Product review - The Freedom No Pull Harness

One of the cool things about being a trainer is that sometimes I get free stuff. I like free stuff. The downside to offers of free stuff or invitations to link exchanges is that some of them are things I wouldn't promote even if you paid me ridiculous amounts of money. Some things are just not happening here. (go hawk your e "training" collars elsewhere please and oh you might want to READ the trainers site before you ask silly questions thank you very much) But I digress.

About a week ago I got a request from a company to send me a free sample to try and give an opinion on. It was the Freedom No Pull Harness from http://www.wiggleswagswhiskers.com/ I am always interested in new (pain free) products to help owners with dog training so I said yes. Here it is straight out of the package:

I took some photos of the harness on Jenny but it can be seen more clearly on their site here: http://www.wiggleswagswhiskers.com/products/harnesses/keystone/HF_KY.htm

Now my Jenny isn't a super puller (normally) but the principals of the harness are very sound. I'll explain those in a minute. The few times she did pull during our "trial walk" it was effective in stopping her with no extra direction from me.

The first thing I really like is that the configuration of the buckles make it super easy to put on AND figure out each time. Some harnesses are confusing to the average owner (in my experience) and I can't count the number I have seen a certain no pull harness on upside down and in two cases even backwards. Here are great photos on putting it on from the brochure that comes with it: http://www.wiggleswagswhiskers.com/products/harnesses/keystone/Freedom_no-pull_Ins.htm

The other things I like about it include the velvet chest strap. My Jenny is quite nekkid under her front legs to I worry about chaffing. Of course any material can chafe given the right circumstances but I certainly appreciated the softness.

The harness comes with a double ended clip leash with a sliding handle so it can be clipped in a number of ways. Two clips to the front ring, or both on the back loop, or one clip on each the loop and ring for extra control. Or one clip to the harness and the other to a collar. Heck you could even use it as a leash for two dogs at once! How's that for options? I like a longer leash so I came up with another. I clipped one end to the loop under the handle to lengthen the leash so only one clip was attached to the harness. (disclaimer-this is not how the manufacturer intended it to be used. I am just a master of jury rigging.)

So back to those principals I mentioned. The strap that goes around the chest has a loop on the back that tightens as the dog pulls. This works to apply pressure around the dog which is a helpful deterrent to pulling. It is similar to a product called the Weiss Walkie: http://www.emilyweiss.com/arquan/arcart/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductID=3 This is also a trick you can do with a long leash paired with a martingale collar in a pinch.

The front ring is also helpful to bring a dogs body around when they pull too. Much like an Easy Walk harness but without the loop that tightens to make the dog off balance. Because it lacks the front double loop it doesn't hang down and get in the way like the Easy Walk harness does on some dogs. http://www.premier.com/View.aspx?page=dogs/products/behavior/easywalk/productdescription

I also really liked that it came with a brochure that was well written and super clear with training tips included. They do not believe the product alone is a cure for pulling. It is simply a tool to help give you more control during training. No one likes getting dragged down the street after all. Their point is that you still gotta do the work needed to teach your dog how to walk properly on leash. (Bravo for this!)

Because my dogs tags are on a removable clip so I can switch collars and still have my dogs id attached, I also liked using the front ring for her tags. It just seems like a better spot than on the back loop like her other harness.

Jenny and I took a trip to our favorite local dog store to show the harness off and hint that she might want to carry them there. (She looks good in pink no?) I will definitely be recommending them to clients and friends in the future. Aside from the harness the company also makes some drool worthy collars and leashes too. (leashes with my favorite scissor clips and my favorite collar type: the double loop also known as a martingale) Go check them out and see for yourself. I will totally be ordering one in the near future. The harness also comes in different types as well as other colors and patterns. It's nice to have choices.

So I report that Jenny and I give this product a 4 paws up. I love it. Happy walking!!

(P.S. The Weiss Walkie and Easy Walk are also good products that I have used and recommended in the past. I just really like the flexability that this product offers and the ease in which it can be used by the average owner. )

Wordless Wednesday

Same tree only 1 week later. Winter she is a comin!

(new harness review coming soon)

Happy 234th Birthday

Semper Fidelis!!

Because I don't have enough to do already.....

I totally want to do this with Jenny:

Seriously I think she would love it. It combines her tracking ability and my enjoyment of the sport with her drive for finding food. A perfect match for everyone. And since I have access to plenty of deer parts, thanks to my husbands game butcher business, I have everything I need to get started. Well except for this book. (yet)

Order the above book here: http://www.born-to-track.com/book/order-info.htm

And here are some more websites with info on bloodtracking:

http://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/

http://www.born-to-track.com/

http://www.deersearch.org/

I have added the born-to-track news blog to my blogroll. Check it out: http://borntotracknews.blogspot.com/

It's official, I think I have dog trainers ADD.

My own project runway

Today I went to the local home improvement store with my sister to pick up some supplies to make a ramp on my front steps. Winter is soon upon us and the addition of the frost and ice in the mornings has made getting back in the house tougher for Missy than it used to be. She can go down our steps fine but going back up them is a challenge so I knew it was time. I started with an 8 foot pre-cut board which made it just the right angle.

I added some cut cross pieces for traction.

Then I added some no slip tape and a cement block for extra stability.

A training session later and Missy was going up like a pro. If I had to do it over I would make it just a little bit wider. Total cost $21.71 which isn't bad. I'm sure it could be done cheaper with different wood.

I may also bolt it to the steps to prevent slippage once my husband gets home and gives me some feedback. (he might not want it attached for plowing reasons) She has suddenly become very touch sensitive and hates being picked up. She lets up know by screaming her displeasure as she skitters away. I don't want to freak her out any more than necessary so hopefully the ramp helps solve that issue. If her coordination gets to bad I also have the option of adding sides so it makes a sort of chute for her. Or I can outfit her with a harness so we can help her balance as needed.

It wasn't a big project but it was an important one. I probably should paint or seal it for longevity but that is a project for another day. I am grateful that today's weather cooperated for me to get this much accomplished.

Wordless Wednesday

Little dog love

His name is Milo and I loooove him. I mean seriously, isn't he simply adorable??

I went to my sons basketball game this evening and this sweetie was sitting behind me. (a 10 week old Chihuahua) I didn't notice him at first because he came in a canvas tote. (OK so the dog in a purse thing gets made fun of but I think some of that is jealously. I mean if I could sneak Jack places in a purse I would totally do it. Just saying.) I got to molest him at half time. He gave me kisses and puppy love while I got sweet nice cuddle time. It was awesome. Being the dork I am I requested a photo to share here. Yes I have no shame.

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Once upon a time I never would have considered having a super small dog. Now I find myself really liking them. I can even see myself with a tiny little guy like Milo someday. A pretty big change from the 100 plus pound akitas I've always had.

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There is something to be said for the lesser expense involved in having smaller dogs. The difference in their food bill and my akitas food bill alone I'm sure is quite substantial. I suppose that could translate to being able to afford to have more dogs. A herd of Chihuahuas anyone? VBG

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Speaking of food this was the scene here last week.

The lobsters were making noises in the bucket and Jenny couldn't quite figure it out since she wasn't tall enough to see over the edge. I'm sure they smelled pretty interesting too. (another 6 were already in the cooker) Jack was curious but not excited by the commotion and Missy could have cared less.
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The Missy Update: She is doing ok. She has good days and bad days at this point. We had to increase her prednisone recently as some her symptoms had returned. So far so good on this dose.

Continuing education

One of the things I get excited about is attending seminars to keep learning about training and behavior. I feel like there is always something more to learn in this field. I don't care if you have been in the business for 5 years or 50, you can always learn more. Check out Ed Frawley, a training veteran of 50 plus years admitting even he learned something new recently in regards to Marker Training http://leerburg.com/markers.htm Something he admits to making fun of in the past. I look forward to seeing more of his stuff veer in the positive direction after his many years in the force method training camp.
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Side note: Yup force training works, I just prefer to go the non-confrontational and sometimes pain inducing route with my dogs whenever possible. I am not actually against all force training. But many people use it unfairly for the dog in my opinion. I started in force methods years ago so am technically now what they call a cross-over trainer since I switched techniques. When you know better you do better is the way I look at it. (P.S. Positive does NOT equal permissive.) His marker training video is awesome by the way and I can highly recommend it.
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I have a hard time understanding why any trainer wouldn't pursue their continuing education. Learning more helps make you a better trainer. The more you know the easier your job becomes. Plus it is always good to get together with your peers to trade feedback on cases.
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There are some seminars I can't attend due to timing, cost, travel issues or for personal reasons but I try to make any that come anywhere near me whenever possible. I can't always make it happen however. I am going to miss a spectacular one in Boston coming up with Dr. Ian Dunbar and Dr. Nicholas Dodman due to a combination of timing with my husbands winter job and a sick dog. http://www.jamesandkenneth.com/store/show/EBT-001 I placate myself by trying not to think about it. (But pass the info on!!)
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Fortunately I found this gem in an ad seen in the local dog newspaper: Downeast Dog News. I am very excited that not only is it a fun seminar that will apply to clients dogs too, I can participate hands on with one of my dogs AND it is local to me. No long distance travel time necessary this time. Score one for me!



Yes I have her book already in my library. FMI on Dee Ganley: http://www.deesdogs.com/
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I'll most likely take Jenny as she is my high maintenance dog that could really use the work. She is also the one I need to mentally challenge more. I'll be sure to try to nab some photos to share during the workshop.
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P.S. Hey check out my new "search this blog" gadget on the top right of the page. I am WAY excited about this. Now finding past posts on other topics has become so much easier. Enjoy!!

Happy Halloween!

I got a lovely update on our former foster frenchie Dash. Here he is with his brother Ivan.

It seems they entered a costume party with their bulldog cousin. The grand prize was a stay at a fancy Boston hotel for their humans. They not only looked adorable but they also won. (yay!)Mom and dad are very proud.

Their cousin as a hotdog, Dash and Ivan as the condiments.

He really is to cute for his own good. (not that I am biased or anything)

And check out the free jack-o-lantern dog breed stencils at the Better Homes and Gardens site: http://www.bhg.com/holidays/halloween/pumpkin-carving/pumpkin-carving-stencils-of-favorite-dogs/ Here's one of them that my friend Sarah did for work.

Enjoy your holiday and keep those pupsters away from the candy and scary masks.

Why I heart trick training

So is anyone else as excited by the new show on Animal Planet called Super Fetch as I am? Hosted by Zak George this is a show that literally shows how you can teach any dog any trick in a step by step process. I love it.

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The first episode had a french bulldog that was owned by a man with a hair salon. To help drum up business he wanted the dog to fetch the clients gowns once they sat down. The other dog on the episode was an akita mix. The wife of the household wanted to teach the dog to move the husbands alarm clock when it when off in the morning to prevent him from hitting the snooze button repeatedly in the morning. I won't tell you how it turned out, but I will say I loved the part where the wife was happy that the dog was now listening to her more since starting working with him. Before that the dog was much more into her husband. She realized that the training helped them build a better bond with each other. I found another episode with a guy that wanted his dog to do a trick so he could get women's phone numbers hysterical. (homework is always assigned which the owner never did)

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I have to admit I once thought tricks were a silly extra in dog training. I have since discovered that tricks have alot of power. Consider that for some reason people expect dogs to do the basics like sit and lay down. Stay and come are also not very flashy but also expected by many owners. Even when your dog knows these exercises people aren't impressed. But there is something about your dog showing off a trick that makes them look brilliant to everyone around. Even if that same dog eats it's own poo or gets lost in tall grass.

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I am a big fan of rescue groups teaching tricks along with the basics to dogs that are waiting for homes. Just one good trick can really wow potential adopters. People think that if you can teach a dog a trick, then they can learn anything. This can then translate for some people that those really smart dogs can learn to be very well behaved dogs. (which of course we know they can)

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Trick training is always a positive way to interact with your dog. And alot of tricks also utilize some basic obedience at the core so you are teaching more than just a trick. For instance you can't teach roll over until you teach down first. Trick training can also help you learn to communicate more effectively with your dog. If they do not understand what you are asking, they cannot learn the trick. It challenges the owner to bridge that communication gap between canine and human.

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Trick training can be great mental stimulation for high energy dogs as well. The act of having to figure out what their human wants can be challenging for them. Mental stimulation can help to tire out a dog that needs an energy burn off. Think rainy day and no walk. Or maybe the owner is physically limited in some way. Think broken leg and no walk. Mental stimulation can be a way to manage a dog that needs something to do to prevent boredom related destruction as well.

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Trick training can also be more fun for some owners to do than basic obedience training. If it is more fun for the owner then they will be willing to participate more training their dog. If they work with the dog more and because of that build a better bond they are then more willing to invest time into the basic obedience work as well. It is a win win situation.

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These are just a few reasons I like dogs doing tricks.

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Not convinced trick training has any real value? Check out this guys story. He has turned a trick into an enterprise to sustain himself. http://www.ohmidog.com/2009/10/20/two-beans/

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And here is more info on Zak George with some videos. http://blogs.discovery.com/zak_george/

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I haven't forgotten my goal of working through the 101 dog trick book, I have just been to distracted by Missy lately to focus on it as a priority. My trick training is "to be continued" for the moment.

A Minos weekend

My sister is out of town so Minos is here for the weekend. Being a (yet) unneutered 10 month old male is making the visit just a little bit more interesting. There has been lots of peeing on things (dog beds that smell like other dogs are his favorite) and ardent pursuit of the Jenny. (He looooves her.) Jack is still happy to play with him but a little less tolerant of some of his antics then previously. Add to that Missy's occasional accidents as a side effect of her medication and I am already doing an extra large load of laundry tonight. Thankfully in all other respects he is an easy keeper. No food aggression or toy possessiveness, eats on a schedule, good recall and crate trained. It could be so much worse. I am still tired of cleaning up dog pee though. Thank goodness for natures miracle.

I finally nabbed a photo of Thomas, the other clinic cat. He was also brought in years ago due to litter box issues to be euthanized. (which he interestingly doesn't have at the clinic) He is super shy and was considered difficult to place so he lives with us. (yes we got permission from the owner to keep him first for those that are wondering) He is one of the biggest chow hounds I have ever seen. He is always on hand to share food left lying around if invited or not.

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And on another note please send thoughts out to a friend who lost her cat yesterday to a tragic accident. His name was Bobby and he was a beautiful orange tabby. My thoughts also go out to another friend who lost her Italian Greyhound "Dragon" in a tragic accident and a friend who had to let her Collie "Rosie" go because of a painful tumor. It has been a dark time for to many people this week. No matter when or why, losing our beloved companions never seems fair. Our time with them is always to short. Godspeed sweet friends. May they all find the peace they deserve.

Photo op!

Since Missy's diagnoses I have been a little obsessed with getting a really good photo of the 3 dogs together. These are a few of the better ones I took yesterday. If I can figure out how to crop this first one the size I need I might use it as a blog banner.

Missy is not a fan of the camera as you can see by her ear set. To be fair the sun was also in her eyes. She is doing MUCH better on the prednisone at the moment. She is almost normal again and even felt good enough for a roll in the grass the other day.

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Jenny got a new harness. The step ins are great as a dual use tool because you can also use them as a seat belt. This is the "Zen" pattern from: http://www.marityndog.com/ I special ordered it at The Loyal Biscuit. She carries the line for those that are local. (Or not. E-mail her if you would like to purchase something from there yourself. She will ship. )

Missy looks happier in this pic because there was food involved.

This is a photo of the shirt I got for helping at this years dog walk for the shelter. You can buy them here: http://www.humanesocietyofknoxcounty.org/ (e-mail them for prices, sizes and colors) It is a beautiful shade in person. Very "fallish", and I think the logo is adorable.

I swear this year I WILL get a nice photo of the kids and dogs for this years Christmas cards. I always plan it and always procrastinate just a little to long. Wish me luck. Oh and feel free to comment and leave opinions on the new blog look. Likes and dislikes. I do love feedback.

Updating the blog and breed choices

My regular readers may notice a bit of change on the blog. I recently updated my business cards and my husband pointed out that since my blog is my web address on my card, then my blog IS my business front to potential clients. Because of that I have rearranged the blog accordingly. People coming to check me out can now easily find the info about me and my services. In all honesty I blog because it is fun for me. I sometimes forget that it is also linked to my job and how I present myself. I'll try these changes and see how I like them and may add more changes over the next few days. Bear with me.


Now for the fun stuff. I totally lifted this from http://www.underdogged.net/. Yup I am a big fat copycat. But I just love this. I also agree that my answers may be different today than they may be tomorrow. Honestly there are just way to many breeds I can see myself with.


IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A DOG FROM EACH CKC/AKC “GROUP,” WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? (excluding your own breeds)

Groups:
1- Sporting Group
2- Hound Group
3- Working Group
4- Terriers Group
5- Toy Group
6- Non Sporting Group
7- Herding


1 Sporting: Irish Setter. I'm not sure why tho I did know a lovely bitch when I was a young impressionable kid. When she had to go out she would lead us to the door by putting our wrists in her mouth very gently. I am fascinated by the red and white variety as well. I find irish setters very beautiful and have never met an aggressive one yet. Full disclosure however leads me to admit they aren't very common in this area.


2 Hound: I am more of a sighthound person than the tracking hound person. (odd considering I love tracking) It is a tie between the Saluki , Greyhound or the Whippet. There is something about the look of a saluki that attracts me. I have of course never met one in person. I love greys because they have the cuddle thing going for them and the need for adoption off the racetrack issue. I once saw a documentary about them with video of them stacked 5 bodies deep after euthanasia that will never leave my mind. (NEVER) But I love the size of a whippet. I would definitely do lure coursing with any one of these beauties.


3 Working: OK this is a tough choice. I love most of the dogs in this group. I grew up with a Siberian Husky so I have a soft spot for those. I just don't think I have the energy for one anymore. (tho there is a bred down version called the Alaskan Klee Kai I have considered. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_Klee_Kai ) I think a nice small Doberman bitch would be lovely. But I'd have to get an older dog or rescue because while I do appreciate the look of a cropped ear on this breed, and I really do, I could never do it myself. All of the Dobermans I have ever known were smart sweet dogs and I love their sleek look. My husband wants a bullmastiff as our next big dog. (and I want to down size so this doesn't fit my plan VBG)


4 Terriers: I met a Bedlington once that totally won me over for the breed. Not sure I could keep up with the grooming though. I love the look of the Irish Terrier but I think it is a tie. One of my choices is the Border Terrier. Cute, small and supposedly less terrier like than many others in the group according to the AKC rep I spoke to at a show about them once. Of course he could have been wrong. (one starred in a movie in a doggy remake of the cat from outer space awhile ago that was cute) My other choice is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I like the small size and uncropped ears.


5 Toy: It is a tie between a Miniature Pinscher and a Pomeranian. I admit it is totally about the looks. Did you know that Poms also come in brindle? http://www.americanpomeranianclub.org/colors.htm


6 Non Sporting Group: This one is easy because I think about it often. I would get a Chow Chow. I have a breeder friend who has chows with fabulous temperments. (Red Cloud) Having done some puppy socialization for her as well as taking care of her kennel has made me fall in love with them. I would probably go for the smooth coat though for ease of grooming. They are a great size and have a look I really like. Part of why I I chose the akita breed was the similar look to a husky. (I just needed a more guarding breed than a huskey at that time in my life.) I also agree that there are to many breeds in this group that are really more working dogs like Dalmatians. (which I also find beautiful)


7 Herding: OK this is a hard one. I am so not suited for a herding breed. I'm built for reading, not for running. VBG I've seen a few Australian Shepherds I like and I did go through a Collie obsession for awhile. If push came to shove I would probably go with a German Shepherd or a Smooth Collie.


8 Miscellaneous: The Norwegian Lundehund. A spitz breed of a nice medium size. http://www.nlaainc.com/main_page.htm


This was fun but I will point out I have also fallen in love with some of the "random bred" dogs at my local shelter too. A pibble named Worf and a GSD mix named Sidney come quickly to mind along with many of the non-sighthound hound mixes. (Casey, etc) It's easy to fall in love with a sweet dog no matter what the breed.

Happy Birthday Jack!!

Jack was born 5 years ago today. I am blessed to share my life with him, and blessed to know such fabulous breeders. Thanks Donna and Mike for such a wonderful gift.

Jack always makes friends where ever he goes. I call them his groupies.

He's my sweet and beautiful boy!