Elvis walked into the room and I knew I had to have what he was wearing; a white outfit studded with colored crystals. It caught my eye and I couldn't stop staring at it. Sorry, not that Elvis, THIS Elvis (pictured below). Elvis is a standard poodle that attended one of my dog training classes at Camp Bow Wow in Coppell. I knew his owner from previous classes with her other dogs, but I'd never seen any of them sport collar bling like that. I asked her where she got it and she replied "Collars By Kitt". "Is it leather?" I asked, "No, it's biothane" she replied.
I have to admit, I had to research what biothane was; waterproof, antibacterial, doesn't absorb odors (aka stink proof), doesn't mold or mildew, is flexible, comfortable, easy to clean and comes in an array of colors! I was off and running to get one of my own. Kitt was fantastic to work with, helping me custom design a tag-free white collar with name plate in Rooney's signature colors of light blue and yellow. Since then I've recommended Kitt's collars to friends, family, training and photography clients as well as fellow agility students; everyone loves them!
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Biothane Collars Are My Favorite Whether For A Special Photo Shoot, Water And Action Sports Or Around the Pool
Biothane Collars Are A Favorite For Action Dog Photo Shoots In The Water
Jay and Willow are two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers that we've recently friended and biothane collars are perfect for their active lifestyle. The material is maintenance free and if it gets soiled, you just wash in soapy water, rinse and wipe off the excess water and it can go right back on the dog! No sitting around waiting for collars to dry. I recently photographed this pair at Grapevine Lake in Grapevine Texas and the collars looked great on them and were dry before we even got back to the car for the soggy ride home. If you have a dog that you can't keep out of the water, we'll include that in your pet's portrait session.
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Biothane Collars Are Great For Dog Sports
Do you spend a lot of time practicing a sport with your dog? If so, we should photograph that! Whether they're running agility, diving from the dock are heeling like a boss, we should capture that in your dog's photo session.
Gator is a Belgian Malinois who's owner does "all the things" with him; IPO Schutzhund Training, lure coursing, dock diving and more. A low maintenance collar is necessary for this busy pair and biothane is perfect for everything they do. Gator is proof that even a manly man dog can be stylish (and pull off wearing crystals!).
All of Kitt's collar hardware is stainless steel because cheaper plated metals can often chip or wear off. Stainless steel is also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, durable and easy to keep clean. It doesn't tarnish, rust or turn green or discolor any materials it might come in contact with. Over time it will take on a beautiful brushed patina.
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Biothane Collars Are Perfect For Off Leash-Adventure Photo Sessions
Are you more of an adventure team? Don't think that a photo session with your dog is for you? Can't picture your dog posed among the flowers? Take a look at the images below. If you love spending time hiking with your dog and you smile whenever you think of it, then let's take a hike!
When you're hiking with your dogs and you come across a creek or river, it's a given that your dog is going to go for a swim. Wearing a soggy collar for the rest of the day can be problematic for some dogs, making them prone to skin irritations and yeast infections. A biothane collar will be dry in no time and if you're worried about tags being a snagging danger, Kitt offers ID name plates as well as buckle/D-Ring-free collars for those more accident prone dogs out there.
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Action Dog Photography At The Dock Diving Pool Where Biothane Collars Rule
Biothane collars were all the rage at Dallas Air Dogs in Midlothian, Texas this week when I popped in to capture some of the dogs in action. It was impressive and a great opportunity to practice my action dog photography skills learned a couple of years ago with the world renowned action dog photographer, Claudio Piccoli. I captured some dogs that caught big air as well as some that were just starting out.
The Swarovski crystals that Kitt uses glistened in the sunlight and are securely cradled in and firmly backed by stainless steel. The gemstone like cut that produces an exceptionally sparkly and durable crystal is called "Sirius", which coincidentally is also known as "the dog star". If you're not into bling, she also makes plain biothane collars as well, but with a little bit of flair like keepers (that little loop that holds down the tab of the collar) in a second color. No matter what you pick, it will be perfect for dock diving because everything she makes is waterproof.
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Biothane Is Easy To Maintain For Stay-At-Home Dogs
I'm often asked if I can photograph a dog at home. Yes I can. Whether it's because their age or physical condition doesn't allow them to travel well, or perhaps they're reactive to other dogs and you don't want to risk a scene at a public park (I have a reactive dog myself, I am oh so very familiar with this scenario), we can definitely photograph your dog at home. Don't love your landscaping? Don't worry, I have tricks up my sleeve to make even the smallest, barest yard melt into a creamy, dreamy backdrop.
Even if you don't have a star athlete or mountain trekker, Kitt's collars are just as suitable for the pet dog that romps around the back yard or likes to take a dip in the pool every now and then or just gets caught in the rain on a walk. As a small business, I love that I found another small business I can support and help promote - just like the Hair Club for Men guy, "I'm also a customer" - and Collars by Kitt are handmade with love in the USA.
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I'm Also A Customer
As I was photographing dogs in and around the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex for this blog post, I started to feel pangs of collar envy so I ordered a new custom set from Collars By Kitt for when I take Rooney on hikes and it arrived just as I was finishing up the post (he has a tag-free bedazzled collar for his agility classes). I plan to hang one of my favorite ID tags from TriColor Treasure on it and love that I'll have the ability to wear the leash hands-free, slung over my shoulder for when he can safely enjoy some off-leash time. Watch to see Kitt's lovely packaging as I open up this present to me!
I'm Also A Customer!
Watch as I open my own latest purchase from Collars by Kitt!
5 Comments
Jul 9, 2021, 7:48:14 PM
Jessica - Damn, those dock diving shots are great! I wish I could try that with Hunter..,but he’s not a water fan!
Jul 9, 2021, 1:07:42 PM
Holly Cook - I am now obsessed with biothane collars and long lines! Gah! Thank you for sharing this amazing resources!
Jul 9, 2021, 11:41:48 AM
Tammy Snyder - Tracy thanks for posting a place where my clients can get nicer biothane collars. I think Pippin needs one for out on the trails around the reservoir. She's always taking a quick dip to keep cool in the summer. Great blog post!
Jul 9, 2021, 10:04:40 AM
Elaine - Loved everything about this blog today! And, I am off to order some biothane from your referral! (Your water action shots are wonderful!)
Jul 9, 2021, 9:32:56 AM
Nicole - Those are so pretty, and I love biothane!