Canine Equipment
Written By Shannon Wright
September 27th, 2021

 

Traditionally, all your dog ever needed to go for a walk was a collar and a leash. As owner awareness and modern dog training has developed many dogs and their owners benefit from other types of equipment coupled with training. Hopefully this article will shed some light on equipment options for your dog’s training, walking and hiking needs. The goal is always to have you and your pup have an enjoyable experience!

With any equipment proper steps should be taken to introduce the equipment in a low pressure environment coupled with some tasty treats. Acclimating your pet to happily put the equipment on and off with ample rewards will develop a positive attitude and association with the equipment. Always make sure you’ve purchased the correct size and adjust the fit appropriately to your dog.

Teaching and training your dog to walk loose is vital to making the equipment work the way it should. No piece of equipment is a magic tool to eliminate pulling. Please watch for an upcoming article on loose leash walking. Never leave equipment on when your pet will be unsupervised. Leaving equipment can pose a health and safety risk by getting entangled in objects.

Types of Equipment

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My personal favorite is the 2 Hounds Freedom Harness. This harness is an amazing tool to help train your dogs to walk well on leash. The design of this harness has 2 leash attachments, one in the front and one on the back. My favorite feature of this harness is when you’ve trained your dog to walk loose on leash, you can alternate between a front or back clip harness.

 

 

Easy Walk Harness

The Easy Walk harness is a great option for dogs who are big pullers, it’s  designed to be a front clip harness and works well to guide your dog in the direction you’re walking. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes and is extremely affordable.

 

 

Martingale Collar

For owners who decide to avoid harnesses and want a balanced approach, Martingale Collars serve as a training collar and slightly tighten when too much pressure from pulling takes place. The best feature on a martingale collar is when fitted appropriately they are a ‘no-slip’ collar.

June 2021

by Shannon Wright

 

Greetings Dog Lovers! 

It’s almost Independence Day!

Did you know July 4th is one of the most common dates for dogs to go missing? Trying these precautions can help ensure your dog will be happy and safe during the holiday. 

 

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1.  MAKE SURE YOUR PETS MICROCHIPS ARE UP TO DATE!

2.  Be proactive! Create a safe space for your dog that is comfortable and indoors.

3.  Minimize the Noise.  Suggestions include playing music or turning the TV up a little louder than usual during fireworks. 

4.  Use calming techniques:

Proper use and benefits of a Thundershirt:  Often I hear about how Thundershirts don’t “work”. Truthfully, they don’t work because we put them on and expect some type of magic to happen. If we only use them in a time of desperation or as a last resort, our pets will associate the Thundershirts with all the scary stuff that happens. In other words, our dogs hear the fireworks or start to have anxiety and fear and then we put the Thundershirt on. This is subconsciously helping to create a negative association with the Thundershirt.

The goal is to create a happy emotional response to the Thundershirt. If you plan to use a Thundershirt this Independence day, be sure to condition your dog to the Thundershirt before the scary stuff starts to happen. A brief conditioning process includes putting the Thundershirt out for your dog to sniff, each time your dog approaches the shirt say yes and reward, repeat repeat repeat.  

Next, continue the conditioning by putting the thunder shirt on your dog, reward your dog and then immediately go do your dog’s FAVORITE activity while they’re wearing it; car ride, walk, fetch, special playtime with another doggie friend, etc. We want to show our dog when the Thundershirt comes out and goes onto our dog the best things happen!

After your dog’s favorite activity is over, take it off, reward your dog and be sure to repeat the process. This will help your dog to develop a healthy view of the Thundershirt and every time they see it they will know good things are coming their way! 

5.  Tire them out.  Some other ways to help your dogs during the firework season, exercise them early in the day! Have a playdate with another dog. Go for a swim or hiking adventure.

On a final note: if your dog has supersonic hearing or a fear of the noise that comes along with fireworks, apply all the above suggestions but also speak to your dog’s veterinarian.

 

Happy Fourth!!! 

 

Laser Pointer Syndrome
By:  Shannon Wright, BHS Dog Behaviorist
May 2021

Greetings Dog Owners!

Most dog owners are on the lookout for ways to increase health, decrease boredom and keep their furry friends happy and active.  One trend is using laser pointers or flashlights to engage in play with our dogs.

Though generally accepted as safe for cats, laser pointers should not be used for dogs.  While laser pointers seem to provide entertainment and exercise for your dog, they are more likely to be a source of anxiety that can lead to even more serious health and behavior concerns.

Laser Pointer Syndrome is a condition that results in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) behavior.  Laser Pointer Syndrome causes a dog to quickly become frustrated because they’re unable to achieve the target. A dog will become SO fixated on ‘the catch’ that nothing else matters.  In extreme cases, this fixation & drive can escalate, and your dog may start to lunge and leap at other lights, shadows, and reflections that attract their attention.

Looking for an easy-to-use, safe toy to help exercise your dog?

Flirt poles can be used in large or small areas and will still help exert energy from your dog. Before introducing a flirt pole be sure to teach a successful ‘drop’, meaning that your dog will drop on cue 90% of the time. It’s important to note that Flirt Poles trigger the prey drive in your dog and should not be used with multiple dog households or recently adopted dogs.

These items can be found on chewy.com, amazon.com, and at most of your favorite pet supply stores.

*Flirt poles/teaser toys should not be used by dogs with toy possessive issues.