K9 Kooling Coat Review – Saratoga Horseworks: 4 out of 5 stars

Okay, so we’ve actually had these for a while now. At first Chicago weather got cold again even though it was June (I think?) when we got the coats. But we’ve had plenty of hot weather to test them out for the last month and a half.

I was too lazy to actually measure my dogs and went off the measurement of previous coats we’d used, so they are a tad bit too big but it’s perfect for Chaplin because I can put the coat over his service dog vest and it fits perfect without problems. I’d rather have them more covered than undercovered.

I’m going to give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

Baby’s is fine but Chaplin’s arrived not fully stitched. The Velcro strip that attaches the belly strap did not come fully sewn on. Actually it almost fell off when I was taking it out. I’m really awful at sewing so I had to go to the alterations to get it fixed. I was a bit disappointed with that and the added fee of having to sew a part on that should’ve come sewn on already.

But in terms of how they work, they are awesome. We go running beneath the hot sun no problem. I soak them down before we go but they seem to dry out very quickly, I’m not sure if that’s what they’re supposed to do or not but I feel like the cooling effect of the water is short lived. However, both Baby and Chaplin have significantly cooler fur where the coats cover regardless of it being damp or not. I can tell they’re more comfortable out and about. We head to the dog park with them on and my boys last a lot longer than the other dogs; their break times in the shade are significantly shorter as well.

They have been rather durable and hold up well, which is impressive considering how often we go to the dog park.

Chaplin has his on when we are working too which is nice, I’m less worried when we go out on hotter days. They also stitched on “service dog” to his coat which keeps gatekeepers from asking questions as often than if his coat was unlabeled I'm guessing. Also, Chaplin and I can go running and he doesn't need his actual vest on to insure if there's an accident and I need an ambulance that they'll know he's working for me and will bring him along.

They’re easily removed and easily put back on with a simple clip around the neck area and a Velcro strap under the stomach.

Their representatives were easy to talk to and took the initiative to work with what I wanted prior to the order. I never got around to calling them up when I realized one of the products sent was incomplete – wasn’t sure what they could do anyway considering it would cost more to ship it back than to go to the alterations.

I will add pictures at some point =)

It's been a while

Hey all! I know it's been a while since I posted. I have a few things to talk about, one of them is most exciting and I'm very happy about it so I'll talk about that first.

1. Well, to begin, I am currently working at the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago as a dog trainer. I am also starting up my own private dog training and walking business so that's coming along nicely. Right now I just aim to teach general manners, puppy socialization, working out problems with new dogs, some behavioral problems (destruction of the house and such), and will work with people that want to get their dogs ready for the finer things in life like becoming a therapy dog and what not. I also do individual dog walking and leave report cards and am more than willing to send live pictures of my clients' pup(s). As well as this I do combos of walking and training lessons. Here's the exciting part, in order to make my business grow:

In August I will be attending an intense seminar which will teach me how to pick out and train a dog to detect diabetes and alert their handler to when their blood sugar is too high or low. It's going to be so exciting but hard work as well to learn everything I can and make the most out of my attendance. After this seminar I will be ready to start training Diabetic Alert Dogs (D. A. D.) for persons with that kind of disability. So if you happen to know anyone in the Chicago area (including suburbs) that is looking for a D. A. D. trainer go ahead and let them know about me. I can be contacted at katarinacoates@gmail.com and will be most willing to dive right in at very reasonable prices (I do have to eat after all). In the mean time I should get my private dog training and walking business all set up and ready to go by the end of the seminar, I'm just waiting on getting my liability insurance with my sister's help. By then I should have a website up and running, I'm debating if I should just stick to facebook for it but am concerned facebook won't look as professional as a real site.

Along with this, I also am attending a seminar which Ian Dunbar is speaking at in September. Before then, also in August I am seeing both Patricia McConnell speak and Steve White speak at another lengthy seminar =). Gosh, being a *good* dog trainer is so time consuming!

2. Chaplin has been doing great in the learning field of things. We have two tasks down pat and on my own time I am teaching him to 'find' Joseph (my boyfriend) when I need him to. He can do it one of two ways, where he free floats if I for whatever reason can't go with or I can hold onto his harness handle and he'll guide me over there. He's starting to mature very nicely and every day his confidence as a working dog is growing. Soon we'll be working on medication retrievals (secured in a medicine bag to insure his safety) and also searching rooms in the house to alert if someone is in there (hyper vigilance). He's such a good boy =)

I will be sure to start posting more about him and how things are progressing. I've just been busy with life. I went to New Mexico to see a friend the 19th to the 24th. I took care of some appointments, vet things, and then I turned right around and headed to Indiana with Joseph for his family reunion from the 31st to the 1st of July. So I've been busy, busy, busy. Unfortunately I didn't feel like Chaplin was ready for either of the trips so there has been some lag in his training.

Until next time!

Infinity lead from BLD review

Our infinity lead no-pull leash and head halter combo arrived today and we immediately gave it a test run. Chaplin gets absolutely goofy and excited on runs so I thought it'd be nice to try out -- as well as this I like being able to feel his head movements better when he's vested to stay more connected. 

I had high hopes for this product because the gentle leader didn't work at all for Chaplin. This lead definitely did work quite a bit better and has some excellent pros but also cons:

Pros:

• Has a safety clip to attach to his collar in case the loop around his snout comes off. This was always a fear with the gentle leader.
• It's conveniently all in one and has both a 6ft and 4ft length of leash (we have the 4ft).
• It works better than the gentle leader
• It's simple to use

Cons:

• The leather stopper isn't tight enough and slips very easily. If he pulled slightly and I brought him back it would loosen. If I re-tightened it, sometimes it would get too tight a couple minutes later (not sure what causes this) and made it difficult for him to breath; I found myself constantly checking it and rearranging it -- obviously disruptive to our run.
• The handle is very slippery due to the fabric and I felt uncomfortable about dropping it despite wrapping the lead around my hand/wrist a few times.

Overall:

For the most part it's a wonderful product. The main con, I think, may be solve-able. I was thinking of adding two zip ties. One at the base, closest to his head to prevent the stopper from strangling him -- I should be able to get the zip tie loose enough to move but tight enough to not move without pressure. I will then use another one before the stopper to prevent the lead from getting too loose. I'll see how it works and let you all know.

I'm also wondering if there's a fabric I can wrap around the handle or again placing another zip tie to make the handle smaller to decrease the chance of it slipping.

The loosening and tightening problem may only be from my particular lead but it is a hassle. All in all I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It's sleek, easy to use, and works better than the gentle leader. I'm hoping I'll be able to solve the leather stopper problem but that problem is why I am not giving it a perfect rating.

Painting the roses red... or pink

So there's a product called pet paint which is completely for dogs. I've really been itching to use some on Chaplin and Baby -- this will be the first paint I've found that will work on black doggies. As much as I would love to paint Chaplin pink I'm pretty sure people will:
A. Mistake him for a poodle
B. Take him even less seriously

At least a color like blue or even just some white stripes along his back... I could probably get away with people think the white is really his coat (people can be so silly). I probably should save my money up a little bit though... but pet paint!? Come on! I'll skip that steak tonight and buy him some =).

I'll be sure to post some pictures.

Our Gear

I haven't been approached by the producers of any of the following gear listed, I just figured I'd go on ahead and review the things we use in case any other service dog teams out there are looking for more information on potential equipment =).

Before we begin, let me start by saying Chaplin and Baby receive a barkbox once a month. They send you toys and treats in the mail monthly for a decent fee ($19 a month for a 6 month subscription). They actually send some really great items, all of them adding up to more than what you would pay through a pet store or other online vendors (which would be more than your monthly fee). If you're interested and/or want to sign up click here for a referral to get $5 off your subscription.

Our current equipment:


1. Our harness is a freedom design harness. Currently there is no website and the provider can only be contacted via email, evidently there are some problems finding someone to continue making the products. Here are some pictures of Chaplin wearing it:

 The strap that is in front is a Y strap with a soft material to pad it so as to avoid rubbing -- it's quite nice and has been great for Chaplin's sensitive white fur. Note that the patches (which are great and arrived promptly) are from a vendor on ebay, username: w0vd

Unfortunately the freedom design harness only comes in one size and while it's very adjustable, I put it on Baby who is about 15 pounds heavier (with lots of fur) and a wider frame... and well... the vest just kind of looked funny on him =)

If you scroll to the bottom you'll see the next harness I want. Even though bold lead designs sells vests to connect to the leather harness (which are very nice) I would like to save as much money as possible (and not waste it after buying this vest) I will see if I can attach it like I would with one of bold lead's vests/capes (which I encourage you to check out too if you go the bold lead route).






2. We use a 6ft leather leash, the cheapest one I found on the market with decent ratings is provided by Signature K-9. I ordered from them via amazon:

I've been running short on money what with all the dog expenses like food, training, toys, treats, etc. and for what it costs it's actually been better than I expected. We just got back from a camping trip and I brought this leash to break it in and see what happens. It's worn, but only in the way leather is supposed to be with heavy use. There is no splitting so far, it's lightweight and easy to handle. For $17 it's really great. For a link, click here.





3. Chaplin also has a very nice lupine collar.

Most are about $11 and they are guaranteed for life and will replace your collar should it get wrecked (even chewed). We've been very happy with ours and it looks very nice! For a link click here




4. Of course we use a petsafe treat pouch!

Our petsafe pouch has been absolutely wonderful and at $16 it's held up remarkably well for 6 months now! There have been no problems with it what so ever and it has plenty of space and different pouches for treats, keys, and my phone. For a link click here.











Items on the way:

*I'll be sure to make a new post with my findings/reviews on the incoming products*

From bold lead designs we have the infinity lead no-pull head collar. For a link click here:

1. We don't need it for what most people need it, except for when we jog without his vest on because Chaplin evidently thinks that means go nuts time, but I am hoping it will help me be more connected to his head movements, both when he's trying to alert me and also when I feel his focus slipping. A current medication of mine really causes some drowsiness and I've been making several mistakes with my leash handling and keeping him at appropriate lengths (for his safety when there are less than friendly people and dogs) as well as to keep him closer to me so we are more connected. This head collar seems to be the most comfortable one out there for a dog, as well as easy to use; it also looks like it's safer should your dog slip it somehow. Plus I like the way it looks ;).

2. For the boiling hot summer and Chaplin's black coat (as well as Baby's) I have an order put in with Seratoga Horseworks'-K9 Kooling Coat. I've heard great things about their product and it's been a pleasure working with them to make sure I get what I want. They also embroider words on the coats and color the trim. Chaplin's has a royal blue trim with the words "service dog" on his. Baby's has a red trim.

 "These Canine Cool Coats are made from the same Oasis fabric used in our turnouts for horses. The Oasis fabric is a 100% polyester mesh that offers superior durability while at the same being soft, breathable, and coat friendly. It is an extremely reflective fabric that offers UV-protection (blocking both UVA and UVB radiation) so it will help keep your dog cool even when the coat is dry."

What we really want in the future:

I'll be saving up for a while before I can get the bold lead design harness I really want for Chaplin. I also want to make sure he's fully grown before I get it as they custom design it to your dog's measurements for optimal comfort and has a vet check to make sure his structure is sound enough for this kind of work. Why do I want it so badly? One, it looks AWESOME! Two, my medications are being switched constantly and a lot of them make some mobility problems for me while in my system and I worry I'll be put on one that does that again at any time. As well as this, it will be nice for holding onto when I need Chaplin to lead me out of certain situations and if I am having some balance issues as he's guiding me; it will be soooo much nicer of a transition until I can recover in a quiet environment. For a link click here.

The pricing begins at $285 but these harnesses should rank the highest in the mobility harness business. Please remember, if you plan on doing any mobility work with your service dog make sure he or she is fully grown and has been checked out and approved by your vet for assisting you with your balance.

                                                                                   

I quote from their site:

• Fully padded for comfort and correct support
• Quick release buckles make it EASY to put on and take off
• Adjustable straps for a perfect fit
• Proper weight distribution minimizes pressure points
• Ergonomically correct for dog’s body
• Very light weight and flexible (around 2 pounds)
• Fixed leather balance handle is made to your desired height
• Adjustable and removable pull-strap
• Superior quality materials and workmanship
• Top quality leather, sheepskin, and quality rust-free hardware for durability
• Custom made to fit your needs and the dog’s measurements
• 5 D-rings on harness saddle for attaching straps or accessories
• Great Fit Guarantee!
• Guaranteed quality and excellent customer support
• Replacement straps are available to fit the harness to a new dog

Please be aware this harness is only for dogs 40lbs and over, and as said before, get your dog health tested before doing any sort of mobility work. The rigid handle harness is for dogs 50lbs and over.

What's in your wallet (bag)?

My dogs are very important to me as is their health and well-being. I do not drive so I rely on my feet to get me everywhere I need to go (and public transportation). To ensure I can solve any problems that may arise effectively and immediately I carry a cute bag with some goodies in it. I also carry this even when my dogs aren't vested and we are just going some place like the dog park.

First, I think all service dog handlers should have laminated emergency contact cards with information about their service dog and how to handle him/her or what to do with him/her. My card says they're under strict orders to take the dog in the ambulance with me (if I need an ambulance) unless he's hurt. I also added who his vet is and their number.

I think it's also important to carry print outs of the ADA definition of service dogs, printed directly from their site. Also their page on what businesses can and can't do. I do not carry "ID" cards or "paperwork" for my service dog. We are not required to by law and I think it's awful that we should be expected to fork over our IDs and paperwork whenever someone wants. Instead of getting angry with someone giving me problems I hold my ground, pull out the ADA information and educate them.

Things I carry:

1. Musher's secret
2. Water bottle
3. Collapsible water bowl
4. Ruffwear booties
5. Slip lead
6. Spare collar (martingale)
7. First aid kit (human friendly!)
8. A small field guide to dog first aid
9. Spare treats
10. Poop bags!
11. Small towel if my dog gets wet
12. Print outs of ADA definitions and laws
13. Some people like to bring pamphlets about them and their service dog because so many people ask about our dogs!

What's in your food bowl?

Chaplin is a spoiled doggy and probably eats better than me but oh well! All the better for him =). Dietary needs for my pups have always been on the top of my list. A tired dog may be a good dog but a happy dog is a well fed and healthy dog.

Chaplin gets Merrick's classic food, while on the pricey side it's actually cheaper than a lot of the other 5 star foods*.  Healthy eating cuts down on vet bill costs too so I definitely take that into account.

To help keep his teeth squeaky clean without having to brush them every day I supplement raw meaty bones once a week. I pick them up from my local grocery store. If you decide to use raw meaty bones for dental health be sure you do not feed any weight bearing bones as they can crack teeth. Stick to ribs or something similar -- no knuckles or anything. I like to feed the bone outside to avoid getting germs in the house. Take into account your dog's size and chewing ability, I monitor Chaplin when he eats them. Your pup may be confused at first what to do with them but after some reassurance they will dig in if they are chewers.

1. He gets one tablespoon of plain, fat free yogurt with live cultures to help with digestion (he's gassy otherwise).

2. 1500 glucosamine chondroitin with MSM to preserve and prevent problems with his joints. I know several breeders that start it on their dogs at 6 months of age. By 24 months of age when hip scores were getting graded they were getting OFA excellent hip ratings; they had been getting good hip scores with the occasional excellent before glucosamine supplements were being given to the dogs at 6 months. If you choose to go this route make sure they have the MSM in them or they really don't do much. And make sure to check the amount you supplement according to your dog's weight. I like to buy mine at Costco because they are cheaper.

3. Chaplin also gets Omega 3 (fish oil) for his skin and coat; it was especially a savior over winter when coats get dry and dandruff comes out. I prefer to give it with food because I know in people without food it can cause "iron stomach."

4.Make sure you give vitamin E otherwise the Omega 3 will not be absorbed effectively. About 5 weeks after being started on these his coat has been so shiny and full; we honestly get compliments on his hair whenever we go out for a walk. Do be CAREFUL WHEN GIVING THE VITAMIN E because too much could cause a dangerous build up. He gets two 400 IUs of it a week. One 400 on Tuesday and one 400 on Friday.

The best part is I can take my Omega 3s with him because I really hate taking them myself.


* For those of you interested at getting an in depth look at all of the dog foods out there and their level of nutrition and health, check out dogfoodadvisor.com; they go in detail and explain why they've given the ratings they have.

Feel free to post questions in the comment section about dietary needs and I will answer them to the best of my ability.