12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Yippee! It’s almost Christmas! And to get in the holiday spirit, I thought I’d share my fun an easy DIY for some holiday dog collar flair!

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Here’s what you’ll need:

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Following the directions that came with your fabric covered button kit, use your holiday fabric to create a button. For mine I used a 1″ kit.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Choosing a smaller pattern works best and may depend on the size of your button.

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Then simply tie a small piece of elastic to the back of the button loop that will securely hold your button to the collar (thin elastic works best).

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Then slip it onto your dog’s favorite collar, and you’ve got yourself some holiday flair!

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Simple, fun, and oh-so-festive!

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

They were so easy to make that now I can’t decide which ones to wear….perhaps I should just wear them all!

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair // Ammo the Dachshund

Make sure to post your dog’s holiday flair on my Facebook page, so we can all join in on the festive fun! Happy Holidays! Ammo the Dachshund

Light up the Shop

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

Many many months ago, my mom and dad started building something intriguing.

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

It took quite a while to take shape, and at first I wasn’t quite sure what it was going to be for.

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

But the farther along my mom and dad got on their project, the more I began to worry…because I knew where it was going to end up.

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

Yup, that’s right it ended up right in the window of my shop.

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

Now you may be thinking, what’s the big deal? Well the big deal is that my shop already has something in the window that grabs the attention of potential customers.

Studio 3 Marquee Sign // Ammo the Dachshund

And that something is me! So as nice as the new shop sign is, I just really hope I won’t be out of a job anytime soon! Ammo the Dachshund

10 Homemade Costumes for Dogs

Every year my mom and dad make me a homemade halloween costume.

Cowabunga, Dude! Ammo the Dachshunds 2013 Halloween Costume - Raphael the Ninja Turtle

Last year I was a Raphael the Ninja Turtle.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

And the year before I was Wile E. Coyote. And while this year’s Halloween costume is under wraps for now, I thought it would be fun to round up some of my favorite DIY Halloween costumes for dogs from around the web. Hopefully it will help spark some ideas for your own pup’s costumes!

10 Homemade Costumes For Dogs

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

1. Scuba Diver [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

2. Chik Fil A Cow [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

3. Grapes [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

4. Bobsled Team [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

5. Snuggles [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

6. Pilot [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

7. Popeye [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

8. Captain America [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

9. Lego Dog [via]

10 Handmade Halloween Costumes for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

10. Pizza Delivery Boy [via]

What does your dog plan to dress up as this Halloween? Any guesses on what I might be this year? Ammo the Dachshund

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

As a lover of the arts (I do work in a frame shop after all), I decided it was high time I added to my own personal art collection. So I enlisted the help of my mom and came up with this fun and EASY DIY DOG ART tutorial!

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

Supplies:

  • Bristol Paper
  • Painters Tape
  • Spray paint (in any colors you may like)
  • Dog shape – I used the drop out from one of my Dachshund Photo Mats, but you can also create your own dog shape by cutting it out of bristol paper or using the free one I have HERE)

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Using the painters tape cover a 1/2″ border around your bristol paper

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Tape your dog shape onto the center of the bristol paper

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Spray paint any colors you like all over the paper. Stripes, spirals, polka dots…anything you desire! Then simply remove the tape when dry, hang, and enjoy!

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

See, I told you it was simple!

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

Before you know it you’ll have your own doggie art gallery! Ammo the Dachshund

September Monthly Recap & Sponsor Shoutout

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on this past September, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Without them I wouldn’t be able to keep my website up and running.

dogagilityshop-125x125

The Dog Agility Shop is one of my favorite shops for all of your dog agility equipment needs. Even if you aren’t a big time competitor, having some DIY’d dog agility equipment in your backyard is a great way to have some fun with your dog and get some exercise too. The Dog Agility Shop supplies all the parts and accessories you need to make your own equipment at a very affordable price! And with FREE US GROUND SHIPPING their prices can’t be beat! Make sure you shop the Dog Agility Shop the next time you are in need of equipment!

 

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

Sponsor: Envision Event Media // Ammo the Dachshund

Envision Event Media provides high-definition video production, customized editing, wireless studio-quality audio, and graphic design packages for all your video production needs. Based out of Asheville, North Carolina (but available to travel) Envision Event Media is run by my mom’s brother, Taylor Hellhake. So when you are looking for a videographer for your next big project, make sure you check out Envision Event Media!

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HEREAnd thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!  

Now to take a look back at all the fun I’ve had in September!

Dog in Bowtie // Ammo the Dachshund

I kicked off September by dressing up in my fancy bowtie.

Adventures in Disc Golf // Ammo the Dachshund

I went on my first Disc Golf Adventure at the French Creek State Park.

Last Days of Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

Since Summer was coming to an end I took in my last days at the pool and even had some ice cream.

Cookies // Ammo the Dachshund

I gave away the secret behind some of my fun photoshoots.

Family Reunion // Ammo the Dachshund

I traveled to New Jersey for a family reunion.

Best Friends // Ammo the Dachshund and Trooper

I had some fun on the farm with my best friend Trooper.

On the Obstacle Course // Ammo the Dachshund

I ran our monthly horse show at the farm.

Caramel Apples and Goats // Ammo the Dachshund

I took a trip to Highland Orchards for some caramel apples and a visit with the goats.

Family Reunion // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some snapshots from my everyday life.

Furniture Restoration // Ammo the Dachshund

I helped mom recover an ottoman.

Ammo's Newsletter Sign-up

I told everyone about my new monthly newsletter.

As you can see it’s never a dull moment around here! What kind of fun did you have in September? Ammo the Dachshund

 

 

 

Dressed up Dachshund

Dog in Bowtie // Ammo the Dachshund

Did you ever just feel like getting dressed up? You know, slicking back your hair and putting on your fanciest bowtie?

Dog in Bowtie // Ammo the Dachshund

Makes a dog feel pretty good!

Check out my 5 minute no sew bowtieAmmo the Dachshund

DIY Dachshund Cork Board

When I came across this DIY project on pinterest, it inspired me to create something similar for all the dog (and dachshund) lovers out there! So I enlisted the help of my mom and whipped up this fun DIY project…

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dachshund Cork Board

This project can be made using any dog shape (not just a dachshund), so have fun, be creative, and create something unique!

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Materials:

*links contain affiliate links

Step 1: Adhere your cork onto a piece of cardboard using glue or a spray adhesive to make it a bit sturdier.

Step 2: If you would like to make a dachshund cork board download and print my dachshund shape, then cut it out. Otherwise you can print out a photo of your own dog (making sure to enlarge it) and cut out around the shape.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Using a sharpie trace around your stencil on your cork board.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: Cut out your cork board shape using an exacto knife.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Place your frog tape in a striped pattern along the cork.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Paint onto the cork between your tape with acrylic paint, when it’s dry peel away the tape.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 7: Cut a strip of ribbon to be used as a collar and staple or glue it to the cork on the back.

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

Now you’re ready to hang your cork board up and enjoy!

DIY Dachshund Cork Board via Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve now got the perfect place to pin photos of all my girlfriends! Ammo the Dachshund

DIY: Build Your own 2×2 Agility Weave Poles

You might remember that back in November I posted a tutorial on how to build your own agility weave poles with the help of my friends at the Dog Agility Shop.

Well when winter rolled around I had to pack up my poles since it was just too cold to practice outdoors. That was until my dad surprised me for Christmas with a set of homemade 2×2 Weave Poles.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve been using my set all winter, and I’m proud to say I can now weave, but I completely forgot to share how they were made with all of you! So better late than never – here’s my tutorial for building your own set of indoor 2×2 Weave Poles!

DIY Dog Agility 2×2 Weave Poles – Set of 6 poles

Supplies Needed:

Step 1: Cut your 3/4 inch PVC pipe into 6 pieces that are 38 inches in length. Then place the PVC caps on one end of all your poles. Then you can stripe your poles with colored duct tape to make them more visible.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Cut your Steelworks Plated Slotted Flats into three 36″ length pieces and six 9″ length pieces.

Step 3: Drill a hole the same size as your carriage bolts into the bottom of the PVC Plugs.

Step 4: Place the 9″ Slotted Flat pieces on opposite sides and 6 inches from either end of your 36″ length slotted flat pieces. Place your carriage bolts through from underneath to hold them together, with the PVC plugs on top. Add your washers and hex nuts to the inside of the PVC plugs and tighten to hold them together.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Slip the PVC couplings onto the bottom of your poles and then slide them into the PVC plugs that are attached to the Slotted Flat pieces.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Lay out the Weave Pole Placer as a guide as to where to place your poles (you can opt to leave it under the poles or remove it after they are placed). Your poles will work best on a carpeted surface.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

For a quick tutorial on how to teach your dog the weave poles using the 2×2 method check out the video HERE. You may want to find a dog agility trainer or class in your area for more detailed instructions.

If you would like to make a set of outdoor weave poles, check out my tutorial HERE. Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl – Under $5

When I spotted this Chalkboard Dog Bowl over on Waggo I just knew I had to have it! Only when I asked mom if I could purchase it, she suggested why not DIY it? Oh but of course!

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY CHALKBOARD DOG BOWL

Materials:

  • A ceramic bowl (mine came from Homegoods) $4
  • Frog Tape (I had a roll on hand) $7
  • Chalkboard Spraypaint (I also had a can of this on hand) $5

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Using the frog tape, tape off the portion of your bowl that you do not want to have chalkboard paint on it. You may need some help from someone who doesn’t have paws!

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Using even coats, spray your bowl with chalkboard paint. You may also need some help to get the cap off your spray paint.

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Once your bowl is completely dry it will be ready to write on with chalk! You may want to prep the surface first by applying a coat of chalk evenly across the entire bowl and erasing it before writing on it.

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course any dog bowl is much much better with food in it!

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Yum! Everything tastes better in my trendy Chalkboard Food Bowl! Ammo the Dachshund

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Pet

You all know I love a good DIY project, and when it takes less then 5 minutes and requires no sewing (for my mom who is not so handy with a needle and thread) it’s just an added bonus!

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

So for Easter this year my mom helped me whip up some quick DIY Bowties that I can wear when all my family comes to visit on Sunday. They’re so fun and easy to make that I can’t even decide which one to wear!

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Pet

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

What you need:

  • Scissors or Rotary cutter
  • Ruler
  • Fabric
  • Iron (optional)

Step 1: Cut a long rectangular piece of fabric (Mom cut mine 5″ x 19″ to make my small bow tie). The longer and wider you make your rectangle the bigger your bow tie will be. You will also want to cut a thinner strip of fabric, mine was 2″ x 19″, to be used later.

Step 2: Using your large rectangular piece of fabric fold in the edges. You can use an iron to crease the folds if need be.

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Next fold your ends towards the center so that they just overlap where the center mark would be.

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: Fold the entire piece of fabric in half.

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: With the front of your bowtie facing you, crease it into 3 even pleats. Then place a clothespin on it to hold it in place while you move to the next step.

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Using the small strip of fabric you cut, fold in the edges.

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 7: Wrap the thin strip of fabric around your bowtie and tie in a double knot in the back.

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 8: Tie your Bowtie around one of your dogs collars, trimming any excess fabric if need be.

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

You’re now ready for an Easter Party!

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Now if I could only decide which one to wear!

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Dog // Ammo the Dachshund

P.S. I expect to see lots of dogs in dapper bowties this Easter! Post your dog in their best bowtie on my Facebook wall so we can enjoy them all! Ammo the Dachshund