Even if you’ve ordered from us before, we highly recommend reading through all the information that is relevant to your order. This page is updated as often as possible to ensure we are providing customers with the best products and service.
Bespoke products cannot be returned unless they are faulty or not made to specification, so reading this information carefully will ensure you get the product most appropriate/suitable for you and your dog (and that you are happy with it). Please read all the information provided and check regularly for wear and damage. No product is indestructible.
Any questions that aren’t answered here? Message us on social media @dogsboutiquelivingston or email humans@dogsboutique.co.uk and we’ll be more than happy to help. We are always happy to be contacted about bespoke orders and will provide honest information regarding your requirements.
MATERIALS
At Dogs Boutique we offer three different materials for our range of handmade items: rubber webbing, PVC and BioThane®. Our top priority is offering great quality products so, where we have found a material doesn’t lend itself to a particular product, you will not find it on the website.
The BioThane® (unless stated) is 19mm width. The PVC and rubber webbing (unless stated) is 20mm width.
The rubber webbing material is strong, lightweight and grippy. Many of our customers say they prefer this material for it’s superior grip but please bear in mind that it will absorb water and smells like a more traditional fabric material. Although it may not be as practical as the waterproof webbing and BioThane® in terms of maintenance, it is definitely the material best suited to recall training due to it’s weight and grip.
PVC and BioThane® to most, appear very similar. Both are durable, waterproof webbings which are easy to clean, odour resistant and neither will stretch. Whenever I meet and chat to people at events, I describe Biothane® as PVC on steroids. It is more malleable (won’t kink as easily if left rolled up), the colours take longer to fade (higher UV resistance), the material has a better grip and in terms of durability it has a higher break strength. For this reason, BioThane® is more expensive.
We continue to offer the PVC as an alternative at a lower price point. Many customers, particularly our professional dog walking customers, love the PVC for everyday use. When practicality is the main priority, especially for training lines that will be dragged through the mud, the PVC is a great value option. Here’s some feedback from our customers…
“The PVC material is extremely durable, waterproof and easy to clean. Looking for something a little bit more luxurious? BioThane® has all the same perks as the PVC with the added benefit of it being a softer and more subtle fabric that gives a much more ergonomic feel in your hand.” – Kim from Tiny Paw Adventures
“I bought the Dogs Boutique PVC training lines and I literally use them every day. I absolutely love them and would be lost without them. Similar to the BioThane®, they will wipe clean and are super durable (I’ve had them for years). The PVC is a great value alternative to the BioThane® for training lines that are going to get wet, muddy and dragged through woodland walks.” – Naomi from Lead the Way
HARDWARE OPTIONS
All of our handmade products come with a selection of hardware options.
Our black and rose gold hardware is nickel plated so will scratch and wear with everyday use (which would not be considered a fault with the product). The black in particular can start to show wear quite quickly depending on the product and the dog. The silver hardware will stay looking shiny and new much longer. The plastic clasps (available on our made-to-measure collars) are very hard wearing and are recommended for dogs that like to swim. If you select the nickel plated options then please note that it will wear quicker if your dog enjoys swimming and more adventurous walks.
You will be sent a product care card with more advice on how to keep your handmade items looking their best but we recommend removing you dog’s collar in the house. This will prevent damage and wear if your dogs likes a good scratch. We also recommend regularly cleaning the collar to prevent a build up of muck. Once the collar is removed/cleaned, drying it will also help prevent deterioration of the hardware.
Please note that if you are ordering products that use a thinner material then the hardware used must be adjusted to suit. This means that hardware on thinner material will be smaller, more lightweight and will have a lower break strength. If you want more information about the break strengths or want to chat about the durability and suitability of products for your dog, please do not hesitate to reach out.
COLLARS
PVC and BioThane® collars can be ordered with buckles or side release clasps. The buckle option means that the collar is adjustable whereas the side release clasp collars are made to measure (not suggested for growing puppies or floofy dogs that change size after a groom).
COLLAR MEASUREMENTS
You must provide a measurement for all collar orders and you can do this in the notes section on the checkout screen. If you don’t provide a measurement then we will contact you for this information but please note this may delay your order.
We highly recommend choosing the BioThane® material for your collar as the malleability of this product and the higher UV resistance will ensure the best look and feel!
Working with measurements from an existing collar (that fits your dog well) is always the best way to ensure a good fit. Please use the image below to take your measurements before selecting the best sized collar for your dog. Make sure the collar is laid flat and ensure you measure carefully as bespoke orders cannot be returned.
If you don’t have a well fitting collar to work with or would like to double check your measurements, you can also measure your dog’s neck. Using a soft tape measure or piece of string, measure your dog’s neck where the collar would normally sit. Slide two fingers between the dog’s neck and measuring tape (this should make the collar size about 1-2″ larger than the dog’s neck size and ensure it sits comfortably).
The size selected on the product description screen determines the cost of your purchase. Giving an exact measurement means that the collar is made specifically to fit your dog.
Please note that any flat collar is not suitable for dogs that pull on the lead! Although our materials are strong/durable, you will notice excess wear if your dog is pulling and applying pressure. It is also best, for the safety and health of your dog, not to allow any pulling on a collar.
LEADS & TRAINING LINES
Measurements for leads and training lines are taken from the end of the clip, i.e. where it connects to your dog, to the furthest point (either the end of the line or the top of the handle). The lengths stated are what we have found to be the most practical and popular but if you need something made to a different length, please just ask and we will try and make it happen.
You can choose when ordering if you to add a handle to your training line. If you choose to have a handle then we recommend you don’t allow the training line to drag when in use.
We always advise attaching training lines to a harness rather than a collar to avoid injury to your dog.
MAKING AN ORDER
The lead in time for our handmade items is 5-7 days (although we will always aim to make orders as quickly as possible). Please bear this in mind when placing your order and contact us, before making payment, if you need your order quicker. You can email humans@dogsboutique.co.uk to check the current turnaround times.
Please note that if an item is showing as “in stock” then it means we have enough material to make at least one of these items. If you are, for example, ordering x4 purple, 10m training lines, we may need to order additional material to fulfil your order. If this is the case then the lead in time will increase to 14-21 days.
In the event that we do not have the material to fulfil your order you will have three options:
- Choose alternative colours that we do have in stock
- Wait for additional material to be delivered
- Obtain a refund for the item(s) we aren’t able to provide (or a full refund for the entire order if you’d prefer).
PRODUCT DISCLAIMER
Every order for our handmade items will be sent with one of our product care cards. This will provide you with information to ensure your products stay looking their best for as long as possible.
Customers are responsible for determining the suitability of our products for their individual needs and accept all responsibility when purchasing/using them. We have tested the strength and durability of our products for everyday use. Customers should check regularly for damage and wear and tear as no product is indestructible – your pet’s safety is your responsibility. Please take particular care if your dog pulls excessively on the lead although we do not recommend any of our products for strong pullers.
Do not allow your dog to chew any of our handmade items. We cannot replace items that have been chewed.
Colours of all products may vary slightly from what you see on our social media / website.