E-collars are often seen as a controversial dog training tool, and I’ve realized that it’s largely because people don’t understand them. There are a lot of misconceptions about dog training methods, and this blog post aims to clear up the distinct difference between shock collars and e-collars! Today I’m writing about 5 dog E-Collar training benefits that all dog owners should know about.
So grab your favorite treat pouch, a long leash, and you’re happy dog to embark on this journey with us!
My Journey to Dog E-Collar Training
Once upon a time, I staunchly adhered to the “Force Free” approach to dog training, advocating solely for positive reinforcement methods. The mere thought of employing an electric collar on my beloved canines was unthinkable, and I admittedly cast judgment on those who did.
My perception of E-Collars was clouded by the misconception that they were instruments of punishment, inflicting shocks and discomfort on dogs simply for behaving naturally.
However, I gradually realized this was a narrow view influenced by common misconceptions. While it’s true that some individuals misuse cheap shock collars, subjecting dogs to unnecessary punishment, an entirely different realm of modern E-Collar training methods prioritizes freedom, enjoyment, and effective communication for dogs.
My perspective shifted dramatically when confronted with owning a fence-jumping Great Dane.
While my Dane’s sibling, who underwent e-collar training, reveled in off-leash freedom, displaying happiness, confidence, and responsiveness, my dog was frustrated being stuck on a long leash in his yard.
Witnessing this stark contrast between the two siblings compelled me to reconsider my stance and explore the potential benefits of modern E-Collar training methods.
When I opened my perspective to it, our whole world changed!
#1 – Ditch the Long Leash
The most powerful benefit of E-Collar training is that you and your pet can eliminate the obstructive, annoying, and potentially dangerous long leash.
Of course, using a leash in areas where being off-leash violates your local ordinances and laws is important.
The E-Collar should be the tool of choice for places where being off-leash could be done legally and safely. Because a physical leash does not restrain them, nothing obstructs their movement.
Long leashes, while seemingly providing freedom for dogs, can pose various risks and dangers if not used cautiously.
Firstly, long leashes increase the risk of entanglement, where the dog may become tangled around objects or even people, leading to potential injury or accidents.
The extended length of the leash can diminish the owner’s control over the dog, especially in situations requiring quick intervention or recall, potentially leading to dangerous situations or the inability to prevent conflicts with other dogs or people.
While long leashes have their place, they are NOT a replacement for training a solid recall.
Furthermore, long leashes can inadvertently encourage undesirable behaviors, such as pulling or bolting, as the dog may perceive the extended length as a license for unrestrained behavior.
Advocates for the “force-free” dog training method will rely heavily on long leashes as a solution for dogs that will run away, even after years of positive-only training. This is where E-Collars should enter the conversation.
#2 – Freedom to Explore
There are many places to explore where your pet could be safely off-leash if they are E-Collar trained! Imagine trekking through a field, down a hiking path, or camping with your dog safely nearby, responsive to you, and free to explore without physical restraint.
With modern E-Collar training, dogs can learn to ignore and avoid distractions, including other dogs, wildlife, bikes, and people. They come when called 100% of the time.
Even your front yard could be an incredible place for your pet to be off-leash if only you had a gentle, effective, and positive communication method.
Off-leash time fosters natural behaviors, such as running, sniffing, and exploring, which are vital for a dog’s physical and mental well-being. It strengthens the bond between owner and dog as they navigate their surroundings, fostering trust and communication.
Enter the modern E-Collar!
#3 – Precise Communication
An e-collar facilitates precise communication between the owner and the dog through its ability to deliver immediate and specific feedback, even from a distance.
It’s important to understand that this feedback doesn’t have to be harsh or unfair! Modern E-Collars use stimulation, not shock, to create a tactile sensation that can be used positively.
The long leash provides tactile feedback to the dog, too. E-Collars replace that sensation with a different one that doesn’t require physical restraint.
Unlike traditional training methods where timing and distance can be challenging to control, e-collars allow owners to deliver corrections or reinforcements with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that the dog associates the feedback directly with their behavior.
The remote control feature of e-collars enables owners to adjust the intensity of the stimulation or deliver other forms of feedback at the exact moment when the behavior occurs, eliminating any confusion or delay in communication.
This precision in timing and delivery ensures that the dog receives consistent and clear signals, enhancing their understanding of desired behaviors and expediting the training process.
#4 – More Gentle Than a “Gentle Leader”
Gentle Leader head collars are advertised as a gentle solution for pet owners seeking to curb pulling and other leash-related nuisances. Despite this portrayal, these training tools are anything but gentle.
They exert continuous pressure on the dog’s face and eyes, potentially causing discomfort or distress. Additionally, if the dog lunges or pulls, the design of the Gentle Leader can forcibly redirect its head to the side, potentially causing discomfort or injury.
These inherent issues highlight the significant drawbacks of using Gentle Leader head collars.
Interestingly, advocates for such tools often oppose e-collars due to the misconception that they are solely used to administer shocks and intimidate dogs, further illustrating the complexity of the debate surrounding training methodologies.
When employed appropriately, modern e-collars prove remarkably gentle in their approach.
The tactile sensation they deliver is often imperceptible to most humans until it reaches levels far beyond what the average dog requires to respond positively.
It’s crucial to distinguish between shock collar and e-collar training—they are not synonymous methodologies.
#5 – The Dog Makes Their Own Choices
E-collar training empowers dogs to make their own choices by providing them with clear boundaries and consequences for their actions. Through consistent and well-timed feedback delivered via the e-collar, dogs learn to associate their behaviors with specific outcomes.
This allows them to understand the consequences of their actions and make informed decisions accordingly. It gives them control of their situation, which long leashes cannot do.
For example, if a dog learns that ignoring a recall command results in pressure from the e-collar, they may respond because they know that doing so makes the pressure go away.
The sensation generated by the e-collar is not painful or shocking to dogs; rather, it can be likened to the annoyance of the reminder sound your car emits when the seatbelt remains unbuckled. Just as that gentle pressure prompts you to buckle up, the collar’s sensation serves as a gentle reminder or prompt for the dog to heed a command or adjust their behavior.
Much like the car reminder, it doesn’t startle, harm, or hurt the dog; rather, it encourages them to respond appropriately without causing distress.
By allowing dogs to experience the direct consequences of their choices, e-collar training encourages them to make choices that lead to positive outcomes and reinforce desired behaviors.
When implemented correctly, modern E-Collar training is empowering and freeing for dogs. It’s that simple.
What Are the Best E-Collars for Dogs?
I recommend only two brands.
Do not buy a cheap e-collar from Amazon! Stick to name brands and work with a trainer to learn how to use them. Larry Krohn on YouTube is a phenomenal resource for training tricks!
Mini-Educator
This basic system is perfect for most pet owners, especially those new to E-Collar off-leash training!
My Great Dane puppy jumped over a fence once. If you’ve found this blog post, you probably have the same problem I once faced! Danes are huge dogs (even as puppies) and many can easily clear a 6ft tall barrier. Even if your dog is friendly, this is a dangerous practice and you are going to want to fix it…asap! If you need to stop a Great Dane from jumping the fence, this post is for you.
Included information:
The cheapest way to keep a dog from jumping the fence
An easy DIY project to secure your yard
How to immediately put a stop to your dog escaping
Positive training techniques
E-Collar training for yard boundaries and fencing
There are a lot of tools and techniques you can use to stop this behavior, so let’s dig in! You can use our handy table of contents to navigate this post, though we recommend reading the whole thing so you have a comprehensive approach to keeping your Great Dane in the yard.
Why Do Great Danes Jump Fences?
If you really, truly want to stop this behavior it’s extremely helpful to address the root cause. Many owners want to skip this step (understandably) but it’s one of the most powerful tactics to stop fence jumping.
Take a look at the information below and give yourself an honest assessment of your Great Dane. What can you do to resolve or eliminate some of these factors?
1. Curiosity and exploration
Dogs, by nature, are curious beings, and Great Danes are no exception. Their inquisitive nature can drive them to explore their surroundings, often leading them to attempt jumping over fences in an effort to satisfy their curiosity.
Of course, Great Danes, being large and agile, may view the world beyond the confines of their yard as an enticing mystery waiting to be unraveled. This natural instinct for exploration, while a commendable trait, can pose challenges for dog owners aiming to maintain a secure environment.
If you have a super curious dog, look for ways to satisfy this curiosity by providing novel experiences as often as possible.
2. Social or environmental stimuli
Great Danes are known for their sociable nature and desire for interaction. The presence of other animals, people passing by, or even enticing stimuli from the outside world can act as powerful motivators for these dogs to attempt escaping the yard.
Recognizing and managing these social and environmental triggers is essential for preventing fence-jumping behavior and ensuring the safety and well-being of both the dog and the community. This is especially true if you have an intact Great Dane seeking to find a mate, or if your dog is aggressive and wishes to harm dogs or people walking by your property.
3. Lack of mental and physical stimulation
Great Danes have a lot of need for physical and mental enrichment. When these needs go unfulfilled, boredom and restlessness may set in, prompting dogs to seek alternative outlets for stimulation. In the absence of mental and physical engagement, a Great Dane may resort to fence-jumping as a means of alleviating monotony or pent-up energy.
Providing sufficient mental challenges through interactive toys, training sessions, and regular exercise can be instrumental in curbing this behavior, addressing the root cause of the issue and promoting a healthier, more contented canine companion.
While you might believe that offering toys or introducing a companion dog for play would eliminate any chance of your dog experiencing boredom, the reality is that, for many dogs, these measures fall short of satisfying their need for mental and physical stimulation.
To put this simply, bored dogs WILL jump fences, even if you think there is no way they could possibly be bored.
How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping the Fence
There are four main steps to immediately stop dogs from escaping the yard.
Address physical and mental needs (see above)
Manage and prevent the behavior
Secure the yard & make it hard to escape
Train a new behavior
All four of these steps are likely required to ensure that your Great Dane will be reliable in a fenced yard, even if (like me) you only have 3-4 foot split rail!
Remember when I said that I had a Great Dane puppy jump the fence once? Oh yeah. I looked out of my kitchen window to see him romping in the snow with the neighbor dog. My neighbors were TICKED, even though both dogs were having a blast together.
It was several weeks before my sweet Dane pup was allowed in the yard off leash again…which brings me to step two of this process!
Step 1 – Address physical and mental needs
Remember, bored dogs will give themselves a job to do! Here are some fun ways to relieve boredom:
Sit at a park and watch people
Go on a sniff-exploration walk using a long leash
Take a training class to learn how to be calm outside of the home
Learning about scent work and tracking
Feed meals out of puzzles
Scatter feed (by chucking their food into the grass to find)
Make the yard more interesting than being outside of the yard! Play lots of fun games together, add a small kiddie pool, hide treats for your pet to find, or make a digging pit for your dog
To put this simply, it’s very helpful that your yard and the time you spend with your dog in it should be more fun and more appealing than the allure of leaving the yard. Show your Great Dane that the grass really is greener on your side of the fence!
Step 2 – Manage & Prevent Fence Jumping
Assuming now that you’ve made some significant changes to your pet’s mental and physical enrichment routine, you can move onto this step.
I’m going to say something people don’t love…but if you have a dog that jumps fences, you MUST prevent the behavior by all means necessary.
This is a temporary measure that helps ensure safety, and puts a stop to tenacious dogs practicing the behavior of going on an adventure without you. Here are some tips to quickly stop your Great Dane from fence jumping:
Use an ergonomic, sturdy harness (like THIS ONE) to safely secure your pet to a long leash
If your pet will escape a harness, use a martingale collar WITH extra supervision
Keep your pet on a leash in the yard. Ideally, you go outside with them; this is for safety and training reasons.
Use a treat pouch full of high-value goodies to redirect your pet away from the fence (more on this in training)
Triple check your fencing and make sure that it’s fully secure. If you have a smart Great Dane that can open the latch on your gate, lock it shut!
Utilize trees, bushes, or hedges to block the view if possible
Avoid being in the yard at times when other animals or people may be visible from afar (see ‘management’ below)
Look around your yard at the places where your dog tends to jump over the fence. If there are low spots, find ways to block them!
Remember, many dogs can learn not to jump the fence and with time you can relax some of your management and supervision. Until then, this step is necessary. Your dog must never, ever, jump the fence again.
If they do? It’s your fault. Don’t let that fall on your shoulders!
Step 3 – Secure the Yard & Make it Hard to Escape
There are some incredible DIY projects to stop fence jumping and secure the yard! These don’t have to cost a lot of money, in fact, a lot of really good fence jumping solutions are very affordable.
DIY Coyote Roller to Stop Dogs from Fence Jumping
This is perhaps the most popular way to stop a Great Dane from jumping the fence. By installing coyote rollers on the perimeter of your yard, it will be very difficult for your dog to get enough grip to launch themselves into freedom.
Coyote rollers are made of cheap PVC pipe and do exactly what you think they will! When your Great Dane jumps up onto the edge of the fence, the roller will roll your dog right off.
Of course, this solution will not work if you have a dog that can clear a fence without touching it, or if your HOA is going to start sending you nasty letters about it. So think about what you are getting into before you apply this solution.
Adding a Trellis to Prevent Dogs from Jumping the Fence
A more HOA friendly solution to prevent fence hopping of shorter fences is to purchase tall trellis and grow plants on them! This solution works best for dogs that are easily deterred by simple boundaries.
I purchased 5 ft tall wire trellis at our local Costco store last summer and put them at the lowest spots along our split rail. They look nice and keep my big Dane from thinking he can use that area to leave the yard.
This solution may not work for 5+ foot fences.
Because they might not be available at Costco, I dug up a similar one on Amazon for you!
Bird spikes are made to prevent birds from landing (and pooping) on things, but they work well for keeping cats, racoons, and dog paws off the top of the fence line. This type of solution works best for dogs that use the fence to hop over it (by putting their paws on the top first), and on fencing that is fairly solid along the edge (to secure the spikes).
Of course, we cannot overlook the obvious solution for dogs leaving the yard. If you can afford it, and your HOA will allow, make your fence taller! Some Great Danes can live in homes with short fences, but others need a solid 6-7 foot boundary to stay safely in the yard. Privacy fence is ideal.
Step 4 – Train Your Great Dane Not to Jump the Fence
Now that you’ve applied all of the appropriate changes to management, activity, routine, and security it’s time to put a full stop to fence jumping. This requires a little more dedication on your part, but it’s important and well worth it!
I will break down the training steps below, but here is a basic run down:
Train a rock solid recall (coming when called)
Use boundary flags to teach the dog to turn away from the fence
Use counter-conditioning to teach the dog to ignore outside influences (dogs or people walking by)
If necessary, you can then also layer in an e-collar or invisible fence system
Train a ROCK SOLID Recall
Training a rock-solid recall, or getting your dog to come when called reliably, is an essential skill that ensures their safety and strengthens the bond between you and your Great Dane. Dogs with excellent recall are much less likely to jump the fence and if they do? They will come running back to you immediately. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving a dependable recall:
1. Start Indoors: Begin the training in a quiet indoor environment where distractions are minimal. Use a leash and collar or harness.
2. Positive Associations: Make coming to you a positive experience. Use treats, toys, or verbal praise to reward your dog when they respond to your recall command.
3. Use a Distinct Recall Command: Choose a specific and distinct recall command, such as “come” or “here.” Be consistent with the chosen command to avoid confusion. Do not ‘poison’ this cue by punishing your dog when they do come to you.
4. Short Distances First: Start with short distances when practicing recall indoors. Call your dog with an enthusiastic voice and reward them generously when they come to you.
5. Gradual Increase in Distance: As your dog becomes more reliable indoors, gradually increase the distance. Continue rewarding them for a successful recall.
6. Introduce Distractions: Move the training outdoors to a fenced area. Introduce mild distractions such as other people, mild scents, or toys. Practice the recall command in the presence of these distractions.
7. Leash Training: Attach a long leash to your dog’s collar or harness when training outdoors. This provides a safety net if your dog doesn’t respond immediately and helps you gently guide them back to you.
8. High-Value Rewards: Use high-value treats or toys for outdoor training to compete with more enticing distractions. Ensure that the rewards are more appealing than whatever may distract your dog.
9. Consistency is Key: Be consistent with your commands and rewards. Always reward your dog when they come to you, and avoid scolding if they take longer than expected.
10. Randomize Rewards: Occasionally reward your dog with surprise treats or extra enthusiastic praise to keep them motivated.
11. Practice Regularly: Regular practice is crucial for maintaining a strong recall. Even after your dog has mastered the command, continue occasional training sessions to reinforce the behavior.
12. Proofing: Gradually expose your dog to more challenging environments and distractions. This process, known as proofing, helps solidify the recall in various situations.
13. Use a Release Command: Introduce a release command (e.g., “okay” or “free”) to let your dog know they are no longer under your direct command. This helps prevent them from associating coming to you with the end of fun.
14. Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Training takes time, so be patient. Consistent positive reinforcement builds a strong foundation for a reliable recall.
Use Boundary Flags to Teach the Dog to Turn Away from the Fence
Using boundary flags is an effective way to teach a dog to turn away from the fence and understand the limits of their designated area. This method is commonly employed with invisible dog fences, where the flags help create a visual barrier. Get Boundary Flags HERE.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Set Up the Flags: Place boundary flags along the perimeter of the designated area where you want your dog to learn the boundaries. Ensure the flags are visible and spaced consistently.
2. Introduce the Dog to the Flags: Allow your dog to become familiar with the boundary flags by letting them explore the flagged area on a leash. This helps them associate the flags with the boundaries.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement: Walk your dog along the perimeter while on a leash, and each time they approach the flagged area, say a command like “away” or “turn” and gently guide them away from the flags. Reward them with treats and praise when they comply.
4. Reinforce the Command: Repeat the process consistently, reinforcing the command and redirection away from the flags. Make the experience positive and enjoyable for your dog.
5. Gradual Off-Leash Training: Once your dog starts responding well on a leash, begin off-leash training in a secure, enclosed area. Continue using the command and rewarding positive behavior.
6. Increase Distractions: Gradually introduce distractions within the flagged area, such as toys or other pets. This helps reinforce the concept of turning away from the boundary even in the presence of tempting stimuli.
7. Correcting Unwanted Behavior: If your dog attempts to cross the boundary, use a verbal correction or a gentle tug on the leash to guide them back. Be consistent in redirecting them away from the flagged area.
8. Supervised Freedom: Allow your dog supervised freedom within the designated area, reinforcing the training regularly. Be attentive to any signs of potential boundary testing.
9. Expand Training to Unflagged Areas: Once your dog consistently respects the flagged boundaries, gradually remove the flags. Continue the training without the visual cues, reinforcing the verbal command.
10. Regular Reinforcement: Periodically reinforce the training by walking your dog around the perimeter, using the command, and rewarding compliance. This helps maintain the learned behavior over time.
11. Be Patient and Consistent: Training takes time, and every dog learns at its own pace. Be patient, consistent, and positive throughout the process.
12. Monitor and Adjust: Monitor your dog’s behavior around the boundaries, especially during periods of excitement or new distractions. Adjust the training as needed to address any challenges that may arise.
Using boundary flags to teach a dog to turn away from the fence requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By following these steps, you can create a clear understanding of boundaries, promoting a safe and secure environment for your dog.
Use Counter-Conditioning to Teach the Dog to Ignore the World Outside of the Fence
Counter-conditioning is a powerful training technique that can be used to teach a dog to ignore the world outside of the fence, especially when they exhibit reactivity or excessive interest in the World outside of your yard. This method involves changing the dog’s emotional response to a particular trigger, in this case, the sights and sounds beyond the fence. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Identify Triggers: Determine specific triggers that cause your dog to become reactive or overly interested in the world outside the fence. This could include people passing by, other animals, or environmental stimuli.
2. Choose a Safe and Controlled Environment: Begin training in a quiet and controlled environment where you can manage the distance between your dog and the trigger stimuli.
3. Establish a Relaxation Zone: Set up a designated relaxation zone within the fenced area where your dog can comfortably observe the triggers from a safe distance.
4. Introduce High-Value Rewards: Use high-value treats or toys that your dog loves. These treats should be particularly enticing and reserved for this training.
5. Observe Trigger Stimuli from a Distance: Allow your dog to observe the trigger stimuli from the relaxation zone. As soon as your dog notices the stimuli but remains calm, immediately reward them with a treat and praise. The goal is to create positive associations with the triggers.
6. Gradual Desensitization: Gradually decrease the distance between your dog and the trigger stimuli over several sessions, but only if your dog remains calm. If they show signs of stress or reactivity, increase the distance again.
7. Consistency is Key: Be consistent with your rewards and praise. Reward calm behavior promptly to reinforce the connection between remaining calm and receiving positive reinforcement.
8. Use Verbal Cues: Introduce a verbal cue (e.g., “ignore” or “leave it”) while rewarding your dog for calm behavior. Eventually, your dog will associate the cue with ignoring the trigger stimuli.
9. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is essential for success. Aim for short, frequent training sessions to reinforce the desired behavior.
10. Increase Difficulty Gradually: As your dog becomes more proficient at ignoring trigger stimuli, gradually introduce more challenging scenarios, such as increased activity or novel stimuli.
11. Generalize the Behavior: Practice in various locations and with different stimuli to generalize the behavior. This helps your dog generalize the concept of ignoring external triggers.
12. Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Patience is crucial. Remember that changing behavior takes time. Continue reinforcing positive behavior and be patient as your dog learns to ignore the world beyond the fence.
13. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your dog’s reactivity is severe or you encounter difficulties, consider seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
By implementing counter-conditioning techniques consistently and with patience, you can teach your dog to ignore the world outside of the fence, fostering a calmer and more relaxed demeanor in various environments.
Add an E-Collar or Invisible Fence System
For dogs that still need an extra layer of security to keep them in the yard, we recommend a high quality e-collar or invisible fence system. It is much better and much safer for a dog to feel a small discomfort than it is for them to be hit by a car; so please disregard anybody who considers this last step somehow inhumane or inappropriate. There are times when this is the safest and most ethical response to fence jumping!
E-Collars for Stopping Fence Jumping
We only recommend E-Collar Technologies collars. There are two models that are fantastic for training Great Danes:
Mini-Educator (Awesome entry level model for those new to modern E-collar training) EZ Educator (More robust model with more features)
To properly use an E-Collar, you must first condition your dog to understand what the communication from the collar means, first.
Start by placing the collar on your dog without activating any stimulation. Offer treats, praise, and play to create positive associations with the collar. During this introductory phase, ensure that your dog remains calm and comfortable. Gradually introduce the sensation of the e-collar’s stimulation at the lowest level, using positive reinforcement immediately afterward.
Repeat this process over several sessions, gradually increasing the stimulation levels only to the point that your dog is happily running towards you when they feel it. Always prioritize positive experiences, associating the e-collar with rewards, and maintaining a calm environment. Consistency and gradual progression are key to successfully conditioning your dog to the e-collar while preserving a trusting and positive bond.
PRO TIP: For a device from Educator Technologies, most dogs are very responsive between levels 3-10. Anything higher than that is corrective and should not be done during the conditioning phase.
Now that your pet is conditioned to the collar, you can use it for correcting them at the fence line.
1. Associate the Fence with Correction: When your dog approaches the fence with the intention of jumping, use a command such as “no” or “stop” before activating the e-collar. This helps your dog associate the correction with the unwanted behavior.
2. Apply Progressive Correction: If your dog continues to approach or attempt to jump the fence, use the progressive continuous correction feature on the e-collar. Start with a low level and gradually increase as the behavior persists.
3. Immediate Release of Stimulation: The correction should immediately cease when your dog stops the undesired behavior. This ensures your dog associates the correction with the fence-jumping behavior, and the removal of the correction when they make the right choice.
The Best Invisible Fences for Great Danes
If you are interested in automating the process of correcting your dog for attempting to leave the yard, consider an invisible fence as added protection. This solution comes with some caveats, however.
Some dogs learn to blow through the correction
The collars have to be worn and rotated constantly
This requires diligent boundary training
Invisible fencing doesn’t keep other dogs OUT of the yard (if there is no physical fence)
It’s expensive
Hard to install – for fence jumping, the wired invisible fence system is necessary
There are two invisible fence systems we recommend for Danes.
The Dogtra wired system consists of an underground wire, buried around the perimeter of the designated area, and a collar worn by the dog that is equipped with a receiver. As the dog approaches the boundary, the collar emits a warning signal, followed by vibration and/or a mild static correction if the dog continues to move closer.
The training process involves the dog learning to associate the warning signal with the boundary, facilitating self-correction over time. This invisible yet secure containment method provides dogs with the freedom to roam within predefined limits while ensuring their safety.
The wired e-fence is particularly useful for properties where traditional physical fences might be impractical, unreliable, or aesthetically undesirable, offering pet owners a reliable means of keeping their dogs safely within designated areas. Regular training, positive reinforcement, and careful installation are crucial components of a successful and humane wired e-fence containment system.
We’ve said this before and we will see it again: we would MUCH rather a dog experience a small static correction than be hit by a car.
Are you ready to get on the water with your Great Dane? Finding Great Dane sized life jackets is tricky, so we did the work for you. We’re ranking and rating our favorites so that you and your giant dog can play at the lake or in the ocean all summer long!
In addition to sharing our favorite Great Dane sized life jackets, I’m going to cover:
When and why Great Danes should wear a life jacket
How to make sure the life jacket you choose for your Great Dane actually fits properly
The best places to play in the water with your Great Dane
How to avoid toxic and dangerous summer water (blue-green algae, ick!)
Before using any life jacket, we recommend calling the manufacturer before use; even if the chest circumference is ok, some dogs greatly exceed the weight limit. It’s important that owners are aware of the danger that can pose.
Believe it or not, many Great Danes actually love the water, and some even swim! Others enjoy boating and paddle boards, too.
Author’s note: it is important to monitor your dogs activity in and around water. Your dogs safety rests in your hands whether they have a lifejacket on or not.
The Best Lifejackets for Great Danes
A good lifejacket for your dog should be:
Affordable
Well-made
Adjustable
GIANT!
Dog life jackets come in a range of sizes and are most widely available for medium-average sized dogs. They also come in a range of different qualities.
Every lifejacket offers different floatation ability, too. Some life jackets are better suited to dogs that are strong, athletic swimmers.
Less expensive options are perfect for Great Dane owners who won’t be using the jacket often, as the lower quality fabrics and stitching may reduce the useful lifespan of the product.
It’s important to note as well that cheaper lifejackets also won’t have as nice of a fit; in general they tend to be fairly boxy and utilitarian vs. athletic and comfortable to wear. For very active and athletic dogs who will be in the water or boating often, we recommend spending a little bit more.
Why the Color of your Dog’s Lifejacket Matters
Make sure to choose BRIGHT colors! Remember that blue and green tones can get lost in the water, so if your dog is struggling or runs off, it’s less likely you’ll be able to see them.
We recommend choosing bright or neon colors such as orange, pink, lime, coral, and yellow.
Camo colors are best suited for highly trained retriever type hunting dogs, and shouldn’t be used as a fashion statement. Because camouflage is designed to make it harder (not easier) to find and see your dog, it’s not a very practical or safe choice for your average pet Dane.
Best Inexpensive Option: Yoyaker Dog Life Jacket
The Yoyaker Dog Life Jacket is a good option for Dane owners who aren’t in the water often. It is unlikely to hold up well to repeated use, but for a day in the sun? Start here! We don’t recommend a cheap life jacket like this for active dogs that will be in the water often.
This affordable choice comes in a range of colors and is one of the larger options we found! It is adjustable up to 48.5″ around the chest. (For perspective, my average sized intact male Great Dane has a chest circumference of 38″).
This is not a lifejacket with a very athletic fit, so on hot days it will be even more important to monitor your dogs body temperature and comfort.
An athletic style life jacket will be more suitable for dogs who are in the water often! These are good for all but especially great for Danes who are already fairly confident in and around water. Most athletic life jackets come with added features such as better fit, neoprene, sturdy buckles, and breathable mesh panels.
Outward Hound Standley Sport Life Jacket
The Outward Hound Standley is a solid athletic life jacket for your Great Dane. It offers quality fabrics, bright lime green color, a mesh tummy panel, a leash attachment point, and a double handle system for lifting (if needed). The XL size fits up to a 44″ chest.
This premium sport jacket is built for athletic dogs who don’t like having a lot of material around their tummies. It was engineered to provide above-average floatation and is a popular lifejacket for people who own large breed dogs! The XL size fits Great Danes with up to a 48″ chest circumference.
The Kurgo Surg N’ Turk Life Jacket was designed for all-day wear (in particular, dogs that boat!). If you like to take your Great Dane fishing, this lifejacket is for you. It’s also one of the most stylish options!
Solid construction, quality fabrics, reflective piping, a leash attachment point, and neoprene are just some of the features of this popular life jacket. The XL can be adjusted to fit up to a 45″ chest.
Of course, it’s really nice if we can get a lifejacket for our dogs locally and make sure it fits before purchase. Some pet stores carry lifejackets (typically, it’s seasonal) and you can go in with your dog to test it out.
For that, we highly recommend visiting Petsmart and checkout out the Outward Hound Dawson swim jacket. This version brings athletics to good floatation and comfort and can be adjusted to fit up to a 44″ chest.
There is one top choice that is wildly popular among dog owners and organizations that support water sports and boating.
The Ruffwear Float Coat is one of the most well-designed and highly rated floatation devices for dogs!
Unlike other life jackets, the buckles are mostly hidden. This greatly reduces the risk that your dog become caught on something while in the water. The Ruffwear Float Coat is well-made, comes in beautiful colors, and will fit a dog with a chest circumference of up to 42″.
You can purchase a Ruffwear Float Coat for your Great Dane on Amazon HERE.
How to Make Sure a LifeJacket Fits a Dog
Once you’ve found a life jacket for your dog that you love, it’s important to make sure that the fit is correct.
If you are at the tail end of the straps and the jacket is snug, find a bigger jacket.
If you cinch the straps all the way down and the jacket is loose, go down a size.
An ill-fitting life jack is dangerous; it is important that the jacket fits nicely on your dogs body, is comfortable for them to wear, and doesn’t ride up if they are floating in the water. Go for a snug but comfortable fit (don’t cut off circulation, please).
We recommend checking buckles and fit often, and adjusting as needed throughout the day. At no point should the jacket be so loose that it wiggles around as the dog moves; this can cause rubbing or chafing and will not support your dog in the water, either.
Do Great Danes Like Water?
Yes!
Many Great Danes actually love the water, choosing to splash, splay, and even swim in it.
In general, positive exposure to water in puppyhood goes a long ways towards building confidence in lakes and oceans. Something as simple as a small kiddle pool in your backyard can be used to help your puppy develop an early love for having their paws and fur wet!
Spending the day at the lake or the ocean should be fun and safe, not stressful and dangerous!
If your dog is new to swimming, stay by their side and be encouraging!
For pet owners who want to take their Great Dane paddle boarding or on a boat, a little advanced preparation is recommended!
Please check the weight limits if your paddleboard, boat, or kayak before loading yourself, your Dane, and all your gear on board.
Introduce the watercraft early! Ideally, your dog will have interacted with these things as a puppy. If not, that’s ok, it’s never too late!
For dogs of all ages, you can put your personal watercraft (paddle board, etc.) on the lawn and play games getting on and off. Make this a positive experience and then repeat it again on the shore before going on the water.
For large boats, the same thing applies! Introduce getting on and off, and make it a positive experience.
Once you are on the water, make sure your dog is in their life jacket and ideally off-leash with a modern sport e-collar (long lines can be dangerous in this situation, but check your local leash laws as well, and NEVER let a dog off leash that doesn’t have perfect recall)
Take it easy and have fun! If your dog is shaking, panting, drooling, or panicking, it’s not a safe activity.
Paddle boarding with a dog or spending the day on the lake in a boat is a fun activity, but do not do it if your dog really doesn’t like it!
I participate in water sports with my dogs and it makes me so sad to see how many dogs on the water are flat out terrified to be there. Many dog owners seem oblivious to it, unfortunately. Cue into your dogs body language; it’s ok to encourage them to face their fears a little bit, but if they are tense or freaking out? It’s time for a change in plans.
Water Ingestion & Inhalation in Dogs Swimming
Another danger to watch out for in the water is excess consumption or inhalation of water, dirt, and mud.
Inhaling water is dangerous to your dog and it can result from gulping, guzzling, or struggling in the water in some way. If your dog has any kind of near drowning event, we recommend seeing a veterinarian ASAP.
Near drowning can happen to even the strongest of swimmers! In the ocean, the current can easily sweep them away. Some dogs don’t realize their limit and end up to far out in the water but become too tired to swim back.
Just like humans, a dog that is struggling in the water may appear to be ‘climbing a ladder’. A dog in this situation needs immediate rescue and help, even if they are wearing a lifejacket!
Monitor your dogs activity in and around the water, and make sure they are not gulping, guzzling, or inhaling too much.
Blue-Green Algae: Dangerous Water
During warm summer months, blue green algae blooms on stagnant lakes and ponds.
Blue-green algae is extremely toxic and kills many dogs each year after they spend an afternoon swimming.
These symptoms or any known exposure to toxic algae in the water require immediate veterinary care. Left untreated, many dogs experience liver failure and death quickly.
The unfortunate thing about blue-green algae is that at times, it may not be visible. Spores from a nearby (visible) bloom can travel into clean waters. Thankfully, the worst waters typically have active and visible blue-green blooms that warn you to stay away.
It is very important when taking your dog swimming during the summer that you only engage in known safe waters and waters that are regularly tested for algae by your local wildlife and conservation officials. Never swim or engage in water activities where you see an active bloom nearby, and monitor reports from your States park systems and other dog owners.
Here is an exceptional article on how to spot toxic blooms. It shows photos so you can see the difference between a very typical non-toxic green algae and plants, and the dangerous blue-green film and signs of dangerous water (including smells) to watch for.
Not only is blue-green algae a danger, but there are all kinds of parasites that want to feed off your pet. They are easily picked up in wooded natural areas and near water, so learn how to protect your pet from parasites HERE.
Off-Leash Training for Great Danes
I mentioned this above, but it’s important to remember that long lines can be dangerous for dogs while they are swimming or trying to play and run freely.
However, being off-leash is dangerous (and in some places illegal) if your dog is not both well trained AND has a backup device such as a modern e-collar.
Any Great Dane that is out in public near other people or dogs needs to be well trained, especially if they are to be off-leash.
Proper e-collar training starts with a lot of positive reinforcement and requires that you purchase a quality electric dog collar, not a cheap shock collar from Amazon. Shock collars are not appropriate for Great Danes and are considered inhumane.
E-Collars don’t use shock, they use muscle stimulation (a tactile sensation like touch) which, with training, your dog learns to associate with certain behaviors. This allows you to communicate from afar and keep your dog safe in the water, too.
I’ll just come out and say it. I would never use a front-clip harness on a Great Dane. This shouldn’t be a controversial opinion, but it really is!
Front-clip harnesses (such as the Pet Safe Easy Walk or 2 Hounds Freedom No-Pull Harness) are popular among dog owners and trainers who believe that because they are made of nylon, that they are a gentle and non-aversive tool.
However, I beg to differ. Not only is a front clip harness aversive, it’s potentially (ok highly likely) to cause damage, frustration, and pain to your dog.
Hear me out. If you use, or plan to use a front-clip harness, or have been told by a dog trainer that it’s humane (and that prong collars are bad), you’ll want to dig into this post.
4 Reasons I Won’t Use a Front-Clip Harness on a Great Dane
I will cover these in more depth below, but here is the short version of why I think front clip harnesses are dangerous for dogs, especially for long-term use.
They are easy to escape from
It’s hard to get a proper fit on them
They are inconsistent from a communication standpoint, which can lead to frustration
They restrict the movement of the shoulders and can cause uneven strides, poor forward reach, and even limping
Because Great Danes have sensitive orthopedic needs, it’s important to avoid the use of training tools and devices that result in restrictions to natural movement.
Unfortunately, poor front angulation and incorrectly set front assemblies are something that plague Great Danes (we can thank the sheer volume of mediocre breeders for this). Dogs with an incorrectly placed shoulder and straight angles will struggle more with movement and reach than dogs whose genetic pedigree offered them better structure.
Below is an example of a Great Dane with a poor front assembly. Notice the ‘cathedral’ shape created where the chest and elbows meet. This happens because the shoulders are too far forward on the body. This dog also has poor angles in the shoulder, leading to that straight up and down appearance. Dogs with poor structure are built like stick figures, in other words.
#1 Front Clip Harnesses are Easy to Escape From
A front-clip no-pull harness is designed in a “T” shape and it is very easy for a dog to pull backwards to escape from one. Because harnesses like this put a lot of pressure onto the chest and shoulders, some dogs may attempt to back out of them just to relieve the sensation.
Responsible Great Dane ownership means keeping our dogs under control at all times.
Not only is an escaped Great Dane dangerous to other dogs, people, and wildlife, they are a danger to themselves. If your Great Dane is not impeccably off-leash trained and likes to slip out of collars or harnesses, a T-shaped no-pull harness is the wrong choice.
Instead, choose a wide, flat fabric martingale collar (like this one), which is escape proof. This is the perfect solution for newly rescued dogs as well, who may be a flight risk.
#2 It is Hard to Get a Good Fit On a Front-Clip Harness
T-shaped front clip harnesses are exceptionally difficult to fit correctly on a dog, especially on Great Danes who have massive chests.
The wrong fit will put even more unnecessary pressure on the shoulder assembly, and could also cause rubbing under the armpits.
Easy Walk even states that excessive pulling into the harness can change the fit and cause additional rubbing and chafing.
Note the addition of the martingale loop to the chest. This is part of the harness to add additional squeezing action when your dog pulls.
Squeezing the shoulders so the dog can no longer move forward is not as ‘gentle’ of a technique as these tools are marketed to be.
#3 Front Clip Harnesses Provide Inconsistent Communication
The 2 Hounds Freedom no-pull harness is built to be used with a double leash system where a leash is clipped to both the front and the back of the harness. It also has the martingale loop to provide squeezing action.
Keep in mind that two connection points doubles the tactile input from the leash. In this case, the dog will feel pressure into their back, chest, or both.
Even if only one leash clip is used, the communication will be inconsistent.
When a dog is learning how not to pull on the leash, it’s important to use a combination of YES and NO to communicate.
When a no-pull harness says “NO” by applying pressure to the chest or tightening the strap around their shoulders, the dog should in theory understand that pulling = bad and not pulling = good.
The problem is that this pressure is incredibly inconsistent. Even taking a step forward and not pulling into the harness can result in an incorrect communication of “NO” that is frustrating and confusing to your dog.
Super sensitive dogs will respond to a harness like this by not pulling, ever. They may even move slowly and appear ‘under control’. Their body language may be subdued and docile.
Some people mistake this as ‘calm’, when truthfully it’s a form of behavior suppression.
I’ve even seen some dog trainers say that a harness like this is ‘calming’ and makes the dog feel secure. I personally believe this is a massive misunderstanding of how the dog actually feels.
Less sensitive dogs may respond by adding pressure; they will pull into the harness to try and relieve the sensation. The harness will then force their body to the side. Because the pressure of YES and NO is not super clear in a harness like this, even with dedicated training to teach it, a dog may never quite understand what the end goal is.
#4 Front Clip Harnesses Work By Suppressing Natural Movement
Do an experiment.
Watch the people in your neighborhood walk their dogs. Look for the dogs that are on front-clip harnesses.
Do they look comfortable? Happy?
Is the harness keeping the dog from pulling, or does the dog pull into the harness while the loop tightens up around their shoulder?
Are they able to reach forward and take natural steps, or do they appear to be limping, walking slowly, or taking small steps instead of large strides?
When you start to really observe, you’ll notice that many of the dogs in front-clip harnesses tend to look either uncomfortable, or they are pulling anyways.
A no-pull harness is built with a strap across the chest that is meant to tighten and apply pressure when they pull forward into it. With enough pulling and pressure added, the dog will eventually also be forced to the side.
As Great Dane owners and advocates, we believe that this type of training tool is unfair to Great Danes and potentially damaging to their orthopedic health, especially when used long term.
Should I Use a No-Pull Harness on My Great Dane?
This is up to you.
For short term use (while in training), a front clip harness may provide you with just enough leverage to reinforce the correct behavior.
We would not recommend long term use of a no pull harness on Great Danes.
If you do want to try a harness with a front clip option, choose a well-built harness with a Y-front on it, like the Ruffwear Front Range. This won’t restrict movement, but if your dog tries to lunge or pull it will pull them to the side (and give you a little more control).
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that Great Danes are giant breed dogs. If they pull into a nylon training tool like this, it’s not likely to stop them from dangerous behaviors such as running, lunging, or jumping while on a leash. An untrained Dane in a harness is a dangerous animal.
There are two training tools that we do recommend for Great Danes. When used correctly, both tools are humane, gentle, and don’t rely on restrictions to movement.
An E-Collar can be used at very low, positive levels to establish off-leash reliability. Read more about this HERE. Well trained off-leash dogs cannot injure themselves or others by pulling or lunging. The skills taught in a positive off-leash training program translate beautifully to the use of a slip lead or martingale collar when needed.
A prong collar uses even pressure (not poking or stabbing) and makes YES and NO communications very clear for dogs that have been taught how to turn the pressure off. Unlikes a nylon harness, the shoulders are free to move naturally.
Of course, pulling behavior is frustrating and dangerous!
A Dane pulling into a non-restrictive front clip harness (like the one mentioned above) is a MUCH better alternative to a Dane pulling into a flat collar.
However, there are better ways overall.
The biggest leash mistake dog owners make is not realizing that in order to stop pulling, the dog must be taught what to do instead.
My advice?
Stop looking to “no-pull” tools to magically solve your pulling problem
Start instead, off-leash, in your living room. Use high value treats to reward the behavior of looking at you, walking next to you, engaging with you, and coming when called
With time, you can clip on a leash (to a collar) and continue practicing the behaviors of “Heel” and “With Me”. Additionally, you can phase out the rewards and just use praise, too!
Once your dog has a solid understanding of walking near you, layer in the prong collar.
Teach your dog how to respond to gentle prong pressure by turning towards you.
Here is a phenomenal video on how to properly and positively introduce a prong collar. Special thanks to Argos Dog Training for this fantastic content (please LIKE and FOLLOW this trainer!):
Dog hiking gear can be something super fun to invest in for your dog. Hitting the hiking trail is a great feeling, but it’s even better when you’ve got your furry friend with you.
Getting your dog accustomed to hiking will go quicker and smoother if you have the right gear for dogs.
DOG HIKING GEAR
Does your dog love adventuring as much as you do? If so, you’re going to need to make sure you’re both prepared before heading out on the trail. From a backpack and leash to first aid supplies and paw protection, here’s a list of must-have gear for hikes with your dog.
DOG BACKPACK
A dog backpack is essential for hikes that an owner may want their dog to carry its own items. You’ll want to pack water, food, treats, and any other doggy supplies your pup might need. We recommend some options like this one from Outward Hound because they come with plenty of storage space and is made with comfortable neoprene fabric.
DOG LEASH
A good dog leash is key for any hike. Keep a leash on hand even if you are hiking in an off leash area.
No one ever wants to use a first aid kit, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to pack supplies for both you and your dog, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and hydrogen peroxide.
PROTECTION FOR PAW PADS
Overgrown nails can cause pain and make it difficult for your dog to walk on rough terrain. Be sure to trim their nails before hitting the trails and consider packing booties or paw balm to protect their pads from rocks and abrasions.
WATER BOWL OR WATER BOTTLE
Dehydration is a real danger on any hike, especially in hot weather. Be sure to pack enough water for both you and your pup and consider bringing along a bowl or collapsible water bottle for easy drinking access.
A harness is a must-have if your dog tends to pull on the leash or you’ll be hiking in areas with lots of obstacles (like roots and rocks). We recommend the Ruffwear Front Range Everyday Harness because it’s comfortable for dogs of all sizes and has reflective trim for low-light visibility.
DOG POOP BAGS
Last but not least, don’t forget the poop bags! Be respectful of other hikers (and yourself) by packing out whatever your dog leaves behind.
Depending on how long your hike will be, you may want to bring along some food and snacks for your pup. If not, be sure to pack plenty of their favorite treats to keep them motivated on the trail.
Some dogs just can’t hit the trails without their favorite toys. If that’s the case with your pup, be sure to pack them along. Just be sure they’re lightweight and won’t take up too much space in your backpack!
With this gear in tow, you and your furry friend will be ready for anything the trail throws your way. Happy hiking!
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore the great outdoors together. But it’s important to be prepared before you hit the trail, especially if you’re hiking with a big dog. Here are some tips on how to protect your dog while hiking.
HIKING GEAR FOR DOGS
Just like humans, dogs need the proper gear for hiking. outfitted with a dog backpack, your four-legged friend will be able to carry his own supplies, including water, food, and toys. A collar is also a must – make sure it’s fitted properly and has ID tags in case your dog gets lost. And don’t forget a leash! Even the best-trained dogs can get excited when they’re out in nature and might take off after wildlife. If you’re hiking in an area with lots of brush or long grass, consider outfitting your pup with reflective strips so he’s easier to spot.
GIVE YOUR DOG PLENTY OF WATER AND BRING A WATER BOTTLE MEANT FOR DOGS
Make sure your dog stays hydrated by bringing plenty of water – both for him to drink and to use for cooling off if he gets too hot. A lightweight, collapsible water bowl is easy to pack and will save you from having to carry water for your dog in your own backpack. And speaking of backpacks, make sure the one you choose is sized appropriately for your dog and doesn’t weigh more than 10% of his body weight when fully loaded.
USE DOG SUN PROTECTION
Dogs are just as susceptible to sunburn as humans, so if you’ll be hiking in sunny weather, be sure to apply sunscreen to any areas of your dog’s skin that are not covered by fur. You might also want to consider investing in a protective shirt or jacket for your pup. Dogs with short or thin coats are especially vulnerable to sunburn and heatstroke, so keep an eye on them during warm weather hikes.
With a little planning and preparation, you can make sure both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time on the trails. By following these tips on how to protect your dog while hiking, you can rest assured that your four-legged friend will have a fun – and safe – time on your next hike together!
WHAT TO TAKE FOR A DOG ON A HIKE
Taking your dog on a hike is a great way to get some exercise and spend time with your best friend. But, before you head out on the trail, you need to make sure you have the proper gear for your dog. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack and see if it’s the right fit for your next hike.
RUFFWEAR APPROACH DOG PACK
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a great option for hikes with your dog. It has two back compartments that are perfect for carrying water and food for your pup, as well as a front harness that will keep them comfortable and secure. The padded straps make it easy to carry, even when your dog is wet or muddy. And, the reflective trim ensures that you and your dog will be visible in low-light conditions.
If you’re looking for a dog pack that has everything you need for a hike, then the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a great option. It’s comfortable, easy to carry, and has all the features you need to keep your dog happy on the trail.
One of the most important things you’ll need for your hike is a good leash. You’ll want something sturdy that won’t break if your dog pulls. You might also want to consider getting a harness, as it will distribute the weight of your dog better and make it more comfortable for them to walk.
DOG BOOTS / DOG BOOTIES
If you have a small dog, it is much easier to find booties that fit well for an outdoor adventure. Big dogs, however, have a harder time finding boots that may fit.
Most dogs will try to take their boots off, especially if they are new to wearing them. Be sure that the boots you select have a good grip and fit snugly around your dog’s leg without being too tight. You can find some great options for big dogs
Pawz Dog Boots: These boots are made of a rubber-like material and they slip right over your dog’s paws. They are great for keeping your dog’s paws dry and protected from the elements, but they can be a little tricky to put on.
BEST HARNESS
When looking for the best dog hiking gear, every dog owner needs to consider their own dogs before looking at outdoor gear.
For some dogs, a hiking pack or harness will be great and they can expect their pup carry their own dog hiking packpack. For small dogs or other dogs, a day pack would overwhelm them or wear them out while hiking.
Researching the best hiking gear comes with a responsibility, as not all gear for dogs will work equally for each dog!
DOG WATER BOTTLE
Another important thing to take on your hike is water. Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, so it’s important to bring enough water for both you and your dog. A good water bottle will help make sure you don’t run out.
The Highwave Water Bottle is a great water bottle for hiking adventures with your dog. Made with dogs and dog owners in mind, this water bowl is perfect to add to your hiking essentials for your dog.
You should also bring a first aid kit, in case either you or your dog gets injured on the hike. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Finally, if you’re hiking in an area with lots of rocks or other rough terrain, you might want to consider getting some dog boots or booties to protect your dog’s paws.
CLIMBING ROPES
Climbing ropes can be a good thing for dog owners to consider as apart of their own gear, especially if they are hiking with a big dog. If you have strong dogs or heavy dogs and you come across an emergency situation, climbing ropes can give you the added security to help get your dog out of a tough spot.
For example, let’s say you’re hiking with your dog and he somehow gets injured and is unable to walk on his own. If you have a climbing rope, you can easily fashion a makeshift harness and carry him back to the car. This could be a piece of equipment that you can easily strap onto your backpack for outdoor adventures, and it might save the life of your dog one day!
PROTECTION FOR YOUR DOG’S PAWS
A dog owner can never be too careful with their dogs paws and outdoor adventures. As the paw pads on a dog are sensitive to different textures, it’s worth considering some form of paw protection for your dog when hiking.
There are a few different types of products on the market that can offer paw protection for dogs, such as:
Pawz Dog Boots: These boots are made of a rubber-like material and they slip right over your dog’s paws. They are great for keeping your dog’s paws dry and protected from the elements, but they can be a little tricky to put on.
Musher’s Secret: This is a wax-based cream that you rub into your dog’s paw pads. It forms a barrier between your dog’s skin and the ground, which helps protect against hot pavement, rough terrain, and salt.
Going on a hike with your dog can be a great experience, but it’s important to be prepared before setting off. Make sure you have a good leash, plenty of water, and a first aid kit before hitting the trails. And if you’re hiking in an area with lots of rocks or other tough terrain, think about getting some dog boots or booties to protect your dog’s paws. By following these tips, you and your furry friend will have a great time out on the trails!
HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR DOG TO LOVE HIKING
Hiking with your dog can be a great bonding experience for the both of you. It’s a chance to explore the great outdoors together and get some fresh air and exercise. But before you hit the trails, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your hike is enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
GET PROPER GEAR FOR DOGS
One of the most important things you need before hitting the trails is the proper gear for your dog. This includes a harness, leash, water bowl, and plenty of snacks. A comfortable harness is key because it will help distribute the weight of your dog’s pack evenly. You should also get a leash that is long enough to give your dog some freedom, but not so long that they can get ahead of you or wander off the trail.
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
A water bowl is essential for keeping your dog hydrated, and snacks will help keep their energy up during the hike. Make sure to bring more than you think you’ll need in case your hike takes longer than expected.
KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE WHILE HIKING ON AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Once you have all the gear you need, it’s time to hit the trails! But before you do, there are a few safety concerns you need to keep in mind. First and foremost,make sure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations. This is important because it will help protect them from diseases they could contract while hiking.
You should also avoid hiking during the heat of the day when it’s hottest outside. The pavement can get incredibly hot during this time and burn your dog’s paws. Early morning or evening hikes are best. Finally, watch out for hazards on the trail like sharp rocks or branches, poisonous plants, and wildlife.
ENCOURAGE YOUR DOG TO TAKE SHORT HIKES BEFORE THEY BECOME AN AVID HIKER
If your dog isn’t used to hiking, start with short hikes close to home before venturing out on longer adventures. This will give them time to get used to walking long distances and wearing a backpack without getting overwhelmed or tired too quickly. Once they’re comfortable with shorter hikes, gradually increase the distance until they’re able to handle longer hikes with ease.
DON’T MAKE THEIR PACK WEIGHT TOO HEAVY
You might be tempted to fill up your dog’s backpack with all their favorite toys or treats, but resist the urge! Their pack should only be 10-20% of their body weight so they don’t get too tired carrying it. Otherwise, they’ll quickly lose interest in hiking and it will be harder to get them back out on the trails again.
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore nature together. But before you hit the trails, there are a few things you need to do first to make sure your hike is safe and enjoyable for both of you. Get proper gear for dogs including a harness, leash, water bowl, and snacks. Start with short hikes close by before working up to longer adventures, and don’t forget to pack light!
ARE RETRACTABLE LEASHES GOOD FOR HIKING?
Going on hikes with your dog is a great way to bond and get some exercise, but it’s important to make sure you have the right gear. Some gear, like retractable leashes, can be more harmful than good. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at why retractable leashes are not ideal for hiking and what kinds of leashes are best for active dogs.
SOME GEAR FOR DOGS IS MORE HARMFUL THAN GOOD
Retractable leashes have a lot of pros: they’re easy to use, they give your dog some freedom to roam, and they’re relatively inexpensive. However, there are some serious cons to using a retractable leash. First and foremost, they can be dangerous. If your dog is running full speed and hits the end of the leash, he can easily be injured.
Additionally, if you’re not paying close attention, your dog could easily get tangled in the leash and hurt himself trying to free himself.
Finally, retractable leashes are simply not built to withstand the wear and tear of hiking. They’re more likely to break when put under stress, which could leave you stranded without a way to control your dog.
For hiking, we recommend using a sturdy 6-foot leash instead of a retractable leash. A 6-foot leash gives you enough control over your dog while still allowing him some freedom to explore his surroundings. Additionally, a 6-foot leash is less likely to tangle and will be more resistant to breaking than a retractable leash. When choosing a 6-foot leash, make sure to get one that is made from sturdy materials like nylon or leather. And finally, be sure to attach the leash to a comfortable collar or harness that won’t rub your dog’s skin raw.
The best dog collar is one that pet parents know fits their pet, is safe and comfortable, carries their dog’s information incase they lose track of their dogs, and is stylish. A dog collar should also not choke or rub your dog’s skin raw. A nylon collar is a great option for an all around pet-friendly and durable dog collar that will last you a long time. You can find these types of dog collars at your local pet store or online.
When it comes to durability, comfort, and safety, the best dog collar is one made from a soft material like nylon, cloth or leather. Nylon is a strong and sturdy material that will last you a long time. Additionally, nylon is comfortable for your dog to wear and won’t rub their skin raw. And finally, nylon collars come with a variety of features like reflective stitching and quick release buckles that can come off fast in the event of an emergency.
In some cases, it may be tempting to let your dog off leash on hikes. After all, it’s his natural instinct to run and explore! However, this is only safe in certain circumstances—namely when you are in an enclosed area or on a trail where cars are not allowed. If there are cars around or if the area is not fenced in, it’s simply too dangerous to let your dog off his leash. Even the best-behaved dogs can get excited and run into traffic if given the opportunity! So play it safe and keep your furry friend on his leash during hikes.
If you’re going on a hike with your pup, safety should be your number one concern—for both of you! Retractable leashes may seem like they offer the best of both worlds by giving your dog some freedom while still allowing you to maintain control; however, they can actually be quite dangerous for both you and your pet. A much better option for hiking is a simple 6-foot leash that won’t tangle and will hold up under stress. And finally, resist the urge to let your dog off his leash on hikes—even if he begs you with those big brown eyes! It’s simply not worth the risk.
WHAT IS THE BEST LEASH FOR A DOG ON A HIKE?
Going on hikes with your dog can be a great way to bond and explore the great outdoors together. But in order to have a safe and enjoyable hike, you need to make sure you have the right supplies—including the best leash for your dog.
HANDS FREE LEASH
Another popular option for leashes is the hands free leash. This type of leash attaches around your waist, freeing up your hands while still allowing you to keep a close eye on your pup. Hands free leashes are great for hikers who want to be able to take pictures or drink water without having to worry about holding onto their dog’s leash.
3 FOOT LEASH
One of the most popular leashes for hiking is the 3 foot leash. This leash is ideal for dogs that are well-behaved and not prone to pulling. Having a shorter leash will give you more control over your dog and help you keep them close by in case they encounter any hazards on the trail.
For hikers with dogs that like to roam, a long lead may be the best option. Long leads allow your dog to roam freely while still keeping them within a safe distance. This type of leash is perfect for dogs that are well-trained and good at listening to their owner’s commands.
An e-collar is a type of collar that gives owners the ability to remotely train their dogs. E-collars are perfect for hikers who want to be able to train their dogs while on the go. These collars allow you to teach your dog basic obedience commands, as well as recall commands, from a distance.
In conclusion, hiking gear for dogs is something super fun for pet owners and their hiking buddy to explore together.
There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers as to what is the best hiking gear. But, there are many essentials that you should invest in to keep your furry friends safe while out and about adventuring.
Pet parents, of course, LOVE the word ‘gentle’. I mean- who wouldn’t? As a Great Dane owner, I’m always looking for new ways to train my dogs, and that’s what brought about this review of the Gentle Lead Head Harness.
Everyday walks are supposed to be fun and humane! Dog owners are supposed to be kind, ethical and patient. Every training tool is supposed to be safe, effective and gentle.
It’s no wonder that the Gentle Leader head harness is so popular; we can see from a quick search on social media that it is very effective at stopping dogs from pulling.
Is a Gentle Leader Head Harness Actually Gentle?
But there’s one giant elephant in the room that no one likes to talk about…
I don’t believe that a Gentle Leader is gentle…at ALL.
I purchased a Gentle Leader Headcollar to see what all the hype was about. Many Great Dane owners swear that it immediately transformed their pulling, lunging, wild dog into one they could easily and safely walk.
That’s when I found the mess that Gentle Leader is hiding behind their ‘gentle’ marketing scheme.
Follow along as I prepare my 3-year-old Great Dane, Banks, for her walk with the Gentle Leader Head Collar. I’ll explain EVERYTHING…
I chose to purchase the Petsafe brand Gentle Leader Head Collar because it is extremely popular with over 50,000 reviews on Amazon and almost a complete 5 star rating.
It stated that it came with a training dvd, but mine did not. My order only had the Petsafe Gentle Leader – no training DVD
🙁 womp womp.
Myth: The Gentle Leader Head Collar Will Solve All of Your Problems
Red flag.
You will not and should not be given any promises of a ‘new dog’ after using ANY tool. The Gentle Leader is marketed as a fast, gentle way to transform your pet.
The Petsafe brand itself states that you will be able to fix poor leash manners and discourage excessive jumping or lunging.
Petsafe brand also states that there is “NO MORE COUGHING AND CHOKING: A padded neoprene nose loop puts pressure on the back of the neck instead of your dog’s throat, which prevents choking and gagging”.
The directions say to, “use the adjustable nose loop and quick-snap neck strap to properly fit the head collar on your furry friend in minutes.”
Well, let’s get started.
I’ve never been one to believe in training dogs in ‘minutes’, but miracles are miracles, right? And who isn’t down for an easy leashed walk with their canine companion.
Following the Gentle Leader Head Collar Directions
I am no no scientist, but I nearly needed to be one in order to follow the directions that Gentle Leader provided. Nonetheless, I was VERY determined to follow them step by step in order to make sure I really used this head halter correctly.
Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Put the Head Collar around the neck
My very well mannered, 3 year old Great Dane stared at me as I read through the first steps:
Position the neck strap as high up on the dog’s neck as possible. Neck strap must be so snug only one finger can fit under it, and it cannot rotate around the neck. (Per Petsafe brand directions found above).
We were able to successfully accomplish steps 2 and 3 on my pup’s neck.
I tried placing gentle pressure underneath the collar to make sure one finger could fit through. We were good, besides the fact that I couldn’t believe it was correct that the collar sits high on her trachea like this.
Next, Petsafe brand recommends that you remove what you’ve just done so that you can condition your dog to the nose loop.
Conditioning dogs to their training tools is VERY important, and the nose loop is aversive to most dogs.
Keep the nose loop open while luring your dog through it by ‘offering a treat’. You will want to ‘be ready with tasty treats’ for this part.
Step 3: Use Treats To Lure the Dog
Honest truth, your dog will HATE this thing.
Most dogs probably don’t want something putting pressure and removing full range of their mouth, nose, breathing and face- that’s just my thoughts anyways.
Nonetheless, we survived stages 4 and 5 of the Petsafe brand directions. We survived the nose loop fitting and we managed to get it around my dog’s neck and dog’s nose. (Not, I will say, without concern for the amount of intense pressure on my dog’s nose).
It is VERY common for dogs to paw, whine, fight, roll, and rub trying to get a head collar off of their face. That’s a sign that this tool is NOT as ‘gentle’ as the company wants you to believe.
Step 4 – Adjust the Straps for Proper Fit
Steps 3 and 4 of the Petsafe brand directions directed me to make sure that the strap was high and tight on my dog’s head, and tight enough that it does not fall off of the dog’s head, but not too tight that it can’t be pulled slightly down the nose of my dog. (Call Customer Care Center for our short nosed dogs or furry friends).
As shown, I gave it a good gentle tug against my dog’s desire and we were still up to par with the fitting
instructions.
So far so good. 5 stars on the thorough instructions thus far- apart from the fact that my dog was coughing and could barely open her mouth.
Step 5: Make sure that the Petsafe forms a “V”
Next, you want to make sure your tool is actually on correct, since you may have missed a step somewhere along the way.
When properly fitted, Gentle Leaders should resemble a ‘V’ from the side, and the center bar will rest ‘just above’ the tracheal area. (Brand’s words not mine).
Taking a look at my dog- I think we have the V mastered.
I can ALREADY tell we’re going to have greater control now that I can slash her delicate throat with this durable nylon whenever I want!
We were ready to embark on our first walk. I was really impressed with my dog’s focus.
Or maybe it was just that she couldn’t breathe. Either way, she was being super quiet, and that’s all that mattered.
Is Gagging and Coughing Normal with a Head Harness?
Before we left, I made sure to read the big, bold ‘CAUTION’ at the bottom of the Petsafe Gentle Leader Head Collar Directions.
Incase you can’t read it, here’s what it says: “Follow instructions carefully when fitting and using on bulldogs and other breeds with genetically limited airways or flat noses. It is typical for these dogs to frequently experience breathing difficulties when exercising or under stress because of their physically limited airways. If their breathing difficulties increase when wearing the headcollar, immediately discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.”
Video Fitting of the Gentle Leader Head Collar on a Great Dane
Incase you’re like me, and have an attention span of 0, here’s a video from start to finish of me fitting the Gentle Leader onto my girl.
Attach the Leash to the Gentle Leader
The Gentle leader is not like traditional collars. Unlike traditional collars that you typically find the leash attached behind your dog’s head, the Gentle Leader requires you to attach the collar underneath the dog’s neck.
Of course, I wasn’t at all worried about making sure the Gentle Leader didn’t paralyze my dog… I just, you know, have always been interested in the nerves my dog carries in her head… Regular, everyday research here people.
DOG FACE ANATOMY
This image shows where the dog’s nerves are located, including (orange) the Trigeminal Nerve and (yellow) the Facial Nerve. The “trigeminal nerve is the part of the nervous system responsible for sending pain, touch and temperature sensations from your face to your brain”.
Hmm… It seems like, it feels like, no… it couldn’t be that the Gentle Leader Head Collars is smashing directly over the two main nerves in my dog’s face… No way- the company itself says they are GENTLE!!!!
KEEP IGNORING THE RISK AND KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE
Eyes on the prize, people. Remember the goal. Basic obedience is WAY more important than your dog having function of its face.
Do not fret- putting pressure of this astronomical weight MIGHT damage their Trigeminal Nerve, BUT, it really will make SUCH A DIFFERENCE when your dog pulls.
Finally: Take Your Dog for a Walk
Next, you guessed it, begin to take your dog for an easy walk. Using the front clip harness and Petsafe GENTLE Leader, venture out to see your new dog in action.
Off we went!
My Dog Banks
A little bit of background- since you probably don’t care.
My dog is just a really good girl, always carries a loose leash and makes for an easy walk.
She never demonstrates ‘unwanted behaviors’. But I can relate to the frustrations that other dog owners feel when choosing a tool like this. Untrained Great Danes are big, strong dogs that can be dangerous!
Walk Your Dog Like Normal in a Head Collar
Next, just walk your dog like normal while they wear the gentle leader headcollar.
I encourage you to take a video while your dog walks, turns, and moves in the easy walk harness.
Taking a video will help you notice what happens when the nose loop ‘redirects’ your dog as they turn or move or when they see a rabbit and take off or when you drop your phone and yank that leash on accident.
So yeah, your dog won’t pull on leash with the gentle leader harness.
Because THEY CAN’T. Because they are trapped. As the quick snap buckles choke your dog, the Gentle leader ‘gently’ moves to trap their face, making it physically impossible for them to NOT behave.
I believe that your dog deserves better than the Gentle Leader.
TAKE NOTICE OF WHEN YOUR DOG MOVES / PULLS OR TURNS
If they pull forward, the nose loop ‘redirects’ them.
Every single ‘redirect’, is attached to your dog’s head, which is attached to your dog’s neck, which not only is attached to your dog’s face but rather plastered onto their facial nervous system.
Out for a nice walk?
You see a friend and pull your arm upward to wave hello- nerve pain.
You forgot your phone and turn suddenly to go inside unbeknown to your dog- neck / spinal issues.
Your dog sees other dogs up ahead and gets excited and begins to pull on leash- major no no buddy- you know better than that- here’s some chronic face pain due to damage on your Facial Nerve.
ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Do you want your dog to listen to you because you want a dog who has a great life, is happy and healthy and a functioning citizen of society?
Or, do you want your dog to listen to you simply so that you can prove that your daily walks are easy, manageable, and you’re the boss?
The Gentle Leader is a Control Device, not a Gentle Device
The Gentle Leader Headcollar is not gentle.
Actually, in my opinion, it’s one of the most dangerous tools on the market for dogs.
It is not gentle on your dog’s neck, their spine, their trachea, their throat, or their face.
The Gentle Leader Headcollar is a control statement.
A way to show the world that you are in charge and your dog will do as you say- no matter what.
Video of My Dog Walk With the Gentle Leader
The Gentle Leader Head Collar is Dangerous
The Gentle Leader is a marketing scam.
How foolish of pet parents to think that they can correct excessive barking safely by sewing their dog’s mouths shut.
How dangerous of pet parents to think their is an easy fix to leash pulling- all at their dog’s muscular skeletal and nervous system’s disadvantage.
The Gentle Leader Head Collar is Lazy
Not only is the Gentle Leader absolutely dangerous and dog’s hate it- but it’s SO LAZY.
You are telling your dog “Do as I say or else”.
You are not teaching your dog anything about how to behave on a leash, you are not creating a relationship with mutual respect, and you are not showing your dog that walks can be fun.
A dog in a head collar cannot comfortably move, sniff, or explore like they can in a harness, collar, or off-leash.
Active Dogs Deserve Daily Walks and Freedom of Movement
Your dog should be allowed to stop and smell the roses.
Your dog should stop and sniff the neighbor dog’s pee from earlier.
Dog’s live their entire lives enclosed in the house. They don’t go to work and they don’t have social lives the same way that humans do.
Allowing dogs the freedom to safely explore on their leashed walks is a gift for both parents and dog.
Restricting their every single movement down to the flinch by garnishing their face is a strip of their complete freedom- one that I will not ever stand for with my own dogs.
The Gentle Leader is One of the Most Aversive Tools I’ve Seen
Overall, it was fascinating for me, as an avid e collar user, to test out a tool that I consistently see positive trainers rave about.
The Gentle Leader is spoken so highly about in the world of positive training.
But, would you rather have a tool that communicates with your dog (whether aversive or not!) WITH or WITHOUT potentially PERMANENTLY damaging their entire structure, muscles, nerves, or worse.
The Gentle Leader is Not Appropriate for Many Dogs
It is SO tight that it DEFINITELY restricts air flow- my dog was coughing the second she got it removed
It is a ‘control’ tool- pet parents can yank when their dog is not listening and ‘snap’ them into better behavior
It is being advertised to prevent other unwanted behaviors such as barking- which implies it DOES NOT allow dog’s to open their mouths to achieve a full pant/bark
The immense pressure on the face can irreversible damage
Dogs hate them!
There are better options out there that don’t damage your dog’s face, neck, or spine.
I would not recommend the Gentle Leader to anyone. The only thing gentle about this tool, is the name: Gentle Leader.
After years of searching, trial and error I think I’ve found a near-perfect treat training pouch.
A bait bag like the OllyDog Backcountry is made to carry treats for your dog during luring, training, sports, and activities.
Having a great treat training pouch that is easy to use, rugged and simple to wear is so important. At Hello Danes we believe in positive reinforcement (and modern balanced) dog training, and treats are a HUGE piece of that puzzle!
OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review
I ordered my OllyDog treat pouch directly from Amazon. What really caught my eye was the fact that they had several colors to choose from, including CUTE patterns like the one I chose (with pine trees and hearts. I’m obsessed!).
It came fast with one-day shipping (YAY! I needed it for a training class after my old treat pouch bit the dust).
Some of the colors were out of stock or took longer to arrive, so be aware of that before you fall in love with a color or pattern they have!
OllyDog Treat Pouch First Impressions
I LOVE this pattern so much, it’s adorable. I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that I was worried about the white getting dirty (because you know, dogs) but it’s worth the risk.
The pattern part with the white background does appear to be a high quality, possibly waxed canvas material. I suspect like similar products from that fabric that it’s going to hold up VERY well.
This bag is well-made and sturdy, from heavy canvas, zippers and linings. It’s actually much nicer in quality and build than other treat pouches I’ve had (and believe me, I’ve had several).
I personally like that this dog treat pouch is substantial in size. Many of the smaller ones will spill treats out if you bend over, but this one is deep and wide.
OllyDog Backcountry Treat Pouch Features
This treat pouch offers:
Sturdy construction
Beautiful decorative details
A LARGE deep pouch with a zipper closure, for holding your favorite dog treats
A zipper pouch for your keys and cell phone (keep them secure!)
A pouch with a dispenser hole for doo-doo bags (we prefer the biodegradable or compostable kind)
A stretchy side-pocket made of webbing, may be useful for clickers and small toys
Two of the biggest complaints that people (including me) have about treat pouches (in general) is that they are NOT deep enough OR that their hand doesn’t easily fit into the pouch. OllyDog has solved both of these problems.
How to wear (and use) a dog treat pouch
You can attach your new OllyDog Treat Pouch to your body with the included (removable) belt OR the metal clip. Your choice!
We recommend using positive reinforcement to teach your dog new behaviors. These include things such as:
Sit, Down, Stand
Stay
Wait
Leave it
Let’s Go!
Look
Touch
Place
Heel
Back up
COME!
Positive reinforcement means to add something to reinforce (increase) a behavior.
Professional dog trainers use treats and dog food to motivate and reward dogs.
When using treats for positive reinforcement, HIDE the treat until your dog completes the behavior!
When you hide the treats (in an OllyDog or similar treat pouch), the treats become a surprise reward.
The goal with all treat training is to fade out the reliance on treats, so don’t spend too much time luring!
Keep your hands off the treats until your dog shows the behavior you want. Storing the goodies in a treat pouch, but still easily accessible, is the professional way of doing things.
A good treat pouch is a must-have for training classes, rewarding good behavior around the house (especially for puppies!), hiking, and more.
A simple clip on the outside front would have made it so that the remote could be attached to this bag, and you could also have the treats within reach. E-Collar training should always be taught with lots of positive reinforcement, and the Mini-Educator (low stim, feels like a touch sensation) paired with treats = magic for you and your dog.
Until I figure out how to fashion my own clip for this, I’ll continue to wear my E-Collar remotes around my neck.
The OllyDog Treat pouch comes in two versions: the Backcountry (my personal favorite, as we walk and hike off-leash often), or the smaller goodie bag with magnetic closure.
The smaller version is perfect for dog owners who want something more compact with fewer features.
Like the Backcountry treat pouch, it comes in a range of gorgeous designer colors and patterns.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Finding the best crates for a Great Dane is no easy feat when your pup is over 100 pounds.
Crate training a Great Dane is one of the best ways to make sure that your dog is safe, less able to make mistakes (such as peeing on your favorite rug), and less likely to chew up dangerous things such as cords and socks.
Great Danes are giant breed dogs and most dog crates are NOT big enough! If you are looking for information on the best crates for a Great Dane, including the best custom crates for Great Danes, we’re sharing our favorite below.
It is unlikely that you will be able to find appropriately sized Great Dane cages at your local pet store.
Most of the ‘largest’ dog crates sold are 48″, which most Great Danes will outgrow by 7-8 months of age! Great Dane kennel size is SO important because Great Danes need to be able to stretch their joints even inside of a crate.
Look for a giant breed 54″ crate. XXL crates typically come with a divider panel that can be used to make the interior smaller while your puppy is growing.
There are two main players for Great Dane Crates in the market: Frisco and Midwest Homes
PRO TIP:
Crate time should be limited to 1 hour per month of age. A 3 month old puppy should not expect to be comfortably crated for more than 3 hours between potty and movement breaks.
For orthopedic health, Great Danes should always have a soft and supportive surface to lay on.
If your Great Dane is destructive, we recommend the K-9 Ballistics Elevated Cot. It’s spendy but much cheaper than having to purchase a new bed every month! The K-9 Ballistics cot is nearly indestructible.
If you are wanting a crate that fits your home decor, consider a custom crate for your Great Dane! These are typically made out of wood and can have different stains, doors and exteriors.
Many Great Dane owners use custom dog crates as their TV stand!
Learn more about ordering a custom dog crate, starting at $1699 from BB KUSTOM KENNELS.
With countless dog trainers competing for your attention and hard-earned money, navigating the selection process can be daunting. It becomes even more challenging if you’re unsure about what makes a dog trainer good! I’ve compiled five dog trainer red flags, and am including some information to help you easily spot the warning signs. The dog… Read more: 5 Dog Trainer Red Flags (and How to Spot Them)
Ouch, puppy teeth hurt! Dealing with puppy biting can be challenging. While puppies are undeniably cute, they are not polite with their sharp little teeth. Puppy biting can be concerning for pet owners worried about aggression and frustrating for those trying to address it. I’ve boiled this down into 3 easy, effective steps, which can… Read more: Stop Puppy Biting in 3 Easy Steps
December is a popular time to get a new Great Dane puppy. I believe that a lot of this is related to the Holidays; puppies are readily available, adorable, and popular to receive or give for Christmas! If you are new to the world of Great Danes, or ready for a refresher, let’s jump in.… Read more: New Great Dane Puppy? This Guide is For You!
Do dogs get lonely? Dog owners have long suspected that their furry friends get lonely for a variety of different reasons. Some dog owners report lonely dogs when they have to leave their dogs home alone for too long, their dog is the only dog in the household, or their dog isn’t getting enough mental… Read more: Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Fascinating Truth Behind Canine Depression
Are Great Danes easy to train? Many people believe that Great Danes are stubborn, spiteful, and defiant. It can lead to questions about whether or not Great Danes are hard to train, especially as they are so large and can easily be destructive or dangerous. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for… Read more: Are Great Danes Easy to Train?
Today we are giving you our detailed, unpaid Halo Dog Collar review! The Halo Collar is a dog training collar that in theory, allows your dog to be off-leash anywhere you go. If you’ve found this popular post on our site, awesome! That means you are a dedicated pet owner looking to safely and humanely get your pup off-leash. We love that!
People are interested in the Halo Dog training collar (and now the Halo 3 for dogs) because it offers something no other device has yet: automated boundaries for your dog using a phone app. Allow me to clarify:
The idea is amazing. Put this Halo Collar on your dog, draw a boundary on a map in the phone app, and the collar will keep your dog inside of the boundary (with some training, of course!).
Imagine the possibilities! This is an idea that many people have asked about but no company had done gracefully yet. Many other similar boundary collars and invisible fences for dogs are clunky, huge, and unreliable. Underground boundary fences can be hard to install (not to mention expensive!). Worse, many other off-leash training fences utilize painful shocks that cause dogs to scream and fear being in the yard.
The Halo Dog Collars are marketed as a modern, more humane, and more effective alternative to traditional invisible shock fences.
The difference between a Halo 3 collar and an invisible fence is huge.
We were DEFINITELY intrigued and know that a lot of Great Dane owners are asking about Halo, Halo 2+, and Halo 3 Collar reviews.
This is our review of the HALO dog Collar by Cesar Milan. Is this a Halo Collar buyer beware, or a Halo Collar buyer buy it? Read on, friends…
Does the Halo 3 Dog Collar Shock the Dog?
The Halo Dog Collar uses tone, voice corrections, and stimulation.
Stimulation is an electrical current that causes the muscle to twitch. Think of this like a tactile sensation, no different than leash tension or touch. When used at low levels, muscle stimulation can be used as a positive tactile communication. This sensation is not the same as ‘shock’ and should not cause negative associations or feelings for dogs that are trained properly to understand what it means.
On the other hand, when used at high levels, muscle stimulation is an aversive sensation that can be used as a correction. However, at low levels, it is an incredible tool that replaces leash tension.
Think of it this way:
Shock = sharp poke with a stick Low level stimulation = gentle leash pressure High level stimulation = stronger leash pressure + squeeze pressure from a collar
Shock (which is intended to be painful) and stimulation (which is intended to be a gentle tactile sensation) are two different things.
While Halo pet collar did NOT pioneer modern stimulation like what is used in E-Collar technologies e-collars, they are using stimulation (not shock) in the Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3 collar. Modern stimulation collars are the ONLY kind we recommend, so Halo gets 5 stars from us for this!
Halo Dog Containment Systems Reviews – What is the Halo Dog Collar?
The Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3 Dog collar is an automated E-Collar. It uses sound, vibration, and electronic stimulation to teach and reinforce invisible boundaries. This can keep your dog safe while off-leash!
Imagine this. You create a virtual fence using the Halo App on your phone. In this example, you might draw a map that is meant to keep your dog on your front lawn.
As your dog approaches the boundary of the edge of the lawn, the collar lets the dog know that they are nearing it. If the dog chooses to disregard the first communication, the collar can use stimulation (a form of pressure) to discourage continued movement towards the boundary. It will then reward them for turning away from the boundary (back onto your lawn, yay!).
From what we understand, the user has a lot of control over how corrections are implemented and used. This is very helpful because every dog is different!
The collar will, with training, keep your dog inside of that invisible fence. This could be very helpful technology! We definitely like the concept.
If your dog gets out of the boundary that you set, despite warnings and corrections, a feature it built in that will allow you to find your dog with the included GPS tracker. This is a nice feature.
The Halo collar retails for nearly $1000 (yes, you read that correctly!) but is occasionally seen offered at around $699.
2023 Update: The Halo 3 has been released with updates to the GPS capabilities and overall build.
Is There a Monthly Fee for the Halo Collar?
Yes, there is a monthly fee associated with the Halo Collar app.
We have noticed that it’s something many buyers are VERY surprised by!
The monthly fees to use the required app are an additional cost. Without a paid monthly subscription, the features of the Halo Dog Collar are very limited.
The Cesar dog collar comes in two colors and three sizes; the largest size Collar expands to 30.5″ and may or may not fit a giant breed dog. Measure your dogs neck before ordering!
Now, if you have spent any time on our site, you know that we support ethical, positive, and humane E-Collar use.
We are not going to have any issue at all with the concept of the Halo Collar as an electric training device. Keeping a dog safe by using tactile electric communication is one of the most gentle, humane, and responsible things dog owners can do.
How Well Does the Halo Collar Work?
The idea behind the Halo Collar is that it automates boundary training. It’s kind of like a modern ‘invisible fence’.
The Halo marketing department focuses heavily on this tool easily giving dogs off-leash freedom anywhere you go. How cool would it be to go camping, and be able to keep your pup on your campsite?
It’s important to note that all training devices require diligent training and conditioning. The Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3 are no exception. Do not expect to put this collar on your dog and be quickly and easily safely off leash anywhere you go.
Because it works on GPS and a phone APP, your dog’s safety relies on the system not experiencing a technical failure of some kind.
As with ANY training tool, it also relies on your ability to follow the training instructions and work with your dog on a regular basis.
If the Halo 3 collar gps system is functioning and you’ve spent time teaching your dog how to respond to the communications from the Halo Collar, it can absolutely work beautifully!
The Halo Dog Collar by Cesar Milan
People are Talking: Real-Life Halo Dog Collar Reviews
Unfortunately, there have reports from people that their smart off-leash dog collar has broken, stopped functioning, doesn’t work, and is cheaply made.
A lot of people on Youtube cite that the original Halo collar is made primarily of weak plastic parts which may fail and leave your dog unprotected. Halo made improvements to their dog off-leash collar with the Halo 2, and we are optimistic that the Halo 3 is a game changer!
JUNE 2022 UPDATE: We’ve read that Halo has supposedly completely fixed and updated many reported issues.
If you are looking to purchase a Halo Collar for your dog, you should in theory feel much more confident in the newer model. We are giving this some time before updating our review with information about the quality and consistency of the newer version.
GPS Automation Failures on the Halo Wireless Fence
There have been some reports out there that the GPS aspect of the collar, on the original and currently updated version, can at times be unreliable. This is largely related to the nature of technology and GPS.
Normally we say to stay away from cheap shock collars….but this device isn’t cheap! We believe that a solid amount of technology and research has gone into this device.
How the Halo Dog Training Collar Works
IF the Halo collar is actually functioning properly with a strong, reliable GPS connection to the ‘fence’ you built in the app, you do still have to work on training.
Don’t be made to believe that this is an ‘easy fix’ to a well-trained dog.
Proper conditioning and training are important with any training tool, including harnesses, so this is to be expected. However, this training should be fun and easy!
The Cesar dog collar functions by using a tone or audible voice and then static (muscle stimulation) to remind dogs to turn away from a boundary.
The company does say you have to train your dog how to respond to the collar, and the app walks you through the process. It’s automated, but not automatic.
Once your dog understands how to respond to the communication from the collar, you should be able to draw a boundary and have your dog understand it, almost anywhere that you go.
The collar will issue sounds, verbal communications, and static stimulation as needed to direct your dog into the boundary.
Is the Halo Collar Worth It?
The price of the Halo Dog Collar is premium, there is no question about that. For some dog owners, this is cost prohibitive. A simple long leash can accomplish a similar thing for much, much less.
As before, we are hopeful that recent updates to their device will give millions of dogs a valuable opportunity to be off-leash! The Halo Collar may be the ideal solution for you if:
You don’t have a fence
You regularly visit people where there is no fence
You like to go camping and want your dog to stay within a boundary of the tent site
You want a simple, user-friendly training tool
You don’t mind automating parts of your off-leash training
You have a dog that likes to learn, likes to be near you and already has a least a basic recall
Your pet is not reactive or aggressive, or has reactivity that is well managed
SUMMARY
Now that you’ve read our Halo Dog Collar review, would you buy one?
Do we think you should buy a Halo dog collar?
Do we believe that the Halo 3 for Dogs is a solid update to what was previously a somewhat unreliable product?
I am optimistic in my belief that the Halo Dog Collar is a great choice for many pet owners. We LOVE that they no longer focus so much on their relationship with Cesar Milan (a very controversial dog trainer), and that they are continually improving their products.
The main reason we’d recommend a HALO collar is for people who cannot build a physical fence around their property and want something slightly more flexible than a traditional invisible fence.
Halo Dog Treats Reviews
Are Halo dog treats legit? Some people confuse the Halo Collar with the Halo dog food and dog treats company.
We do not recommend Halo Dog food, but the treats may be ok!
Today we are providing an EZ 900 Educator E-Collar review for Great Dane owners (or for any dog lover!) This is our honest, unsponsored review of the Easy Educator E-Collar model 900, AKA the ‘EZ EDUCATOR’ series from E-Collar technologies.
As Great Dane lovers, it’s important to us that owners are choosing the most humane tools and training methods for their dogs.
Our training relies heavily on positive reinforcement, but we also believe that dogs appreciate it when they know what their boundaries are.
EZ Educator ET-900 E-Collar Review
We believe in educated ownership and don’t support use of any kind of inexpensive electric shock collar as a corrective ‘easy button’. We do stand behind properly used E-Collars though, with the belief that humane, effective, and positive off-leash educator training involves conditioning the dog to the stimulation and teaching the dog to understand that it means GOOD things, not punishment.
The stimulation from a quality remote dog training collar will be blunt and feel like a small tingle or muscle twitch, not a sharp static shock.
Fun fact: A properly used modern remote collar is less aversive than a long leash, head harness, no-pull harness, or squirt bottle.
We believe in this training method because off-leash freedom = a beautiful life for you and your family pet.
Not only that but momentary stimulation is an incredibly gentle replacement for physical restraint. If your dog could safely be off-leash, and all they have to do is be responsive to mild stimulation levels only when needed, then why wouldn’t you consider it?
The Easy Educator dog collar ships quickly and is packaged in a beautiful box that has a small footprint (less waste!).
Remote collars can often feel like a ‘harsh’ or ‘utilitarian’ type of tool, but this packaging offers a sense of positivity and aesthetics that speak to confident, happy family dogs (not scared dogs that are afraid of the remote or being “shocked into submission“).
We are looking at the Easy Educator TWO dog system for this review, however the 900 series Educator collars come in a one, two, three or four dog system.
With multi-dog systems you can control each dog independently from the same remote.
ET-900 Inside the Box
Inside the Educator remote dog trainer box is:
The manual
Receiver (1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on what system you choose)
One waterproof ergonomic transmitter (AKA the remote)
One Biothane collar strap for each receiver, all in a different color so each dog has their own device
A micro USB charger for the remote & a cable with a splitter to charge the receiver(s)
A lanyard
Large and small contact points for each receiver (customize for each dog)
A tool to change the contact points
The included biothane collars are rugged, washable, and waterproof. Biothane is the perfect material for E-Collars, as many E-Collar-trained dogs enjoy adventures outdoors that involve dirt, mud, and water!
The collars are definitely long enough to fit any Great Dane and can be cut down in length if needed. We highly recommend upgrading the straps to bungee straps, which offer more flexibility and a better fit.
Is the Educator EZ 900 quality?
The receivers that the dog wears feel well-made and are lightweight! Educator brand collars use the most significant technological advancement in remote dog training collars available; we like to compare them to cell phones. Educator collars are the latest iPhone.
A lot of dedication and engineering went into the tapping sensation of the EZ 900, making this a gentle, effective trainer for your pet dog. The technology used in Educator collars is similar to that of a medical-grade TENS device, which uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscle.
In training, this sensation is often referred to as ‘pressure’ or ‘stimulation’.
One thing we love is that EACH collar receiver can be completely customized to the dog that will be wearing it! The advanced remote is a complete system that allows you to program different settings for each dog you are training.
This means you’ll be able to apply different stimulation modes including momentary stimulation, continuous stimulation, momentary boosted stimulation, beep or vibrate at sufficient value for each dog.
The EASY 900 is a medium-range trainer with a 1/2 mile range with instant stimulation options so that you can communicate with your dog from afar.
Good remote collar training will require precise control; we like that there are 100 levels to choose from so you can fine-tune the blunt stimulation that your dog will feel (and respond to).
The contact points are made of quality metal and can be replaced with other sizes and metals, depending on your dog. You can easily change contact points with the included tool, and other options are available including wings (for long-haired dogs) and comfort pads (for short-haired dogs).
How do I program my Easy Educator EZ 900?
We recommend programming your primary button for each dog to continuous stimulation and then learning how to use that button for a single instant stimulation ‘tap’, continuous mode or dynamic (continuous with increasing pressure).
Secondary buttons for each dog can be programmed to tone, beep, or vibrate.
We like to use the single tapping sensation (tap tap tap) on a very low level as a reminder to a dog to follow, look or pay attention.
Continuous stimulation at low levels (or higher in distracting environments) can be used for off-leash recall from a distance.
Dynamic continuous pressure (that increases) works well as a warning to a dog that they must stop what they are doing and redirect to something else.
Tone can also be used as a recall cue, similar to a whistle. For most dogs, including deaf ones, the vibration mode is aversive compared to low-level stimulation modes. We recommend saving vibration for when your dog is doing something dangerous such as running into a road or rudely chasing another dog.
Both the receivers AND the remote are completely waterproof, and we have heard that the remote will float!
Your dog can safely swim in the Educator remote collar without fear of being ‘zapped’ by the cheap faulty electronics seen from other brands. E-Collar Technologies stands behind this and will support you with this purchase forever.
The company also states that the Easy Educator is impact-proof. If you drop it, you don’t have to worry about it not working, malfunctioning and running too ‘hot’, and hurting your dog.
This is a BIG reason we stand behind quality E-Collars and NEVER inexpensive ‘dog training shock devices’ found on Amazon or in pet stores.
Easy Educator Features
There is a maximum stimulation setting of 100. Compare this to other collars on the market that may have just 5-10 levels!
The top of the receiver has a connection spot (a red dot) that connects the receiver and collar electronically, and LED lights that blink green when a connection has been made between the training collar and the remote.
The light on the receiver can also be turned on as a night tracking light so that you can see your off-leash dog in the dark!
The waterproof ergonomic transmitter remote included with the EZ Educator dog training collar is yellow and has a large digital display.
Just like the collar receiver, the remote is lightweight, impact-proof (and waterproof).
The bar shaped transmitter remote has a 1/2 mile range. Unless you are working with hunting, sport training, and tracking, few dog owners need more off-leash roaming space than that.
Although the receiver is small (providing stealth operation, if you are concerned about uneducated naysayers), it provides plenty of stimulation for most dogs, even 150lb Great Danes!
The blunt stimulation is a gentle sensation that doesn’t result in yelping or excessive normal head jerking often seen from other training collars. We prefer this brand for the very clean stimulation and tapping sensation employed during use. No sharp static shocks!
Adjustable Mode, Tone, and Stimulation Levels
On the top is the dial which allows you to adjust the stimulation level up and down. The dial requires some effort to move, which will prevent you from accidentally dialing the stim up too high.
Precise control of stimulation levels is incredibly important.
Educator E-Collars have lock and set features that can be programmed to ‘lock’ at a chosen stimulation level so that you cannot accidentally turn it up too high (and startle your dog).
Each dog is assigned their own buttons and you can control each dog completely independently. The buttons are recessed behind a rubber casing, which makes them waterproof and also safe from accidental ‘butt dialing’.
The ET-900 series training collar offers an adjustable tone and adjustable vibrate mode as well. Programming allows you to adjust how these buttons (which are ergonomically placed) will be used for each dog.
There is also a function where the stim can begin at a low level (so as not to scare your dog) and have it automatically increase to a set level.
The included momentary boost feature can also be customized to each dog, so you maintain precise control.
Don’t forget the night tracking light, which is fantastic for sport training and dogs that are often off-leash in the dark.
We believe the EZ EASY EDUCATOR 900 series is the most high-tech E-Collar available, and perfect for dog owners who like customizations, options, and geeky tech stuff!
The defining differences between stim collars and shock collars can be confusing, especially because there is so much misinformation out there about how remote dog training collars are used.
Stim collars such as the ones offered by E Collar Technologies use a significant technological advancement that changes traditional ‘shock’ into a much more gentle stimulation sensation. This sensation is so gentle that most humans cannot feel it themselves!
With this new more modern form of dog off-leash training utilizing a complete system from remote trainer to positive reinforcement, the desired response is positive, not negative.
In other words, your dog, with the right training and conditioning, will respond with enthusiasm and excitement!
This stimulation feels like a tapping sensation, not a sharp static shock, and can be used for recall training, boundary training, and more.
Other training collars do not offer the same unique features and rely instead on punishing, scaring, and hurting your dog. An Educator is NOT a shock collar!
Even a smart, stubborn dog can learn how to recall reliably in different environments, and will come running back to you ready for more!
How do you use the EZ Educator ez 900?
We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again. E-Collar training is a lifestyle and requires that you change your mindset about how a tool like this will work on your dog.
Easy button shock collar training with cheap devices from Amazon is NOT a method that we support for several reasons.
Dogs trained with shock collars applied as a means to startle and punish can easily become aloof, nervous, anxious, over-excited, frustrated, or even aggressive.
Cheap shock collars are unreliable and more likely to malfunction and hurt your dog. They provide a sharp static shock that causes many dogs to (understandably) show signs of stress and begin to act on it.
Your dog should never be afraid of your remote, their collar receiver, or of what happens when they are wearing it.
Correct stimulation collar training requires a change in how you communicate but it will PAY OFF!
Not only will you want to learn the ins and outs of your E-Collar remote and how it works, but it’s also important to put some time into actually working with your dog so that your dog knows that stimulation is a good thing and knows how to respond to it.
We recommend upgrading the included biothane collar strap to one with a bungee for a better and more comfortable fit for your dog.
E-Collars are an easy operation communication tool, like giving a cell phone to your dog. If you want off-leash freedom and confident, curious, and happy family dogs, this method is for you.
Why should I use a remote training collar?
We always like to mention that we use a lot of positive reinforcement while training our own dogs. Proper remote collar training uses a lot of positive reinforcement.
Off-leash recall, boundary training, and redirection are just some of the reasons we recommend remote collar training for all Great Danes. Unlike a harness, collar or leash, this is one tool that doesn’t rely on physical restraint and cannot harm your dog!
Are dog correction collars cruel?
Absolutely not! There are many things people do to dogs that are actually cruel. This is not one of them.
Training collars from high-quality companies such as Educator Technologies use different technology and blunt stimulation modes that work in a different way compared to inexpensive and painful shock collars.
Well-trained dogs that can be safely off-leash are free of physical restraint, which can cause frustration and even anxiety. Not only that, but nothing compares to the enrichment a dog receives off-leash! Advanced remote collar training is life-changing for dogs and owners.
Aggressive Dog Aversion Training
Some people purchase a remote dog training collar because they are at the end of their rope with a dog that is aggressive or reactive.
There is a huge difference between aggressive dog aversion training (which involves a lot of unfair punishment), and correct training with a modern remote collar.
The last thing you want to do is turn up the dial to maximum stimulation and hope it grabs the attention of your aggressive dog! This kind of training can make things much worse.
Instead, it is important to give your dog skills to build on: basic obedience such as touch, sit, heel, down, leave it, and come make a great foundation. After that, you can start building confidence and indifference to the world with positive counter-conditioning and desensitization.
From there, you can use your remote dog training collar at low levels to communicate and redirect your dog back to you as needed. These unique features, paired with positive reinforcement, set the Educator ez 900 apart from traditional shock collars.
Are there e-collars that don’t shock?
Shock and muscle stimulation are two very different things.
One is a sharp static zap, the other feels like a tap, tickle, or tiny ants crawling around. We prefer the Educator training collar models over traditional inexpensive shock because they offer a gentle tapping sensation.
The stimulation sensation from a high-quality remote dog training collar is non-aversive and can be used for communication. It is an effective trainer that replaces the pressure from a leash, harness, or collar!
How do you train a dog with an E-Collar?
We recommend starting out by finding the lowest level where your dog has the desired response. Most dogs are enthusiastic and responsive between levels 3 and 10, and this is a sufficient value for getting started. The tapping sensation employed by this collar is incredibly gentle and feels more like a brief pulse than a shock.
Keep in mind that you will not likely feel the sensation if you try it yourself until you dial it up to higher stimulation levels well beyond what you need for training your dog.
Pair this gentle tapping sensation with treats, and gradually increase the criteria as you teach your dog what the sensation means. The collar becomes a cell phone for your dog that replaces leash pressure, not a punishment tool!
Boosted stimulation mode can be used when your dog is distracted, and maximum stimulation is available in case of an emergency (for example, your dog is trying to run into traffic, yikes!).
We have training resources available, and we also highly recommend watching Larry Krohn on Youtube for the best and most positive remote training advice!
Your dog training collar offers precision control and has a boost feature for when you and your dog are in higher distraction areas (kind of like turning up the volume on your cell phone), momentary stimulation, and continuous stimulation.
What is the difference between the Mini Educator and the Educator E Collar?
The Mini-Educator dog training collar uses the same advanced technology as the Easy 900, in a more compact and elegant package.
The Mini-Educator remote is round instead of bar-shaped, and it offers only slightly fewer features.
We think the Mini-Educator (or the Micro Mini-Educator with the waterproof miniature collar receiver for small dogs) is a solid choice for dog owners who are new to off-leash remote training.
The Mini-Educator still offers a tracking light, quick emergency stimulation options, transmitter beeper mode, and the brief pulse sensation that educator 1/2 mile collars are known for, in a smaller package.
A mini-Educator remote training collar. Slightly different than the ET-900 but still a fantastic option.
Which educator collar is best for my dog?
If you value simplicity, elegance, and easy operation, choose the Mini-Educator (one dog training collar) or the Educator (just like the Mini-Educator, but for two dogs). If you have a dog under 15lbs, choose the Micro Mini-Educator.
If you like features, extra customization options, or have more than 2 dogs, the Easy 900 Educator is the way to go.
