Choose any pattern or colors you like, but keep in mind that the best fabrics to choose include fleece with rip-stop nylon or an air-mesh fabric for a lightweight feel. Fold your fabric in half and place it on a clean surface. Then fold the paper pattern in half and secure it to the fabric using pins. Cut the fabric carefully along the pattern lines.
Place a Velcro strap on one of the belt-like shapes. Sew the Velcro to the fabric. Repeat on the other belt-like shape. Sew the Service Dog Registry patch on the back of the vest so that the dog can quickly and clearly be identified as a service dog. Its important to remember that service dogs are granted to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A dog who is trained as a puppy in obstacle avoidance, directed guiding and intelligent disobedience can become a certified service dog.
Based in Los Angeles, Lisa Finn has been writing professionally for 20 years. Her print and online articles appear in magazines and websites such as “Spa Magazine,” “L.A. Parent,” “Business,” the Famous Footwear blog and many others. She also ghostwrites for mompreneurs and business owners who appear regularly on shows such as Ricki Lake, HGTV, Carson Daly and The Today Show.
Your service dog alerts you minutes before your seizure starts, opens the cupboard or picks up things from the floor since you cant bend down. He brings back a sense of self confidence and independence to your life and, for that, you love him madly. Treat him to a homemade service vest that will protect him from the environments elements and identify him.
Measure the dogs chest and abdomen by placing the measuring tape behind the front legs. Pull the tape around the the dogs body along the widest part of his rib cage to get an accurate girth measurement. Place the measuring tape at the neck. Run it down the spine to the tail.
Make your own dog harness:
Ever wanted to make your own DIY dog harness? Turns out, you can make a dog harness at home with the right materials. We love making Y-front fleece dog harnesses at home to use for our dogs or to gift to friends. These fleece harnesses are comfortable, great for sensitive skin, fully customizable, versatile for working dogs, and fun to make! There are so many different types of dog harnesses out there – the Easy Walk, Puppia, Petsafe, Freedom Harness….the list goes on and on.
Disclaimer: If pulling is the reason the dog is walking on a harness, you should NOT attach the leash to the harness you make as it is not an industrial strength harness that can withstand pulling from a big dog. We have included this disclaimer for the safety of your pup – of course your dog can still wear this trendy DIY harness but the leash should be attached to a collar if your dog pulls. Additionally, you should always reinforce the attachment stitches with box and zigzag stitches especially if you are attaching a handle. Please, please, please remember that one row of stitches is not enough to handle pulling.
It is super easy to get started on making your own doggie harnesses at home: all you need is a sewing machine, fleece, webbing (polypropylene) and some metal or plastic hardware. Read through this page to get all information about sizing and materials. On this page you will find the following:
DESIGN: How is the custom harness designed?
Sizing Chart for fabric cuts: Harness Measurements
FAQ
How do you make a homemade service dog vest?
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How do you make a harness for a service dog?
What color vest do service dogs wear?