Dogviews

More No More Pulling

I have a thing against dogs who pull on lead. Of course, it's not the dog's fault. Great loose leash walking takes a lot of patience on the part of the owner/trainer and a lot of time. But, there are many strategies and products to help. I reviewed Premier's Easy Walk Harness in an earlier post.

Another product that I really like is the Triple Crown Collar. It operates on a similar principle to a prong collar, but with much less drama, and it doesn't look like you are a Darwinian dog owner when you're out in public.

The product was designed by Triple Crown Academy a training organization from Austin, Texas.

I've used this product on dogs that have about pulled my arm out of the socket, and usually it works great. Some dogs just don't respond to it (real stubborn, hard-headed types), but for the most part, it reduces pulling to almost nothing.

The Triple Crown Collar is a little tricky to un-hook and assemble, but once you've learned the trick, it's a snap. Triple Crown has great videos and pdf document (Fitting_the_TC_Collar-05.pdf) on their site that shows how to fit the collar, and tips for training.

No collar or harness will work, though, unless you are consistent and patient about your training. That means it might take you 20 minutes to go 100 feet the first time you decide your dog won't pull. And it means that you have to require your dog to follow the no-pull rules every time you go out.

But think how much fun it will be to walk the park trails with a dog nicely by your side!

Triple Crown Collar
10.99 - $12.99

No More Pulling

Vino, my Cocker Spaniel is terrible on walks. This dog has been through many, many training classes, and is the snappiest heeler you've ever seen...in class. But, on walks, he just can't control himself. In fact, he gets so excited, he MUST poop on every walk, no matter how many trips he's made to the potty pen already.

I know there are many of you with these problem walkers. I see it every day at the park. At my assistance dogs volunteer job, we use Premier Gentle Leaders. Some think it is a muzzle, but in fact the dogs can eat, lick or bite whatever they want (they never bite.) Gentle Leaders work for many dogs, but Vino hates it. He shakes his head violently whenever he gets it on, and basically shuts down.

So I decided to try the new Premier Easy Walk Harness, and it worked GREAT! I had to fiddle with it a little to get it to fit right, but not much. A few times, Vino threw a fit and put on the brakes, as if to say, I’m not walking another inch. But, with a little encouragement from me, he decided it was better to be with Norman and me, versus being left behind.

Leave it to the Premier people to again introduce a great product.

I’d love to hear your dog walking stories. Let me know what works, and what doesn’t.

Phydeaux

$24.00

Jax & Bones Lucky Boy Dog Bed

Norman just got a new dog bed from Jax & Bones, a manufacturer of upscale pet products. This is the first time I've purchased from this company, and even though their web site could use some upgrading, Norman and I both LOVE the bed -- and Norman's not a dog bed junkie like his pack-mate Vino.

The bed is made of a great material (cotton twill, I think) that doesn't attract hair. All these suede and fleece beds are great, but they're hair magnets. Who needs that?

The pattern design goes perfectly with my room. You won't believe all the fabric patterns that are available. There are also outdoor beds in fancy fabrics.

These beds aren't cheap, but who cares? They're fun!