Help me find a collar for my dog...

[Reflections]

My dog, a German Shepherd mix named Hoagie is a nice, very sweet, non threatening dog with the most adorable oversized feet. But he is also the biggest pain in the a** when it comes to collars.  He chewed through 3 (!!!!!) collars in a week.  That's not counting the collars he has gone through in his 2yo life.  He has these jowls that makes it hard to really tighten the collars.  If I tighten them to the point where he can't get his lower jaw under the collar to commence the chewing, he hacks up his water and his food and generally mopes around the house.

 

Here's the other part of the situation:  We used to live on an acre but we moved across country and are currently living in a town home where he has to be tied out multiple times a day so that he can "go out".  We will be moving into a another home on a fenced acre but the house won't be ready until March.  So I get that he is "acting" out because he is not getting enough stimulation and exercise.  But that acting out almost cost him his life the other night.  A week ago he chewed through his third collar and before I could buy him a new one he took off after some bunnies and deer while my dh was taking him out (we've been wrapping the tie out chain around his neck and hooking it on itself - he can't chew through that!).  He was gone all night in minus 4 degree weather. We spent hours that night and the whole next day (with neighbors who were tracking him by his footprints) looking for him.  Luckily we had filed a report with every local animal agency and animal control found him 5 miles from our house  :glare: that afternoon.  He had ice (ICE!) hanging from his jowls.  That can never happen again.  

 

Oh, and here's another issue, if his tags jangle, he doubles his efforts to eat his collar.  

 

I don't want to get a metal chain training collar that tightens when you tug on it, because I'm afraid he'll choke when he's tied out or on a walk.  I'm thinking of getting a collar with spikes on it, but I'm worried that the kids might get hurt on it. 

 

Something from amazon or other mail order would be great. 

 

[JustEm]

Do you use leather collars?  My dogs stopped destroying collars once I switched to a thick leather collar. I would try to find the one I use but I purchased them years ago and have no idea what brand they are. As for the jangling, tape the tags together so they can't bang up against each other.

[Reflections]

Do you use leather collars?  My dogs stopped destroying collars once I switched to a thick leather collar. I would try to find the one I use but I purchased them years ago and have no idea what brand they are. As for the jangling, tape the tags together so they can't bang up against each other.

 

OH?  I was worried that using a leather collar he would be more likely to chew them - but thicker is better?  I could try it, I've got nothing to lose. Other than another collar.  And yes, I'll try taping the tags together,

 

Thanks!

[hornblower]

I hate jangly tags & use Boomerang Tags (flat collar tags) like this on my dogs' collars. http://www.boomerangtags.com/page.php?c=collartags

Have you tried an all webbing martingale like this? http://www.lupinepet.com/combo-collar/ (lupines are guaranteed btw, even if chewed.)

use a harness when walking. I'd recommend a Sensible if he pulls http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ible-harness & a hurtta Padded Y if he doesn't http://www.hurtta.com/EN/Products/Reflector%20products/Padded%20y-harness/

do not leave harness on unattended. I've never had any of mine or the foster dogs chew threw a well fitted collar but I've lost several harnesses.

 

Also check out this video on how to desensitize a dog to a harness. You use the same technique to desensitize to a collar.

Last, but  not least, in addition to meeting his physical exercise needs, meet his mental stimulation needs. Add sessions of clicker training fun tricks to tire your dog out. The kikopup channel that the above video is from has tons of videos on training all sorts of things. 

Also give him a big raw bone to chew or a stuffed kong.

 

[Reflections]

I hate jangly tags & use Boomerang Tags (flat collar tags) like this on my dogs' collars. http://www.boomerangtags.com/page.php?c=collartags

 

Have you tried an all webbing martingale like this? http://www.lupinepet.com/combo-collar/ (lupines are guaranteed btw, even if chewed.)

 

use a harness when walking. I'd recommend a Sensible if he pulls http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ible-harness & a hurtta Padded Y if he doesn't http://www.hurtta.com/EN/Products/Reflector%20products/Padded%20y-harness/

 

do not leave harness on unattended. I've never had any of mine or the foster dogs chew threw a well fitted collar but I've lost several harnesses.

 

Also check out this video on how to desensitize a dog to a harness. You use the same technique to desensitize to a collar.

 

 

 

 

Last, but  not least, in addition to meeting his physical exercise needs, meet his mental stimulation needs. Add sessions of clicker training fun tricks to tire your dog out. The kikopup channel that the above video is from has tons of videos on training all sorts of things. 

 

Also give him a big raw bone to chew or a stuffed kong.

 

 

 

I'm not a big fan of jingly tags either, but they have their uses...like being able to hear when my other dog has snuck off to eat the cats' food when he thought I was otherwise occupied.... BUT I like those slide tags for Hoagie and will be ordering those you posted.

 

Hoagie actually really likes harnesses and we have used them in the past.  He walks better with them.  But he has broken a few and chewed a few - like the time I stopped to talk to a friend for a minute and he got bored....  And I'll get him a new one of those when we are able to start walking extensively again.   I was thinking about this one:  http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Control-Harness-Large-Blue/dp/B001LUKXTG/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1416964672&sr=1-10&keywords=dog+harness

 

 

Thanks for the link to the channel.  He's got several things to chew on from soft to hard to rubbery.

[Pawz4me]

Ditto the Boomerang tags.  Best tags/tag company ever.

[gingersmom]

I would leave off his collar in the house, walks only (no tying up outside) and enroll him in doggie daycare twice a week.

 

Never use a prong collar if dog is tied up.

[hornblower]

Hoagie actually really likes harnesses and we have used them in the past. He walks better with them. But he has broken a few and chewed a few - like the time I stopped to talk to a friend for a minute and he got bored.... And I'll get him a new one of those when we are able to start walking extensively again. I was thinking about this one: http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Control-Harness-Large-Blue/dp/B001LUKXTG/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1416964672&sr=1-10&keywords=dog+harness

 

 

Thanks for the link to the channel. He's got several things to chew on from soft to hard to rubbery.

Just FYI that harness maxes out at 40 lbs.

 

I know way too much about harnesses as I've been on harness shopping binge for new ones for months ... :D

[Reflections]

I would leave off his collar in the house, walks only (no tying up outside) and enroll him in doggie daycare twice a week.

 

Never use a prong collar if dog is tied up.

 

Tying up several times a day for 15 minutes at a time is not something I can stop right now.  He likes walking so much that when we walk he won't even stop to pee much less poop.  And when I just stand there trying to get him to at least pee, it takes upwards from 45 minutes.  In this weather, it's just not an option.  He'll pee and poop with in and under 10-15 minutes when tied up.  It's our best option. 

 

No such thing as doggie daycare here.  

 

I can't wait until we have our house with a fence and the dog park only a mile away.

 

 

Leaving off the collar is probably our best bet - along with the leather collar idea.

[Reflections]

Just FYI that harness maxes out at 40 lbs.

 

I know way too much about harnesses as I've been on harness shopping binge for new ones for months ... :D

 

OoooOOOooooh, really???  So what about this one?

 

http://www.amazon.com/Harness-Multipurpose-Service-Professional-Training/dp/B00FAD42L0/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1416973462&sr=1-10&keywords=extra+large+dog+harness+for+walking

 

Hoagie is about 85lbs.  Looks bigger though...

[hornblower]

OoooOOOooooh, really???  So what about this one?

 

http://www.amazon.com/Harness-Multipurpose-Service-Professional-Training/dp/B00FAD42L0/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1416973462&sr=1-10&keywords=extra+large+dog+harness+for+walking

 

Hoagie is about 85lbs.  Looks bigger though...

 

I don't like that one for reasons which will hopefully be clear.

 

ok, harnesses:

 

If he pulls & you want to work on loose leash walking (LLW) you need harness with a front attachment like the sensation I linked above. There's one by Premier too (called Easy Walk).

 

Ruffwear has a nice one as well called Front Range which has attachments at the front & back.

 

The thing with many harnesses is that they impinge the shoulder joint.. The sensation & premier do it & I would only recommend them for a short time while you work on training. The Front Range doesn't but it's sometimes not as effective when you attach to the front. Front clip harnesses don't work as well when they don't go across the chest/shoulder.

 

The Y shaped harnesses (like the one you linked first but was too small) is a much better bet, esp the larger & stronger the dog because damage to that joint will cause pain & vet bills down the road.

 

That's why I like Hurtta Y. I also like the Front Range.  I also like the Canadog Ripstop Shorty BUT you have to know that if you attach a lead to the back of a harness & the dog is not trained to LLW, you may have trouble controlling a large breed dog. So I compromise on shoulder mobility while LLW is being trained & then opt for shoulder health....

 

 

So - if you can, opt to leave shoulder free & go with a well fitted Y type harness.

 

if you can't, go for sensation or premier, or possibly the Front Range.

 

 

For more on this shoulder & harness controversy 

 

Article from Chris Zink - DVM & ortho specialist http://www.alpineoutfitters.net/scripts/article.asp?article=01

 

& a slightly different view from Whole Dog Journal http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_7/features/the-no-pull-debate_20782-1.html

[StephanieZ]

I'd suggest not having him wear a collar while he is inside, and just putting one on while you are taking him out. Just get one that is quick/easy to open, and leave it attached to his leash. Meanwhile, be sure he is microchipped and that you have current contact information in the microchip database(s) you use. 

 

If the collar is loose enough for him to chew off, he is liable to get his lower jaw stuck in there someday and hurt himself seriously if you manage to find one he can't chew off. 

[Reflections]

I think I like this one.... that the pull is in the front confused me at first...

 

http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ation-harness

 

And what about this one - is pulls in the back and looks comfortable.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Walkeez-Harness-Size-0-Orange/dp/B009I3K7XA/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1416976446&sr=1-4&keywords=walkeez+dog+harness

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Reflections]

I'd suggest not having him wear a collar while he is inside, and just putting one on while you are taking him out. Just get one that is quick/easy to open, and leave it attached to his leash. Meanwhile, be sure he is microchipped and that you have current contact information in the microchip database(s) you use. 

 

If the collar is loose enough for him to chew off, he is liable to get his lower jaw stuck in there someday and hurt himself seriously if you manage to find one he can't chew off. 

 

Getting stuck has happened many times.  Luckily I've been home.  I'm always home, it seems.  

 

Microchip????  I was thinking of implanting a GPS transmitter up his..... uh, under his shoulder.  But yeah, a microchip is something else we'll do once we find a vet we like. (we are in a new area)

[zimom]

http://www.orvis.com/p/personalized-adjustable-dog-collar/9x3y

 

This is th collar I have on my dogs. They have a few different versions, reflective,etc. The reason I like it so much is they will embroider your phone number in huge letters for free. Our dogs mean too much to us. We have never lost them, but if they were to get out, I hope by having these collars on someone can see our phone number even a few feet away.

[hornblower]

I think I like this one.... that the pull is in the front confused me at first...

 

http://www.softouchconcepts.com/index.php/product-53/sense-ation-harness

 

And what about this one - is pulls in the back and looks comfortable.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Walkeez-Harness-Size-0-Orange/dp/B009I3K7XA/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1416976446&sr=1-4&keywords=walkeez+dog+harness

Yup both good harnesses. The front clip,is meant specifically for pulling dogs in training. When the clip is attached in front and they pull, they tend to go sideways a bit and their head comes towards you, giving you more control and hopefully a position you can mark and reward so the dog learns to walk on loose leash.

 

The walkeez has been around for years and was very popular in agility circles. Leerburg recently bought the rights to the brand.... It's great for dogs that don't pull or in situations where you want the dog to keep a steady gentle pressure on the lead such as during tracking, on a narrow trail or doing canicross. Excellent shoulder clearance.

[Shellydon]

Maybe  a Kevlar collar?  They are extra wide and used for dogs that hunt hogs.  Usually called Cut Collars.   It would be hard to chew through!

http://www.hardcorehogdogs.com/Cut_Collars.html

[Reflections]

Thanks for taking the time to help me!!!!  All of these ideas are great!

[Plink]

I would talk with a vet.  If you are causing extreme coughing by having a collar properly fitted, there is obviously something unusual going on.  A vet will be able to help you figure out the root cause of the problem and will have great advice on how to keep your pup safe. 

[shukriyya]

I hate jangly tags & use Boomerang Tags (flat collar tags) like this on my dogs' collars. http://www.boomerangtags.com/page.php?c=collartags

 

Have you tried an all webbing martingale like this? http://www.lupinepet.com/combo-collar/ (lupines are guaranteed btw, even if chewed.)

 

 

I've just spent twenty minutes perusing the Lupinepet site :laugh: That combo collar is great and I'm planning to get it with a matching harness and lead for our new rescue pup. I vowed I'd never do gender-specific colors for her but the pink and brown paws pattern is pretty darn cute.

 

Thanks, OP, for posting your question. I imagine the responses and links have been helpful for more folks than just myself :D

[Reflections]

I would talk with a vet.  If you are causing extreme coughing by having a collar properly fitted, there is obviously something unusual going on.  A vet will be able to help you figure out the root cause of the problem and will have great advice on how to keep your pup safe. 

 

He was just at the vets before we left for our trip across country and the vet felt he was fine. He's just hyper sensitive to collars. Thanks for thinking of him though  :thumbup:

 

 

I've just spent twenty minutes perusing the Lupinepet site :laugh: That combo collar is great and I'm planning to get it with a matching harness and lead for our new rescue pup. I vowed I'd never do gender-specific colors for her but the pink and brown paws pattern is pretty darn cute.

 

Thanks, OP, for posting your question. I imagine the responses and links have been helpful for more folks than just myself :D

 

 

You are welcome.  I hope the collar is perfect for you and your rescue! 

[Spy Car]

Go to gundogsupply.com and get a collar made of biothane (a strong synthetic plastic material that is used as a leather replacement for horse tack and such).

 

Get one with a "center ring." These have a a strong loop of steel that seperates two straps of biothane (which are each riveted to the center ring). The center ring allows the collar to "flip" (but not come off) if the dog gets tangled in something in the feild, so it is a good saftey feature.

 

The collars come with brass plates that they will emboss with your contact information (to replace dangling tags). Unlike other collar tags that can slide on and off these are permanently riveted on after they are customized.

 

Tthey are inexpensive. Tough, good looking, practical, safe, and come in many colors (including reflective options).

 

Bill

[Reflections]

Go to gundogsupply.com and get a collar made of biothane (a strong synthetic plastic material that is used as a leather replacement for horse tack and such).

 

 

 

AND they have ones with gps built in so I wouldn't have to shove the transmitter up his....uh, I mean, implant it under his skin. :tongue_smilie:

 

And a search revealed that there are also gps tags that link to your phone with an app?????  Oh the possibilities....

 

While I think that site was great, I uh will have to NOT show it to my dh.  He might be a little to happy about the idea of being able to correct our dog from a distance.  (I'm just kidding about that part.... mostly).