Working K-9 Equipment - a list by AbbyK9

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About this list:

Some of my favorite heavy-duty working dog equipment. This is not the kind of stuff the average dog owner will need, but that working and sporting dog owners and handlers may be interested in.

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Viewing 1-8 of 8 Items

Ruff Wear Bark'n Boots

First to recommend

Description

All RuffWear equipment is manufactured with the serious user in mind: it's high-quality gear that is durable and well-made. The RuffWear Bark'n Boots are no exception.

Bark'n Boots claim to be a "better" kind of dog boot, and let's face it, they deliver what they promise. They are the only dog boot on the market that features a Vibram sole. The uppers are made from breathable mesh and the bands securing the booties at the ankle feature reflective striping.

Bark'n Boots are the only dog boots that do not turn around, fall off, or scuff easily. They don't get worn out with a trip around the block like many of the Muttlucks knock-offs do. The design and fit is superior to any other dog boot on the planet.

Bark'n Boots are so well-designed that German police K-9 units working in downtown areas where broken glass and other debris pose a threat to dogs' paw pads, are now being equipped with them.

Bark'n Boots are currently available in red (shown) and blue, but will finally be available in (tactical) black in April 2008!

Updated Mar 10, 2008

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Freestanding Kennel

First to recommend

Description

This free-standing, modular kennel sold by Diamondback Tactical is one of the best kennel systems currently on the market.

Other kennel systems require people to put down concrete and set the chain-link panel poles into the wet concrete, or they have no base at all, allowing dogs to easily tunnel out of their enclosures. This design sets up relatively easily and doesn't require any permanent pouring of concrete or setting of poles.

You can order a wide variety of lengths and width of this kennel system to fit your space. You can have one or more doors - and all doors feature latches that can be locked with a padlock if you have trouble with people accessing your kennel without permission. You can even get your choice of color - black, sand, or OD green.

Updated Aug 8, 2007

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Reward Toy

First to recommend

Description

When trainers and agencies look for quality working dogs, they want dogs that have a lot of toy drive and will do almost anything for that reward toy, whether it's a ball or Kong that you can throw for the dog, or a tug that your dog can grab and "win".

This reward toy, a jute covered ball on a rope, is an ideal reward for a toy driven dog. It can be thrown like a tennis ball, used like a tug reward, and stows easily due to its small size.

This ball is covered in Jute like the bite sleeves used in bite training, so many dogs will like the feeling and texture of this over a normal tennis ball.

Updated Aug 8, 2007

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K-9 Bluelite

First to recommend

Description

K-9 Bluelite can best be described as "Gatorade for Dogs".

This is a powdered product that you add to your dog's drinking water to help them quickly replenish electrolytes lost by training in hot and humid weather. Bluelite helps to rehydrate your dog more quickly and more efficiently than just by offering water alone.

If you train hard for dog sports or with your working dog, you should keep this at hand.

Updated Aug 6, 2007

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The Buddy Bowl

First to recommend

Description

I have only nice things to say about the Buddy Bowl - and anyone who travels a lot with their dogs will probably have nothing mean to say about it, either.

I've always found it difficult to make those long trips with my German Shepherd, Abby. Even though my SUV is set up as a dog utility vehicle in the back, with easy-to-clean rubber matting, tie-downs to hold her harness and equipment, it was still a hassle having to stop frequently to give her water or having a water bowl sloshing all over the back of my vehicle.

The Buddy Bowl solved this. It really is a no-spill bowl. Fill it up and it provides water for your dog, conveniently and easily, without sloshing or spilling. My girl can step on his bowl and it still won't spill - so it definitely deserves a thumbs up from me.

Updated Aug 6, 2007

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Muttluks Dog Boots

First to recommend

Description

Muttluks dog boots are not the cheap, flimsy fashion boots that are sold at pet chain stores or through mail-order pet supply catalogs in the United States. Muttluks are serious paw protection for working dogs - whether they're pulling a sled or working in the hot sands of Iraq.

The yellow all-weather Muttluks are made from waterproof yellow nylon and feature a leather sole and toe cap for protection and traction. They close with an adjustable velcro strap which is reflective for night-time safety.

Muttluks are provided to many military working dog teams overseas that work in areas that may be dangerous or harmful to sensitive dog paws, such as the hot sands or vehicle surfaces in Iraq, or rocky mountainous terrain in Afghanistan. Back home, Muttluks are great for dog trekking and will keep your pup's paws safe from those dangerous trails in the mountains. (via Elite K9 Military & Working Dog Equipment)

Updated Aug 6, 2007

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ASAT Leash

First to recommend

Description

The ASAT (all season, all terrain) leash is truly the only leash you will ever need.

The innovative material feels and looks like leather, but does not require any maintenance like leather does. That means, no breaking-in period, no leather-oiling, no worrying about getting the leads wet or dirty. They are more comfortable on your hands that nylon leads of the same length and width and don't "fuzz out" like nylon leads do.

- water, mildew, and rot proof.
- 500 lbs. breaking strength on 1/2”
- 750 lbs. breaking strength on 3/4”
- No maintenance needed
- easily cleaned

I have had my ASAT lead for over two years now and it's holding up great. If it gets dirty, all I have to do is dip it in water or wipe it with a damp cloth, and it's as good as new. They also come in many different styles, including trial / police leads with a floating ring in the handle, which is an extremely versatile design. (via Elite K9 Military & Working Dog Equipment)

Updated Aug 6, 2007

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ChillyDog Cooling Vest

First to recommend

Description

WHAT IT PROMISES

The ChillyDog "maintains a constant 59 degrees for up to 2.5 hours in 100 degree temperatures and recharges in minutes." It is "absolutely safe" and recharges in "10 to 15 minutes in ice water" or "30 to 45 minutes in the refrigerator". It is "adjustable to fit a wide range of working dogs."

HOW IT WORKS

The ChillyDog uses rechargeable cooling packs. These cooling packs are made from food-grade fats and oils and do not create any condensation as they thaw over the period of use. The cool packs aren't freezing cold like ice packs, but keep a constant cool temperature.

DESIGN

The ChillyDog vest covers the sides of the dog's chest, bringing the cool packs into contact with the dog's rib cage around the lungs and heart. The vest has a chest and neck strap as well as two straps that go across the back of the dog. It is easily put on by walking the dog over the vest and then pulling it up, similar to many canine car harnesses on the market. The neck straps are fully adjustable with Velcro, and the straps across the back via buckles. The cool pack compartments have Velcro closures at the top and cool packs can be exchanged without taking the vest off. D-ring hook-ups on the ChillyDog vest allow it to be used as a harness. Comes only in black. Comes only in ChillyDog (large working breeds) and ChillyPup (small working breeds) sizes.

HOW IT PERFORMS

I tested the Chilly dog on a hot day with low humidity as well as on a hot day with high humidity. It performed equally well in both tests because it does not rely on evaporation for its cooling effectiveness. The vest kept the dog's body temperature below 103 degrees on a 104 degree day with 60% humidity!

WHAT I LIKE

The vest is manufactured extremely well with the same types of webbing and buckles used in military equipment. It is highly adjustable to fit dogs of various chest shapes and deepness. It was easy to put on and the cool packs were easy to insert and remove. The D-rings are an attachment point for a leash which is useful for non-pulling dogs. As there is no condensation from the cool packs, the dog stays dry.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE

The second back strap that goes across the middle of the dog's neck slips with extended wear. I also did not like that the strap does not have Velcro or an elastic keeper to hold down the "free" end when the strap is cinched on a smaller-chested dog like Abby. I would also like to see a wider back strap for more comfort. The metal D-rings that can be used as a leash attachment need to be a thicker gauge - I'm not sure that the ones used would hold a German Shepherd or Malinois if the dog is in drive or a heavy puller.

VERDICT

It's a definite thumbs-up for me. I think that this is an excellent product for people whose dogs are working dogs and need to be outside in the heat - guide and assistance dogs, police canines, and sports dogs (agility, Schutzhund, etc.). (via Glacier Tek Inc.)

Updated Aug 6, 2007

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