Howdy! This is a guest post written by my friend, Mat, over at WileyPup.com. Mat and I both share a love for man’s best friend and his post is going to teach you how to give your pooch all of the pampering it so deserves. Take a look:

Fashion Forward Fido

Not everyone associates dogs with style…but you may find that a little investment in your furry friend’s looks goes a long way to complimenting your own personal style and adding a whole new level to your four legged friendship!

Great Grooming: Like basic hygiene for people, great grooming is the bedrock of a good look for pooches. If you decide to groom from home, be sure you have the right gear:

Clippers – If you have a canine with long growing hair like a Poodle or Maltese, then you may be spending lots of money at the groomer. If you invest in quality clippers and a little time to learn trimming basics, you could get the job done at home and reap big savings.

Nail Grinder – A good look must include a manicure! If you have had trouble keeping up with your pup’s claws using a traditional nail clipper, give a grinder a try. They are easy to use and unlike the scissor style nail trimmers, you won’t nip the quick. Ouch! Plus, you get a perfectly rounded edge rather than a sharp nail tip. Pretty and practical!

Dog Bath Tub – If you have a petite pet, you might be lucky enough to be able to give your little buddy a bath in the sink. If not, you are probably used to bending over and fussing with trying to give a bath in the tub. Invest in an elevated dog bath to take the chore out of this necessary grooming activity.

DIY Couture: If you are crafty, your dog is a blank canvas waiting for you to create a couture masterpiece! Think of your pooch as an opportunity to showcase some accessories that highlight your own personal style.

Sewing – There are tons of great fashion ideas for pups that involve very basic sewing skills. Whether you want boho-chic, hipster, or high fashion, a new look is just a trip to the fabric store and a few stitches away. Pinterest is a great starting place for inspiration!

Knitting – Regardless of your knitting skills, you can find fantastic patterns for your furry friend in any size. If you want to go simple, try a doggy muffler (AKA The Snood). It is as simple as knitting a tube in your favorite colors that slips over your dog’s head. Want to really showcase some knits and pearls? Try a cabled sweater custom made just for your buddy.

D’awe!

Upcycled – One of the biggest trends in DIY fashion of any kind is the huge potential to repurpose the fabrics and notions from worn or outdated clothing. You will be surprised at how easy it is to craft a custom sweater or jacket from some simple modifications to clothing that you are already done with.

Doggy Decor: Our canine friends can add some clutter to our indoor spaces. If you like a more finished look to your home, there is plenty of opportunity to create a dog friendly interior design that fits your decor style. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Feeding Station – Rather than kicking around loose dog bowls on the floor, consider building or buying a feeding station that is a custom fit for your kitchen decor. Bonus: Getting your pup’s food off of the floor has potential health benefits like preventing bloat and irritation of the esophagus.

So cute!

Custom Crates – If your furry friend is crate trained, then you may have one of those unsightly metal wire crates in one of the corners of your house. Consider making a design upgrade with a custom cloth cover to match your decor. Or, if it is in your budget, check out the latest crates designed to look and function as furniture for a completely finished look. Etsy has some great examples if you are looking for something handmade.

Upcycled Dog Bed – The dog beds available at most large pet shops tend to look tattered and worn within a few months. Even at their best, they don’t add much to the ambiance of a room. However, there are great ideas that require few skills and tools to build a simple bed frame to create a neat and tidy look in any style. Think suitcases, dresser drawers, or end tables for a quick and easy transformation of your canine’s sleeping quarters.

Have Fun! We hope this article has given you some bright ideas for updating your doggy style. Make sure to keep it low pressure and high fashion. Your pooch will appreciate the extra attention and compliments they get on being a Fashion Forward Fido!

Author Bio: Mat Coulton has worked with dogs for just under a decade and is the founder of WileyPup.com, a doggy lover’s website that provides great tips and advice for pet parents everywhere.

Thanks, Mat! ❤