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Martingale Collar Review

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Martingale Dog Collar

Martingale Collar
Which Martingale collar is best?

Martingale collars function as a Flat Buckle Collar. However, they will tighten to prevent dogs from pulling their heads out of the collar. These were designed for dogs with big necks and narrow heads (Greyhounds and Bull Terriers). When the collar is pulled tight, you can barely fit one finger between your dog’s neck and the collar (fit video). This collar is not used for collar corrections. It tightens when your dog pulls to prevent him from pulling his head out of the collar.

There are so many dog training collars, but this is my go-to collar!

Pros

  • It’s just like a flat collar. However, it tightens if your dog pulls away from you.
  • It works great for dogs with thick necks and narrow heads.
  • It’s a must-have to fearful dogs, which prevents them from backing out of their collars.

Cons

  • Until dogs learn to walk politely on leash, they will pull against this collar.
  • Should never be left on unattended, as the collar can catch on fences or crates, which causes a choking hazard. Also, it can be dangerous when dogs play together by causing a choking hazard and even death.

Fanna’s Favorite: Premier Martingale Collar

I’ve tried hundreds of Martingale collars and have over 50 types in my training closet right now (yes, I’m a collar hoarder!). I always go back to the premier version. They are uber sturdy, have great color selection, have a soft touch, have an easy fit and adjustment and can be machine washed.

VIDEO: How to Fit a Martingale Collar

Now, it’s your turn! Tell us about your favorite Martingale collar in the comment section below!

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Head Halter

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Dog Head Halters

Dog Head Halter
Good boy!

It’s the best product for dogs that love to pull on the leash!

It’s a weird looking contraption, but don’t let that deter you. It’s the best thing since sliced bread. 🙂

Pros

  • Instant results! In class, we recommend them for tiny Terriers to large Mastiffs.
  • It works great for dogs that love to watch other people in class, instead of their pet parent.
  • There are a variety of colors and sizes (even extra padding on the nose loop for comfort!).
  • It has a snug fit.
  • It’s worth mentioning again: you get instant results!

Cons

  • Your dog must be conditioned (get used to wearing it) before it using in class or on walks.
  • Owners must learn how to use it properly.

– Never attach a retractable leash to this product ever.
– Never pull or jerk your dog. That can cause neck damage.
– Never leave it on an unattended dog.

  • It can be a bit tricky to put on your dog at first. Manufacturers do provide easy-to-understand instructions.

Fanna’s Favorite Head Halter: Premier Gentle Leader

Every year, another vendor creates or updates a head halter and I’m the first one to try it out. Aren’t we all looking for that magic product?! I am! I’ve tried every one of them even the prototypes. Every time, I come right back to the Gentle Leader.  I still have Gentle Leaders from 10 years ago, which have been heavily used. I love the quality!

Why I love the Premier Gentle Leader:

    • Head and nose straps fit perfectly without causing undue stress to the dog.
    • They’re easy for owners to put on, adjust and take off their dogs.
    • They’re very sturdy. Dogs can not pull their heads out or easily break the halters.
    • It’s machine washable.

Video: Gentle Leader Head Halter

Bark back! Which head halters do you like and why? Please comment below. 🙂

More:
Dog Harness 
Flat Buckle Collar 
Martingale Collar 
Selecting the Best Dog Seat Belt

Dog Harness

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Best Dog Harness

Best Dog Harness
Tight-fitting body harness.

Now, there are two varieties of dog harnesses!

  • Front Clip Harness: One of the newer training products, this harness works great! It’s designed to prevent your dog from pulling on a leash by controlling his  shoulders. The leash attaches in the front by the chest.
  • Regular Harness: Body harnesses can replace a flat buckle collar. On one exception, I feel strongly dogs should wear their ID tags at all times. So if your pooch will parade proudly, wearing his harness at all times with attached ID and Rabies tags, then go for it!

Front Clip Harness Pros

  • Dogs are generally comfortable with the feeling and pressure when wearing a harness.
  • It removes pressure off your dog’s neck.
  • It’s easily adjustable even when dog is wearing the harness.
  • There are a variety of colors and sizes.
  • It’s machine washable.
  • Pet parent sees instant results.
  • Straps push on acupressure points, which is very calming for hyper and easily excited dogs.

Front Clip Harness Cons

  • It will not stop a very strong pulling dog (dog with a strong reinforcement history pulling on a collar or harness).
  • It can be a bit confusing when putting on your dog. However, manufacturers provide easy-to-understand directions.
  • It should never be left on an unattended dog. They can get caught on things or chew through the harness.

Fanna’s Favorite Front Clip Harness

I love the Freedom No Pull harness! I’ve tried so many versions (I have 10 versions and 6 prototypes ), and I always come right back to this brand. It’s tried and true! Why I like it:

  • It can clip a leash in the front, back or both. This means it can be used in many different ways depending on your dog’s needs and history of pulling on a leash.
  • There are a variety of colors, sizes and textures (even velvet for your stylish pooch!).
  • It allows for full shoulder movement (it does not restrict shoulder while walking or running).
  • The straps are positioned to teach a dog to redistribute his weight into his back end and touch on specific acupressure points for calming.

View how to fit and attach a Front Clip Harness in this video.

VIDEO: No Pull Harness Fit Review

Body Harness Pros

  • They can be worn everyday.
  • They don’t put pressure on a dog’s throat.
  • Dogs learn to wear them easily.
  • There are hundreds of styles, fits and collars.
  • Most are machine washable.
  • They can attach ID and Rabies tags to the D-ring.

Body Harness Cons

  • They’re not recommended if your dog pulls on leash.
  • They fit snug. You should barely fit one finger between the dog and the harness strap to avoid chaffing of coat and skin.

Fanna’s Favorite Body Harness

My favorite is the Walkin Sync Body Harness! Trust me here: I’ve tested so many dog harnesses that boost new training features, and I always come right back to this one. The research behind this harness is amazing, and I use them on my dogs, especially Sobek, my Rottweiler (his body harness is brown if you see him wearing it in our videos).

Tell us your favorite front clip harness and why in the comment section below!

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Dog Hospice

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Dog Hospice
What is a hospice for dogs?

Hospice for Dogs

Veterinarians are listening and adding hospice and palliative care to their services. These services are a great way to provide comfort for older, chronically ill or terminally ill dogs and their grief stricken pet parents.

Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice care focuses on terminal illness and comforting a patient, not necessarily curing a patient. Palliative care focuses on treatments for chronic illnesses, such as cancer, Cushings Disease,  kidney and heart disease with specialists, and the process can begin after a diagnosis. When facing chronic disease, it’s important to look at the big picture and try different modalities, such as essential oils and acupuncture, which can boost the immune system to continue fighting. Make sure you have a veterinarian to guide you in the right direction.

Dr. Denise Mankin DVM, emergency veterinarian at Iowa Veterinary Specialties, says, “We hope to aid our aging pets toward happier lives as they move into old age, with the potential for greater mobility, less pain, so their families can have more quality time with their beloved pets, with less use of the pharmaceuticals which may cause side effects.” Dr. Denise’s team will offer Hospice and Palliative Care at Iowa Veterinary Specialties soon, which “utilizes acupuncture and essential oils to address medical concerns of our furry friends as they age.” Bravo Dr. Denise!

When should dogs enter hospice or palliative care?

This is a personal decision between you and your vet, and it’s wonderful to have additional options now. If you’re worried about costs, rest assured most pet insurance companies will cover hospice and palliative care. Be sure to take a look at your dog’s policy.

After a diagnosis of a chronic disease, your vet can refer you to a palliative care center. Having a special focus on palliative care opens new doors with additional treatment plans most general veterinary practices are unable to offer, as they are busy seeing everyday patients.

If, unfortunately, your dog’s chronic illness becomes terminal, your dog can enter hospice.

Finding hospice care for dogs

While most veterinarians offer end of life care, ask your vet for a referral to a veterinarian whom specializes in hospice or palliative care. As a pet parent, you will have lots of questions about pain control, diet, exercise, immunity, personality changes and the dreaded decision — when is it time to let him go. Hospice and palliative care veterinary specialists can evaluate your dog’s needs, create a plan of care which controls symptoms while providing the best quality of life for your fuzzy one.

Not only will your dog be in the best hands possible so will you. We tend to forget about ourselves during this terrible process. We try so hard to be brave and do what’s best for our beloved ones until they pass away, then we fall apart. We need support too from someone who understands the process and can provide answers to heal our hearts. We need closure. As a pet parent, I’ve struggled to find support. In the past, I’ve reached out to my dog friends, but painful past memories of losing their fuzzy ones flood their minds, so they are at a loss for words.

Hospice and palliative care provides opportunities to surround yourself with experts and other pet parents going through this very difficult time. It’s amazing how quickly you can bond in a veterinary waiting room. I’ve been there!

I look forward to hospice and palliative care growing in the veterinary field. This can only mean good things for our pets and hearts. I wish with my entire being that this existed many years ago. Maybe I would not have so many scars on my heart. I miss my past dogs with every fiber of my soul.

It’s your turn. What do you think about hospice and palliative care for our precious dogs and cats?

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Pros And Cons Of Flat Buckle Collars

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Flat Buckle Collars

Flat Buckle Collars
Always attach ID tags to your dog’s flat buckle collar. everydoghasastory/Adobe Stock

As a professional dog trainer, it’s my job to keep you updated on the latest and greatest tools out there. Don’t forget to share with friends! Below, I discuss pros and cons of using a flat buckle collar, demonstrate proper fit, and share my favorite flat buckle collar brands. 🙂 Let’s dig in!

Flat buckle collars are your dog’s standard everyday collar. They should fit snug where you can only fit 1 to 2 fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar. This type of dog collars enable you to attach ID, rabies tags and a leash.

Flat Buckle Collar Pros

  • There are many different types and colors to choose from.
  • Dogs adjust to wearing this collar easily.
  • It’s easy to fit and adjust.
  • You can easily attach tags and leashes to it.

Flat Buckle Collar Cons

  • Until dogs learn to walk politely on leash, they will pull against this collar.
  • It should never be left on unattended, as the collar can get caught on fences or crates, making it a choking hazard.
  • It can be dangerous when dogs play together because the collar might cause choking or even death.

Fanna’s Favorite Flat Buckle Collars: Lupine and Keep Safe Breakaway Collars

Lupine Collar

  • It meets all pros categories plus guaranteed replacement if your dog chews it.
  • It’s sturdy and soft with a strong buckle.

Keep Safe Breakaway Collar

  • It works as a flat collar. However, it will break away if caught on anything, such as the cons listed.
  • It has two D-rings, to which you can attach a leash.
  • This collar has been tested by dog training professionals and vets to find the right breakaway point to keep your dog safe.

WATCH: How to Fit a Flat Buckle Collar

Now, it’s your turn! What’s your favorite flat buckle collar? Comment in the section below. I want to hear from you!

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