Happy Oodles

Dog Care

The Best Dog Harness for Doodles and Poodles

First: Why We Use a Dog Harness For Our Doodle

I love our little bundle of fur, but walking her has become a chore.  She is gets easily excited when outside. This translates into her pulling on her leash. Since we use a collar this is a concern, but the real problem is when she sees a squirrel. Her instinct is to chase the squirrel even though she can’t run freely.

The short chase usually ends with her jerking her neck when she reaches the end of the leash. So in order for her not to hurt herself, we decided to switch to a harness while working on leash training.

Problem solved, right?  Well, as any doodle parent can tell you, doodles mat easily, especially when something rubs their fur, which can be an issue with harnesses. So to find the best dog harness for doodles, I asked Goldendoodle and Labradoodle parents which harnesses caused the least amount of matting. 

Trying to decide between a labradoodle or a Goldendoodle? Check out our post on both of these doodles here.

Why Are Dog Collars Dangerous?

Before we go any further let’s take a closer look at why dog collars are dangerous. Imagine that while you are walking your dog, they lug out after a squirrel like my pup.  With a collar when your dog reaches the end of the leash they are abruptly stopped. This stop causes your dog to be jerked back towards you. All that force from their running and the sudden stop is focused directly on a small section of their neck. Whether it is from chasing a squirrel or just pulling on their leash, the repeated stress on their neck can lead to long term medical issues. These issues can include: damaging the thyroid glands, the trachea, and the spinal cord.

Even for dogs that are well behaved on a leash there will still be times when you need to react quickly and pull your dog to safety. If you are using a collar the impact of pulling them can cause injury to your pup. Plus your dog can be choked or worst if the collar becomes caught on something. Many dogs have been hung by their collars getting caught on a tree limb or fence post.

What to Look for in a Dog Harness for Doodles

  • Safety – Is the harness adjustable? The harness should fit snug so your dog cannot slip out of it, but not too tight to cause discomfort to your dog.
  • Comfort – Is the harness designed to fit comfortable on the dog? Are the materials soft? You don’t want to pick a harness that will irritate your dog’s skin
  • Durability – You want the harness to last. Is the material sturdy? Can a dog chew through the harness?
  • Less friction points – The best dog harness for doodles will have less fictions points. This can be done by either reducing the amount of material that touches a doodle’s fur or by using silky materials in the areas that are in contact with the doodle’s fur

What Causes Matting In Doodles?

There are a number of reasons that doodles mat. Here are just a few reasons your doodle can mat:

  • Doodles that have a curly or wavy coat are more likely to mat than straight coated doodles. This is due to the curly hair wrapping around other hairs. Over time this wrapping of hairs turns into mats.
  • Friction will speed up the hair becoming tangled together. Friction can be caused by wearing something that rubs against their fur like a collar or harness. It is also be caused by scratching their favorite spot.
  • Matting can occur when they shed. As the fur falls out it can become entangled with the curly hair. Even low shed doodles shed some hair.
  • Moisture can cause fur to curl more. Wet fur as it dries will wrap around the other hairs. Again if nothing is done they will become matted.

How To Prevent Matting In a Doodle

The best way to prevent matting is to brush and line comb your pup every day. But not everyone has the time to groom their doodle daily. Another option is to keep your pups hair short, since short hair matts less than long hair. If you need to find a groomer, here are are some things you should know when picking a dog groomer.

It is also best to avoid activities that can speed up matting. This means you should avoid activities that allow your pup to get wet or expose them to unnecessary friction. This is where your choice of harness comes in. To avoid mats caused by friction you want to look for a harness that either has a small contact area or is smooth on the inside.

Friction is also caused by wearing a dog coat.  If you have a hardier doodle breed with long hair, wearing a coat in the winter may not be needed. But doodles with short hair or breeds that are not meant for the cold may need to wear a coat for their daily walks during the winter.  To help you decide if your dog needs a coat, check out our post on Does your dog need a sweater in the winter?

If you are looking for a dog coat with low friction to avoid matting, check out our review post on the Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Coat

To find the best dog harness for doodles we asked other doodle parents which harnesses they use for their doodles.

Dog Harness Types

Before we get into the recommendations it is important to understand the different types of harness. Depending on the manufacturer, harnesses are either classified by how they are put on a dog or by where the leash attachment is.

Step In Harness

As the name implies your dog steps into the harness straps, which are then pulled up and closed with a top closure. It takes fewer steps to get a step in harness on so it is easier to use with dogs that will not stay still

Over Head Harness

Ruffwear Harness

The overhead harness is put on a dog by first slipping the harness over their head before closing the bottom clips. These types of harnesses require multiple steps to get the harness on a dog and may be more difficult with dogs that do not stay still.

Front Clip Harness

A front clip harness has the D-ring in front of the dog’s chest. Front clip harnesses were developed as a way to prevent pulling. The idea is that dog will be redirected towards you when they pull on the leash. The issue with the front clip harnesses is that it is easier for the dog to become tangled in the leash.

Back Clip Harness

With a back clip harness the leash is attached to the harness on the back of the dog. A back clip harness allows your dog the most freedom. Since the attachment is away from the ground there is less chance of your dog getting tangled in the leash. However it does little to prevent your dog from pulling.

Dual Clip Harness

As the name implies a dual clip harnesses gives you the option to attach the leash from your dog’s back or front depending on your needs at the time.  It is the most versatile of the harness options.

The Best Dog Harness For Doodles

As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Easy Walk Harness by Pet Safe

Easy Walk Dog Harness on German Shepherd walking
Easy Walk Harness

First on our list is the Easy Walk Dog Harness by Pet Safe. This harness was the most recommended dog harness for doodles by doodle owners. In addition to being an alternative to using a collar, the Easy Walk Harness is designed to stop “light to moderate pulling”. This is a plus for doodle parents since doodles tend to be large dogs. Based on all the positive reviews the harness seems to work.

Pet Safe Inc. offers two versions of their Easy Walk Harnesses; the Easy Walk Harness and the Deluxe Easy Walk Harness.

Easy Walk Harness

Best Dog Harness for Doodles - the easy walk harness in purple.

The Easy Walk Harness (pictured left) consists of three thin bands. One that goes under the body just behind the front legs, one that goes over the back and one that goes across the front of the chest. The three bands are attached to each other with rings. The leash attaches to a d-ring which is then attached to the front chest band via a martingale loop. The Easy Walk Harness can be found at Amazon.com

Deluxe Easy Walk Harness

Deluxe Easy Walk Harness

The Deluxe Easy Walk Harness has the same design as the Easy Walk Harness, including the no-pull Martingale leash attachment. What makes it deluxe is the neoprene lined straps for added comfort. Also the manufacturer’s description state that is has “highly visible, reflective strips”, but per the manufacturer the reflective strips are actually reflective stitching. The Easy Walk Harness can be found at Amazon.com

What is a Martingale Loop?

Easy Walk Harness martingale loop. Image is part of the post The Best Dog Harness for Doodles.

The Easy Walk Harness Martingale Loop is a loop that is created by the front harness strap. The d-ring for the leash to be attached is centered in the middle of the loop. When the dog pulls, the tension from the leash pulls on the loop, which pulls the front straps tighter across the chest. The purpose of the loop is to get your dog’s attention when they pull. It also keeps the harness from twisting.

Pro and Cons – Easy Walk Harness

Pros

  • Ease of use
  • Reduces Pulling
  • Less material means less areas of friction
  • 8 Size choices
  • 1 Year Chew Damage Policy

Cons

  • Harder to put on in the beginning
  • Can be chewed through
  • Needs to be readjusted occasionally

Top Considerations

Ease of Use

The main complaint about the Easy Walk Harness is that it is hard to put on at first. However is does become easier to put on once you get the hang of it.

As you can see by the picture to the left there are two body straps with snaps on the harness. One that goes over the back and one that goes under the body. The straps are different colors so you know which one goes where. All the straps on this harness are adjustable to ensure the proper fit.

Tip: The top harness strap is longer than the bottom one. If you have a deep chested dog try reversing the straps. It may provide for a better fit.

Reduces Pulling

The Easy Walk Harness is designed to stop your dog from pulling. Although no harness can completely stop a dog from pulling users of the Easy Walk Harness report reduced pulling and overall improved walking experience.

Easy Sizing

The Easy Walk Harness comes in 8 sizes including three half sizes making it easier to find the correct size for your dog.

Easy Walk Harness Size Chart

1 Year Chew Damage Replacement

Because the Pet Safe Easy Walk Harness has been known to be chewed through by some pups, the company has a 1-year chew damage replacement policy. They will replace the harness for a minimal fee.

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Ruffwear Front Range Harness
Blue padded dog harness. Part of The best dog harness for doodles.

The second most recommended dog harness for doodles by doodle owners is the Ruffwear Front Range Harness. This harness is designed for every day comfort. The top, bottom and chest areas are all padded. Plus there are four adjustment points so you can get a great fit. The Ruffwear Front Range Harness can be found at Amazon.com

Pro and Cons – Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Pros

  • Dual Clip Harness
  • Reduces pulling
  • ID section to hold tags
  • Padded chest and back
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Dog may slip out of harness
  • Most expensive one in review
  • Multiple steps to put on

Top Considerations

Dual Clip Harness

Blue harness showing dual loops. - Part of the best dog harness for doodles

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is a dual clip harness. There is a V-ring on the dog’s back and a reinforced webbed loop located in the front chest area. The front chest loop was designed to resist pulling and offer additional control.

Reduces Pulling

The front loop reduces your dog’s pulling by redirecting them back to you. You can use this harness with both the front loop and back loop for training. However your pup could step on or be tripped by the leash when using the front loop. The main complaint about the front loop is that it is not metal. It is a combination of webbed material and a plastic coating.

ID Pocket

Most dog harnesses does not have a convenient place to keep your pups tags, which means wearing a collar and a harness. However the Ruffwear Front Range Harness offers an ID pocket. The pocket keeps your dog’s tags from jingling, but still easily accessible.

Adjustable

The front shoulder straps and rear straps are adjustable. Helping you get the best fit for your dog. Here is a video by Ruffwear to show you how to adjust the harness to fit your dog.

Sizing

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness only uses one measurement for their sizing.

Ruffwear offers a matching leash for their Front Range Harness. This can be found at Amazon.com

New Earth Soy Comfort Wrap Adjustable Harness

New Earth Soy Comfort Wrap Dog Harness

Last on our list of harnesses is the New Earth Soy Comfort Wrap Adjustable Harness by Costal Pet Inc. We use this harness with our Ratdoodle. Here is Bella showing off her harness. Too bad you can’t see it due to her long hair. She is also modeling the harness above in the Harness Yype section of this post.

We discovered the Comfort Wrap Harness at our local specialty pet supply store. The New Earth Costal Pet Comfort Wrap Harness is earth friendly as it’s made from a by-product of the soy food industry. The 100% natural soy fibers are strong and soft to the touch unlike typical nylon harnesses which can be rough. The New Earth Costal Pet Comfort Wrap Harness can found at Amazon.com

Pro and Cons of the New Earth Soy Comfort Wrap Harness

Pros

  • Soft and comfortable
  • Easy to get on
  • Single closure
  • Less material means less areas of friction
  • Fully adjustable
  • 7 color choices
  • Made from Earth Friendly materials

Cons

  • Does not reduce pulling
  • Can be chewed through
  • Needs to be readjusted occasionally
  • Only 3 sizes
  • Made in China
  • Hard to find

Top Considerations

Soft and Comfortable

The top reason to buy a New Earth Soy Comfort Wrap Harness is the material’s softness. It’s great for dogs with sensitive skin. The soft soy fibers won’t irritate like a nylon harness might. Each strap on the comfort wrap harness is adjustable, allowing for a better fit. Plus the front strap sits low across the dog’s chest so it won’t pull against their throat during walks.

Ease of Use

The New Earth Soy Comfort Wrap Harness is very easy to get on your dog. Just lay the harness on the floor and have them step in the straps. The single back closure makes getting it on your dog a snap.

Fully Adjustable

The belly and chest straps are adjustable making it easier to find the right fit. But the limited sizes means that it will not fit all dogs.

Double D-rings on Comfort Wrap Harness part of The Best Harness for Doodles

Added Safety

As an added safety measure the Comfort Wrap Harness offers two D-rings on each side of the closure to ensure the clasp does not open.

Earth Friendly

I am always looking for healthy options for my pup, so I like that it’s made from earth friendly materials and dyes. However, I am disappointed they are not made in the USA. I feel that many of the earth friendly benefits disappear when you consider it needs to be shipped across the ocean.

New Earth Soy collection also offers a 6′ matching leash to go with the Comfort Wrap Dog Harness. The matching leash an be found at Amazon.com

How to Choose the Right Size Dog Harness for Doodles

No harness will be able to fit every dog. Just like people dogs come in all different shapes and sizes. You may need to try a few harnesses before your find the right fit for your dog.

Because every harness uses different points to measure make sure to use the manufacture’s website to find the measuring instructions and size chart.

Tip: Take the measurements while your dog is standing rather than sitting. If they are sitting the measurements may be off.

How to Check for Proper fit

The harness should fit snuggly against your doodle’s fur, but you should still be able to place two fingers between the strap and the dog. Check all straps on the harness to see if they fit properly.

In addition to checking the straps, look at the overall fit of the harness. You should not see gaps nor should there be pulling. If you see the skin bunched up that is an indication that the harness is too tight. When you walk with your dog there should be minimal movement in the harness. Also look for irritation spots and indentations when you take off the harness.

Lastly, check to see if you can pull the harness off by pulling on the front straps. Some dogs are able to slip out of front clip harness by pulling backwards from the leash attachment. You should not be able to slip it off nor should you see a lot of movement. 

Recommended Posts

Retractable Leash

The Complete Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Coat Review

Winter Coats for Dogs

As every parent of a doodle knows maintaining their pup’s long coat requires daily brushing.  Without frequent brushing their fur can become matted.  The alternative is to keep their fur short. This is what we do. But since we were in the middle of winter and her next grooming appointment was in just a couple of weeks, we were debating if we should cut her hair short again. Our main concern with cutting it short was that she would get too cold on our daily winter walks. If we let her fur grow out she may end up all matted.  In the end we decided to cut her fur short and look for a warm winter coat. After some looking around and research we chose the Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Coat.

About Shedrow K9

It appears that the Shedrow line of horse apparel is a brand of Greenhawk Equestrian Sport in Canada. The tag on the Tundra Dog Coat stated that the dog winter coats were fashioned after the company’s Shedrow line of horse blankets. The canine product line was introduced in Canada to the equestrian community 25 years ago. It is currently sold in the USA at local pet shops and by Greenhawk Equestrian Sport through Amazon.com.

As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat in Perfectly Plum

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Coat for Dogs

Here are the many reasons we chose the Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Winter Coat.

Ease of Use

What first drew us to the Shedrow K9 Tundra winter dog coat was how easy it was to put on our pup. To make sure we chose the right size, we tried it on her while we were still in the store. Since it only has two closures to deal with it was very quick to put it on her. Also she didn’t seem to mind putting it on even though this was the first time she had ever worn any type of clothing.

Although I wish the under belly strap covered more of her underside, I do like that the strap is extra wide with a large hook and loop pad to keep the strap in place.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat with belly strap open

Adjustable Fit

The hook and loop straps that go across the chest and under the belly are adjustable to ensure a good fit. You can see the front closure in the below picture. Although Bella is long and somewhat stocky, she has a narrow front. But with the adjustable hook and loop we can get the perfect fit.

Tundra Winter Dog Coat Front Strap

There are also adjustable leg straps that keep the rear of the coat in place. These straps are thin so you don’t have to worry about them getting in the way of your dog going to the bathroom.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat Back Leg Strap

Quality Construction

The Tundra Dog Winter Coat looks like it is made to last. The coat has a wind and water-resistant 420 denier outer shell which will help keep her dry during snowy winter walks. Plus the 200 gram polyfill and fleece lining seems to keep our pup toasty warm even when her hair is cut short. I like that it has double stitching on the trim and reflective piping. Though, I wish they would have double stitched the trim on the belly band too.

Tundra Winter Dog Coat Double Stitching

Tailored Fit

Yet another feature that I liked about the Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat was the tailored fit in the rear. Unlike other dog coats that just lay on the rear of the dog, the tundra is tailored so it hugs your dog’s rear keeping the cold air out. The back leg bands help keep the coat snug.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat Fitted Rear

Multiple Sizes

One of the great features I liked about this coat was that it came in 9 different sizes. That’s about 4 more sizes than your average dog coat. The multiple size options mean a better fit for your dog. At only 18 pounds I consider our dog to be small. But even though she has short legs, her body is long and her chest is wide. We first tried on a small. Although it fit her, it seemed a bit small. Next we tried the Medium/Small. I had never heard of a medium/small but it fit her perfectly. As it turns out the medium/small is for sized for a Dachshund and a Corgi. These are two breeds that also have long, stocky bodies.

Shedrow K9 Size Chart

Machine Washable

The Shedrow K9 Tundra dog coat is machine washable. Just close all the velcro strips and wash in cold water on the gentle cycle. Make sure to wash it with like colors. The coat can then be hung to dry. You can find complete washing instructions at Shedrow K9 Washing Instructions

Possible Improvements

Although I really like the Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat there were a few issues with the coat.

  • Limited Coverage – I wished the coat covered more of the underside of my dog. A wider belly strap might help. If you are looking for a coat with more coverage the Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat might be a better choice. In addition to the greater coverage it is also waterproof. The Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat is available at Amazon.com
Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat
Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat Available at Amazon.com
  • Not Waterproof – The Tundra Winter Coat is only water and wind resistan unlike the Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat available at Amazon.com.
  • Fleece Liner Holds Fur – Basically, the fleece liner is a magnet for dog fur. If you have a low shed dog like I do it will not matter. But if you have a high shed dog and hair on clothes drives you nuts, you may want to go with the Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Coat .This coat has a smooth inner lining that claims to repel hair. At a minimum it should not attract the hair like the fleece doses. The Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Coat is available at Amazon.com
Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Coat
Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Dog Coat
  • No Place for Harness Loop – When I was researching this coat I noticed the only complaint about the coat was that it was missing a space for a harness loop to go through. I am not sure if this is a negative or a positive issue. On one hand water cannot leak through the harness hole. But on the other hand you need to attach the leash to the harness above where the coat sits. As you can see from the picture you can easily attach the leash to the harness this way. We use an Earth Soy Dog Comfort Wrap Harness that sits high on the back. The Earth Soy Dog Comfort Wrap Harness is available at Amazom.com
Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat with Harness Loops Sticking Out

Where to find the Shedrow K 9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat

You can find the Shedrow K9 Tundra coat at premium local pet supply shops or on Amazon.com

Other Dog Coat Options from Shedrow

The Shedrow K9 product line offers a variety of winter coat options based on your dog’s needs. Here are their other winter options:

The Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Dog Coat which is available at Amazon.com features a wind and water-resistant 600 denier ripstop outer shell with 200 gram polyfill perfect for winter weather. The Smooth inner lining helps repel fur.

The Shedrow K9 Chinook coat which is alos available at Amazon.com provides the most coverage out of all the Shedrow winter dog coats. It is designed with cold climates in mind. The waterproof outer shell, cozy fleece lining and 140 gram cotton fill should keep your pup warm. The coat features a full-coverage Y-shaped belly band for extra chest and belly protection. A Sherpa lined collar completes the look.

The Shedrow K9 Aspen Winter Dog Coat features a multi-weave traditional plaid exterior with a soft, black fleece lining. You can find the Shedrow K9 Aspen Winter Dog Coat at Amazon.com

Look for other posts from this site

Does Your Dog Need A Sweater?

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater in the Winter?

It’s getting cold outside. Time to break out the sweaters for you and me. But have you ever wondered if your dog needs a sweater too? There are a few key points to look at to help you decide if your dog needs a sweater now that it is getting cold. These key points are breed, age, health, size and the temperature. We will take a closer look at each of these points to see how they affect your dog’s need for a sweater. 

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater?

Here are some tips on how to decide

Canva.com

Breed

Your dog’s breed or breed mix will have a big impact on the type of fur your dog has. Dogs that are bred to work outside in the cold like a Siberian Husky, or Newfoundland have what is called a double coat. Dogs with a double coat have an insulating, thick under coat and a top coat. The two coats combine to protect them from the cold. This allows double coated dogs to stay warmer in the cold as compared to dogs with a single coat. However even double coated dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia in below freezing conditions. It is best to limit their exposure to the extreme cold.

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater? Picture of a dog in red dog sweater.
Sadie – Poodle/Chow Mix – Petfinder.com

Dogs that are bred for warmer climates typically have a single coat. Their fur and body fat tends to be thin. Often they will have short hair. These types of dogs may need a sweater to keep warm in the cold.  This includes breeds like the Chihuahua, the Rat Terrier, the Greyhound and the Whippet.

But what if you don’t know your dog’s breeding.   In general dogs with short fur or low body fat may benefit from wearing a sweater in the cold.  The same thing goes for long haired breeds that are clipped short like a poodle. We used to keep our English Springer Spaniel’s hair short to limit the amount of snow that would cling to her fur.

Age

Your dog’s age can be a factor in whether your dog needs a sweater to stay warm. You may not be surprised to hear that very old dogs have a harder time staying warm in the cold. But you did you know the same can be true for very young puppies?

Health

Your dog’s health can also have an effect on how well they can tolerate the cold. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association; dogs with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can have a hard time controlling their body temperature. Plus the cold can increase the pain and joint stiffness for dogs with arthritis.

Size

Smaller dogs with less body fat will feel the cold more than large dogs with a lot of body fat. Also dogs that have shorter legs will become cold quicker because their bellies are closer to the cold ground.

Temperature

Of course the temperature plays an important part in deciding if your pup should wear a sweater. If you keep your house fairly warm your pup probably does not need to wear cloths. But if you keep the temperatures low and bundle up yourself to stay warm then you should watch your dog for signs of being cold.

If you plan to take your pup out in the cold for a walk, a winter coat might be required. We use the Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Coat for our pup when the temperature goes below 40 degrees.

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater? Puppy with red checked blanket
Luna from Petfinder.com

Signs Your Dog is Cold

The best way to decide if your dog needs a sweater is to watch for clues.  If your dog is shaking or shivering, they are cold and in need of immediate warmth.  Also if you find your dog curled up in a tight ball with their legs, tail and nose tucked in tight it means they are trying to stay warm. This is a sign that they might like a sweater or blanket to help keep in the warmth.    

Watch Out for Over Heating

It is important to watch for signs that your dog is too warm wearing clothes. Heavy panting or rapid breathing and drinking water more often can be signs that your dog is too warm. Also dogs will spread themselves out on the floor to try to cool themselves off. My dog loves to cuddle but will get up from time to time to cool off on the floor.

Does Your dog Really Need a Sweater?

Alternative to Sweaters

Some dogs simply do not like wearing clothes and don’t need them all the time. An alternative to clothing is to give your pup a warm blanket and a cozy bed. The bed will keep them off the cold floor and they can move the blanket around to fit their needs. Of course you can always cuddle up together to stay warm on cold nights!

Four west paw big sky dog blankets

West Paw Big Sky Dog Blanket – This soft fleece throw is machine washable and made in the USA. Comes in three sizes to fit your needs. Available at Amazon.com

As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commissions from qualifying purchases.

Happyoodles Dog Sweater Picks

If you’re looking for a unique dog sweater, look for further than the Happiness Hugs Thala Hug Dog Sweater. Made from Yak Yarn this sweater claims to be softer and more sustainable than Cashmere. Plus it features a Tibetan “Khorlo”, or “wheel” pattern, which beautifully represents the wish to walk with our companions for years to come. You can find it at Amazon.com

Dog sweater in red and white from Blueberry Pet

Blueberry Pet – This thick, soft chenille dog sweater is made from 100% polyester for ease care. Available at Amazon.com

XXXL Boyfriend Dog Sweater

Chilly Dog – Boyfriend Dog Sweater – handmade by Inca Artisans in South American. This sweater is 100% wool with plant dyes. Available at Amazon.com

Does you dog need a sweater? beige sweater on dog

BINGPET Turtleneck Dog Sweater – The beige sweater with brown banding comes your choice of design on the back. Made from soft acrylic to keep your pup warm. Available at Amazon.com

Colorful sweater on gray dog

Baja Ponchos– One of a kind handmade dog ponchos made from an authentic Mexican blanket. Available at Amazon.com

Finding large breed sweaters is often hard to find, but Canada Pooch offers an extra-large breed dog sweater in gray or magenta. You can find it on Amazon.com

Not finding what you are looking for? Try these:

Other Posts You Might Like

Perfect Winter Sweaters

Pet Insurance – 9 Common Mistakes People Make When Deciding to Buy Pet Insurance.

What you should look for when picking a dog groomer

Pole and Bait Toys: Why You Should Get One

happy-oodles-reviews-pole-and-chase-toys-fl

When the weather is too hot or cold to go outside it is important to have a few toys in the house to keep your pup busy. But it’s hard to find a toy that will keep their attention for a long time, tire them out and does not involve food. When our pup was just a couple months old our trainer introduced us to bait toys. A bait toy is a pole with a toy or “prey” attached to it by a long rope. The idea is that you bait the dog into chasing the “prey” around the room. There are many different types of bait toys some better than others. We have reviewed the top two rated bait toys available at the time. Join us as we go over the pros and cons of each.

Bella

When our puppy was just 3 months old, she was still too young to go out for walks in the neighborhood. Plus our yard was a soggy mess due to an abundance of early spring snow.  All this time inside was making her feel pretty restless, which in turn caused her to become a hand full.  She started chewing on our tables and knocking down whatever she could to chew on. Although she was attending a puppy kindergarten class, and a puppy social on the weekends and we took her for walks around the house it was not enough to burn off her puppy energy. We needed to figure out a way to make her more active inside.

happy-oodles-reviews-chase-and-pull-dog-toy-fl

It turns out we were not the only ones feeling this way.

At a Puppy Kindergarten class the instructor showed us the Vee Chase ‘N Pull Dog Toy. She explained that is was a great toy for puppies that were still too young to freely go out to parks or other areas where unvaccinated dogs could be. Since many of the puppies in the class were still not fully vaccinated we were all very interested to see how it worked. Typically the puppies in the class were interested in each other but not when this toy came out. The puppy she was demonstrating it on was mesmerized by it. So were all the other puppies. They all wanted to chase the toy. We decided to try it ourselves.

Bella’s reaction

We don’t know exactly what Bella’s breeding is with but we do know that her mother was a Rat Terrier. Because of this she has a very strong prey drive.

happy-oodles-reviews-pole-and-chase-toys-4-fl

This toy taps into those instincts and really gets her going. Even if your dog is not from a hunting breed most dogs will have a natural instinct to hunt.

happy-oodles-reviews-pole-and-chase-toys-3-fl

How Pole and Bait Toys work

Pole and bait toys work by you moving the pole in either a zigzag or circler motion which in turn makes the “prey” move while your pup chases it.  For anyone who has ever been around cats it resembles a giant cat toy.

Pole and bait toys come in different sizes with different types of prey.  To determine the right one for you, you should consider the size of your pooch and the space you have to swing it around.

Why we like it

  • Chasing the prey around can burn off a ton of your dog’s energy, but you won’t be exhausted when they are done.
  • You can use it as a training toy.
  • It can be used inside or out.

Safety For Your Pooch First

Although pole and bait toys are great, there are few things to consider:

  1. Jumping can cause injury to dogs, especially for puppies under one year old because their bodies are still developing. Instead of dangling the toy in the air, try dragging the toy on the ground for your dog to chase
  2. If you are outside, try to use it on a cushioned surface like grass for those jumpy moments. Jumping and possibly falling on a hard surface can hurt your pup.
  3. Make sure the play area is open and clear (we’ve broken few plates and glasses in the kitchen!)
  4. Don’t use with a dog you do not have complete control over.

Lastly, if your dog has bad joints or injuries that could be aggravated by quick changes of direction or jumping, you shouldn’t use a pole and bait toy.

Product Reviews

Note: As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We’ve picked out 2 of our favorite pole and bait toys:

  • VeeVee Chase ‘N Pull Toy Review
  • Chase ‘N Pull vs Flirt Pole

Of course there are many more with similar features, we found these two toys standout due to construction quality and available replacement parts.

VeeVee Chase ‘N Pull Toy

happy-oodles-reviews-vee-chase-and-pull-dog-toy-fl

As I mentioned we purchased the Vee Chase ‘N Pull Dog Toy from our trainer but you can also buy from Amazon here. The Chase’ N Pull comes with a triangle shaped stuffed faux sheep fleece toy that has a squeaker in middle. It feels very soft, replicating the feel of a small animal. The top of the pole is flexible giving you the feel of a fishing rod.

It has been our best toy purchase so far. We have had it for a long time at this point and Bella still loves chasing the prey. She likes it so much that she has started playing with it when it was draped over a chair and has been caught stealing it off a bench.

PROS CONS
Keeps Bella’s attention until she is
tired 		The braided rope is not replaceable
Designed to be tough enough for
to tug on 		Prey can be torn if dog is
allowed to chew on it.
Faux Sheepskin is machine
washable
Comes in three sizes:
Mini (24″ wand with 28″ rope)
Small (28″ wand with 36″ rope)
Large (30″ wand with 36″ rope) 		No Warranty
Faux Fur Toy is replaceable
Made in the USA

Sizing

We purchased the large version because we wanted a larger range of motion and we didn’t know how big she would grow. However I think the “prey” is too big for her small puppy mouth right now so she has a habit of grabbing the rope instead of the prey. The prey is replaceable but the rope is not.

Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole

happy-oodles-reviews-quisky-flirt-pole-v2-fl

A solid alternative to the Chase ‘N Pull is the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 also available from Amazon.com. Just like the Chase ‘N Pull, the Flirt Pole V2 is a pole and prey toy that is made in the USA, and comes with a replaceable “prey” toy. The toy is a braided fleece that is made of 100% polyester. The Flirt Pole has a foam rubber, non-slip grip for easy handling plus a safety wrist strap to prevent you from accidentally losing hold of the pole.

The main difference between the Squishy and the Vee Chase and Pull is that the Squishy routes the bungee cord through the rigid wand. However, I prefer the flexible pole from the Chase ‘n Pull toy. In addition to providing some give-and-take motions, the kids can pretend they are fishing a dog!

PROS CONS
Pole (rigid) appears durable Rigid pole may increase the risk of
injuring your pet (or even people)
Comes in two sizes:
Small/Jr. – 24″ pole with 42″cord
Large/Regular – 36″ pole with
52″cord		Bungee cord may whip back at you
Toy is replaceable
(and machine washable) 		Bungee cord is NOT replaceable
One year warranty Prey will eventually wear out
Made in the USA

The Verdict

We think both chase and pull toys are good solutions to keep your dog entertained. Having said that, here are some key differences to keep in mind:

Vee Chase N PullSquishy Flirt Pole
Prey Faux Lamb FleeceBraided Fleece
Price$$$$
Tug-abilityDesigned to be tugged onTells you not to tug on rope
PoleRigid pole with safety strapFlexible pole (No Safety Strap)
WarrantyNo WarrantyOne Year Warranty

As you can see, these two products are both neck-and-neck in terms of features and functions. We love our Vee Chase ‘N Pull Dog but the Squishy pull toy is clearly the favorite on Amazon. Either one will bring you and your dog hours of fun.

9 common mistakes people make when deciding to buy Pet Insurance.

Pet insurance – Here are 5 ways to get a discount on Pet Insurance

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One

If you have a doodle like us, you know that doodles and poodles spend a lot of time at the groomers. So it is very important that you pick the best dog groomer for your dog. But too often when picking a dog groomer people tend to focus on how their Doodle will look. Let’s face it; we all want our dogs to look great. While a good haircut is important, you need to also focus on finding a safe, clean grooming salon. You want a groomer that will care for your pup just like you do.

You may not realize it, but dog grooming salons can be a dangerous place for your pup. Just search on dog grooming accidents. You will find stories about dogs that were hurt at the hands of their groomers. Now accidents do happen.  But there is a difference between an experienced, dedicated groomer and one that is not.  That difference may be the difference between bringing your dog home with a nick and something much worst.  To help you we have gathered information on what to look for when picking the best dog groomer for your dog.

Groomed dog with comb

What to Look For When Picking the Best Dog Groomer for Your Dog

Here are the 10 areas you should look at when picking the best dog groomer for your dog:

  1. Reviews
  2. Experience
  3. Training
  4. Cleanliness
  5. Safety
  6. Insurance
  7. Where will your dog be kept?
  8. What products they use
  9. Price

Join us as we review each area and provide tips on what to look for.

1. Reviews

When picking the best dog groomer for your dog, you should ask people you know for recommendations. Start with your family, and friends. They are more likely to give you their honest opinion. Ask what they like and don’t like about their groomer. Ideally you should ask people who have a dog with the same hair type and demeanor as your dog. This is particularly important if you have a poodle mixed breed. Remember all dogs are different; one groomer might be great with a certain type of dog and not so great with another. You can also ask people you meet that have the same type of dog. I found most people are willing to talk about their groomer if they have had a good experience.

When you can’t get recommendations

If you don’t know of anyone who uses a dog groomer, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. 

You can also trying searching on the internet. Use keywords like “dog groomer near me”, “dog grooming near me” or “find a dog groomer near me”. If you use Google you should receive a list of area groomers along with their contact information, reviews and website address. We found our dog groomer by searching on “best dog groomer near me”.

Once you have a few possibilities you need to do some research. Look on the web at review sites. But don’t just look at the number of stars; make sure to read what people have to say. Pay special attention to complaints regarding cleanliness, safety, and how the place treats their canine clients. 

Also look to see if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau. If there are complaints, how were they settled? If there are a lot of complaints stay away.

2. Experience

Experience is not just how long they have been grooming dogs but where they trained and if they are keeping up with their training. You can find some of this information on line by checking out their website or Facebook page. If it is not there you will need to ask them during an interview. Ideally you want someone who has at least a few years of grooming experience with some of that experience coming from an apprenticeship under an experienced groomer.

3. Training

Currently dog groomers do not need a license to groom a dog, which means anyone can call themselves a dog groomer. Because of this you need to pay attention to how the groomer was trained. When talking with the groomer make sure to ask them:

  • Where they received their training
    • Look for a groomer who has completed a qualified grooming program.
    • Find out if they are certified by a national dog groomer association.
  • Some states require that groomers are licensed and certified in flea and tick applications. Ask to see if your prospective groomer is certified.

4. Cleanliness

Once you have picked a few dog groomers you like, your next step is to visit the salon. I suggest that you pop in unexpected for a quick visit. That way can see what the place looks like and who is grooming the dogs when they are not expecting you. However don’t expect a tour or long conversation. The groomer may be busy with a client. You should be able to take a quick look around. Then setup another time to talk extensively and get a tour.

During your first visit look to see if the place looks and smells clean. A messy place can result in injuries. Some red flags to look for are dirty, musty smells, forceful handling of the dogs and unattended dogs on tables or in front of dryers. We will talk more about the interview process later.

5. Safety

Your dog’s safety should be the most important consideration when picking a groomer.   In recent years there have been reports of dogs becoming injured or dying at the hands of their groomer.   Here are some of the things you should look for:

  • First Aid Kit – Make sure your groomer has a first aid kit for dogs.  It should be easily accessible in case of an emergency.  Ask if there is a staff member always present that is trained in pet first aid and CPR.  
  • Medical Records – They should keep track of your dog’s medical and vaccination records and emergency contact information in addition to their grooming records.  Ask the owner if they have a procedure in place for emergencies.  Do they have a veterinarian on call?
  • Muzzle – Ask if they use a muzzle during grooming.   If so what is the policy for when and how long a muzzle is used.  Remember a muzzle can restrict how easy a dog can breathe.
  • Hair Dryers – Drying a dog after they had a bath can be dangerous for your dog if not done properly. Dogs can become over heated if left in front of a dryer for too long. Ask the groomer how they dry the dogs. If they use a dryer find out how it is monitored to insure the animal does not overheat.
  • Handling – Observe how friendly the staff is and how gentle they are with their four-legged clients.  Ask about how they handle difficult dogs.

Our story

Our previous dog’s groomer worked alone when we started to use her. As her popularity grew so did her workload. After a couple of years of going to her, we started to notice what looked like grooming mishaps. Spots where our dog’s fur was cut too short and the skin looked irritated. We also noticed that our pup did want to go to the groomer anymore. So at her last visit we decided to pop in early one day to check on our pup. What we found was that the owner of the shop was no longer the person who was grooming our dog. At no point during our conversations at drop off or pick up were we told that she had people working for her. The lesson here is even after you find a great groomer it is important to stay vigilant.

6. Insurance

When picking a groomer it is important to make sure the groomer and everyone who works there is covered by insurance in case of an accident. Ask the groomer about the type of insurance they have and who is covered. Ideally they will have both general and professional liability insurance.

7. Where dogs are kept?

During your tour ask where your dog will be kept when they are not being groomed.  Some groomers will keep the dogs in a cage when they are not being worked on.  Others will have play areas where well behaved dogs can be around other dogs.  In either case pay attention to how clean and well-lit the area is. Is the area monitored? Is there room to move around comfortably?   Find out what their policy is regarding aggressive dogs.  They should have a way to separate aggressive dogs from the other dogs.

8. What products do they use?

What products the groomer uses will have an effect on your dog’s skin and fur. Make sure to ask about the products they will use on your dog. All-natural or organic dog shampoos and conditioners are gentler on your dog’s coat and skin than products that are full of chemicals. This is especially important for dogs that are prone to skin conditions or have allergies.

9. Price

Although you shouldn’t base your decision on price, you do want to make sure you know what you are getting and at what cost. Make sure to ask what is included and what is not.

Be cautious of a groomer that is priced much lower than their competition. Either they are new or they are unable to get clients at an average price.

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog - Westie being groomed

The Interview

Now that we have gone over items you should look for when picking the best dog groomer for your dog, let’s get into some tips for the actual interview.

During your scheduled interview and tour take a closer look at:

  • How clean the facility is?
    • Some hair on the floor is to be expected, especially if there are dogs being groomed. However there shouldn’t be hair lying around from a previous groom.
    • Does the salon smell of accidents, vomit or wet dogs?
    • If the groomer uses holding cages are they clean?
    • Are there fleas?
      • An easy way to check for fleas is to wear something white on your feet. Glance at them periodically throughout your visit. If the place has fleas, you will see them jump on your feet and ankles as you walk.
  • Is there fresh water available?

Do they ask questions?

A good dog groomer will not only answer all your questions, but they will also ask you questions about your dog. At a minimum they should ask:

  • The age of your dog
  • If your dog has previously been groomed
  • They should inquire about your dog’s health. Remember to tell them if there are any medical conditions such as:
    • Skin problems
    • Allergies
    • Arthritis
    • Other aliments
    • Let them know if your dog has mobility issues or if they cannot stand for a long period of time.
  • They should ask you how you want your dog to look. Bring pictures so you can show the groomer how you want your pup to look.
  • For proof of age appropriate vaccines. Stay away from a groomer who doesn’t ask for this.
The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog - Dog getting a bath

How to Save Money at the Groomers

Picture of a Yorkshire Terrier mix on a grooming table with hair and scissors next to her. Part of What to look for when picking a groomer post
Petfinder.com

As the saying goes “Time is Money”. Dog groomers often determine the price based on how long it takes to groom a dog. The easier it is to groom your dog the less it will cost. The three big time commitments are:

1. Matted Fur

  • To keep your dog from becoming matted you need to brush and comb them often. How often will depend on how long their fur is. Since we keep our pup’s hair on the short side every few days seems to work. For long haired dogs, brushing and combing needs to be done daily. Pay attention to the areas that matt the most.
    • Use a slicker brush, than run a comb over their entire body to make sure you did not miss anything. A small mat today will become bigger by tomorrow.
  • Stay out of the rain. Wet hair mats quickly
  • Consider going to the groomer more often
  • Keep their hair on the shorter side

As an Amazon and Cherrybrook affiliate I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The Chris Christensen slicker brush is highly recommended by dog groomers and doodle owners for at home use. We recommend buying it from Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies. You can also find it on Amazon.com.

We use the Chris Christensen Poodle Comb from Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies to line comb our pup. It is a heavy weight comb that should last for a very long time. Plus the long 1.25″ teeth are long enough to get through all of her fur. You can also find it on Amazon.com.

2. Dogs that don’t like to be groomed

  • Brush them at home to help your pup become comfortable with being groomed.
  • Give them a special treat when you pick them up from the groomers.

3. Specialty cuts and dyes

  • Today, dog grooming goes beyond a simple bath and cut. Dogs can get elaborate cuts and dyes. But it will cost you. If you want to keep your expenses down go for a simple haircut.

Types of Dog Groomers

Here are a few common types of dog groomers you can choose from.

Big Box Store

  • This is a corporate run salon that is attached to a retail store. There has been some bad press around corporate salons in the past couple of years due to dog deaths. Remember accidents can happen in any type of salon. If you go to a corporate salon, ask who will be grooming your dog. Then interview them just like you would at a smaller groomer before booking an appointment.
  • An advantage of this type of place over smaller salons is that you can watch as your dog is groomed.

Small business

  • Small salons tend to be owner operated businesses. In this type of salon the owner does some if not all of the grooming.
  • Sometimes they have a small staff that helps with the bathing and grooming. These places may have an apprentice working with them.

Mobile

  • Mobile groomers operate out of a van that has been designed to be a grooming salon.
  • They come to you.
  • Your dog will be the only one they are working on. This is particularly good for dogs that don’t get along with other dogs.
  • Maybe more expensive than a groomer you go to.

When picking a dog groomer for your dog remember that they are one of the few people you will leave your dog with alone.  For this reason it is important to find a groomer that you trust to treat your pup the same way you do.

Take your time and be selective when picking the best dog groomer for your dog.

Resources

There are two canine groomer associations that offer certification and advance training.

Dog Park Essentials Checklist

Having the right items with you is essential for a sucessful trip with your pup. Use this Dog Park Essentials Checklist so you don’t forget these important items on your next trip. 

11 Dog Park Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

1. Water and Water Bowl

Teton Dog Travel Water Bowl available at Amazon.com
Washable, Folding, Made in USA.

Always have plenty of water on hand for both you and your dog.  On hot days remember to take breaks from playing to offer your pup a drink.  

Don’t waste precious water trying to give your pup water straight from the bottle.  Instead use a travel water bowl like Teton Dog Travel Water Bowl to quench your pups thirst. Don’t let him drink from a communal bowl either. Parasites can be spread through feces and shared bowls.

2. Dog Waste Bags

Don’t forget to bring your own dog waste bag in case the park supplied bags run out.   Always clean up after your pet to avoid spreading disease.  

Petsafe Break-Away Collar Available at Amazon.com
Made in USA

3. Breakaway Collar

Regular dog collars can be dangerous for your dog, especially if they get in a scuffle with another dog. Dogs can also become injured if their collar is caught on a branch or part of the fencing.   

4. Identification Tags

All dogs should have an identification tag in case they escape from the fenced in area.  In addition to an id tag make sure you have your rabies and dog license on you in case you are asked for it.

Mendota Slip Lead Available at Amazon.com
Made in USA

5. Leash

All dogs should be on a leash until they enter the dog park area. However trying to take your dog’s leash off while they are excited to run and play can be a challenge. An alternative to a traditional leash and collar is a slip lead. A Slip Lead enables you to easily slip the lead over the dog’s head allowing you to quickly leash or unleash your pup.

6. Cell Phone

Preload the local animal control number so you have it if needed.

SeaSense Eco-Blast Refillable Air Horn Available at Amazon.com

7. Air horn to break-up dog fights

If a dog fight breaks out don’t get in the middle.  Try to break up the fight while keeping a safe distance.  The most recommended way to break up a dog fight is through loud startling sounds, hence the air horn. Use carefully.

8. Super Soaker Water Gun

This item will probably surprise most people but the second most recommended way to break up a fight is by throwing water on the dogs. Water guns allow you to keep your distance while being able to aim where you want the water to go.   How big a water gun is up to you, just make sure it can reach at least 15 ft.

9. Dog Deterrent Spray

For dog fights you just cannot get under control or if you have a dog charge at you and your dog, deterrent sprays can help temporarily stop the dog.   There are several kinds of sprays with different intensities.   The citronella sprays are milder than the pepper sprays.    Both get good reviews but none work 100% of the time.   If the dog is intent on attacking the spray will hopefully slow them down long enough for you to find a safe place.      

10. Treats

Keep your dog’s favorite treats handy to entice them to come to you quickly when needed.

11. A bag – To hold it all. 

The Jasper Dog Walking Bag is a stylish water proof option to carry all your dog park essentials. You can find it at Amazon.com

For more like this read:

Dog Parks Concerns and Tips on How to Protect your Dog