What I've Learned Wednesday

WHAT I’VE LEARNED WEDNESDAY

I’ve learned there are so many tools available for walking a dog these days. Slider is sporting a GENTLE LEADER, which happens to be one of my faves for walking a dog. The gentle leader helps with dogs who pull and lunge. As its namesake goes, it “gently” puts more control in the handler’s hands and it’s not uncomfortable or overbearing for the dog. The gentle leader will work for dogs of any size.

Other options for walking a dog include:

The simple leash and collar. One downside to this system is if the dog pulls, the collar chokes them. Another downside is the dog can slip out of it. The handler has less control with this system as well. However, it’s the easiest to put on and many dogs do just fine with this. It's also an option with the most choices in style, colors and designs.

The slip lead. You’ve probably seen these at your veterinarian’s clinic. The slip lead is like a collar and leash in one, but the collar is kinda like a noose. It tightens as the dog pulls which is beneficial in that the dog can’t slip out but it does cause the dog to choke if he/she pulls too hard. The slip lead gives the handler some control as well. One tip I have learned with the slip lead is to pull the “noose” part up to the top of the neck almost to the ears. This creates a fit similar to the gentle lead.

The harness is another tool for walking a dog. There are several styles of harnesses. Back clip, front clip, dual clip, one clip, vest, strap, padded, …and on and on. Harnesses give a little security to both the dog and the human. Dogs are less likely to slip out of a well-fit harness…well-fit being the key. I think dogs feel a sense of comfort in their harnesses…usually The harness is probably the most difficult to put on a dog, especially if they’re one of those that don’t find comfort in it, so they put up a fight. Any harness that just needs one clip is easiest; the Step-In Harness. One of my favorites for a harness is the Non-Slip, Step-In Harness. This type of harness combines the harness with the slip lead. The dog steps into the “legs” of the harness and the back has a slide-lock, I don’t know what to call that. The idea of this support is that is tightens when the dog pulls so he/she is not able to slip out and it gives a little control to the handler. I've recently discovered the No-Pull, Vest Harness. It is so easy to put on and helps even more with dogs that pull. It appears to be a comfortable option for dogs.

The pronged collar. This collar is the most barbaric looking collar and most controversial. The pronged collar is like a slip lead with…well…teeth. While it is my least favorite, there are situations where it is the best way to manage certain dogs. The discomfort the collar brings is its advantage, I guess. You can get a pronged collar with rubber tips on the the prongs.

One more, then I’ll stop. The martingale collar. This collar is great for certain breeds like the grey hound, Bassett hound…dogs who’s necks are as wide or wider than the dog’s head making it easy for them to slip out of their collars. It’s the idea of the slip-lead in a collar. Martingale collars are usually wider. These collars fit comfortably on the dog’s neck but tighten when pulled. I used one of these collars on my late dog, Duffy for a while. And, now I use it for my Great Pyrenees, Jazzy only because I like that it fits loosely, but works great when I take her out or if I just want to get a little control of her. There are lots of fun options on Amazon for the martingale, but it's also fun to shop for this style of collar on Etsy.

Well…that sums it up. Long…sorry, but I could have gone on and on. There are so many options and options within options. Finding the right tool for walking your dog may take some trial and error. Hopefully this WILW will give some ideas. A good fit is the main goal.

You know your dog.

Until Next Time.

Hug your critters for me.

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