face collars
Though I prefer a prong collar, a face collar may be another option. However, think this through... it may feel kinder for you to use a face collar, however for a dog, having something around a very sensitive part of their body, may not be a nice experience.
The Halti has a safety backup clip, where as the Gentle Leader does not. I encourage you to add a backup clip when using a gentle leader, as a dog may be able to wiggle out of the face collar.
Muzzles
Loads of colour to pick from. Strong thick plastic material. Doesn't fit all dogs, but many. A bit heavy.
Leerburg carries multiple types of wire and plastic muzzles for dogs of all sizes and shapes. Many styles allow for a lot of breathing and panting room.​
Baskerville Muzzles are often a great option for many dogs. They have a safety feature over the head and under the chin. However, think critically about whether or not this muzzle should be warned by your dog while exercising or on hot days. Depending on the facial structure of your dog these muzzles do not always allow for enough panting room. These are not well suited for dogs with long snouts.
Purchase @ Woofy's Pet Food Store in the Comox Valley.
It can be challenging to fit frenchies, pugs, bostons, and other short snout breeds with a muzzle, due to their anatomy.
Please ensure there is adequate room to pant and open their mouth, along with more than adequate air follow. It can be dangerous for dogs not to have enough breathing space.
What to look for in a muzzle
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Padding for the bridge of the snout.
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Extra space under the chin so your dog can open its mouth wide and pant easily.
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To be extra safe, particularly with dogs that have a bite/aggressive history, look for a muzzle that attaches to the collar under the neck as well as over the top of the head. This helps prevent the muzzle from being knocked or pawed off.
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What to avoid
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Fabric muzzles do not allow a dog to pant, eat, or drink. These are unsafe for long periods of time.​
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The muzzle is too short if it butts up against the nose.
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Small holes or very tightly woven wire can make it hard to offer treats.
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Because dogs regulate their body temperate by panting, a muzzle with small holes or limited room under the chin to open their mouth wide should be avoided.
Martingale Collars vs. Flat Collars
When a martingale collar is correctly sized and a dog is pulling, it will distribute pressure evenly around the neck. Whereas a basic flat collar will put all the pressure on the trachea.
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For dogs that pull, a basic flat collar should only be used for tags, and an alternative tool should be used while walking.
What to look for in a martingale
Ensure the collars band is wide, as this offers two things:
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More control for the handler.
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More even distribution of pressure on the neck, which makes it more comfortable for the dog.
How to fit a martingale
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Loosen the collar and slide it over your dogs head.
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Tighten the strap, making sure you can fit about 2-3 figures under it.
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A martingale has an extra loop of either fabric or metal. Attach the leash to this section.
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Give the leash a good tug. You should be able to fit 2-3 fingers between the two D rings. The D rings should not touch when your dog pulls.
Martingale
Collars
3/4 inch and 1 inch collars by RC Pets. Purchase @ Woofys Pet Food Store in the Comox Valley.
1", 1.5" and 2" wide collars. Comes with a quick release clip, which makes it easy to take on and off. Available with Caninus Collars.
DogWalkies on Etsy makes these simple nylon 1.5-inch martingale collars.
Harnesses
The 3 in 1 Harness by Pet Safe features a front clip and back clip attachment for the leash and multiple adjustable straps. It also allows for full shoulder rotation.
Purchase one @ Woofys Pet Food Store in the Comox Valley.
Kurgo makes fantastic strong products. These car safety harnesses have a front and back clip. They allow for full shoulder rotation and work perfectly on any walk.
The Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness can often be purchased directly from Kurgo.
What to look for and what to avoid
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The leash should clip to the front/chest for more control. A back clip harness offers very little control. These may need to be avoided, particularly for medium to large dogs.
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Look for one that features a strap or chest plate that goes between the legs, as this can give the handler more control.
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The harness should NOT sit on the shoulder blade and instead should offer clearance. This allows for full shoulder rotation, and can avoid some potential skeletal issues.
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Both the head and belly sections should be adjustable.​
Training Vest
Training Vest
Training vests are used to communicate your dogs needs to the general public. Using a vest can give you and your dog the room you need to work.
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If your dog has any medical issues or allergies, you may also choose to display this on the vest to avoid dog lovers offering food or physical attention when it is unwanted.
Give a Dog a Home on Esty.com makes brilliant vest.
You can customize your text and pick your colour.
Use words and phrases like:
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In Training
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Give Me Space
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Please Ignore
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Do Not Touch
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No Not Feed
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If you have a nervous or reactive/aggressive dog, steer away from words of expectation like:
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Shy
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Nervous
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Fearful
This can draw unwanted attention towards your dog.
Ecollars
Communicate using the vibration and tone ONLY ecollar by Educator. It has 100 levels of stimulation allowing you a broad range of control.
The Micro Educator is small and comfortable. It has 100 levels of stimulation, going from very soft and gentle tingles of communication to correctional levels.
The Mini Educator has a stronger stimulation and is great for big or stubborn dogs.
Great for smaller dogs and slimmer necks. Lacks a quick clip.
Bungee collars in combination with an E-collar, offer comfort with better contact. This style has a metal clip making it much easier to take on and off.
An important note
Isle Dogs Training does not condone the use of low-quality ecollars. Proper guidance from a trainer who carefully follows the Pressure and Release/Escape and Avoidance technique is essential. Please note that Isle Dogs Training does not use any brands with less than 100 levels of stimulation and those without low soft communication levels. Ecollars can be a divisive topic; with that in mind please don't hesitate to get in contact with any questions you may have.