Shop of the Week: Rover Dog

It's been awhile since I've posted Shop of the Week. Now, I'm happy to introduce you to Rover Dog, a  fabulous clothing line for dogs. If you love dogs, then you'll want one of these outfits for your pooch! I surely want one or two for my George and Tobi:)

How old is your shop?

The idea to start a clothing line for dogs that was based around classic pieces was first formed in 2007, however it took a few years to get things up and running.  The Etsy shop has only been open since August of 2010.

What inspired you to start your own home business?

I’ve always been a creative person and have a background in art and design.  I’m a Martha Stewart addict and love to make most things by hand, so it just grew out of my love for making gifts for people to being able to draw an income from that passion.

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft?

For the Classics Collection we looked at iconic fashion pieces – a trench coat, peacoat, shirt dress and so forth, and transformed fashion patterns to dog patterns.  We search for great fabrics and fun trims and buttons to make each piece truly tailored and unique. 

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?
How did you get over it?

To be honest there have been a few sidetracks here and there, but really we love what we do – coming up with the patters, sourcing the materials, and making the clothes – so there really has not been many tough challenges.  We just try to have fun, make smart choices and try to look on the bright side of every situation. 

Name your top 3 favorite picks from your shop
Skipper peacoat, Westerly trench coat, Starboard anorak

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop
I work at a design museum by day and spend my nights crafting.

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without

I can’t leave home without my moleskin agenda (I’m lost without it & it doubles as a sketch / idea book), Chap Stick, my cell phone, measuring tape, and fabric swatches (I carry them around in a small envelope).

your favorite shops

J.Crew, anything Martha Stewart, Designer Fabrics in Toronto, Fabric and Buttons (Toronto), Cath Kison, and of course a million shops on Etsy.

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

If you have an idea, research your field as much as possible, make a business plan (no matter how simple it is), find good suppliers (that offer great prices, but also quality and are loyal to their customers) and above all be willing to take some risks.

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

Support from the Etsy community has been overwhelming, in as little as a few weeks we have grown a large fan base and I have talked to some great people who where more than willing to offer advise.  I can’t thank everyone enough for their kind words and support – keep posted links on your facebook page, blogs and twitter accounts (they really do help!)

~*~*~*~

Thanks AnneMarie for this fab interview:)

Practical Tips When Shopping for Dog Accessories

Dog leash and collar. collars are made up of different materials – from nylon, cloth, leather, chain, to reflective. They also come in various designs to match the activity it will be used for – training or dog walking.

When choosing a collar, make sure that it fits properly. Allowing some space between the neck and the collar at least two fingers wide. Also, make sure that they’re not too heavy for your dog to carry. In choosing a leash, consider the size of your pooch and the durability of the leash.

Dog grooming accessories. Dog brushes and combs are designed for different purposes. For example, a straight, metal pin brush is recommended for dogs with thin coats while a Slicker Brush is for dogs with thicker coats.



Toys. Dogs love to play. When choosing a toy for your pooch, make sure that it will not be a choking hazard. Also, don’t choose a toy that resembles an item that you wouldn’t want your dog to chew on.



Bedding. The ideal bed should be at least 9-12 inches larger than your dog. When choosing a dog bed, consider the size and durability. If your dog has allergies, be sure to get a hypoallergenic bed. For injured dogs, an orthopedic bed is recommended.



For more tips on buying accessories for dogs, check out the Dog Care section of shopwiki.com. Shopwiki is a comparison website that you can use to find stores that offer the most affordable prices.