A DIY Solution for Sharing the Bed Comfortably with Your Dog

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 6 with Ammo the Dachshund

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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!

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably 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

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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).

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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.

A DIY Solution for Sleeping Comfortably with your Dog

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?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Sound Proof

Sound Proof - Ammo the Dachshund is a Seasoned DIY Dog

Trips to my local hardware store are a pretty common occurrence for me. I’ve come to look forward to perusing the isles for all the special DIY materials mom and dad are looking for for their next big project.

Sound Proof - Ammo the Dachshund is a Seasoned DIY Dog

The employees always seem surprised with how well behaved I am and how unfazed I am with all the loud noises going on in the lumber department.

I just smile and nod, because I’m pretty much sound proof at this point thanks to all the DIY projects mom and dad take on!

Is your dog completely unfazed by loud noises like me?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

New Vegetable Garden

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

Every year I like to plant a vegetable garden. After last year’s winter my usual veggie spot was looking a bit sad. Nothing a little gardening re-model couldn’t fix though!

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

My handy Dad got to work right away with a new plan so mom and I don’t have to pull weeds anymore…woohoo! Mom of course had to sit this one out, since apparently heavy lifting is frowned upon when you’re growing a baby.

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

Eventually (thanks to dad’s hard work) my new garden boxes started to take shape and it was time to get the dirt! (my favorite part)

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

I tagged along to help mom and dad pick up garden soil so my plants could grow big and strong.

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

While dad shoveled all the dirt into the garden boxes I stood guard to make sure no critters got in the way of our hard work. It’s pretty much a full time job.

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

The soil went in and I could hardly wait to get my plants into the ground. I’ve been saving bits of kibble all year to plant my kibble tree!

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

With soil in the boxes the garden was looking mostly finished….now it was time to plant!

Ammo the Dachshund's Vegetable Garden

After mom picked up some plant starts at the store I helped put everything into the boxes. Now all we have to do is wait for them to grow big and strong, and keep the critters from eating them! Don’t worry though, I know just the dog for the job!

Does your dog involve themselves in your home projects like I do?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Practicing in Public

Practicing in Public - Ammo the Dachshund visits Lowes

It’s that time of year when it seems I find myself visiting the hardware store almost every weekend. Mom and Dad are always coming up with projects that need to be done around the house in the Spring. Mom says it’s the perfect place for me to tag along and practice all my “behaving in public” skills, as I inevitably get a little rusty over the winter.

Practicing in Public - Ammo the Dachshund visits Lowes

I beg to differ on the “rusty” part, I mean just look how good my sit/stay is!

Practicing in Public - Ammo the Dachshund visits Lowes

I’ve also got the healing next to the shopping cart down too!

Practicing in Public - Ammo the Dachshund visits Lowes

And my self control (even when I smell critters in the garden center) is pretty good too (well most of the time!).

But the very hardest part for me……trying to keep up with Dad in the hardware store! #ShortLegProblems

Does your dog go on public outings with you? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Big Pet Friendly Kitchen Remodel Reveal

Now you may recall that way back in July of last year I embarked on a big endeavor to help my mom and dad redo our family kitchen. You see, it wasn’t very pretty to look at from the start…

Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation via Ammo the Dachshund

Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation via Ammo the Dachshund

Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation via Ammo the Dachshund

Closed off and cramped, there wasn’t much room for activities in there, so starting in July my family decided to change all that!

Over months of hard work I helped dad work on demo, electrical, plumbing, painting, and drywall, and I even helped to install the brand-new cabinets.

Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation via Ammo the Dachshund

Weekend Kitchen Renovation Update with Ammo the Dachshund

So while I can’t say the kitchen is 100% complete (is a DIY project ever complete?) as we still have a tile back splash to install, and a few last items to hang on the walls…..it’s done enough that I couldn’t wait to share the finished details with you (oh 8 months later!). So without further ado, here’s my brand- new kitchen!

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

Of course no kitchen would be complete without an ENTIRE CLOSET filled with all your dog’s gear (I’m pretty sure we all know who rules this household!)

Big Reveal Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation with Ammo the Dachshund's Help

So what do you think? Did my dad not do a super job building my brand-new kitchen? With the exception to the cabinets, countertops & new wood flooring everything was DIY’d, and I’m pretty sure with all the trips to Lowes I made over the past few months that I’m basically an expert in construction now!

Working Weekend - Ammo the Dachshund gets a new Kitchen

Now I’ve got to hit the hardware store and pick out some tile for that backsplash! The work of a DIY Dachshund is never done!

What’s your favorite part about my new kitchen? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

On the Job

You may recall that there are some new changes happening on the family farm, most of which involve building Trooper a super duper new house!

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

And since we consider this the family farm, everyone is expected to pitch in and help with the construction, Trooper and I included. I am certainly no stranger to working hard on the farm, in fact, it wasn’t that long ago that I was just a wee pup being introduced to fence building with the family.

Ammo the Dachshund // Puppy // Farmwork

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

So for our newest family construction project we set out to tackle laying radiant flooring on the basement. I gave Trooper the task of Foreman #1.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

I on the other hand, took on the job of Foreman #2, mostly because Foreman #2 can get away with taking naps on the job! Trooper is such a sucker.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

On Day #1 of the install I oversaw the installation of the floor insulation which had to be cut and taped into place.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

My crew worked pretty diligently but by sunset they still had lots of insulation left to install. (those slackers).

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

So by Day #2 I decided to get my hands dirty and speed up the process.

Ammo the Dachshund // On the Job // Construction

And wouldn’t you know, with my extra help the install went much quicker and by sunset we were nearly complete! I guess all they needed was a little doxie power! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Stay tuned, as there are lots more construction projects in my near future!

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Over the weekend mom and I had some fun with a little DIY project. I like to keep up with all the fashion trends, so I told mom I needed a stylish new Ombre Bandana for the summer! Ombre is new it thing, incase you didn’t know.

So here’s my super fun tutorial for a…

DIY OMBRE PET BANDANA

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Supplies Needed:

  • Hanger (a plastic pant hanger works best)
  • Box of Dye (we ended up using a Royal Blue Color – not the pictured teal dye)
  • Cutting Tool (scissors or rotary cutter work fine)
  • Ruler or tape measure
  • White Fabric or Bandana (we used a white cotton jersey material, but the ombre color may show up better on a different material – we just didn’t have any on hand to experiment with) *we also pre-washed/shrunk our fabric before dying

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: If you are using a piece of fabric vs. a pre-made bandana (sold at most craft stores, but better sized for a large dog), cut your fabric into a triangular shape that will fit your dog’s neck. Mom measured my neck then added 4″ to each side on the top to make room to tie it. Ex: my neck measured 12″ so we added 8″ total making the top measurement 20″ wide.

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Mix your dye as per the directions on the box. As a rule always add a little less water to your bucket – you can always add more water to dilute it later.

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Attach your bandana to the hanger.

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: Dip the bandana 3/4 into the dye for about 5 seconds, then remove. Try to keep the bandana as level as possible when dipping into the dye.

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Next dip your bandana 1/2 way into the dye for 20 seconds.

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Remove the Bandana another 1/4 out of the dye so that just 1/4 remains in the dye. Leave it there for another 2 – 3 minutes. *you may have to experiment with dye times based on the type of fabric you are using and how quickly it soaks up the dye.

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Remove from the dye and hang until dry.

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

The waiting is the hardest part!

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

When your bandana is dry you will have a stylish new accessory perfect for the summer! Yay!

DIY Ombre Pet Bandana via Ammo the Dachshund

Of course I had to break mine in by rolling in the stinkiest dead animal smell I could find. It was glorious!

Sewing – Doggie Style

Lately my mom has been doing this thing called sewing. As far as I can tell she uses this noisy machine that attaches together tempting chew toys fabric into something that may or may not be useful. My mom said I could probably do a better job at sewing than she could, so I jumped at the chance to help. Turns out I never made it past the picking fabric stage – I think all the bright colors just distracted me.

Oh well, sewing has proven to be a great opportunity for me to catch up on my napping. I’ve got my paws crossed that mom will make me something useful one of these days.

What we making today?

Choosing fabric

I like this one

Just making sure the color will match my room

Are we done sewing yet?

Collapsing from boredum

tada! Apparently it’s a grocery bag dispenser.

Crock Pot Cover

Bunting! Makes me want to throw a party and invite all my doggie friends!