How it Started

 We lived in the Caribbean,  spending time on the beach then living on boats. She had a white chest that was stained by rust, a  kind of an orange color and her  collars were always falling apart.  My first modification was a boat  shackle to replace her collar D-ring in 1998. 

I was frustrated with the rust & rot  that happened to regular materials  in the coastal environment, so I  started using more marine  materials and added features I  wanted in a collar. Finally, I found  a lasting combination of  functionality and durability. After  this came other gear styles and the  fun part of ribbon fluff. 

Now, here we are, many years and  states from the beginning still  loving my sewing machine, the  beach and enjoying it all with my  dog. 

I now live in St. Augustine, FL with Piper SaltyDog

Materials of a Wet Dog Collar


Wet Dog was inspired by and named after Mootz, my original "Wet Dog", 

a purebred Cruzan Coconut  Retriever, AKA a rescue.

Collar Clips

Constructed from acetal, a durable plastic, these contour clips on the standard and narrow sizes feature internal teeth for secure gripping on the webbing, ensuring a firm hold without slipping loose.

The wide plastic clips are made from the same material but with subtle design differences, incorporating a weave locking feature

slides and strap-keepers for tight fit on my dog collars

Slides & Strap-keepers

The wide mouth slide on the standard and narrow makes it easy to adjust. Then position the strap-keeper at the center of the adjustment to secure the excess material.

The wide feature a narrow slide, and strap-keeper to ensure a snug and slip-free fit.

stainless parts for my dog collars

Stainless Hardware

All rust proof saltwater worthy stainless steel hardware, D-rings, swivel leash clips, buckles, martingale and harness slides, and loops for slip leads.

Marine webbing, flamingo and palm tree pattern jacquard ribbon being sewn on a sewing machine with industrial thread to make a dog collar.

Construction

I use only woven jacquard ribbon because it has superior durability and color retention over printed. My thread is for boat canvas, it is outdoor UV resistant and a heavy gauge. The webbing is also a marine product so nice and strong. I have a Sailrite machine that is a semi-industrial, it can do smaller stiches as well as larger and goes through the materials solidly.