By Michelle Mullins, CPDT – KA
One of the most common concerns new dog owners have is how a dog will fit into their busy lives. While it would be great if we could all work from home or take our dogs to work every day, that isn’t the reality for most people. Many dogs are alone for a good portion of the day but this can be managed in a way that works for all. Here are some concerns and tips that can help new owners ensure a happy home.
One of the most common problems is lack of consistent training. By that, I mean training is usually a priority when a puppy or new dog first comes home and then, we as owners don’t stick with it or some family members do and others don’t. This often means the pet isn’t clear on the appropriate behavior and then obviously makes mistakes. I always remind my students that if your pet isn’t responding to a cue or is having trouble with house training, they should examine their training schedule and consistency. The pet may need more time or a refresher of the appropriate behaviors to be successful.
Provide proper socialization. By socialization I mean proper introduction and exposure to a variety of people, objects and environments. Puppies and kittens should be carefully introduced to many of the things and people they will encounter in their lifetimes. This exposure should be conducted so they have a positive experience with these things by associating them with good things, like treats, toys and lots of support from their owner. Along with training, this socialization is invaluable.
Many dogs suffer separation distress /anxiety, which is fear and anxiety due to separation from those to which the dog has an attachment. Separation anxiety is usually characterized by barking, howling, attempting to escape from confinement, destruction and inappropriate elimination. However, many of these symptoms can have other causes, like not enough exercise, excitement, reactivity to noise, play, illness, etc. If you think your dog may have separation anxiety/distress I urge you to have him evaluated by a professional such as a veterinarian, a veterinary behaviorist, an applied animal behaviorist, certified behavior consultant or a trainer. Separation anxiety needs treatment with behavior modification and in some cases, may require medication.
Keeping your dog entertained during the day can be easy and there are lots of options. Food dispensing and chew toys are a great option and can be hidden around the house for your dog to find throughout the day. Doggie daycare can work for many dogs. Just make sure your dog enjoys playing with other dogs and take the time to evaluate the daycare facility and staff. A vigorous morning walk can promote downtime during the day for most dogs or employing a professional dog walker to come in can be a great option.
Here is a short list of action items pet owners can use to address behavior:
- Consider an underlying medical cause for the behavior and make a visit to your veterinarian, especially for elimination or aggression issues
- Evaluate the consistency and frequency of your training. Ten or fifteen minutes a day of training can make for a well -mannered pooch.
- Your dog is not trying to be dominant. It is far simpler than that. Dogs repeat behaviors that get rewarded. So ask yourself “What is rewarding this behavior?”
- Be proactive. Train your dog to do the behaviors that you like. If he knows several “good” behaviors like sit, down, stay and come he is more likely to choose the appropriate way to behave.
By Michelle Mullins, CPDT-KA
Whether it is from sudden, traumatic illness/injury or from a slower, expected loss due to age, the loss of a pet is a terrible experience. The grief over it is often overwhelming and can be especially difficult when others show less empathy than they might because it was “just a pet”. I am very fortunate that I do not have many people in my life, both personal and professional, who do not fully understand it as a loss of a family member to me. This is one of the comforts I find in working in the pet industry.
My husband and I lost our sweet kitty last fall and while I was surrounded not only by friends and family but by co-workers who supported me through it, my husband did not have the same experience at his job. I am sure some of his team would have been sympathetic yet he didn’t feel he could share this with them. He had concerns about how they might view his mourning of a cat. I think this has made the loss harder for him to deal with. I didn’t hesitate to share my loss at work as I knew I would have unfailing support during those first few days from those around me from 9 to 5. Coming to work and having that support made the loss easier to bear.
While we enjoyed Wolfie for 18 years and know we did everything we could and ultimately chose to let him go so he wouldn’t suffer any longer, it didn’t make the grief less painful. The healing has taken a long time and continues.
I was fortunate to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah a couple of months ago. They do amazing work helping homeless animals with a variety of programs. I want to share with you how my visit helped me heal. It wasn’t the visit to the dogs, all prancing and adorable at Dogtown. It wasn’t the horses or pigs, who are just having a blast in their fields. It wasn’t even the cats who proudly display their unique purrsonalities in fantastically enriched environments at Cat World. It was the time at Angel’s Rest, the pet cemetery.
 The Gate to Angel's Rest Even months after losing Wolfie, I found my grief rise to the surface as I strolled through poignant beauty of Angel’s Rest. Each memorial so personal, marked with little colored memory stones, pictures, mementos that are perfect in honoring the memory of a beloved animal. Some marked the resting place of a homeless animal that resided at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. But I question whether they were truly homeless as I witnessed the heartfelt care given them in the most beautiful of settings and as I myself shed tears at their grave. They were loved by all of us who work to make the lives of animals better. Other plots are for someone’s beloved companion. A cat, a horse, pig, bird, bunny or dog. Some had collars with tags around them and those were the hardest for me to see. Maybe it’s because I work here at Premier and I think about all the collars we send out and how they each will find their way to a special animal. To see those collars made those losses so real to me.
And then there are the wind chimes. Hundreds of chimes that give voice to the souls lost and loved in this place. The music surrounds you like the breeze and comforts you. The entire canyon becomes for that moment a most beautiful memorial to all. I left a part of my grief there, blown away on the wind and I picture Wolfie playing there sometimes, as I know he would have loved this place.
 The Windchimes If you ever make it out to Kanab, Utah and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, visit Angel’s Rest. You will discover a place of beauty and peace that binds us all in our love for our animals. Whether they live with us, live in a shelter, live at a sanctuary or live in our memories, they are all ours. Ours to love and protect and honor.
By Jo Ellen Cimmino
What is a “Go Kit” and why do I need one?
A Go Kit is a mini survival kit for your pet in case disaster should strike, and you can’t access your regular supplies you may need in the event of an emergency.
Where should I store this Go Kit?
In an accessible location, that is cool, dry and easy to get to for any member of the family (be careful for really small children in case you are storing pet medication). We also suggest using caution if storing it in the kitchen in case of a kitchen fire, but main level near an exit door would be good, or hanging on a peg near the coats in the house.
Depending on how many and types of pets you have will determine whether you have separate or multiple Go Kits. It doesn’t matter if you have reptiles, pocket pets, dogs, cats, birds or horses. Any pet you care for should have a backup plan just like you should have one in place for you and your family. If you have children in grades 2-12 they also can participate in putting the kit together. Plus it helps them understand the role of emergency preparedness and they will know where the pack is in the event they should need it.
What do you pack in the Go Kit? Find either a Tupperware or Rubbermaid storage container, like the type you put holiday decorations in, or a backpack if you are making it for only one family pet. I like to put the pet food in zip lock bags and then place the bag into a plastic bowl (you can use an old cool whip or margarine tub). These can double as a food or water bowl and keeps out the pests that might chew through a plastic bag, depending on where you store this. It would be a shame to go through the labor of putting this together only to find out that mice got in and helped themselves to the Go Kit.
Measure out food for one week per pet and store it in the zip lock bag or plastic food containers. Measure what your pet eats and then make a daily rations – multiply the amount by seven days.
Water: This can be tricky, depending on the daily amount consumed. The average person will need 1 gallon of water each day for consumption and hygiene purposes. How do you know for a pet? Guestimate what your pet consumes and track it for one week. If the pocket pet goes through a water bottle of 12 ounces per day, multiply that times 7 and you have the amount. Always round up not less.
For horses, I have used 5 gallon containers with lids, like they sell at contractor stores. They look like the same plastic 5 gallon containers that paint comes in. You should have minimally two of these stored per horse which is only going to be about a day’s worth of water.
If you suspect power will be out, it is recommended that you fill a bath tub full of water for family needs. I would recommend filling up a clean garbage can (with a lid), line it with a large trash bag and fill it ¾ full and tie it off. Store it in the garage or an area where it won’t freeze or be affected by a severe weather event.
Another tip for horse owners – Measure out the amount of food needed for 1 week and store extra bales of hay separate from the Go Kit so they are ready to grab and go, ready in your trailer, if you have access to one.
After food and water, figure out what you need to clean up waste. Poop bags for fecal material or garbage bags, kitty litter, an approved disinfectant and paper towels. Be careful about cleaning products if your pet is in contact with them, until rinsed and dried, as many are unsafe.
Don’t forget the First Aid kit. You can either have one separate for people and pets or combine one for the whole family. Make sure it has pet friendly medication and supplies for your pets. If you have many different kinds of pets, you may need to make a special kit.
How will you transport or contain your pet if you are forced to evacuate from your home? Does your pet have a travel cage or crate? Do you have bedding or potty pads for travel use? Do you have a leash and collar or harness with identification and contact information that is current? To make temporary identification, take a piece of paper, write your information on it or use a return address label, then put scotch or clear tape over both sides of it so it feels laminated. Attach any new information to collar in case the pet should accidently escape. If you own a horse or livestock that wears a halter you can attach information to the halter.
Keep medical records on hand. Have a copy of your pet’s medical records, plus a picture of you and your pet for identification purposes. If your pet needs medication, place a week’s worth of them aside in an empty medicine container with their directions and dosage. Have a picture of you and your pet with their medical records, and also keep one on your phone if it has a camera option.
Be sure to bring their favorite toy or comfort item, including bedding. Hint: break in two of the same toy and keep one in the Go Kit.
Have a list of pet friendly hotels on hand. Choose a person that you can trust to go and get access to your animals in case you are at work or away on vacation. Make sure you leave a list of instructions and people know where the Go Kit is.
Remember to exchange out the food and water every three months, this keeps the food fresh.
Mark on your calendar when it is time to recheck the kit for the year and initial it when it has been checked.
Have fun making the kit and including family members. Explain its importance and review what is in the kit and why. It doesn’t have to be a chore! Remember, an ounce of prevention may be just the thing that keeps you and your pet from disaster!
Click Here to read Jo Ellen’s blog from February, “Be Prepared, Not Scared”.
Jo Ellen is a 1986 Graduate from SUNY Delhi with a degree in Applied Animal Science, Past President of the NYS Assoc of Veterinary Technicians. She has over 20 years’ experience as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, small animal medicine, and in the past 5 years has also worked part time on call for New England Equine Practice as an anesthesia tech.
Jo Ellen teaches Veterinary Radiology for Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry NY for Pre Vet and Veterinary Technology students. She is also a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Instructor.
Jo Ellen’s Disaster experience includes: 9/11 treating search and rescue dogs at ground zero, Hurricanes Ivan, Gustov, Katrina and Irene, San Diego Wildfires, Catskill NY and North Dakota Floods, Georgia and Arkansas Tornadoes plus logistical support for the Haiti, and Japan Earthquake efforts.
Married 20 yrs with a 16 yr old daughter, Jo Ellen lives in CT on 5 acres with 2 horses, 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 lizards and 1 guinea pig.
Are you ready?!
I’d like to invite all fans of Premier Pet Products to participate in a special challenge! In this week’s blog, I’d like to challenge each of you, our faithful readers, to find one snapshot listed in Premier’s Scavenger Hunt! The snapshots should be provided in the form of a photograph. If your photo is selected to appear in next month’s scavenger hunt reveal, you will win a prize!
The rules are:
Only one snapshot may be submitted per person.
Your snapshot must be submitted by May 14th.
All submissions must be emailed to msweetnam@premier.com
The photo you submit must belong to you or you must have permission to use it.
Any questions about the game should be left in the comment section of this blog so that it may be answered for everyone to see.
You agree that the photo may be published on Premier’s blog, Tales About Tales, and the Facebook page of Premier if it is chosen as a winning item.
Please include a description with your submission, such as the pet’s name, breed/ your name, etc.
We will select a winning photo for each snapshot listed below and will post the winning collection in a blog next month! Remember to get creative and most of all have fun!
Premier’s Scavenger Hunt
Snapshots to find:
- Two pets of a different species that look alike.
- A small dog with a big attitude, wearing a jacket. This item has been found!
- A Squirrel Dude on vacation – lying on the beach, water skiing, at a fancy restaurant, etc.
- A cat playing with a Funkitty toy.
- A pet of any kind playing with 3 or more attached Linkables.
We can’t wait to see what you can find out there! Good luck and have fun!
By Michelle Mullins, CPDT – KA
So, I’m training for a 39 mile walk in May to support the fight against breast cancer. The last few weeks I’ve developed pain in my knee and the training has been tough. I’ve been tuning in to Grey’s Anatomy for help diagnosing and treating the pain. Ridiculous, right!? What if I said I’d been seeking help from the Dr. Oz show? Still not going to help, you say? But he gives loads of medical advice and has experts on his show. Still don’t think I’ll get the help I need?
Of course you and I both know I need to go to my local doctor for medical treatment. So why do we rely on TV shows for training and behavior issues with our dogs?
I’m not bashing anyone who stars on these shows. I’m saying your dog, your situation, your goals are unique and no one inside the screen can evaluate all of those variables and provide you with what you need.
You will not learn all of the skills you need to train your dog or recognize your dog’s body language from TV.
You will not be able to develop a realistic training plan for your situation by watching a show. So much footage is cut from these shows you really only see a brief before and after of any dog.
Training results are not instantaneous despite how it appears. You don’t see the entire process.
If your dog has a serious behavior issue, you need a professional. A veterinarian may need to be consulted.
 Puppy Class at the Richmond SPCA
No two dogs are the same. Some training methods can be inappropriate for certain dogs and may actually even make a problem worse or create additional issues.
Your dog needs you to learn the skills and take the time to teach him to be a great pet. So check out local trainers in your area for everything from basic skills to more advanced and fun classes like teaching tricks, agility, scent work and more. Only by working with your own dog and a real live trainer will you reach your training goals.
TV cannot provide you and your training the benefits that come with training with others. Your dog will learn to respond to cues in a variety of environments and with distractions. The camaraderie with classmates can be invaluable. I’ve made friends, heard about management and training that worked for others and made great friends at training class. Even though I’m a professional trainer myself, I love being a student because it’s just so much fun!
 Brisbane and Michelle
So enjoy your favorite shows as entertainment and perhaps as encouragement to exercise and spend training time with your dog. Or better yet, lose the remote in the couch cushions and sign up for a class, go for a walk, or train a new trick with your own dog!
By: Tenney Mudge, Inventor of the KeepSafe Collar
Putting a collar on your dog may seem like a normal safety precaution to attach ID tags and a leash for walking. However, many devoted dog owners are unaware of the frequency and risks of collar strangulation accidents until it is too late.
In honor of Pet First Aid Awareness Month it is important to acknowledge that being aware of hazards is the best way to prevent a horrific and haunting accident such as collar strangulation.
The most frequent and the most fatal collar accidents occur during common play behavior when a dog’s jaw or tooth becomes caught or snagged under a playmate’s collar even if just for a few seconds. When caught, the dogs’ instinct is to pull, twist and panic and one or both dogs’ lives are in immediate danger. Multiple dog households with active players are at increased risk.
Multiple dog Mom, Karin Schoultz, is thankful she is proactive about dog collar safety. Karin was filming her two dogs playing and unexpectedly captured the release of the KeepSafe Collar when that neck biting play behavior became too dangerous. When her beloved dogs are loving life and playing hard Karin knows they are protected from collar strangulation by their KeepSafe Collars.
Watch the video of Karin’s two dogs below.
Dog owners from across the country share their happy ending testimonials of the KeepSafe Collars protecting their dogs in the backyard, in the home or wherever accidents may occur:
- Some relatives were visiting and the dogs were all in the yard playing. There was a lot of high energy neck biting going on. When the visiting dog got extra rough the KeepSafe collar snapped open and released my dog just like it was supposed to. My dog was able to escape without injury. I am so glad I made the switch. Thanks for a great product. J.M. Texas
- Our vet told us about your breakaway collars after our dogs became entangled and nearly died choking each other. I have felt more secure from the moment they arrived. The play continues at full-speed but the KeepSafe Collars work like a charm and keep them safe. Thank you! CD Massachusetts
Collars also can and do become snagged on fences, crates, deck boards, furniture, cabinet and door knobs, vegetation, floor vents and many other objects.
 Kennels and crates can be hazardous
- I found my dog’s KeepSafe Collar released and hooked inside his crate. I am still thankful for the day I understood that the KeepSafe Collars could save my dog’s life. That day is a reality. These collars are the best thing going. K. H. Maryland
- I came home to find my dog’s KeepSafe Collar released near the fence where she had had been digging and playing. I don’t want to know what would have happened if she was wearing any other collar. Luckily I don’t have to worry about it – she will always be wearing her KeepSafe Collar C.C North Carolina
- The KeepSafe Collar has been a lifesaver for our rescue dog. She likes to be helpful and is curious about the dishwasher when it is open. With her head in the dishwasher the rack slid under her collar. When she pulled back her KeepSafe Collar released saving both our precious dog and the dishes. J.M. Ohio
The KeepSafe Collar with its patented break-away buckle is designed to be your dog’s everyday safety collar. If you are home or if you are away, when dogs are supervised or unsupervised, the KeepSafe Collar is the solution to collaring your dog safely.
One of the saddest things we hear is when a grieving dog owner says “If I had only known this could happen”. Owners who would do anything in the world to protect their dogs wish they had been aware that their dog’s conventional collar could strangle their dog in an unexpected instant.
Collar strangulation accident prevention starts with you. Please be aware of collaring your dog safely.
Originally a New Yorker, Tenney is a Cornell grad, a former Animal Control Officer in New York, worked in Washington, DC in animal welfare and served as a Peace Corps volunteer. Rural Virginia has been home to Tenney for over 20 years where she keeps a large animal family safe and happy and enjoys looking for bear tracks in the Blue Ridge.
 Tenny Mudge, Inventor of the Keep Safe Collar
By Michelle Mullins, CPDT – KA
Spring is in the air and if and your pets are like me and mine we can’t wait to get out there and shake off winter.
The days of long walks, hiking and swimming are in sight. However I must admit we have all been less active and put on a little “fluff” during the cold months.
So I’m going to start getting us back into shape for all the outdoor activities we love.
 Jinks going for a swim
Our spring training includes:
Slowly increasing the distance on our morning walks.
Start a stretching routine including play bows, spins and rollovers.
Refresh recall training. It never hurts to practice coming when called!
Check all gear – collars, leashes, harnesses, floats for wear and tear, replace if needed.
Make sure we have a plan for dealing with fleas, ticks and mosquitos so everyone is protected.
Play some extra games of fetch or tug.
Soon we will be ready to romp through the fields, go swimming and enjoy the warm days.
 Jinks enjoying the Dog Park
By Cassia Drake
Is it good for the dogs? Minnesota 4-H project says yes to Gentle Leaders and Easy Walk Harnesses.
Is it good for the dogs? That one question was the decision-making method of Ruth Foster, lifelong dog fancier, co-inventor of the Gentle Leader, longtime 4-H volunteer, AKC judge emeritus and my mentor. When dog people were bickering or in conflict she asked “is it good for the dogs? This allowed her to put away the emotions and personality differences and look concretely at the issue. She was such a positive force for the welfare of dogs in all that she did that I am thrilled that the training tool she helped to invent has now been integrated into Minnesota 4-H rules and regulations.
You see, the Minnesota 4-H Dog Project has done a wonderful thing. The state leadership voted to allow beginner 4-Hers to use Gentle Leaders and Easy Walk harnesses at the state show competition. This gives local trainers a green light to use them more in their training classes. It also gives more students an opportunity for success, help facilitate a better bond between dog and child and make teaching classes easier and more productive.
This hasn’t been an easy transition. As the old quip goes “get three dog trainers together and the only thing two will agree on is that the other one is doing it wrong.” Many Minnesota counties preferred training method is using corrections/choke collars. Others have adopted positive methods and tools. As you can imagine, discussions on training and tools isn’t always smooth. There is no standard practice in the state.
Furthermore, change comes hard in the dog project. In all of the MN 4-H livestock projects, dogs included, parents tend to be the leaders and trainers. In most of these cases the parents work in that “industry.” When the best practices for raising chickens is introduced on the farm, that parent also introduces it to 4-H.
Dog project parent leaders are rarely professional dog trainers. This means it is difficult for them to access the latest and newest training methods. According to Tammy Lorch, a 4-H participant, leader, and one time 4-H state employee, that means that good-hearted project leaders struggle to keep up with current information.
Mason and Jack serve as a poster pair for the value of Gentle Leaders in 4-H. Mason and his dog Jack were new to dog training. Jack was a huge black lab. He lived outside on farm and hunted. Jack was a nice friendly dog but had no prior training and no socialization with other dogs. Mason’s instructor, Cathy Steinmetz, describes classes as a wrestling match between Jack and Mason. Learning was nearly impossible because Jacks exuberance made it hard for Mason to keep Jacks attention.
Mason was one of the attendees at my Gentle Leader workshop at the State wide training seminar called Suppression. He returned to his county training classes with a dog he could manage. Wearing the Gentle Leader Mason could manage Jack. Jack could focus and learn. The dog proceeded to make progress on the basic behaviors—sit, down, heeling. The wresting match had ended. Dog, kid, parents, and instructor were pleased.
It is awful to explain to a 13 year old that even though they have worked very hard and their dog has make lots of progress they may not win a ribbon at the county fair competition because their dog presented more training challenges than other dogs. There are no ribbons for making progress with a challenging dog. I have sat with kids who have come to this realization. The Gentle Leader allows these dogs and kids to be on equal footing in the beginner classes
Three years ago 4-H leader, Jo Marshall, made the decision to have all kids use Gentle Leaders for training. At the first night class all of the dogs were dressed in their Gentle Leaders. Parents were amazed that the dogs were quiet, in control, and ready to learn. The next year her training classes grew like weeds. More kids wanted to train.
Last year during my Gentle Leader/Easy Walk harness session at the Super session parent and leader reaction was amazing. People saw an immediate impact. Dogs were more quiet and attentive. One little dog who pulled so hard on her leash she passed out could now work on training. Another dog who loved to sniff got fit with an Easy Walk harness. The young owner, whose hands were red and sore from trying to control her dog that outweighed her, could now keep her dog with her. Leaders and youth who had never been introduced to these tools were thrilled.
Watching kids and dogs together is a heartwarming experience. The true love and adoration that they can have for each other is simply wonderful.
I am thrilled and proud of the Minnesota 4-H Dog Project leadership for creating change that makes training a dog more fun and effective. We can only look forward to more wonderful experiences because of their decision.
By Mandie Sweetnam
As a dog owner, deciding between which harness to use can be very confusing, especially with so many decisions. If you’re looking for something that is comfortable, an excellent fit and stylish, the Sure-Fit harness is the way to go. This harness is a back-hooking harness and will not, I repeat, not help you if your dog pulls on the leash. This is because it isn’t designed to discourage pulling like the front-hooking Easy Walk harness or the Gentle Leader head collar.
 The Sure-Fit is ideal for comfort but isn't helpful to discourage pulling
Not to worry – The Gentle Leader and Easy Walk are both training tools that have been designed specifically to discourage pulling (and even some other unwanted behaviors).
The Gentle Leader is hugely popular among trainers and veterinarians because of its ability to allow dog owners to walk their pet comfortably on a leash. What many people don’t realize, is that it also helps to train against other undesired behaviors such as excessive barking, lunging, jumping and in some cases anxiety and aggression. (Please consult a trainer or veterinarian if your dog is displaying anxiety or aggression)
 Comfortable, yet efficient
As the old saying goes “Where the nose goes, the body follows”, the Gentle Leader can be used to give you more control of your dog’s attention. Lunging and jumping, for instance, are typically not a desired behavior in your dog, but when you can redirect the dog’s attention back to you, the jumping and lunging will begin to stop. The Gentle Leader prevents these things the same way it prevents pulling, by applying gentle pressure on the nose that is released immediately after the dog stops pulling. For the owner, pulling and jerking on the leash is never necessary and is counterproductive to your training.
 Gentle Leaders can be used on most dog breeds above the age of 6 weeks
The Gentle Leader shares traits, other than its no-pull benefits, with the Easy Walk Harness. Neither device is damaging to the trachea. They both prevent gagging, choking and coughing. Both can be used daily and both are approved for use on puppies of 6 weeks of age or older.
The Easy Walk harness has its own benefits as an alternative to the Gentle Leader. I will often ask people if their only concern is their dog pulling their arm on daily walks. If their answer is yes, I will suggest the Easy Walk Harness. The acclimation process for the Easy Walk is generally shorter than the Gentle Leader and it’s as easy to fit, if not slightly easier because it goes on the body instead of the head. Like the Gentle Leader though, the proper fit is important.
 Great fit on Magoo!
The Easy Walk is also the preferred choice to use on brachycephalic breeds or short-nosed dogs. (Pugs, Boxers, etc) The recommended fit of the nose loop on the Gentle Leader is not always appropriate for these breeds because of the shape of their noses. Luckily, the Easy Walk has a size that fits them – with 8 different sizes available.
Many dog owners actually find that they have a need for each harness at different times. For example, I use the Gentle Leader if I’m taking Tombie to the vet because we’re in close quarters in the lobby and she wants to visit with everyone. The Gentle Leader helps me keep her safe and keep the situation under control. Since it’s her head (nose) that is the issue, the Gentle Leader is the best fit. When we go to the park, I use the Easy Walk because we have a little more space and she’s more relaxed. Many dogs may only need one or the other for all situations.
While both of these training tools are a huge help, they are still only tools. To really train your dog not to pull on the leash, you’ll need to be consistent with your harness training and top it off with rewarding them when they’re not pulling. A training tool will only work if used properly.
To maximize your training experience with the Gentle Leader head collar or the Easy Walk harness, you’ll need to remember these few things:
- Pick the harness/tool you need to train with based on your training goals
- Size and fit the harness properly – measure the girth for the Easy Walk
- Use the harness consistently and reward the behaviors you like
For extra help in deciding between the Easy Walk and The Gentle Leader, our customer service line is always open. 1-800-933-5595. We have informative brochures available also!
By Mandie Sweetnam
This is the time of the year when my cat, Fig, becomes more and more intrigued by the activity of the wildlife outside of our Florida room. All the birds and squirrels are moving and collecting food and he just can’t take his eyes off of the spectacular performance going on just on the other side of the glass. It reminds me of my husband watching rugby. You can call them and bring them food, but they don’t take their eyes off of the show.
 This is how Fig sees himself
The root of his interest is always what disturbs me the most, even though I fully accept that my sweet Fig would be (in an outdoor setting) a fierce hunter. The cuddly tuxedo cat that sleeps right next to me at night is a predator by nature and his fixation on the small animals in our yard only proves this.
Fig is strictly an indoor cat for many reasons. One of the main reasons, aside from being a menace to every small animal in a one mile radius, is because I find it to be far too dangerous for him to be outdoors by himself. While he does have all of his claws, I do not want to risk the chance of him brawling with the neighborhood ferals, or worse, getting hit by a car. The mere thought of this terrifies me into a fit of paranoia. Again, this is just one of the many reasons why I do not allow my cat to go outside…without his harness and leash, that is!
 Even cheetahs go for walks on leashes
A harness and leash is the only option for me, aside from bringing him out in a crate. So why don’t we see more cats on leashes? Maybe because walking a cat on a leash isn’t as mainstream as walking a dog? Dogs get walked all the time. One of the primary reasons for dog walking is that dogs need to use the bathroom outside, which cats do indoors in a litter box. This greatly reduces an indoor cat’s chances of getting fresh air, which is not seen as a necessity to many. Luckily for Fig, I think it’s very necessary that he get fresh air, roll in the grass and chase bugs. The Come With Me Kitty Harness allowed him to enjoy these simple pleasures in life.
At first, I must admit, he wasn’t a huge fan of putting on this new contraption. Fig was about 5 when I introduced him to the Come With Me Kitty harness and up until then, the only thing I put on him was a collar, which he was also not a fan of. I will say that I regret not conditioning him to wear a harness earlier in his life, but I’ve always believed that it’s never too late to learn something new.
His reaction to wearing the harness at first was to make like a statue. He would act natural as I fit the harness, but when I clipped the quick snap buckles shut, he would freeze. I knew I needed to condition him slowly to the harness, so I began to put it on for a few minutes, and then give him a treat. Next, I would put it on him and get the chasing wand for him to play with. Then, to really convince him that the harness was good, I would open the door and take him outside to the front porch with me. I knew he wouldn’t be bounding all over the yard on the first day, so each day we would go a little further. One day we would sit on the porch, the next day we would sit on the stairs, then the grass. Soon, we would be walking through the yard.
Now, when I put the harness on Fig, he purrs. We walk through the yard and he gets to enjoy the fresh air. He never goes farther than 5 feet away from me, but he gets to sniff and roll and stalk things. Luckily for Fig, the harness comes with a bungee leash because the first time he stalked something, he went to pounce (while I wasn’t paying attention) and would have had whiplash without the forgiving pull of the bungee material. Luckily for his prey, Fig is out of practice and came up empty handed. Another grasshopper lives to tell his tale.
It was worth the couple of weeks it took to get Fig used to the new harness. He’s still aware that he’s wearing it, but he now feels free to move around and explore while outside. An added benefit is, while he’s playing, I don’t have to worry about him slipping out of the harness. The cinch on the top keeps the harness pressed to his body when pressure from the leash is put on it. It’s gentle so it keeps him safe without hurting him. I trust it so much, I’ve put my rabbit in the harness and taken him outside.
Have you used a cat harness? How about a rabbit or ferret harness? How important is it to you that your indoor cat gets fresh air?
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DDI
