pamperedpoodles4u.com Blog

- Works well for what it is designed to do. There has been 2 times since May 2010 that I found one of the collars in the yard after the 2 poodles were done rough playing. So not saying that there would have been any drama like that night in May – but it does mean that whatever they were doing caused enough force to further break away as the safety function kicked in

- Easy to put back on if there is a “break-away”

- Collar looks fine and holds up well in weather, etc.

- Lease rings are easy to work with (see picture in link)
Cons:
- If not holding the lease rings together and you have to quickly grab the collar if dog is pulling – collar will break-away – and you will have to control the dog otherwise as collar will be off. I have had this happen every so often if the two poodles are around people off-lead – and they get curious, go after a squirrel, etc. – collar may break-away given they are strong guys – but I can grab them by body skin and control from there (get on a sit/stay – then put collar back on) – so more of an inconvenience for me thus far

- Pricier than traditional nylon collars ($17 (large size) vs. $6-$8)

- Limited colors versus traditional collars (I think about 6-8 choices)
Bottom line:
These collars have worked well and as advertised for us since the incident referenced below – and the slight inconvenience of them breaking-away every so often unexpected is easily handled with the peace of mind we get knowing that Aspen and Skittles can horse play all they want when we are not around – and not have to worry about getting tangled in each other’s collars. Other freak accidents like getting collars caught on tress/shrubs/benches, etc – are also preventable as talked about on the website referenced Not sure how this collar will hold-up over years, not months – but so far so good!

Just thought I’d share the results of the product, since the group seemed interested last we visited the incident/subject back in May 2010.
Will send some new pictures and stories of the crew soon – they are always up to (into) something!
Hope all is well
5/17/2010 – email

Will send some better shots of just the boys for your site.

Take care,

Just a short update on Bode. I’ve included a picture that was taken on the same beach and same log as the picture of him at 8 weeks. As you can see he is no longer sitting on my lap. LOL He is probably somewhere between 40 and 50 lbs. The last weigh in for his heartworm pill was 40.6 lbs. He is doing very well and is my shadow. We are doing obedience training (which we are off to today) and he is very quick to pick up everything. We are done camping for the year and are looking forward to taking him x-country skiing this winter. He will be getting a backpack for Christmas so he can carry his own supplies. LOL He is fitting in well (just don’t ask my cat that) and is getting along much better with my little Italian Greyhound. We are preparing for “the” operation next month or the month after. My vet would like him to be 6 or better 7 months old. We are very happy with Bode and he is all we hoped for. Take care.

Attached are a couple of pictures with my boy Danny. Last week me and my mini brother and sister, Danny and Mom and Dad went to Traverse City on vacation. We stayed in a house with a nice fenced yard and a coy pond (I loved watching the fish). As you can see, I LOVED swimming in the bay as long as my feet could touch bottom. We went for long walks; me and Dad (nice bonding) and Mom and the minis. We went to the Dunes and Mackinaw. One of the pictures is of me and Danny on the Ferry.

Hi, all. I just thought I’d tell you about my first day at my new home and family. Well, it was busy! First thanks, Barb for spiffin’me up and getting all the admin stuff out of the way. I would have helped, but you know, without an opposable thumb . . .

The trip up to my new home near Empire was great; Mom held me the whole way and I got a few zzz’s in. They talked to me the all the time. And when we got there, wow – two signs out front. One says “It’s a Boy” and the other “Welcome Home JACK”.

My new parents, ahem, pack leaders, seem very nice and they appear to be quite bright for people. They taught me (or they thought they did) where to do my business. Really I decided the area and they thought they did. It all worked out fine and I hit the mark all but once. Had to withdraw one credit from my puppy bank. No bigee. I got more back. For example, I now know my new name, Jack. They want to call me that. I like it. I bet you do too, Dad. I’ll make you proud, don’t worry.

They have a real nice place in the middle of the woods. I mean really big tress. They were talking and I heard them say they’ll take me for a walk in the woods when I get a little older and bigger. Can’t wait. They were also talking about a “big puddle” they call lake Michigan. I’ll tell you all about it soon.

I said they were pretty bright for humans. In just the first day, I showed them how I would come to them (if they asked nicely); how much noise could come from my little frame especially when I missed you guys last night; what a play bow looks like and what’s the right size bowl, so I don’t have to tip it over to get my food out.

Let’s see. Lots of toys to chew on. Lots of new smells and, oh yeah, I did make a mistake of trying to chew on a shoe when it was on my mom’s foot. Won’t do that again. I’ll wait until it’s in her closet. More later.

Hope you are well!

QUESTION

As you know, Skittles was neutered probably a good month or so ago… So wanted to reach out and inquire about Skittles “official papers”, although not a priority at all. If you need piece of mind that the procedure was done – let me know – and I can get vet to write letter, or “snap a picture” – guess in this case – proof is in the “picture”!!

Just let me know – but have been meaning to reach out and ask (although I don’t think we even sent Aspen’s in yet – oopps)

UPDATE

I attached a couple recent pictures of the two pups. They continue to progress. Skittles is the more laid-back and the social butterfly of the bunch, but VERY reliant on Aspen. When Aspen has to go somewhere alone, Skittles just lays down and pouts (sometimes watches out the window for Aspen to come home). Aspen on the other hand, is more tense and down to business –and really enjoys Skittles – but I think as the “leader” has no problem with Skittles out of the house for awhile – he just get excited that he has more time with me to play ball! These guys are a trip together for sure!

They both are completing obedience classes next week – and both did fine. Skittles, once again, being more laid back and less “tense”, did much better around other dogs and with obedience overall (I left him on a sit and stay at end of class by mistake, and left him in training room alone when I stepped out to talk to teacher, only to walk back in and find Skittles the only dog left in class, still on a sit and stay! – really funny and teacher was amazed!)– but they both were the “stars” of their classes – just in different ways!

The instructor used Skittles as a “example” of how a dog should have eye contact with their owner during these “exercises” (Skittles sits and stares at me most of the time in these classes) – little did the instructor know, the reason Skittles always stares me down was that he is too darn smart and knows I have training treats in my pocket! Too funny – I did not say anything and let Skittles get the “credit” he “deserved?!

They are both doing well on potty training – I still catch one or the other “occasionally” having a pee accident – and I’m convinced it has nothing to do with training and accidents – it is all because they are mad about something (like being left alone sometimes) – and decides to deliver a “message” – no poos though! Similarly, when I went out of town a month or so ago – Skittles got mad and chewed the living room window sill – which he NEVER has done. Well after the correction there and some “bitter apple” no chew spray – he has gotten over chewing window sills!

That’s all for now – will send more pictures this month – has been a busy summer!

It is Aspen’s B-Day this week!

Take good care.