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DIY Reflective Dog Collar, Leash and Shirt

For all you night owls, this simple DIY project makes evening walks safe and fun thanks to the reflective paw prints that make you and your dog visible to traffic.


You’ll need…

1 inch wide nylon leash or collar sized to fit your dog

A t-shirt for you or your pup (optional)

1 inch wide paw print reflective fabric iron-on decals

Scissors

Iron

Instructions:
Step 1

Cut a reflective fabric paw print decal and place where you’d like it to be on the leash, collar or shirt. The decal should be placed down touching the fabric so that its protective backing is on top.

Here are some tips: For the leash, you may find it easier to cut a strip for its entire length. Be sure to include the hand loop of the leash and to cut a full length for the reverse side.

For collars, you can thread the thin, flexible tape through buckles or loops to cover as much of the surface of the collar as you’d like.

 For shirts, let your imagination go wild and place the paw prints anywhere your heart desires!

  • For our people shirt, the short sleeves were covered in an all-over pattern of paw prints, but you could just as easily place a single trail of them around the neck area or along the bottom hem.
  • For our pup shirt, the paws were placed in a few rows around the shirt.
Step 2

Iron the paw print decal for about 10 seconds with a hot iron to fuse it to the fabric. The plastic backing will change from an opaque white to clear when its done.

Step 3

Continue to cut, place and iron decals until the item’s done.

Step 4

Allow everything to cool a few moments before peeling off the backing to ensure the reflective fabric adheres.

Now, you and your pup can be “twinsies” as you light up the night in your fashionably fun, safety gear! Next time the sun goes down… “Wonder Twin powers, activate!”

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Don’t forget to share your pictures with us below or on Facebook. We always love seeing what you make for your furry best friends!

Want to see this LIVE VIDEO? Check it out HERE! https://youtu.be/gDE5uOPcoio

4 Comments
  • Ginny Alfano
    Posted at 22:03h, 18 May Reply

    Thank you so much for the written instructions! It really helps people like me who have limited internet service. Leon made a wonderful model. This is such a great idea and one we will put to good use when we go camping.

    Love from Ginny, Baxter and Rupert ❤️❤️❤️.

  • Ginny Alfano
    Posted at 22:05h, 18 May Reply

    Thank you so much for the written instructions! It really helps people like me who have limited internet service. Leon made a wonderful model. This is such a great idea and one we will put to good use when we go camping.

    Love from Ginny, Baxter and Rupert ❤️❤️❤️.

  • Richelle Bender
    Posted at 15:20h, 06 April Reply

    I am wondering if it is possible to iron the decal again once it starts falling off after time? Or do I need to completely remove and redo? Used this idea for my doggo and it’s so cute! But after time the reflective has slowly started coming off her collar, she’s very active and hard on her things.

  • Patti
    Posted at 16:33h, 06 April Reply

    I don’t know for sure, but it should be possible to secure the paw print decal back onto the collar – especially if it hasn’t fallen completely off.

    To make the repair, place a piece of plain white paper over the paw print to protect it from direct heat as you iron it back in place.

    Make sure your iron’s steam function is off before you start. The water spray released from your iron can moisten the plain paper, leaving the decal susceptible to melting from direct heat.

    After the paw print sticks back to your collar or fabric, take off the iron and pull away the white paper while it’s still hot.

    You can check to see if any touch-ups are needed. If so, repeat the process until the decal is secure.

    Hope this helps keep your active lil’ angel healthy and safe!

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