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.

The benefits of custom dog clothes

1.  Made for your dog using their unique measurements so they will fit well.

2.  An outfit from Made by De is created using quality fabrics so it will last, meaning you won't have to buy another for quite a while.

3.  The item will be made with the features and colors you want.

Chances are you like doing stuff with your dogs; fun stuff like hiking, running or maybe throwing the ball or  competitions like agility or flyball. They will have more fun and perform to their highest level if they have comfortable clothing that serves the purpose for which it is intended. See Made by De for more info.

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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 on it's way, now is a great time to try something different.  It's also a good time to get those cool coats and other gear for helping your dog through the heat.

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.

Custom dog coats! Why settle for cookie cutter dog clothes?

Custom Dog Coats created by

Made by De

I started my business, Made by De, to fill a need.  

Before there was Made by De, I was helping a friend sell some dog clothes online.  Every day I would have someone tell me something to the effect of "I have this dog who.........".  Maybe they were an odd mix.  Maybe they were a breed of dog that is difficult to fit with the standard pet store clothes (thinking dachshund, bulldog, pug.....). Maybe they had a special need.

I started making coats for these people and their pups and they would tell their friends that there was someone who could fit their dog.  Someone who could make a coat with the perfect combination of color, features and fit.  I started Made by De and have not looked back. My goal is to provide the best fitting, most comfortable and durable products possible for your pup.

Reasons why you might buy custom.....

1) Convenience.  You can pick up a coat at a pet store or big box store.  Quick, right?  Except you get home and it doesn't fit your pup so you take it back. You take time out to go to the store, shop and return home twice! I can make a coat specifically for your dog using his or her measurements.  It takes about a week plus shipping time, but it fits!  You are probably actually out less time because you shop online and don't even have to leave the house to get your dog a coat.  Custom is more convenient in the long run.

2) Cost.  You can find inexpensive (cheap) dog clothes.  How long do they last your pup?  Maybe a couple of wearings?  My custom dog coats are made of quality fabrics and notions.  Sewn with attention to durability, comfort and looks.  They cost a bit more than a coat from a big box store, but if you only buy one instead of several, the cost is actually less.

3) Features. At the pet store, they have a selection of coats.  But what if they don't have the color you want in the size you want for your dog?  What if you want a coat with reflective strips AND a hood but they only have one or the other and maybe not in the size you need.  Custom at Made by De means you get the color you want, the fit your dog wants, the features you want, all in one coat!

4) Fit. If you have a labrador or a chihuahua, you might be able to find a coat to fit at the pet store. But what if you  have one of those difficult to fit breeds, and the coats on hand are either too short but fit around or long enough but too big everywhere else? A Made by De coat is made with the measurements of your dog so it fits all over.  If it fits, your dog will be much more comfortable.

Take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com.  See what I offer, styles, etc. If you have questions, want something different than what is listed, or want to talk to the person behind the product, I can be reached through the website contact page, by email at coatsmadebyde@gmail.com, by phone at 1-307-575-0133, or through one of my social media sites.  No matter how you do it, you always get me!