A DIY Solution for Sharing the Bed Comfortably with Your Dog

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Ammo

I’m very lucky in that ever since I can remember mom and dad have allowed me to share their big dog bed with them. Everyone has always slept soundly at night with all of us together (some of us snoring louder than others), but still relatively peacefully.

Then suddenly things changed when I found out we had a 4th family member sharing the big dog bed too (my new little sister), and mom decided she could no longer sleep with me digging my paws into her ribs at night.

Thats when this funny looking pillow called a Snoogle* showed up in our bed. Mom said it was supposed to help her sleep, but after about a week I had commandeered the Snoogle all to myself!

*affiliate link

With a combination of pillows, rolled up blankets and the Snoogle I was now corralled into the center of the bed so that everyone could sleep soundly at night again. That is until Mom decided she wanted her pillow back!

So instead of relegating me to the couch at night (I’m much too important to sleep on the couch!), Mom came up with a DIY Solution so that we could all sleep comfortably again.

Mom made me this super cool bumper type pillow to keep me in the center of the bed at night (and from kicking everyone) so that she could take her pillow back. So far it’s been great, and I’m even enjoying having some of my own space at night too!

Since I’m sure there are a lot of dog’s out there that share the giant dog bed with their humans I thought I would share just how my mom made it:

A DIY Solution for Sharing the Bed with Your Dog!

What you need:

Fabric (We bought 3 yards of sweatpant type material which was plenty enough to make the bumper pictured – but since you could make this in any size you want you might have to adjust how much material you buy)
Ribbon
Scissors
Stuffing (we used some old pillows we had laying around the house)
Sewing Machine & Tread

Step 1: Cut your fabric into 12 inch x 8.5 foot strips. This makes the size pillow you see me pictured with, and if your fabric is not long enough for 8 feet you can cut more than one strip and attach them together (which is what we did). My pillow turned out to be a pretty good size, but mom said if she made it again she might make the thickness a little bigger. Also, you can certainly adjust this size for different sized dogs, bigger sides and longer for big dogs, and maybe a shorter length for smaller dogs.

Step 2: Fold your strips of fabric length wise in half with the inside facing out and stitch along the long side to create a “tube” of fabric.

Step 3: Cut two circles out of your fabric 6 inches in diameter. Again this size can be adjusted depending on how big you plan to make your pillow.

Step 4: Cut a slit in the center of each of the circles for your ribbon to slip though and then attach with the sewing machine.

Step 5: Sew one of the circles onto the end of the fabric tube you created. Make sure if it’s still inside out that you sew the correct side onto the end.

Step 6: Flip your tube of fabric right side out and start to fill with stuffing. Since this pillow is over 8 feet long we found it helpful to use a broom handle to push the stuffing down the the bottom of the fabric so that it was tight and compact.

Now suddenly from my perspective you have a new snake buddy! But we’re not done…

Step 7: Now attach the other circle you cut to the end of your tube. Likely you will have to hand-stitch some of this to close it off completely.

Ta-da! You now have a pillow that can be used to corral your dog anywhere you like. The ties at the bottom are super helpful in keeping the pillow together (so I don’t kick my way out at night).

And as a bonus it can also be used to tie up the sides to make the walls of the pillow higher if need be.

I’ve really been enjoying my new “bed nest” and it’s definitely helped give my entire family a great nights sleep. In fact I’ve gotten so used to sleeping in it that when I had to sleepover at the farm the other night without it that I picked a spot at the end of the bed and curled up out of the way of everyone for the duration of the entire night. I guess I’ve just gotten so used to sleeping more independently that it’s what was most comfortable!

Does your dog share the bed with you at night? Do you think you’d co-sleep better with one of these pillows?

K9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Ammo

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by K9 Couture Collars. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

My new friends at K9 Couture Collars recently sent me some new collars to update my wardrobe.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

At K9 Couture Collars they believe that just like shoes, you can never have too many collars! And I have to say I totally agree with this. As a dog, who wants to wear the same collar everyday? Certainly not me, I have too much fashion sense for that.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Everything they make is hand picked, assembled and hand sewn by them.

And the designs – they have so many! Tons of styles and colors and if you don’t see what you’re looking for you can even request something custom.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Most of their collars are made with a thick nylon webbing and fabric overlay, and you can choose the collar width you prefer for your dog. You can tell each stitch is done with the utmost of care! They have many different styles and can come with plastic buckles or metal buckles and with a choice of standard buckle or martingale options.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Personally I adore this gold metal buckle collar in mint julep. My mom prefers the metal buckles as they seem to be much sturdier and stronger. And at K9 Couture you can choose whichever options you prefer best for your own dog’s collar.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I haven’t seen many collars on the market with gold hardware, and this one just screams….I’m fancy and I know it!

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

So if you’re looking to add a little variety to your own dog’s wardrobe then you might want to check out K9 Couture Collars.

You can even head over and like them on Facebook for a 20% discount off your next order!

And now for the best part….

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL WIN A COLLAR OF THEIR CHOICE FROM K9 COUTURE

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. By entering you will be added to the K9 Couture e-mail list. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to WORLDWIDE readers. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 Days of Cheer! DIY Holiday Dog Collar Flair

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Ammo

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!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Festive Holiday Fabric (smaller patterns and words work best)
Fabric Button Kit
Elastic
Scissors

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.

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

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).

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

Simple, fun, and oh-so-festive!

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

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!

Recovering an Ottoman with a Helping Paw

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Ammo

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

This is my sunroom, my favorite room in the whole house. (Don’t mind the easter eggs and the snow outside – this was taken earlier this year). I spend a lot of time in here, since it’s got the best view! See that ottoman in the middle, well I also spend a lot of time on that sunbathing. Which is also the reason why mom decided that the fabric needed to be changed (on account of my “sometimes” muddy paws).

Now I’m no stranger to furniture restorations, I’ve helped mom repaint chairs, and dressers – but this would be my first fabric recover!

Furniture Restoration // Ammo the Dachshund

So mom broke out the tools, but that’s not really how this Dachshund rolls – especially when you have some built-in tools of your own…..

And thanks to me, about an hour later I was looking at my brand-new ottoman!

Furniture Restoration // Ammo the Dachshund

Covered with a charcoal grey sunbrella fabric, mom says it’s designed to take a bit more of a beating than what was previously on it.

Furniture Restoration // Ammo the Dachshund

As long as these paws are still allowed on the furniture than it’s A-OK with me!

Dressed up Dachshund

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Ammo

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 bowtie!

Friday Fetch: Dog Harnesses from Ginger’s Wonders

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ammo

I came across this interesting harness design from Ginger’s Wonders on Etsy and was intrigued. I like a good harness that gives me freedom of movement, and these harnesses seem to do just that. Plus they come in some fun colors and patterns, perfect for some summertime fun!

Friday Fetch: Dog Harness from Ginger's Wonders // Ammo the Dachshund

That houndstooth pattern certainly looks good on my fellow dachshund friend!

You can fetch these dashing harnesses from Ginger’s Wonders for around $30!

5 Minute No Sew DIY Easter Bowtie for your Pet

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ammo

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!