DIY Puppy ID Bands

Some breeds of dogs have large amounts of puppies and it can be difficult to tell them apart. Golden retrievers can have as many as nine puppies in one litter and, with the exception of some mild variations in color, it might be virtually impossible to tell them apart. When puppies are born, they need to be weighed and examined. The first 24 hours are important, and puppies need to be checked every hour to be sure they're doing fine. You can make puppy ID bands to put on them after they are born so you can tell them apart.

Things You'll Need

  • Yard of white fleece
  • Scissors
  • 5 colored permanent markers
  • 10-inch strip of Velcro
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut 10 strips of fleece about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. You may have to adjust this if you are expecting small puppies, such as from a toy poodle. Make 10 ID collars to be sure you have enough before the puppies are born.

    • 2

      Draw designs on the fleece strips. Make a different design on each one. For instance, draw red polka dots, red stripes, blue polka dots, blue stripes, and so on with other colors.

    • 3

      Cut the Velcro into 2-inch pieces. Using 2-inch pieces assures there is enough room for adjustment in size on the ID collars.

    • 4

      Using needle and thread, or sewing machine, sew the Velcro onto the ends of the strips of fleece. Sew the one piece of Velcro with the hooks on one side of the I.D. band, and the piece of Velcro with the loops on the opposite side, so when you put it on the puppy, the Velcro lines up. Make several rows of stitches around the edge of the Velcro so it won't fall off.