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Dog Harnesses for Large Breeds

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Seat Belt Harnesses for Large Dogs

Dog Harnesses
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This isn’t a rant or maybe it is. I’m not sure yet. We need crash-tested seat belt harnesses for larger dogs (weighing more than 90 lbs). Over the last two years, we’ve had tremendous progress keeping our dogs safe during car accidents. I just wish there were products especially made for large and giant dogs that have passed independent crash-testing in the U.S.

So I started searching for one. When asking fellow Rottweiler and Mastiff pet owners how they restrain their big dogs in car rides, many dog owners admitted to crating their dogs or using seat belt harnesses that haven’t passed crash tests in the U.S. Putting your dog in a crate sounds great if you have an extra large SUV, but many well-known crate brands failed crash tests in 2015. One kennel brand passed with flying colors, but not one made for large and giant-sized dogs. Sigh, back to square one.

RELATED: Dogs Die in Hot Cars

Car Safety Restraints for Large Dogs

There are a couple of options, but it’s important to understand the risks too. Personally, I believe any type of restraint during car rides is better than none.

More Funding Needed

Until the Center for Pet Safety receives more funding to test giant dog car safety products, we’ll have to assume our big dogs are completely safe using other brands of safety restraints. Before pointing fingers at CPS, they studied the largest population of dogs, which includes dogs under 90 lbs. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are among the top five popular dog breeds.

Products That Passed Overseas

Many giant dog harnesses and crate brands are tested successfully overseas. I would certainly choose these products over those that haven’t been tested. From my understanding, Germany has the toughest crash-testing standards, so this must mean something.

Dog Harnesses

With that said, we purchased the Allsafe Harness made for dogs under 110 lbs. Sobek is technically 118 lbs, but there’s really no other option out there. When researching this harness, Allsafe passed crash-testing criteria in Germany, U.S. and Sweden. However, the largest tested dog dummy was 70 lbs, so I’m not exactly sure this harness can hold a 118-lb dog in his seat.

The dog harness lead that clips inside the seat belt buckle is long, so provide plenty of movement in the backseat. But when watching seat belt crash-testing, this extra length allows dogs to fly off the seat and spring back, causing a secondary impact. The harness fits well and is easy to put on a dog. Allsafe does offer an expensive option of a retractable harness lead that moves forward and retracts like a regular seat belt (definitely worth looking into). Overall, it worked well for Sobek.

Dog Crates

MIM Variocage crates have passed crash-testing in many different countries and were recently tested using CPS criteria. The cage has crumble zones that worked during CPS testing, as noted on MIM Variocage information. However, the straps holding the crate in place broke during impact. Now, understand that an unrestrained dog would have probably been launched out the back window. This dog crate, instead, kept the dog dummy inside the vehicle and the emergency escape door worked perfectly after the crash. With that said, it seems tie downs are the biggest challenge and not the crate itself.

Warning though, you’ll need a very large SUV if you’re purchasing this crate for a giant dog. Options are pretty limited, so expect your big guy or gal to squish in due to low width and height options. If you think about it though, the crate is probably more comfortable for your dog than the economy seat in many airplanes.

Click your dogs in!

Check out my recommendations for car safety restraints here. You’ll likely notice several familiar brand names. Give Allsafe harness a try for your big dogs. So far, it seems Allsafe is the safest dog harness for our huge beasts!

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Can Dogs Sprain Their Tails?

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Yes, Dogs Can Sprain Their Tails

Dog Broken Tail
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As a whole, we really don’t talk much about causes and treatment of sprained dog tails–that is until it happens to your dog. I stumbled upon an article this week about the matter and became completely fascinated. I didn’t know exposure to cold water could cause a sprained tail. So I dug deep, as I wanted to know everything. Interestingly, much of what causes a dog’s tail to break is a complete mystery. “The X-Files” should do an episode on cold tails in dogs. I want to know more!

Before we go further, it seems this phenomenon is referred to by other names. You’ll hear references, such as limber tail, cold tail, broken tail, swimmer’s tail and even dead tail. While the terms are interesting, let’s discuss what cold tail looks like as well as causes and treatment. As always, prevention is the best treatment!

How to Tell If Your Dog’s Tail is Sprained

While researching, I noticed sprained tail issues are openly discussed among sporting breed enthusiasts, as the injury is common in Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers and other hunting breeds with long tails. However, this issue most certainly can affect other breeds too, such as Great Danes, Chihuahuas and, my favorite breed, Miniature Bull Terriers. Even more fascinating, curled tailed dogs can sprain their tails too.

Usually a dog will either hold his tail straight down or hold his tail one or two inches from his body while the remaining 90 percent drops straight down. A painful tail is void of any movement–the dog is trying to hold it still. Now, don’t get painful tails confused with a fearful dog’s tail, which can drop or tuck under the body. Painful tails are limp and motionless–they almost look like a straight line pointing to the ground. With curly tailed dogs, you’ll notice their tails are hanging straight down, as it hurts to curl their tails up and over their backs.

Having a sprained dog tail is very painful for your dog. Not only will you notice a hanging tail, but it will also probably be extremely painful when touched. When dogs are in pain, they’ll hide, pant, pace, drool, widen their eyes and become restless. Some injured dogs even refuse to eat or move.

RELATED: My Dog Refuses to Move

Causes of Sprained Dog Tails

Excessive Exercise

Most sprained and broken tails are caused by excessive exercise. This usually affects weekend warrior dogs that overexert themselves a couple days per week. A dog’s tail contains muscle, which can easily become overworked, especially during long and rough play sessions or while swimming long periods and distances. Dogs use their tails for balance during play and as rudders while swimming, both of which can easily cause muscle exhaustion.

Air Drying

Cold tail happens when a dog’s body is exposed to water and shakes off excess water to air dry. This can happen right after a bath or swim. Veterinarians are still scratching their heads when it comes to the exact reason cold tail happens. I wonder if a long appendage has a harder time keeping warm, especially when wet and exposed to cool temperatures, which in turn causes muscles to become rigid and tightened. That’s my personal thought and by no means a theory. 🙂

Crating for Too Long

Crating a dog for long periods of time can cause a sprained dog tail, especially if the dog had just completed a tough workout or rough play session. It’s recommended to let your dog stretch his legs every two hours or hire a pet sitter to let your dog out several times a day if he’s crated.

Sprained Dog Tail Treatment

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, I highly recommend scheduling a veterinary visit immediately. Even though many causes are unknown, your vet can treat your dog’s sprained tail quickly. Usually anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed along with one to two weeks of rest. Within a few days, you’ll notice your dog feeling much better.

While it’s tempting to overwork our dogs during the weekend, it’s important to slowly build their endurance over time. After a long workout, allow your dog to cool down in a large area. Perhaps, have a picnic for 30 minutes or chat with a friend while your dog stretches out and relaxes.

As for cold tail, thoroughly dry your dog with a towel after a bath or swim. Make sure your dog’s tail and rear end are completely dry. Even better, blow dry your dog’s coat on a low heat setting, keeping the hair dryer at least 12 inches away from his skin. Run your fingers in between your dog’s fur and skin to check for moisture. If your dog isn’t completely dry yet, keep him warm until he’s fully dry.

Ping, ping, ping (“The X-Files” theme). Has your dog experienced a sprained or cold tail before?

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How to Stop Your Dog From Barking Out Windows

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Dog Barking at Windows: It’s Not a Good Thing

How to Stop Dog Barking
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Recently, we started walking our dogs on the weekend through our new neighborhood. A cul-de-sac and grass-edged sidewalks are a bit different for us. We’ve lived downtown for so many years, we thought we would enjoy the slow-paced suburban life for a while. Well, walking dogs through a neighborhood is not as peaceful as walking downtown. I was pretty shocked at the difference. The main factor is bored suburban dogs are allowed to bark aggressively at walkers behind windows. Some dogs even chase walkers from window to window in their home.

Why Dogs Barking Out Windows is a Problem

Dog owners mistakenly assume their dogs are daydreaming on the window edge, watching squirrels dash and wagging as people walk along the sidewalk. However, this is not reality. Allow me to explain what’s really happening.

Dogs will do anything to cure their boredom, but their new hobby may drive you and your neighbors crazy. It’s not fair for dog owners walking their leashed dogs on public sidewalks to be threatened by a barking dog. It’s downright rude and not appreciated by fellow dog owners.

Understanding the Different Perspectives

Pedestrians

When a dog barks out the window when someone walks by, it’s jolting for the pedestrian. It doesn’t depend on the barking dog’s size–even a small barking dog is scary. I’ve witnessed everyday runners without dogs shake their heads in disappointment. No one deserves to be threatened by a lunging dog, even if your dog is behind a window.

Dogs Walking With Owners

Dogs walking with their pet owners are probably the most affected by dogs barking through windows. It’s pretty darn scary to them. Think about it from a human perspective: what if you’re walking along, minding your business and an angry person opens her curtains and starts screaming from inside her home? Then she shouts obscenities to you, staring angrily, flipping you off and beating on the glass, as you pass by. Then it continues, even after you’ve walked away from her home, you can still hear her screaming and beating on the glass. Yeah, I would call the police.

As a dog trainer, I’m the one consulted to teach the dogs minding their own business during walks how to overcome such obstacles. And it can take months. Please don’t allow your dog to harass others.

Your Neighbors

I wouldn’t be surprised if this situation hasn’t already been reported to your Home Owner’s Association (HOA) or even the police. I promise you your window-barking dog is earning a terrible reputation. If anything ever happens, your neighbors will report your dog as aggressive. Yes, it’s hard to hear, but you deserve to understand what’s said behind your back.

As a fellow dog lover who lives in a dangerous dog society as you, you’re most certainly not helping a dog’s image.

Your Dog

This is a terrible behavior for your dog to practice. It not only teaches him to bark at everything that walks by, but it also increases his stress level. Plus, window-lunging dogs learn barking makes the moving object go away, which makes the behavior worse and likely to happen more often. You may have probably noticed your dog charges toward your visitors when they walk in the door. This is the behavior your dog taught himself when barking at strangers through your window.

RELATED: Training Dogs Polite Greeting Behavior

How to Stop Dog Barking Out Windows

If your dog runs toward the window to bark, I urge you to stop this behavior now. Here are a couple of solutions that work even when you’re not home.

Management

Make sure your dog doesn’t have access to sidewalk-facing windows. It’s the quickest way to stop this unwanted behavior, especially while you’re away from home. Place sturdy baby gates in hallways to restrict your dog’s access or crate your dog when you’re not home.

As you’re probably well aware, closing heavy curtains or blinds doesn’t work, especially if used as a management tool alone. Most dogs will shred them in a frenzy to view through a window. However, closed curtains coupled with restricting baby gates are quite effective.

Relieve Boredom

Just like children, when dogs are bored, they can easily cause havoc. When you’re going to leave your dog home alone all day, hide frozen food stuffed toys throughout the house to provide your dog plenty of mental stimulation. Or better yet, hire a dog walker for a noon walk. Walks not only provide mental stimulation, but physical exercise as well.

Redirection is Your Friend

In a quiet location, teach your dog the “touch” game. “Touch” is when a dog walks toward you and touches his nose inside your hand. This is a great way to ask your dog to do something else rather than bark out the window. It’s essential to practice in a quiet place, so your dog understands the behavior thoroughly before using it as a redirection tool.

With management in place and lots of practice under your belt, ask your dog to “touch” the moment he hears someone walking past your home. If your dog starts barking, it’s too late. When your dog turns toward the front windows with his ears perked up or takes a step toward the front, say “touch” and reward your dog heavily when he responds. Always use super yummy treats and reward often. When I say reward heavily, I mean give your dog five pea-sized treats one after the other.

After lots of practice, you’ll soon notice your dog walking toward you when he hears someone walking past your home. Reward heavily!

If your friend or neighbor has this issue, please print this article for her. If it’s someone you don’t know, print and place in her mailbox. I firmly believe people do better once they know better. 🙂

What to Do When Your Dog Bites

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Dog Bites: If You’ve Been Bit, It Was Your Fault

Dog Bites
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Trust me, I’m doing my very best to control my personal feelings pertaining to dog bites, but it’s incredibly hard lately. Here’s the real deal. Being bitten is not part of the job when working alongside or sharing your home with dogs. It should never happen. Yes, never.

If a dog trainer or groomer brags about her previous dog bites, she’s basically telling you she’ll force your dog to comply. It also implies she’s willing to use so much force your dog will be forced to bite her to make him stop. Now, remember, millions of dogs are euthanized for biting humans every year. This is not a behavior you want your dog to learn. Trust me. When someone brags about how many times she was bitten, run away!

Dog Bites are Not a Badge of Honor

When I hear dog trainers, groomers and rescue volunteers boast about numerous dog bites like it’s a badge of honor, I become incensed. Witnessing newbie dog enthusiasts bragging about numerous dog bites in an attempt to convince dog owners of their extraordinary dog experience makes me sick. Oh, but seasoned dog professionals do the same thing, showing off their battle scars to further prove themselves as qualified professionals. Nooo!

Why Dogs Bite

Dogs bite for a reason.When they bite, it’s because they were forced to. Ninety percent of all dogs have high tolerance levels for human nonsense and will calmly try to disengage. Dogs will tell you you’ve crossed the line. If you keep pushing, you will be bitten. 

Let’s think about it in a different way. Do you walk around punching people in the face whenever they cut in line at the grocery store? How about when someone steps on your foot or cracks an inappropriate joke? I would hope not. Instead, you roll your eyes and walk away. Disengaging is best, as violence is used as a last resort. If all parties are allowed to disengage, everyone walks away unharmed. Now, you’ve learned (and practiced) how to successfully and calmly walk away from conflict.

RELATED: My Dog Growls at Me

What happens when you’re unable to disengage from an encounter? What if someone grabs your arm and pulls you out of bed, pushes you onto the ground, forces your mouth to open, pulls your hair,  snatches your arm as you’re trying to disengage or forces you to interact with something that scares you? Yeah, you would probably punch (in a dog’s case, bite) someone too. If this happens often, you’ll learn to punch someone’s lights out within seconds because this stops the conflict quickly.

If dogs are forced to bite someone, they will learn biting stops scary things from happening and bite more. Instead, listen to your dog. If he’s scared, leave him alone.

What to Do When Your Dog Bites

Listen to your dog when he tries to disengage during a stressful encounter. When dogs have had enough, they should be allowed to walk away and remove themselves from the situation. Believe it or not, choosing to engage or disengage is very rewarding for dogs–it’s just as rewarding as food treats.

Never reach in and pull a dog out from a kennel. Instead, make a trail of sprinkled treats outside the kennel and voila! When grooming dogs, give them plenty of breaks. Rather than restraining dogs during baths and nail trims, offer peanut butter stuffed toys tied to your grooming arm, so dogs will voluntarily stand still. Human hands should be for petting dogs and never for forcing, pulling, tugging or punishing.

Please never teach a dog it’s okay to bite.

READ NEXT: How to Stop a Puppy From Biting

Do Donations to Stray Dogs Actually Help?

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Yes, Donations to Stray Dogs Do Help

Dog Donations
IrynaTiumentsev/Deposit Photos

We’re flooded with donation requests every day–sometimes multiple times a day. However, most of us click past photos of dogs’ pleading eyes, heartwrenching animal cruelty cases and shelters filled to the brim with dogs. Some pictures of these abandoned dogs are burned in our retinas forever.

Look, I’m just as guilty as you. I quickly click past those haunting faces because it hurts my soul and I feel so helpless. Seriously, how could I help a dog down in south Louisiana? I live so far away. Then I wonder, do donations really work and, if so, does the dog in need actually receive every penny?

Then, a heinous dog abuse case crossed my path and I refused to look away. I had to help. After that experience, I can now answer your burning question. Yes, every penny does help a defenseless abandoned dog and it does something more–it changes your life too.

Dog Donation Facts

When researching donation behaviors (I find behavior fascinating!),  individuals make up 75 percent of giving in America, according to Talk About Giving. Wow! It’s not the size of the donation that matters. It’s the heart behind the giver that makes the difference.

It seems lower income households give the most, which is not shocking, as we know what it’s like to need. Helping a defenseless animal will bring a sense of accomplishment, inner peace and deeper connection with fellow animal lovers. It’s indescribable.

How Donations Break Down

If done correctly, every penny is applied to an abandoned dog’s needs. We’ll talk about identifying legitimate fundraisers in another article because it can be tricky. If you’re interested in becoming an abandoned animal advocate, I have advice on starting up fundraisers myself. You can check out the story that changed me forever.

Most stray dogs need immediate veterinary care, food and a safe place to rest. So let’s discuss how small donations really do add up.

Food

Dog food costs range between $15-$60 per month, depending on the size and health condition of the stray dog. Most strays are very skinny, so they may eat four to six cups of dog food a day.

  • If 10 people donated their coffee money for one day ($5), they can feed a large dog for an entire month or two small dogs for a month.

Spay/Neuter

  • Most female dog spays hover between $100-$250. If 15 people donated their lunch money for one day ($10-$15), it will cover one female dog’s spay.
  • Male dog neuters are significantly cheaper, as it’s less invasive, so costs hover around $80-$150. Again, if eight people donated their lunch money for just one day, they would pay for a neuter.

Veterinary Costs

One stray dog’s veterinary care costs range between $150-$500, depending on his specific needs. When donating for veterinary care, ask the dog’s advocate to post an estimate of the dog’s veterinary costs and choose the portion of the bill you’ll cover. Most givers like to know where their costs go, so choosing provides a type of reassurance.

  • One nice dinner out ($30-$45) would cover a full vet exam.
  • Sacrificing $80 (nice dinner for two)  would cover a dog neuter.
  • Donating $15-$30 would cover tests to check for intestinal parasites.
  • 10 people donating $10 each would cover medications needed to treat any issues.
  • Eight people donating one night out ($25) would cover a high risk spay.

Every amount counts. If every person helped rescue one dog a year, we would make a huge difference! Be a dog’s voice.

READ NEXT: Rescue Dogs Need Your Help

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