The Dog Comes First

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The Dog Comes First

Handcrafted and bespoke dog coats, and accessories. A small individual business which aims to help Want your dog to look ditzy rather than dull??
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The Dog Comes First- well they do in our house ..... (however much we try to the contrary)!. My three rescue dogs are my inspiration for my little business. Fed up with boring, ill fitting dog coats I decided to make my own. I now produce hand crafted, made to measure and off the peg dog coats and accessories, made from quality fabrics at affordable prices.. Want a dog coat that is warm and practi

cal yet fun and funky?? Well take a look at my fabrics and design your own coat. Just choose your outer fabric and your inner fabric and you can have a coat to suit your dog. Don't see what you like- just ask me and I will see what I can do. All my dog coats are hand sewn, so please allow 3 weeks for delivery (though hopefully it will be quicker than this). I run an order book so will give you an indication of the timescale when you order. Why not have matching accessories whilst you are having your coat. Collars , leads bandanas and bows are all available. Best of all 10% of profit from each order will be donated to small animal charities and non profit organisations, so whilst your dog ends up looking dapper, you will also be helping to feed and care for abandoned animals who have nobody of their own. Thank you for looking at 'The Dog Comes First' xx

29/08/2024

Little Delilah -the newly rescued ex breeding pug - dumped in the street once she was no longer of use.

Well , now she is much loved and looks so proud of her new coat. Go Delilah- a better life awaits for you now ♥️

for reference this is a made to measure polar fleece coat lined in snuggle. I have just a small amount of the leopard print left now. To order or for help please message me-

29/08/2024

🌈🌈Apparently today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day 🌈🌈

I know I don’t need any special day to remember my beloved Alfie, Pol, Jinny and Dougal, plus multitudes of cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils , mice, hamsters etc who went before. But is is nice to acknowledge them out loud.

Please share your photos below of your much missed companions 💔

28/08/2024

🌺💐🌸Another piece of artwork in the making. About halfway there- just need all the colourful flowers to grow now🤣🌸💐🌺

This one is based on the customer’s garden and the stunning views beyond ( the flowers are purely figments of my imagination!)

28/08/2024

A ‘Pawfect Love’ collar in purple ready for its new owner .

Also available in red, blue, green, yellow and cerise and with the option of a matching lead , this pattern has been a favourite for a few years now.
25 mm width - collar small (10-14” neck) £16, med (14-18”)£17, large (18-22”) £18, lead £20 plus uk postage from £2 .

To order drop me a message with your dog’s neck size

27/08/2024

🌤️🌨️Lightweight Dog Macs🌨️🌤️

Just dealing with a couple of queries re my lightweight dog macs and thought I would post about them too.

These showerproof macs have a ripstop outer ( like tent or shower curtain fabric) lined with a polar fleece of your choice from my collection. They roll up into a compact shape and you can also purchase a showerproof matching little bag to store them in for an additional cost. This makes them ideal for days out when the weather is a bit iffy!. Simple roll one up and pop in your rucksack or bag to have on hand if the heavens open.

The colours I currently have in stock for the outer are standard red, black, navy and purple, plus rainbow ombré, cerise, hi viz green, hi viz orange, cerise turquoise and royal blue which are shown in the photos.

To order or for help please drop me a message. All are made to measure and I have popped on my measure guide .

26/08/2024

🐶🐶Happy National Dogs Day🐶🐶

Pancho is the light of our lives and all the more precious to us after losing Alfie and Pol.

Who lights up your life? Post your photos of your poochies below and spread some smiles

25/08/2024

Hi - I am Michelle. I am not a robot, or a chatbot, or a figment of AI imagination- I am an actual real person, the owner and sole employee of ‘The Dog Comes First’ ( though ably assisted by my constant companion Pancho, sadly the last remaining of our three Spanish rescue dogs)

I have lots of new followers lately so I though I would do a bit of an intro to my business, and explain why I run it as I do .

‘Do you have a website?’ I am often asked .

No I don’t. I did try to run one a few years ago but it simply didn’t work for me. When I started this business over eight years ago now, I quickly realised that it made more sense to me to make everything ‘made to measure’ . I saw no point in wasting fabric,and especially my time, making stock items that didn’t actually fit any dog very well. It takes the same amount of time to make a made to measure coat as it does a random sized coat , so why not just do made to measure!!

One of the comments I often get from customers is that they can never find a dog coat to fit properly- well that is because every breed of dog has different characteristics and so needs different shaped coats .

When you order from me I don’t have a ‘click and order’ on line service because I want to liaise with the customer about their needs, the dog breed and shape, and what fabrics they want. I ask you to message my page so we can have a little messenger text chat about your order. It is me you are chatting to, not a computer, or an employee. I will talk you through measuring your dog and guide you on fabric options to create your own coat.

Please forgive me if I sometimes ask you to double check your measurements. After 8 years of making coats I can often tell if the measurements don’t look in the right proportion for the breed of dog . For example if you tell me a Schnauzer has a17” back but a chest measure of 18” I will be asking you to double check the beck length as experience suggests that measure is far too long. On the other hand if I get measures of a 13” back with a 16” neck and a 24” chest- everything would scream the back length is far too short - until I know it is a pug, then those measurements are fine🤣. So my questioning is there to ensure that I can create the best fit coat for each dog.

And in the same way I even prefer to make collars and bandanas to measure just so I can tailor the item to your dog’s measure and shape for best fit. I do understand that sometimes it is not as easy as simply clicking on a website and paying for an item. It undoubtedly loses me business running things this way, but I just find I prefer things like this. It gives me a chance to offer a personal service to my customers, and over the years many have become fb friends. So many of my customers come back to me time after time, which feels like a great achievement .

I only run a tiny business, I am limited by how many orders I can physically sew each day , but over the years I have sewn hundreds of coats ( in fact I’ve probably done over a thousand coats for the charity alone) . Plus the accessories and artwork I do - I get easily bored and like to try new things😅.

You can see my ranges if you look in my photo albums, but the sky is the limit really and I love helping customers style their dog in their own way. There are things I don’t do ( like coats with legs in!) but if I think I can do something I will give it a go- like snuggle sacks, or blankets, or the neck pillows- all initiated by customer requests. If you want special items for a wedding or special occasion I am happy to see if I can help .

So browse through my photo albums, drop me a message any time for a quote or help and have fun styling your dog

( oh and I’m afraid I do only ship to the UK - so sorry to people who ask if I ship abroad - at the moment I don’t)

24/08/2024

🧡🖤Schnauzerfest Donation🖤🧡

I have just made a payment of £151.40 to for their charity coats I have produced over the last few months. Each coat bought attract a 20% donation to the charity.

I now offer six versions of this iconic coat. The original is the orange fleece outer lined in black fleece and this was quickly followed by the reverse version black fleece lined in orange ( see photos one and two).

I then designed a light weight dog Mac in either orange or black outer lined in polar fleece ( the orange is shown) . This is a showerproof Mac which rolls up small to pop in your bag or rucksack- ideal for summer outings in questionable weather ⛈️( an optional carry bag is available for a small additional cost)

The cost for the polar fleece and Mac versions are small- up to 15”back £30, medium 16-20” back £34 ( larger coats are available at extra cost but these are the two best selling sizes for Schnauzers).

Next is by far the most popular coat - the Hi Viz waterproof orange . This quilted waterproof coat not only keeps your schnauzer warm but with its luminous colour and reflective stripes it ensures your dog is highly visible in murky weather . It would be hard to lose a dog wearing one of these.

A black quilted waterproof lined in orange was then added to the range - not as eye catching perhaps as the orange but a very classy coat for the style conscious. Price small £34, medium £40)

I regret I only post to the Uk and NI . Postage is from £4 tracked Royal Mail ( this will usually cover up to 3 coats depending on the size).

All my coats are made to measure and I attach my measure guide and order form ( nb this form is for the quilted waterproof version but just let me know if you want the fleece or Mac version ( no need to fill in the form, you can just send the info needed on messenger .

I am now booking sewing into the week of 9 September so if you do want a coat for the walks in October get booked in soon .

🌟🌟Finally a huge thank you to all the top Schnauzer models who sent in pictures of their coats. You are all stars 🌟🌟🌟

23/08/2024

Looking for ideas for a dog collar for a customer and I came across this cheerful fabric I’d forgotten about. It can be made into clip collars of 20mm, and 25mm width or 40 or 50mm Martingales. It looks especially good as a bandana as you get a bigger area of the fabric.

Collars from £14, reversible round the neck bandanas from £8 - drop me a message with your neck size for prices or to order

22/08/2024

A rather snazzy coat just completed for a newly adopted pug. Rescued from the streets where she was dumped when no longer needed for breeding , this little girl is being spoiled by her new family.

This coat is sure to keep her cosy when the weather turns.

22/08/2024

I stole this, this morning, as it really made me giggle. I know so many dogs on our daily walks yet I have no idea of their human’s name. It is always ‘Teddy’s mum’ or ‘Maya’s dad) . Even worse - if I see the human without the dog I often don’t recognise them, leaving people to think I am either very rude or very thick I’m sure 😅

21/08/2024

💜💙💛NEW💛💙💜

‘Harlequin’ - I could only grab enough of this striking fabric for about 3 collars so if you like it order soon.

25mm width small(neck up to 14”) £16, med (neck14-18”)£17, large (neck 18-22”)-£18 plus UK postage from £2. Drop me a message with your neck size to order

20/08/2024

🍋🍋NEW🍋🍋

‘Fresca’- a citrusy vibrant collar in a 25mm width .

Small £16, med£17, large £18 plus uk postage from £2. Drop me a message to order

18/08/2024

Our Enchanted Old Apple Tree has produced a bumper crop this year- unfortunately all the ripe fruit is just out of our reach and by the time it falls down it is bruised and grubby - very frustrating. How are your fruit trees doing this year?

I am very excited to see they are making a film based on Enid Blyton’s ‘Magic Far Away Tree’- absolutely loved that book - I will be first in the queue to see it. Maybe they would like our Apple tree for the film 🤣

18/08/2024

🍁🍂As we head to towards autumn and the main dog coat ordering season, a quick update of my coats ideas album to offer you inspiration. 🍂🍁

My price lists for all the different types of coats I do and measure guide are also shown . You can mix and match any of my in stock fabrics to create your own look - just drop me a message for help and advice.

Current order time is approximately two weeks but this does tend to increase once the schools go back and everyone suddenly decides they need dog coats in preparation for winter 🤣

17/08/2024

A bit of an update to the collars and bandanas album showing some of the more recent designs . If you see anything you like just drop me a message for prices or to order

16/08/2024

🐾Did you know….? 🐾 That all my collars are custom made to order to fit your dog’s neck measure

For the ultimate in stylish collars try ‘’Persia’. The colours are so vibrant and are incredibly hard wearing.

Available in 4 colourways these 25mm width collars are lined in satin for comfort. Price small £16( neck 10-14’), medium £17 (neck 14-18”), large £18 (neck 18-22”) plus uk postage from £2.

To order drop me a message with your neck size .

15/08/2024

💥Did you know…..?💥

That the charity waterproof coat is also available in a black and orange version .

Fabulous Freddie here is showing us he can still practice doggy yoga whilst looking super stylish and smart (and raising a 20% donation for at the same time).

The measure guide and order form ( with the prices on) are in the photos. All coats are made to measure so don’t delay and get your order in soon if you need a coat for the October Schnauzerfest walks.

Btw are there any walks in Yorkshire ( or near Doncaster) this year as we might try to gate crash - Pancho is quite partial to Schnauzers 😁

14/08/2024

🌈🦋Do you love rainbows?… and butterflies?…🦋🌈

Then this is the collection for you . Chose from leads £20, 20mm clip collars (from£14), 25mm clip collars (from£16) and 40 and 50mm Martingales ( from £18) , reversible round the neck bandanas (from£8) and bows ( from£6) - collar charms £3 - plus UK postage from £2

To order or for help drop me a message with the neck measure

12/08/2024

☀️☀️☀️Yes - hard to believe I am sewing blankets in this weather but just completed this orange needlecord blanket for a customer.

I can now currently source these William Morris fabrics in Panama cotton if anyone is interested for dog blankets . They are more expensive than my normal fabrics so the price will be £40 plus uk postage (£4)for size 100cm x 70cm . They will be lined with cream lambswool style fleece like the orange blanket

They are only available to preorder as I will have to buy the fabric in specially so if anyone would like to order please message me

10/08/2024

Another happy customer modelling their new outfits. Cooper opted for an indoor snuggle coat in preparation for winter, and a charity coat - this time the polar fleece version .

If you are wanting a coat for the October charity walks do get your order in soon. Time runs away too quickly ( and I have a week’s holiday in September ) , drop me a message to book in .

09/08/2024

⬛️🟧How’s about a bit of orange to kick off the weekend.🟧⬛️
Rocket and Luna sent in these lovely photos of their new coats. This pair are so tiny -indeed Rocket now holds the record for the teeniest Schnauzerfest Coat I have ever done. He is about the size of a ‘My Little pony’🤣.

What great mascots they will be for Schnauzerfest when they are out and about - absolutely guaranteed to attract attention i would say ♥️

08/08/2024

🙏🏾Can we all send some healing prayers to Gorgeous George🙏🏾

This old boy is battling cancer and has endured several big ops to try to treat it. His mum wanted a loose , comfortable fleece collar just to hang his ID tag on, as he is no longer able to wear a proper collar after surgery to his neck, so this is what I came up with.
I helped with George’s adoption many years ago and had the pleasure of meeting him and his mum for a walk with Pancho and Alfie not long afterwards- must be about 9 years ago now I think. Where does time go.

Think of you George and praying for good news. Hang in there old boy ###

08/08/2024

Winter coat orders are starting to come in and these two stylish coats are just off to a couple of Schnauzers in Scotland.

I have a several colours of quilted waterproof currently in stock including :- red, black, navy, cerise, purple, maroon, turquoise, hi viz orange, hi viz yellow, lilac, olive green, emerald green , camouflage . These can be teamed with any of my in stock polar fleece fabrics or snuggle fleece fabrics to create a unique coat. Take a look in my Coat Ideas album for inspiration ( nb the newest are at the bottom of the album)

For help and advice or to order just drop me a message

06/08/2024

A lovely photo here of Lily wearing her shimmery gold Indian inspired collar.

Thank goodness I am now negative for Covid and have resumed sewing today - I hope to get through my backlog by midweek next week- thankfully it is my quiet time of year, so normal service is nearly resumed😁

03/08/2024

Anyone have contacts for a dog rescue in Corfu please?? Asking for a friend

03/08/2024

💖💖Feeling so much better today and hubby is now testing negative so to celebrate I thought I would share these lovely photos of delightful Doula the rescue Doberman who is showing off her new Martingale collar.

Thank you so much to Doula’s family for sending in these pictures 💖💖

31/07/2024

The Dog Comes First household has been hit by Covid again . I’ve spent most of the last couple of days in bed but faithful Pancho has kept me company. I think he has quite enjoyed it actually!

I will be about a week behind on orders as I won’t be sewing again until I test negative, but hopefully no one is desperate for coats in this heat ( and isn’t it just Sod’s Law that we’ve waited months for this glorious sunshine then we have both been too ill to enjoy it! )

Hopefully we will be on the mend soon 😷🤧🤒

28/07/2024

Pancho is so relieved to have a new haircut. His lovely groomer gave him a good summer cut today. I’ve changed his collar to celebrate- this is one of the Scandi Chic range and his must be at least 5 years old but still looks superb.
Have you had one of these collars? How are they bearing up ?

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🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️Another dog is getting set for winter with three new snugglecoats. It’s the first time I’ve used the mermaid scale fabric and I have to say it looks really nice 🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️. To order please drop me a message. My price guide for the snuggle coats and measure guide are shown . Please note order time is currently approx 2-3 weeks .

The 5 O’Clock Woofings!! Every single night, without fail , we have the 5 O‘Clock Woofings. He stands in front of me tantrumming, woofing and stamping his feet. We’ve never worked out what he wants. He doesn’t want to play, or a cuddle, he’s just had his tea, and treats, and his walk. We think he just loves the sound of his own voice. This can easily go on 10 minutes or more by which time my ears are ringing. Don’t you just love em 🤣🤣🤣

Edit…. Does my bum look big in this !!! Not sure why the video parked in this shot 🤣The ritual disembowelling of their presents by Pancho , Alfie and Pol!!! Merry Christmas to all my customers, I hope you are having a great day. I have to say we have created Christmas Monsters in our three- though ably helped by their Aunty Nicky. I literally had to run by tackle them all to stop them opening all ours too!!! Happy Christmas ###

🌻Hippy Chic🌻 I only introduced this design a few days ago and sold out straight away ! I’ve managed to purchase another small amount and I also have a few metres of it in pink too. If you would like to order please drop me a message. 25mm width clip collars s-£14, m-£15, l-£16, XL- £17 plus uk postage from £2

When you’ve just finished wheelbarrowing and stacking about a tonne of firewood and then the dogs want to play as they’ve had a nice long sleep whilst you’ve been working 😩 Then the only answer to keep them entertained for 10 minutes whilst your back recovers is a present🎁🎁🎁. Until you remember the mess you have to clear up after them 😂😂😂

Well… he’s been😂. Santa left loads of presents for the dogs. Hope you all managed a good Christmas Day . The Three Amigos certainly enjoyed theirs ❤️

Well got to the vets and back in a lull between two storms thank goodness. Now to start building an Ark 😮

So glad I am due to be walking the dogs to the vets in 10 mins 😮😧😮🌩⛈🌩

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