Just about every day, I take my trio out for a hound-worthy walk. This involves Mudd, my lab/basset mix (he's built like a skinny lab) and the dynamic beagle-duo of Annabelle and Lulu. We don't just go around the block - we're fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood that's surrounded by wetlands, and is also just down the street from a forest preserve - so we like to get in to those areas and sniff around for fun things. As my three are SO nose-focused, and are always scenting for something interesting to pursue, strong gear is A MUST!! Now, you're probably thinking - who needs "strong gear" for a beagle? And, in the case of Lulu, you're mostly correct. For her, I really just need something that will last - though when I do give her lead and she gets into brush areas where I can't easily see her, I want the reassurance of knowing that the hardware on her leash and collar is very reliable. Annabelle, on the other hand, is no ordinary beagle. First off, she's a beagle mix - and to the practiced eyes of myself and several other dog people, appears likely to be mixed with a pitbull (or similar type) of terrier. So she's packing a lot of muscle on that 22-lb frame of hers, and is surprisingly strong (and headstrong). Though she's obedient, and has been through Obedience classes as well as Agility classes with me, she still has been able to break 2 collars and a harness while out walking with me!! Mudd is just under 60-lbs, and is usually obedient and predictable, but again - because of the "wild" areas we walk in, I need the reassurance of gear that won't fail. As always, money was spent and wasted before I finally came across what I believe to be the ULTIMATE in dog-walking accessories - at prices that are not ridiculous, considering the quality and performance of the products. The brand is "Ruff Wear", and I have been THRILLED with my purchases. All 3 of my dogs wear the "DoubleBack Collar", which is incredibly strong, and has a lace-back option which is so superior to the slide adjust collars that my dogs had figured out how to slip out of, and the regular buckle collars that never seem to fit just right. With the "DoubleBack", you are able to adjust the collar to fit your dog's neck EXACTLY as you want, then use the lace-back to prevent it from slipping - ever. I also purchased 2 of the "DoubleBack" leashes, which come in colors to match the collar. But the best thing about the leash is the hardware: it has a screw-gate locking carabiner for a secure collar connection!! This is a connection that no dog is going to break. Annabelle also has the "Web Master" harness - another great piece for extra security. It is padded around the chest and at the sternum for comfort, and has handles on it, so I can lift her out of, and over various wilderness "situations". Lulu walks along on the "Roamer Leash", which has an extendable elastic core, and can adjust to be worn around my waist (though I often just clip it to my belt loop). All 3 leashes really minimize pulling, especially the "DoubleBack", and offer great stability. And, Ruff Wear does offer a limited guarantee/warranty on their products.
~Happy, Healthy Hounding :)
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