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ONETIGRIS FIRE WATCHER HARNESS

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ONETIGRIS FIRE WATCHER HARNESS

About OneTigris   OneTigris is a tactical outdoor gear store, selling products from airsoft gear to military style dog harnesses. Their dog products is more targeted towards IPO sports and training where visibility is less important. Their focus is on durability and having large velcro patch space. About the Fire Watcher harness in general The Fire Watcher harness is made of 1000D Nylon material which makes it water resistant. The harness is lightweight, more like a vest than a padded harness but the stitchings are strong and hold up well so far. All the straps are adjustable and have plastic quick release buckles. The straps provide a wide range of adjustment, but this also means that you will end up with a lot of extra straps hanging from the harness if your dog is not on the higher end of that measurement range. I tried to tuck it back which made following adjustments a pain so I just have to face that the hanging straps are part of the design. One of the biggest features of this harness is the large velcro patch space which can be important for service dogs or if you want to warn people that you have a reactive/ anxious dog. The M sized harness has an approximately 2” x 2” (5 x 5 cm) patch panel on the chest, 6” x 3” (14 x 7 cm) on the sides and 8” x 2” (20 x 5 cm) on the top. The harness has a handle and one metal leash attachment ring on the back. It’s also equipped with X-bungee cords on the top for holding a water bottle or carrying other weight. The bungee cords are strong and they are sewed under parts of the harness so it seems that it would hold in the long run.   My Experiences This harness comes in three sizes and four colors: black, ranger green, coyote brown and gray. It was definitely designed for bigger dogs with wider chest - Mia supposed to fit in their smallest harness by measurement but it ended up being just a bit too big for her. You can see on the photo below how the chest part sits a little too low and that the front straps are slightly going across the shoulders instead of being around the neck. While it seems it sits a little low on other dogs as well, keep in mind that it would fit Mia better if we would have ordered a custom size for her that OneTigris also offers for smaller dogs. Both the handle, and the leash attachment point are positioned on the front part on the back (close to the neck). After doing a questionnaire among 100+ people, it seems that many people feel that this provides them a better steering power and more precise control over the dog during training.   While this is probably true, I found that having the attachment point farther back is much better for hiking and to ensure that the harness distributes the weight of the dog evenly on the chest instead of behaving like an oversized collar and putting pressure on the lower neck. There are just different priorities for everyone so it’s usually a good idea to determine yours first before buying any harness. Subjective Summary I think it is better to think about this harness as a vest which can also be used as a harness and not the other way around. If I would have a service dog or for whatever reason I would need to display text on the dog - this harness is great for that. It probably also works well if you do IPO or other sports where you want to grab the dog easily which is I think the original motivation behind this harness. While I find it useful that the harness is water resistant and light, this wouldn’t be my first pick for hiking. It’s not visible and would probably get stuck on bushes - especially the handle standing on the top. I wouldn’t suggest using it for daily walks with a dog who pulls because it’s just much harder to distribute the weight on the chest plate properly with attaching the leash closer to the neck. My experience is that the chest part of the harnesses with the same attachment points are usually sliding up when the dog pulls and they put too much pressure on the lower neck but this can be different on a wide chested, big dog.   Long story short, I would be interested to check out the same harness with leash attachment options closer to the neck and also on the far back of the top part. There is always a tradeoff when the chest straps are sitting farther behind the dog’s front legs: while this ensures the free movement of the front legs and not rubbing the armpits, it will slide up when you are pulling the dog forward by the leash. This isn’t really an issue but can look weird if your dog is usually behind you or stops sniffing on every corner and you have to pull the leash to keep moving.   Functionality Review of the harness   No-pull correction: There isn’t a no-pull front ring on this harness. Running/Biking: I wouldn’t use it for pulling sports. If the leash is attached to you or to a bike, it will pull the harness up in an angle which will probably move the chest plate part higher up and put too much pressure on the lower neck. Hiking: I would use a more visible harness for hiking and would also prefer one with the leash attachment point farther back. It doesn’t really fit into the product line of OneTigris but maybe it would be nice to come out with a visible version of this harness for people who hike in hunting season or for people with service dogs. City walk: Works well. Easy to put on/adjust: all the straps are adjustable and all of them has buckles. Visibility: This harness is the opposite of visible but that’s intentional. Credit: Dog Gear Review
DOG FOOD CARRIER REVIEW

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DOG FOOD CARRIER REVIEW

The OneTigris Dog Food Carrier provides two uses; could be used as a treat pouch for training and used to carry food for traveling or emergency situations.   While I am reviewing this item, I measured how much food it would hold. It turned out to be 3-3.5 full cups of dry dog food. For most dog owners that would be 2 meals. For dog owners that have larger dogs it would provide 1.5 meals.   I find that it also has great storage, pocket for waste bags that can also be used to hold cards, clips, a small amount of dog vitamins, etc.   One thing that I would like to change on the product is the inside pouch holding the dog food. It crinkles and it lose inside, which makes it hard to close and open. It also spills food if it's open while being used and slows the flow of the dog food pouring out of the side. I suggest attaching the food pouch to the pocket on both sides of the pouch.   Over all this was a great design and a very useful product!   Credit: @Moe_Ro, 1TG
K9 AMBASSADORS OF 1TG

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K9 AMBASSADORS OF 1TG

1. Newton and Koper The Dobermann and GSD duo are big stars on Instagram and Facebook, their fierce K9 attire grabbing the attention of many through the amazing photography skills of Joe and his wife, major dog lovers and US Navy hospital corps. This is one proud and beautiful family with a badass tactical style!  Their 1TG gear (left to right): HUNTERZ Water Bottle Holster, POWER ROCKET K9 Harness, Double Dog Bowl, Mini Dog Poop Bag Pouch, Canine EDC Pouch, FIRE WATCHER K9 Harness.    Photo credit: @newton.and.koper   *** 2. Denali and Pups of Global Conservation Force Global Conservaton Force (GCF in short) is an international environmental organization focused on protecting endangered species and preventing harmful poaching.  GCF believes that education is the key to environmental protection, and they work with local and international communities to pursue success in its missions. Denali and her pups are key members of the anti poaching units that will help to win this battle against wildlife trafficking.   Their 1TG Gear: MAD HOUND K9 Harness, BLACK RHINO K9 Harness, BEAST MOJO Small Dog Harness.   Photo credit: Global Conservation Force   *** 2. CRW Hercules Hercules is a 1.5-year-old Border Collie trained specifically to chase off the wildlife from the runway at Yeager Airport to keep passengers safe. He is also a therapy dog that offers comfort to those in need at the airport, as well as a local celebrity that all staff and passengers adore.    His 1TG gear:  FIRE WATCHER K9 Harness, APOLLO 09 Tactical Harness.   Photo credit: @CRW Hercules   ***   3. Flyaway Hoop and Flyaway Greg Hoop and Greg are also wildlife K9s dedicated to the mission! They're owned and trained by Rebecca from Flyaway Geese, one of the industry’s leaders in providing professional bird management and geese solutions through humane, PETA approved solutions to a specific environmental niche.   Their 1TG gear (left to right):  FIRE WATCHER K9 Harness, APOLLO 09 Tactical Harness.    Photo credit: @Flyawaygeese   ***   4. Bas of The Dog Coach Bas is one of leaders of the pack at Clint Lothrop, a.k.a The Dog Coach, a talented and highly experienced trainer in Alabama. His motto is, "Changing the world a dog and their human at a time." and he does just that, helping owners to connect with their pets by behavior corrections, methodical trainings, much love and understanding.    His 1TG gear:  POWER ROCKET K9 Harness, SUBMARINER K9 Harness, Dog Collar 02.   Media credit: The Dog Coach
HIKING WITH DOGS

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HIKING WITH DOGS

The Benefits of Hiking for Dogs Hiking with your dog provides numerous benefits for both human and canine. The most important of which might be the opportunity for increased bonding time and the chance to work on obedience training in challenging conditions. While the benefits listed below are by no means the only benefits they are some that I hope will get you curious enough to give this fun activity a try!   Reduce Destructive Behaviour related to Boredom Many of the behavioral problems that people experience with their dogs can be traced back to boredom. This is especially true for young or high energy/active working breeds. Time on the trails is not only physically tiring but mentally stimulating. New scents, sights, and the ability for your canine companion to indulge in their more instinctual abilities can be quite powerful.   Stress Reduction for both Human and Canine Spending time outside has long been a proven stress reducer for humans and its no different for dogs. Exploring new places and sending time with their favorite people are all things that make most dogs happy. Hiking provides the perfect opportunity for both of these and more. Just like people, dogs experience a rise in endorphins after exercise so they can experience the ‘exercise high’ the same way you can.   Increase in Physical Health Hiking provides a great opportunity for your dog to get both a mental and physical workout. Climbing over hills, wading across streams and jumping tree limbs are far more of a workout than your typical walk around the block! Hiking provides the opportunity for a good cardio workout as well as a good opportunity to improve core and leg strength which improves overall health. Safety Tips For Hiking with your Dog Now that you’re interested in giving this wonderful activity a try it’s time to go over a few tips to make sure your experience is a wonderful one! Taking your dog out on the trails is a lot of fun but any activity comes with its risks. Thankfully, with a few precautions, a lot of these risks can be avoided or minimized. Taking the time to prepare for your hike properly will make it the stress-free fun activity it should be!   Consider your Pets Health and Limitations Pets that are taken to wilderness areas should always be fully vaccinated. You have no way of knowing what type of illness might be found out on the trail. Vaccinations are the easiest way to prevent them from affecting your furry friend. Talk to your vet about where you will be going to make sure that no boosters are needed or specific vaccines are required for certain areas.   Hiking with dogs can be a physically demanding activity and it’s important to make sure that you are taking your pets current physical limitations in mind. If you have never taken your pet for more then a short walk around the block then odds are they will only be fit enough for a short hike! Young puppy’s and certain breeds also require consideration. Any healthy dog can enjoy a hike, but the distance and pace will vary greatly and you should keep this in mind! Of course, over time, you’ll be able to lengthen your excursions as both you and your pet gain the fitness levels and age required.   Take the Proper Safety Precautions Most state parks and hiking areas require that dogs are leashed in order to enjoy the trails. In addition to being leashed your dog should also have at least some basic obedience training and be socialized around other dogs so that you know how they will react should you meet other canines and strangers on the trail. It’s your responsibility to keep yourself and other hikers safe by making sure that you can control your canine companion.   Despite all your training and preparations however unexpected things can happen in the wilderness. It might be worthwhile to take precautions for just such a tragedy should our pet ever become lost or separated from you in an unknown location. Dogs are lost every year during family vacations and while dogs who escape from their yards often find their way home this is far more unlikely when you are far from home. ID Tags with your contact information are of course the easiest way to do this. But there are other options too as collars with I.D. tags can break and fall off. In fact, breaking after getting stuck is a safety feature of many collars to prevent choking. Microchipping Microchipping your dog is a popular choice as it ensures that should your pet ever become lost and picked up by animal control or a well-meaning stranger a quick check by a veterinarian or control officer should provide the necessary details for return. Microchips are relatively low cost and easy to have done. Echo was microchipped at the same time that she received her second set of puppy shots. She did cry for a moment but, much like keeping my children healthy, I consider that split second of discomfort well worth a lifetime of protection.   While microchips are helpful they do have a drawback – they rely on someone finding your pet and then having them checked for a chip in order to work.   GPS Collars While Echo is microchipped, Connor is not. When he was a puppy our family was not as active outdoors and such things were not of much concern. Now, however, I enjoy hiking with dogs and he goes everywhere with me! While he will get microchipped the next time his rabies vaccine comes due I wanted something to keep him safe in the meantime. Enter Fi Collars! Why did I Choose Fi? While there are several brands of GPS collars available I was immediately drawn to Fi. This was for many reasons, not the least of which was the crazy battery life. With the collar connected to your home wi-fi or in proximity to it’s charging base the battery will last for several months, which is great – I already have to remember to charge my phone every night and I did not want that from a dog collar too!   Aside from the battery life Fi Collars are waterproof (even in the ocean). I can attest that ours still worked perfectly after taking Connor swimming while in Miami. And, since Echo adores grabbing onto Connor’s collar while they are play fighting I can say without a doubt that the durability claims are pretty spot on too. It’s also kind of fun to use the activity tracker like a Doggy Fitbit. Connor regularly goes well over the minimum 10 000 steps!   Another feature I love is the ‘Safe Zones’ feature. I can easily set our yard (or any place we might be visiting) as a safe zone. This means that the collar will alert me should Connor leave these areas. If he leaves with a family member with a phone the collar is connected to (like my husband) my app will also alert me. I can see how this would be very useful if you hired a dog walker, or were relying on your older kids or family members to take the dog out while you were at work.   The GPS Lost dog feature is by far the most important feature of this collar, however. This feature will send you real-time location updates, turns on a blinking red light so that you can locate your dog in the dark and gives you the option to connect with a Fi Collar 24hr Lost Dog Helpline for further assistance. I would much rather find my dog the moment it’s lost then rely on someone else finding him and hopefully contacting me! Of course, to unlock some of the more advanced features of your Fi Collar you will have to commit to a subscription fee – the price works out to be about $1.89 a week for a 1-year plan and like most subscriptions, there are discounts for longer subscriptions. You can find all the pricing details here. Pack the Proper Gear Just like people your dogs will need supplies while hiking. Water is especially important as our canine friends can be prone to overheating easily. A set of collapsible dog bowls is a pretty good investment! You will also need to pack food, treats and a doggy first aid kit if you plan on hiking for a lengthy period.   Anyone who has gone camping and hiking already knows that backpack space is a premium commodity. If you want to enjoy hiking with dogs and have a healthy pet then you should consider having them pack their own supplies! In fact, having your dog learn to wear a backpack can be highly beneficial even on everyday walks!   Water is important while hiking with your dogs Many breeds of dogs enjoy having a job to do and packing their own supplies can fulfill this part of their desire. If you have a high energy dog the added weight can also help wear them out which is a benefit for many weary owners. I have also found that dogs wearing backpacks are not approached as much by strangers. While our dogs love people there are times I would rather they be left alone while we work on training and some shy and fearful dogs would likely benefit from this too. With all of this in mind, I was eager to get Connor his very own working pack, after a lot of research we chose to give OneTigris a try! Why Did We Choose OneTigris? When I went looking for a pack for Connor I was faced with many options but most of them alway lacked a little something. They either had very little pack room, had dubious quality reviews or were made from flimsy-looking materials. None of that was going to work well if I wanted to take him on long hikes or spend a week camping in differing weather conditions!   OneTigris is a company whose entire motivation is to get people outside and enjoying a more active lifestyle without breaking the bank or working with less than excellent quality gear. Their mission statement alone was enough to make me look into them further! The Mammoth Dog Pack Is Perfect for Us! The Mammoth Dog Pack that we tested out seemed perfect for our ultimate needs! The two large packs are well supported across the back meaning that any weight we add is balanced and well spread across a large area, much like the camping backpacks we humans carry. It is, of course, essential to condition your dog properly to carrying weight and make sure that the packs are equally filled to ensure there is no uncomfortable pulling to one side.   The pack attaches with wide velcro straps across the upper chest and around the girth with secondary clasps to make sure it doesn’t come off. It’s exceptionally durable with nice padding for comfort too. So far Connor has been able to carry four water bottles (two on each side) for several miles without any trouble at all. In fact, he acts like he doesn’t even notice he’s wearing it and the pockets still had a lot of room for treats and food as we work on increasing our distance and weight slowly.   During our first hike with the pack, he was able to sit, lay down and climb over tree branches with no issues at all! The durable handle at the top of the pack could be very useful for helping your dog over obstacles, in faster flowing water or just to gain a bit more control should your dog spot some interesting wildlife or be approached by a less well-behaved dog on the road. We are already planning on getting a second pack for Echo when she’s fully grown!   Perhaps a bit less important function-wise but still a feature I love is the addition velcro strips along the side of the packs. The strips allow for the addition of patches (You can see the OneTigris patch on Connor's Harness). I am already planning to get a patch with his name on it but I expect you could also use this for many reasons! Perhaps an ‘In Training’ patch for dogs you don’t want to be disturbed or just something cute to prove how spoiled your buddy is.   If the Mammoth pack isn’t your cup of tea then I highly encourage you to look at the other options OneTigris provides as they have Dog harnesses for pretty much any occasion. If you have something really specific in mind you can even contact them about creating a personalized harness just for you!   Credit: Tales from Home
MEET THE "GLADIATOR" SUPPORT HARNESS!

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MEET THE "GLADIATOR" SUPPORT HARNESS!

> 1000D Nylon construction of durability and dirt/water/abrasion resistance > Loop surfaced webbing on both sides for strapping on MOLLE pouches > Strength tested at 330lb (260lb for size M) with a unique front chest strapped no-slide design > Padded structure with breathable mesh lining for comfort even in the summer heat > Front and rear leash clips for effective K9 control and no-pull training > Fully adjustable fit with fleece strap covers to prevent causing skin irritation and discomfort > 2 reinforced handles for lifting your dog to provide temporary weight support and mobility assistance > Reinforced stitching on all stress points to ensure safe gear use      Gear testing out the NEW @onetigris Double Grab Handle Tactical Harness. I'm not sure how everyone feels about vertical handles but I really dig harnesses with them rather than horizontal!   This harness has a Y-front pad and a belly pad with 6 adjustable clip straps. The 4 straps for the belly pad have foam liners to cover the nylon, clips, and excess straps. There are two sturdy D clips, one in the front and one by the top handle. Aaaand of course there is room for velcro patches on both sides! It took me a long time to adjust it, yet I still think I made it a little crooked.   Although it may look bulky from the photo, it's actually very lightweight which makes it breathable and easy for a dog to move freely in it. I can't wait to show this to my program dog handlers and get their opinions on it as well. (They've been looking for a new maker to get their gear from!) All in all, I think this an excellent addition to the onetigris dog gear collection!   What do you think? Like? Dislike? Would you buy this harness or have anything changed to it? Maybe could we get some different colors?   Credit: @MeowAsia, 1TG *See more of Asia and Lotus on Instagram     I swear it was Friday... like five minutes ago! Oh well... happy Monday everyone! Double grab tactical harness @onetigris. Check out my story!    Review: Putting this harness to the test, I am impressed. Not only does the webbing (velcro) have many uses but so does the dual handles. When Zax gets reactive on leash, it's nice to be able to grab him with both hands. He is 115lbs of pure muscle so durability really is important!   This harness comes with a D ring in the front and back so you have the choice of where to leash him and lastly I think he looks pretty handsome in it. Zaxaan Approved. Now to look at some more attachments for this harness.   Credit: @Goodboy_zax, 1TG *See more of Zax on Instagram
"EUREKA" SMALL DOG PACK REVIEW (VIDEO)

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"EUREKA" SMALL DOG PACK REVIEW (VIDEO)

Credit: @Ozzytheservicedog, 1TG Instagram: Ozzy the Service Dog, Cheese the Yorkie
"POWER ROCKET" K9 HARNESS REVIEW

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"POWER ROCKET" K9 HARNESS REVIEW

Looking for something totally tacticool for your pup? Are you looking for a tactical harness which will outweigh all the other ones on the market and make your dog stand out from the rest? Then look no further, this review is definitely for you.   Just recently I have been looking for a tactical harness for my dog and come across a whole host of different types of harnesses that do a whole host of things but nothing was really catching my eye. Whilst I was doing my research, I had to bear in mind that my dog is rather bulky and is a very awkward size since he’s a mixed breed.    I needed something that is very strong and robust but at the same time something which is going to offer him support and comfort.  It was necessary for it to have space for pouches for his poop bags and his toys; such as his favourite ball! I also wanted it to have a velcro section for some uber cool airsoft patches – I know, I don’t ask for much!   After searching for countless hours, saving various harnesses to my bookmarks and measuring an unconvinced Sparticus (my dog), I was ecstatic when I came across a fantastic range of products from OneTigris brand which offer The Power Rocket K9 Harness.   Naturally, I was drawn to this harness as I have previously used OneTigris products before, including an airsoft face mask and I was incredibly happy with the purchase. (Separate review coming shortly!) So what makes this harness stand out from the rest?     Ease of use   The first attempt to put this on the dog was something out of a comedy sketch show. He would not keep still! It is a little fiddly to start off with, all due to trying to ensure that all straps are correctly adjusted to provide a secure fit. However, once you’ve managed to crack it, it is super easy to get on the dog without repetitive adjustments. Best thing about it, there are many ways in which this harness can be fine-tuned to offer a perfect fit for your dog.   Design Well thought out design featuring a whole host of comfort for your dog. There are 2 straps with attached clips across the stomach and behind the front legs and two straps around the front of the chest – including a strap on each side of the shoulders to securely keep this in place. The inside is also slightly padded for optimum comfort.   On the back of the vest there is a large Velcro patch as well as 4 rows of molle on each side to compatible with any molle pouches. The mesh is breathable and the nylon is lightweight and durable. It is also water, dirt and abrasion resistant. I will add that Sparticus did not overheat or excessively pant whilst he was wearing this harness which is another important positive for me!   Key Details   Materials:500D Nylon, 380G Mesh, UTX D-Flex, 3 inch Nylon Webbing, 2mm Neoprene Fabric   Colours:Black only   Features:-2 Grab handles at the front and rear of the harness-Adjustable front chest strap-UTX Quick-Release buckles-Large Velcro patch on the back for those all-important morel patches   Strength Test:-253lb/115kg for front and chest straps-264lb/120kg for leash clips-330lb/150kg for grab handles   Sizes:-MediumNeck– 22.8ins-32.3ins/58cm-82cmChest – 25ins-31.9ins/ 63cm-81cmBack length- 15.8ins/ 40cm   -LargeNeck- 25.6ins- 39.4ins/58cm-82cmChest- 35.5ins-41ins/ 80cm-104cmBack Length- 19.3ins/49cm   -Extra LargeNeck- 16ins-33.5ins/40cm-85cmChest- 21ins-39ins/ 53cm-100cmBack- 21.5ins/55cm       How to measure your pup   Measure around the chest from the shoulder blades to above the front legs. When measuring around the belly, make sure to measure the widest part behind the front legs and finally from the nape of the neck to the tail. Compare this with the sizes online and you will get the perfect fit for your tacticool pup!   Always measure your dog before making a purchase! OneTigris harnesses are NOT designed to bear heavy weights and I advise against relying solely on the grab handles to carry your dog.  When loading up pouches for a dog harness or pack, for most dogs, 10% to 12% of their body weight is a good starting point for loading up dog packs. This would be 5-6lb for a 50lb dog, or 2.5-3kg for a 25kg dog. Of course, the right amount depends on several factors, such as your dog’s breed, physical fitness, and energy level.   AR Verdict   So, if you want, or need a heavy duty yet versatile tactical harness for dogalicious adventures, then this product is definitely for you. It towers above its competitors and has a wrath of features in which not only will offer great value for money but also gives your pup that tacticool look.    Overall, this is a very well thought out product and I would highly recommend it, I think Sparticus would too!   Finally, a huge thank you to OneTigris for sending me this fantastic product to review!
TRAINING YOUR DOG TO WEAR A HARNESS

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TRAINING YOUR DOG TO WEAR A HARNESS

The benefits of a harness when it comes to working with my dogs was somewhat of a surprise! If your like most dog owners you grew up working with your dogs wearing nothing more then a flat collar which is perfectly fine. In fact, you should be able to control your dog in a flat collar as well as you can with any other tool that you might use. However, training your dog is a long process of baby steps. Training your dog to wear a harness can equip you with another tool and some surprising benefits that will help you along the way! Keep reading for my harness recommendations, the benefits I have found in using them and a quick guide to making your pup love it! Author's Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of my links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! The harnesses provided for this article were provided by OneTigris but all opinions are strictly my own!       What Are Some Benefits of Getting Your Dog To Wear A Harness?   1. Protecting a Young Dog's Health   Puppies are curious and impulsive creatures. They don’t always make the best choices and sometimes they forget their manners. Since they are babies this is to be expected no matter how much training you have put into them so far or how well they listen to you in the house.   Puppies will decide to lunge at a cat that suddenly appears, another dog walking down the street or decide to chase the ball your neighborhood kids might be playing with. It doesn’t really matter what it is, puppies are highly distractable and still learning what the proper reactions to social situations should be! It’s much safer for your young puppy or untrained older dog to lunge against a harness that distributes the pressure over the chest and back then a collar which puts all the pressure on the neck.   2. Giving Your Dog a Job   Working dog breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the country. People love the way they look, the attentive way they look to their owners and the intelligence they display in training. Working dogs are amazing, there is no getting around it and it’s easy to see why they are so well-loved by their owners. The downside of a working dog is that they require something to do. Working dogs without a job or some sort of mental stimulation get bored and become destructive. If you don’t give these dogs a job to do they will find one on their own – and you probably won’t like it.   Putting your dog to work can curb a lot of this behavior. Having your dog wear a harness and teaching them to track by playing ‘find it’ games is a job to your dog. Taking your dog for walks in a harness and having them carry a pack of supplies is a job. Even just wearing a harness and working your dog in obedience is a ‘job’ and wearing a harness can be a good way to teach your dog when you want them to really listen and when you’re just going out to play. There is a reason that service dogs act differently while in a harness and out of a harness. They know when they are ‘working’ and when they can relax.     3. Offering Control And Support   There are situations in everyday life that we can’t control. While you can spend time training your dog you can’t control other people’s dogs or the public in general. As a runner, you only have to be charged by a couple of off-leash dogs before this lesson is driven home really well. Both of my dogs are well behaved and easy to control in most situations, however, Echo is young and Connor thinks he wants to chase cats.   Echo tends to get upset when rushed by strange dogs and having a harness means I can grab hold of the harness handle which offers greater control while I deal with the situation and I don’t have to worry about her slipping out of her collar or tangling me up in the leash. With Connor, it means I can keep him closer if I see a stray cat on the road.   The handles can also allow you to help your dogs if your hiking over rough terrain, your dog is older, recovering from an injury, or just a bit on the clumsy side when it comes to jumping in and out of the car. In fact, Connor’s everyday harness is the Gladiator Support Harness. The double handles and harness construction make it perfect for giving your dog a bit of help and while Connor is a young dog he’s a touch on the clumsy side while getting in and out of the truck or navigating obstacles on a trail. He’s just a big lovable doofus really and the harness means I can give him a hand without hurting myself or him in the process.   4. Communication   When you are training a puppy to ignore distractions or working with a dog that doesn’t like strangers or other dogs a harness can be a great tool. Most people have been conditioned to ignore or avoid a dog in a harness (particularly a service or tactical looking harness – cute colored harnesses have less of an effect here). Most of us have been told not to touch ‘working dogs’ and the harness seems to be a clear signal to a lot of people in public.   Many of these harnesses also have velcro sections where you can add badges or signs to further communicate your needs. A small ‘In Training’ ,’Nervous’ or ‘Ask Before Petting’ label on a harness can help you avoid a lot of issues when working with your dog in a public setting and as they are removable you can easily take them off or change them as needed!   What Sort Of Harness Should I look For?   While there are many types of harnesses available in pet shops with many uses ranging from looking pretty to anti-pulling, I tend to prefer tactical dog gear like that provided by OneTigris and here’s why…   1. MOLLE System   MOLLE Stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. This is a system of heavy-duty nylon rows that are stitched onto the equipment and allow you to attach various pouches and accessories.   You see MOLLE systems on a lot of hiking and camping gear and tactical dog harnesses are no exception. This makes my harnesses extremely versatile. I can attach a small pouch if I want, a collapsible water bowl, waste disposal bags, extra treats, even an extra leash or training toy if I so desire. I might not use this every time I walk my dogs but the option is there if I want it and I love that. The ability to add packs is especially helpful when I want to take my dog’s camping or hiking and they can carry their own gear. As we discussed in our Hiking with Dogs article – pack space is a premium when you’re on the trail!   2. Extreme Durability   Tactical dog gear is designed for working dogs that spend a great deal of time working in difficult terrain. It’s made to last and not fail despite extreme use and while my dogs are not put in those sorts of situations I like the peace of mind that sort of durability gives me. Can my harness fail? Of course, it can! Anything can and will fail given the right situation but I put a lot more trust in these harnesses then in the typical pet shop variety.   Tactical dog gear such as the Gladiator Support Harness that Connor wears for everyday walks (he still wears the Mammoth Pack for hiking) or the Mad Hound Harness that Echo currently sports have been tested and proven to hold up after a great deal of wear and tear.   3. Breathable Mesh & Comfort   Because these harnesses are designed for dogs to wear in rugged situations they are designed to be comfortable! Between the breathable mesh and padded straps, I know that my dogs can wear these harnesses for several hours with no problems at all! They are also extremely adjustable which is great when you’re buying for a still-growing dog, like Echo.       What Harnesses Do Your Dogs Wear?   Currently, Echo is enjoying the Mad Hound! This harness has been perfect for teaching her what it feels like to have something on her back. Eventually, we want Echo to carry her own food and water while hiking and camping and the Mad Hound is a good starting point for this. It’s highly adjustable with a wide reflective strip along the front for walks in the dark and is very easy to take off and put on – which is great when you’re dealing with a squirmy and excitable young dog!   Connor currently had two harnesses! We use the Mammoth Pack when hiking as its large built-in pouches are perfect for carrying his food, water, and treats! For everyday walks, he is sporting the Gladiator support harness. I love the extra padding on the straps and the fact that the double handles allow me to help him in and out of the truck when needed.   I also find that the choice between a front clip and back clip for his leash can be useful in teaching older, stronger dogs how to walk nicely and while Connor is generally pretty good about this we have even made some progress when cats are involved and that’s a pretty big step for him!     How Do You Get Your Dog To Wear A Harness?   The most common comment I have gotten when people see my dogs wearing a harness is that they tried a harness in the past but their dogs hated it. I tend to get a similar reaction when Connor wears his head collar. In both cases, I have found that the aversion is due to a lack of proper conditioning and can be easily fixed! You can teach your dog to love his harness/headcollar and it’s actually very simple!   The trick to making your dog accept practically anything you want to do is to make them associate the activity with a lot of great treats or fun games! If your dog is highly food motivated then you will want to use their favorite treat for this training. If your dog is toy motivated then a favored toy will work just as well!   To start with pick up the harness or headcollar and present it to your dog, if they look at it or sniff it use your marker word (Yes! Good! or click if clicker training) and give them a treat or throw the toy/play a quick game of tug. In the beginning, you should treat/reward the dog for doing anything that doesn’t involve moving away from the equipment. Before too long the will probably come running as soon as you pick it up!   Once they seem to be associating the equipment with something positive you need to start demanding a little bit more before giving the reward. Wait for your dog to touch the harness before rewarding them – it might take a bit of time for them to work out what you want but be patient! When they are eagerly touching the harness for treats you can progress to luring their head or nose through the harness, or settling it upon their back (depending on how your particular harness works), treat and then remove the item. Repeat this step until your dog is completely comfortable and then progress to doing up the straps!   If you take each step slowly and practice it for a few minutes at a time several times a day your pup will soon be racing you to the door to put on the harness! Remember to keep your training sessions upbeat, fun and short! If you or your pup seems to be getting frustrated just put things away and try again later on! Should they continue to resist back up to the previous step and move forward more slowly, some pups take a bit longer to adjust to things going over their heads and around their bodies. If you remain patient you will have trained your dog to wear a harness like a champ!   Credit: Tales From Home
ONETIGRIS: 5 YEARS YOUNG!

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ONETIGRIS: 5 YEARS YOUNG!

  Author's Note This is a print article in the November Issue of Airsoft Action, but folks can subscribe to the digital version of the magazine via our website www.airsoft-action.online, and then it can be read anywhere! About Airsoft Action Magazine Est 2011. Popular Airsoft Players Award Winners - Best Airsoft Magazine 2017, 2018 & 2019. Learn more about the magazine and its dedicated team on Facebook and Twitter.
SGT PATCH K9 HARNESS (REVIEW)

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SGT PATCH K9 HARNESS (REVIEW)

Firstly a big thank you to onetigris for allowing us the opportunity to test the SGT Patch. Harness.   We extensively tested the harness in a range of environments and situations, from beaches, forests and mountains, in sun, snow and rain.   Additionally the opinions below are our own and we have not received any guidance from onetigris. I. Pros   Where to start, this is a harness with so many benefits.   Build quality and materials: the harness is really well built with high quality materials making it feel very durable however and very importantly it is also incredibly light weight and breathable due to the mesh backing. This is fantastic for all dogs but in particular double coat breeds that often have to make do with a weighty harness. Not so with the Sgt. Patch which allows lots of space for air to circulate.   Customization: onetigris have effectively made a blank canvas into a harness. 100% of the harness has Velcro covering allowing for full customisation with moral / message patches. This allows for some amazing and completely unique looks. No other doggie will be rocking the same look. Time to get creative .   That massive grab handle: We absolutely love the oversized grab handle. It makes traffic control easy as there is not desperate searching for the handle, you truly cannot miss this handle. Additionally should your doggie find itself in a sticky situation it is easy to grab and pull them to safety. This is probably the best grab handle of any harness on the market.   One oversized fastening clip: there is nothing worse than messing about with a harness trying to work out how it goes on or worse messing about in the cold or with gloves on. Well fear not, the oversized fastening clip makes it super easy to fasten to your pooch. The harness simply goes over doggos head and you then easily clip the harness, due to the large size this is easy in the cold or with gloves on. Genius.   Molle attachments: if the 100% customisation with patches is not enough the harness is also molle compatible allow you to add pouches etc for your k9 fur baby to carry important supplies.   Stainless steel leash ring: Nice big chunky leash ring make connecting the leash easy in any conditions.   Warranty: 1 year warranty.   Colour: I am biased but I think phoebe rocks the jet black colour scheme. II. Areas of potential refinement/improvement   There are very few areas of improvement to be honest and I am really nitpicking with the following but worth mentioning.   Oversized grab handle: I know what you are thinking, I have just mentioned how much I love this feature above and I truly do however what could make it even better would be a small velcro loop that would allow the grab handle to be held down while the dog is playing or off lead, this would ensure the handle does not get caught on branches or other obstacles which could lead to the dog becoming trapped.   Harness type: This is a chest strap harness meaning there is a strap that runs across the dogs chest much like julius k9. Personally my preference is a y shaped harness like the onetigris fire watcher as it does not impede the dogs movement however while watching Phoebe play there appears to be no impact with this harness   In summary this is a great harness that is allows for great control and complete customisation all with the piece of mind that a lifetime warranty brings.   (Photos attached and video review going on Instagram and YouTube soon)   Credit: @PhoebetheSamoyed "I absolutely love this vest. I absolutely love this harness. The handle is in a perfect place and height. I do wish it was a bit longer but Tobias just has a long torso. The chest measurement is definitely something that needs to be double checked when purchasing, I believe. I do recommend this vest for handlers that need possible counterbalance or grounding. It is amazing for both of them.   "I feel the chest could be a bit bigger on him. But I do love it. With the size of the chest the belly strap is really close to the arm pits of the dog. The chest fits perfectly on my Shepherd but my Berner is a bit bigger in the chest. "This is the Look on my Shepherd and then the red marks how high it is in the armpit and then pulls back on his chest. but I still love it. Just figured I would show it."   Credit: @Semicolon_pup, 1TG
ONETIGRIS OUTDOOR DOG MAT (REVIEW)

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ONETIGRIS OUTDOOR DOG MAT (REVIEW)

We were lucky enough to receive the new onetigris dog sleeping mat which we were super excited about and boy were we right to be excited.   We frequently find when out on our adventures in the wilds of Scotland that our fluffy wee wolf (Phoebe the Samoyed) often has to make do with sleeping on our gear as we cant really drag her weighty bed about which is far from ideal for Phoebe and also us.   Additionally as we stop at some amazing little pubs and inns when moving to our next adventure location the dogs who have been brought along lie on the wooden or tiled floor which is not great for joint care or general comfort.   Then one late Saturday night after a whiskey or two, perhaps three, ok so it was four, dont judge, I had a eureka moment. What we needed was a light weight, durable and comfortable dog bed / mat that we could easy take with us on our travels.   I grabbed my IPAD and like a man possessed started typing up my idea and submitted to our good friends at onetigris.   Waking the next morning slightly groggy but still delighted with this idea, I checked my messages and was amazed to see a response from onetigris advising they had such a product already in the works.   The team over at onetigris was kind enough to send a mat out and we have put it through its paces in rugged Scotland with an excitable Samoyed, a pretty formidable combination (if you can survive Scotland and a Samoyed, you are most definitely built to last, like onetigris products).     The review.   So how do we feel about the onetigris dog bed / mat? We love it. What we love?:-   Weight:-   The bed is firstly very lightweight, weighing just shy of 600g making it very easy to carry to the point you do not even notice you have it with you, which is ideal.   Size:-   Additionally the bed rolls up to a length of around about 30cm long and 15cm wide making it super compact to add to the lightweight .   This is perfect as we are often carrying quite a bit of gear and adding another heavy and awkward sized item would be very off putting however as noted above you could actually forget you are carrying it and it will fit in most backpacks while taking up little room in the boot of your car on attached to a bike.   Once rolled out the bed measures around 3.5 feet long and 2 foot wide making it ideal for small, medium and large dog breeds (terries, samoyeds, husky, collie, German shepherds etc) thus providing a range of dogs with ample room to stretch out or curl up depending on the type of sleeper they are.   Securing:-   The bed / mat when rolled up has two sturdy clips to keep it in its tube shape (these are quick release and are very easy to use even in the cold or with gloves of with again is ideal if you live in a colder climate like Scotland) and onetigris have kindly added a grab handle meaning you can easily carry by hand or clip to other equipment.   Filling:-   The bed contains a polyester filling, we were unable to measure how much however I believe Onetigris states 320g which is more than enough to keep your pooch warm on even the coldest of nights not to mention very comfortable as the filling fits and shapes nicely around the doggo. This is key, as if the filling is poor or there is not a sufficient amount the bed is not comfortable and defeats the purpose of its very existence (that would be bad).   With that said, one big concern for those with northern breeds or double coat breeds (Samoyeds, Husky, Malamute, chows etc) is overheating. Phoebe often spends her time roaming from room to room as she overheats when it hits one below freezing (yes we spend all year round with all of the windows opened, the joys of a snow dog) however despite the generous filling the outer material kept her cool enough.   Outer cover:-   I am not going to pretend, the bed got filthy and wet very quickly with mud, rain and snow all making it their home. I was dubious as to how the bed would stand up to such abuse with a particular concern being the bed soaking through however the bed was completely dry due to the water, grease and scratch resistance cover.   We were able to quickly wipe down the cover and it was good to go once more with no scratches or marks again showing the commitment onetigris has to its gear not only looking good but being built to last.   Additionally you can machine wash the bed and tumble dry for when taking some downtime from adventuring.   Colour :-   The bed is two tone, with a green upper layer and black lower giving it a clean and tactical look.   Warranty:-   1 year warranty, giving you peace of mind.   What would make us love it more?   There is very little improvement to be made with this gear. It does what it is designed to do and it does it very, very well. With that said, if we were going to suggest any improvements they would be as follows:-     Range of sizes and fillings:-   Perhaps smaller mats for the tinier dogs would be ideal again taking up only the space required while XL breeds such as St Bernards, Newfoundlands etc would maybe struggle on this size of mat and would likely find their weight would be too great for the filling to handle. Thus a range of sizes and filling volume tailored to certain size and weight ratios may be of benefit.   One such filling may be a very fine layer of memory foam would help make this mat even comfier and provide further support for joints however this may hinder the portable factor of the bed but may be worth thinking about especially for the large breeds as the size of the dog although important is no more important than consideration for the weight of the dog. An extremely heavy dog will in my opinion not benefit from the same comfort of this mat that a smaller breed would. Therefore offering varying degrees of filling etc may help with this.   Customization:-   The choice of different outer covers would also be great with a host of designs and colors such as a huge onetigris logo. This would allow you to keep on your adventures while another cover is being washed and dried. This would require a zip of Velcro however but would add a nice touch and allow you to swap up the covers keeping the bed fresh and interesting.   Molle compatible:-   Making the mat/bed Molle compatible would also be a nice extra allowing you to attach to your backpack or other gear although I should mention the large grab handle and straps provide ample opportunities to attach to your equipment or simply carry.   Dry Bag:-   Although, water resistant, a dry bag/pocket for the bed may be of benefit to keep it dry when hiking. As mentioned it is very light and compact and therefore will easy go in a backpack if you have space however if you are going to carry externally then a small dry pocket to fit it into would definetly be of benefit meaning it is completely dry the minute you decide to bed down for the night.   Conclusion.   We love this bed, the lightweight and portable nature are ideal and it is amazingly comfy, I know as I tried the bed myself only for Phoebe to swiftly move me on. The durable design and easy clean make this a must for not just dog owners that adventure but even those who just like a visit to their local inn or pub giving your K9 companion a comfy and safe area while you enjoy some social time. As we are all aware, joint issues for dogs are a serious matter and this mat/bed may just help to alleviate such issues or prevent existing pain/issues being exasperated (please note I am not vet and this is purely my thoughts on how it could help)   For the price of roughly $23 dollars this item is a bargain and one that your furbaby will surely appreciate,   Verdict:- Phoebe Approved.   Thanks for listening to my ramblings, I hope the above helps in your decision around purchasing this product however if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.   Thanks and stay safe,   Chris, Sarah and Phoebe   IG: @phoebethesamoyed
THANKS 2019! OVER AND OUT.

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THANKS 2019! OVER AND OUT.

WHY 2019 HAS BEEN AWESOME In the blink of an eye, 2019 is coming to an end. Back to dreaming that a new year will bring new hope and transformation (joke). Seriously, though. This year we welcomed new crew (we adopted a cat and named her Bo Peep!), we lived through the stories of people from near and far using our gear, doing small and funny things, or big and incredible feats, and the year was not without its occassional bumps and bruises.   2019 saw the release of many products, some flourished and some flopped, but each was unique and took us to the outdoors. We followed the stories of so many people on social media who travelled, who designed gear with us, who helped us to see the unlimited possibilities of human strength and creativity! Our heartfelt thanks to enthusiastic fans and friends around the globe for sharing their experiences and adventures, to our ambassadors and collaborators for redefining and revamping the brand...   To each 1TG staff for their dedication and overtime (no joke), and to all other awesome people, animals and NGOs that we don't have enough space to list here but will definitely stay in touch with in 2020!   Happy New Year, guys. You rock.
WINTER ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR DOG

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WINTER ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR DOG

What Temperatures Are Safe For Dogs? Enjoying winter activities with your dogs means paying attention to the daily temperatures and weather conditions. Although some dogs have lovely thick fur coats to help them out that doesn’t always mean they should be exposed to below freezing temperatures for lengthy periods of time and sometimes even thick-coated breeds need a bit of extra help! Unfortunately figuring out exactly what temperatures are safe for your particular pet can be challenging to figure out! There is no magic number to follow as there are a lot of factors to take into account. There are however a few basic rules you can use to help you it out. 1) Like with people the very young and the very old are more susceptible to extreme temperature changes. If you have a tiny puppy or an elderly dog the range of temperatures they are comfortable in will be smaller and you should take extra care during both the cold and the hot months. 2) Smaller dogs tend to have a harder time regulating their body temperature as well, so they tend to have a smaller tolerance to cold than larger dogs. 3) The type of coat your dog has is also something to keep in mind Double coated breeds tend to fare better than short and thinly coated breeds. However, even double-coated breeds can have trouble if they are not used to the temperatures. A German Shepherd who has grown up in the South (like mine) might fair better in hotter weather but due quite poorly in extreme cold when compared to a dog that has grown up and became accustomed to the weather in the North. 4) The weather conditions should also be taken into account when enjoying winter activities with your dog – windy and wet weather is often harder to tolerate even if the temperature itself is not as low. Although all of these factors should be taken into account there is a basic guideline you can follow here – PetPlan. Of course, you know your pet best and should always use your best judgment!   Signs Your Pet Might Be Too Cold Your pet might be uncomfortably cold if they display the following signs while out in the yard or on a walk/hike. -A Hunched posture with tail tucked -Shaking and shivering -Shelter seeking behavior -Whining -Lifting paws off the ground -Reluctance to keep walking The followings signs are more serious and should be followed by a visit to your vet as they can mean that your pet was exposed to the cold long enough to become hypothermic. -Weakness -Lack of mental alertness -Loss of consciousness -Lethargy -Muscle stiffness -Slow, shallow breathing -Fixed and dilated pupils How to Warm Help a Chilled Pet If you suspect that your pet might have become chilled while you were enjoying winter activities with your dog there are a few ways you can help them warm up either on the way to the vet or while you decide if a medical trip is necessary. 1) You should immediately wrap the animal in warm blankets. If you have access to a clothes dryer, towels warmed in the dryer can make for very useful blankets. Likewise, a hot water bottle (always wrap in a towel first to prevent skin burns!) or heating pad on a low setting tucked against the stomach of the dog can also help. 2) You should monitor your dog’s temperature (taken rectally) throughout this process. If your dog’s temperature is below 98 degrees you should go directly to the vet. What Can Help Your Dog Through the Cold? Thankfully, just like us our pets don’t have to live their lives at the mercy of the weather without help. If you find that your dog is uncomfortable with the changing weather or you plan on taking them with your on some northern adventures you can help them out with a few simple products! Dog Jackets and Coats Coats and clothing for dogs have come a long way from the fashionably cute but less functional items that used to be available. Companies like OneTigris (who also have a variety of working harnesses and hiking gear) creat cold-weather jackets that are not only well constructed but geared towards comfort and ease of movement which makes wearing them more comfortable for long term use! OneTigris Bomber Style The OneTigris Bomber style K9 Winter jacket is great for young dogs or dogs that might not want to stand still long enough to put on a more complicated form of outerwear. Like the majority of their products, this jacket was created with both durability and comfort in mind! It’s easy to adjust and quick to throw on and take off which makes it an excellent choice for a quick walk or bathroom breaks. We also love the fact that it has two cute little pockets on the back which is great for carrying little baggies for clean-up or extra training treats. It also has a spot for a morale patch AND is machine washable which, considering how much my dogs love to roll in the dirt, is always a wonderful feature.   K9 Winter Jacket While the bomber jacket is a great throw on and go option this one is a bit more complicated to put on (but not difficult) and provides a bit more comfort and warmth. This makes the K9 Winter Jacket a great option when you want to spend an extended amount of time outdoors in cold weather. I love that it is wind, water, and stain-resistant which means I don’t have to worry quite so much if the weather is a bit on the nasty side rather then just cold. It also has a built-in harness function with a hidden D-ring which means I don’t have to fuss with excess gear when we go for walks. It’s super soft with a nice fleece lining and a pongee filling for comfort and warmth and the added leg straps make sure there is no slipping and your furry friend stay warm and cozy! Like all of the OneTigris designs, this one is built with durability in mind and is made so that you and your pet can enjoy rough and tumble time outside without having to worry about your gear holding up. Other Options For Enjoying Winter Activities with your Dog Sleeping Mat If you plan on taking your dog on a cold-weather camping trip you might consider investing in a Dog Sleeping Mat. Just like people one of the best ways to keep the chill out during winter camping trips is to keep some layer between you and the ground. This roll-up sleeping mat is an excellent option for camping because it’s easy to carry and store. It’s also created with water, grease and scratch-resistant materials. Better yet when you get home you can just toss it in the washing machine! I have also found this mat useful in other situations. It makes an excellent seat protector for the back of the truck and can be used as a place training mat while out and about in public! Paw Protection If you live in an area where they salt the roads or ice is always a problem then you might consider adding some paw protection to your winter gear. Road salt can be rough on a dog’s pads and ice always carries with it the chance for slipping! Dog boots can help protect your dog from both problems but if your dog won’t tolerate them then there are some creams and waxes like mushers secret that can help soothe irritation to the pads themselves. With a watchful eye from you and some helpful products then enjoying winter activities with your dog can be just as fun and active as the rest of the year for you and your furry companion! Credit: Tales From Home
REVIEW: TACTICAL COLLAR WITH PATCH SPACE

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REVIEW: TACTICAL COLLAR WITH PATCH SPACE

Tactical Collar with Patch Space - Service Dog Approved!   The tactical collar with patch space has been FANTASTIC. I have tested it on both my own service dog (standard poodle) and my friend's service dog (boxer lab mix), and with both, it's been amazing. We also had a few of our IPO dogs try it out, and it went great as well. Day 1: We tried it out with a patch on it and walked around campus. The patch was visible, and everyone thought the collar looked very professional. The reflectivity was GREAT. Day 2: Used it on the field. Did great with even our heaviest of pullers. Fantastic quality handle for such a lightweight collar. Day 3: My service dog was so comfortable in it, he napped. He usually cannot do this in his larger handled collars. Day 4: Had a great time running around and playing in it in the mud. As soon as we were done, wiped it off, looks good as new. Day 5: Went training in Walmart with the service dogs. At one point, someone questioned my dog because he wasn't vested, but I was able to point out his patch on the collar. No more questions asked. Amazing. Day 6: Walk at night on the trails. Perfect visibility with the reflection, and the patch stands out nicely. Great quality d-rings, as well. Just perfect.   Overall, we LOVED the collar. I can't wait to finish the YouTube video!     Credit: @arlotheservicedog, 1TG
AT-HOME EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR PET

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AT-HOME EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR PET

While a first aid kit for your dog will in no way replace the help of a trained veterinarian, it can certainly make an emergency much easier to handle. Imagine your dog gets injured while hiking, making it back to your vehicle so that you can seek treatment may be challenging without the suitable supplies for your canine companion. Likewise, some injuries require care but not necessarily a full vet trip, in such cases, it’s much less stressful to have these supplies on hand rather than have to make a panicked trip to the store. With that in mind read below for a few items you might want to stock up on!   The Basics   1. Laminated Emergency Numbers Card: Your first aid kit should always contain a laminated or protected card with the number for your local vet, your emergency after-hours clinic and Animal Poison Control. 2. Gauze Pads: For bandaging cuts 3. Tape & Non-Stick Bandages: For a pet emergency supply kit you should have both of these on hand. The tape is handy for securing bandages to each other but you can’t use it on fur..which is where products like vet wrap can come in handy. 4. Cotton Balls: These are excellent for cleaning wounds and applying ointments or antiseptics. 5. Hydrogen Peroxide: To immediately disinfect wounds, can also be used to induce vomiting if you suspect your pet has ingested something bad for them. This should only be done under instruction from a vet. 6. Antibiotic Spray & Ointment: To help keep wounds clean while bandaged. 7. Scissors: For trimming bandages and gauze pads. It can even help clean up fur around a wound or cut out burrs and other irritants. 8. Tweezers: For pulling slivers and debris out of paw-pads or wounds. It can also be used to remove ticks if you’re spending time in the woods. 9. Syringes (Without the Needle): These are useful for flushing wounds or delivering medications if needed. 10. Flashlight: Nothing in your kit will do you any good if you can’t see!   Optional But Helpful Emergency Kit Items   While these items might not be necessary for immediate injury relief having good quality versions of them on hand can be very helpful when you end up dealing with injury rehabilitation or even when dealing with everyday issues (like preventing excessive licking of an irritated hot spot/bug bite). Having these items in your house just means you don’t need to make a run to the store when they crop up!   11. Recovery Collar – No dog likes the ‘cone of shame’ but they probably like the softer higher quality ones provided by companies like OneTigris then the hard one uses plastic ones you get from the vet. Of course, the side benefit of using these higher quality recovery collars is that they can be washed and reused which is great for the environment AND your wallet. 12. Leg Braces – Animals love to injure their legs, a lot of them play hard and end up limping for a variety of reasons. Having a couple of leg braces on hand to help support an injury before you can make it to the vet can be very helpful! 13. Portable & Washable Dog Bed – Having a dog bed that is easy to wash and move around can be great if you have a sick animal Not only can you relocate it to a specific spot should you need to quarantine your pet (or just keep them close by) but being able to wash it can help keep illness from spreading. If you find yourself having to evacuate an easy to grab and carry pet bed that your animal is familiar with can be a nice addition when trying to make a pet comfortable in unfamiliar locations. 14. Towels – Towels can be very useful! They can work as makeshift bandages, clean up messes and even double as a bed or blanket. Everyone should have some old extra towel stashed away! 15. Muzzle – No one wants to think that their pet will bite them but when an animal is in pain or afraid and you NEED to move them..it can happen. Having a muzzle that is fitted to your pet and that you’ve spent the time conditioning them too so that they don’t see it as a negative item can be very helpful in times of great stress. It can be a tool to keep both you AND your pet safe while seeking treatment or getting to safety.     Emergency Kit Items For Disaster Scenarios   Sometimes our emergency kits should include things that are not related to treating injures. If you live in an area that’s prone to environmental dangers such as hurricanes, wildfires or flooding it can be useful to have some of these items on hand – just in case you find yourself having to evacuate or without power for extended periods of time.   16. Proof Of Ownership – These can be photos, registration papers or microchip ID numbers/login Information Pretty much anything that will prove that you are the owner of a specific animal should you be separated during an emergency evacuation. 17. Food – It’s recommended that you keep extra food on hand for your pets just like you stock up for your family. Ensure that food is stored in a cool dry location and use & replace it as needed to make sure it doesn’t expire. 18. Water – When stocking up on water for your family, don’t forget to get extra for your pets.   Of course, if you don’t feel like putting together a DIY kit there are many pre-made ones available for you to buy! The bottom line is to always be prepared.   Credit: Tales From Home     Photo Credit: @ericjamesward   Pet Owners' Questions Answered    1) Is my dog safe from COVID-19?   There is currently little reason to believe that COVID-19 can be passed from dogs to humans, but taking precautionary action is advisable. Switching your days out exploring together for relaxing on the sofa during self-isolation, along with good hygiene, can help to protect both you and your pet.   2) Can dogs catch COVID-19?   Dogs can catch certain types of Coronavirus, and it’s believed that COVID-19 originated from an animal source. The World Health Organization has stated that there has been one case of a dog becoming infected in Hong Kong. Additionally, there have also been photos on social media emerge of pet owners putting face masks on their dogs, leading many people to worry about their pets catching COVID-19. Despite this, the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that COVID-19 is not believed to be a threat to dogs or other pets; people are encouraged to use common sense when it comes to pets and hygiene.   3) Should my dog wear a face mask?   It’s important not to put masks on pets. This can make them panic, affect their breathing, and is a waste of a mask that medical professionals need. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) suggests that pets should be quarantined at home if their owners are self-isolating as a precautionary measure.   4) Are there any illnesses that affect both humans and dogs?   There are plenty of illnesses that do spread between animals and humans. As mentioned above, different types of Coronavirus can affect dogs too, such as the canine respiratory Coronavirus. Other viral infections that affect both dogs and humans include rabies and norovirus. Black mold growth in homes has also shown to cause the same symptoms in pets and their owners, including coughs, sneezes, runny eyes, and a runny nose.   Fortunately, dealing with mold growth is often easier than avoiding viruses, and includes cleaning the affected area and finding the cause of the mold in order to avoid it growing back again. In some cases, professionals may be required to fix the cause and treat problem areas.   Credit: Bri Billings
"BEAST MOJO" MINI K9 HARNESS REVIEW

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"BEAST MOJO" MINI K9 HARNESS REVIEW

My dog is 6lbs, 13” around her chest, 11” from neck to tail.   The XXS is working great. My dog is the smallest that the vest could fit and she seems to be very comfortable in it. We’ve only got to wear it around the property because of quarantine but it’s much better for her then the XS. I see some we’re having issues with the chest strap cover but hers stays in place perfectly. Although she does not bother other dogs sometimes larger dogs still come after her and she can be lifted easily & quickly by the handle on top and doesn’t seem to be phased or uncomfortable during a lift. Great product.   Credit: @Stevieann88, 1TG   We’re absolutely in love with the fit of the XXS Beast Mojo! It’s very visible too, which is very important for Tessa’s job. She doesn’t mind wearing it one bit (compared to the XS). At the moment the only possible changes I could think of, is the padding that covers the chest strap.. It’s very loose and tends to get twisted. Other than that, all is good on our end!   Note: The padding is a lot wider than the strap... But when in uses it’s not as noticeable. Credit: @phoenix.osborne, 1TG    
K9 AMBASSADORS ON A MISSION

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K9 AMBASSADORS ON A MISSION

OneTigris K9 Ambassadors are a busy bunch, some have hectic social lives on Instagram replying to fans and friends around the globe, and some are working dogs on even more important missions. Flyaway Geese, owned by Rebecca Gibson, is one of the industry’s leaders in providing professional bird management and geese solutions through humane, PETA approved solutions to specific environmental niches. In short, a team of smart and dedicated border collies with natural, no-kill herding skills.  The A Team consists of Greg, Bett, Marx, Zoe, Flo, and Hoop, all 6 of them are proud 1TG K9 Ambassadors and currently on a very important mission in Fort Wool, Virginia.    The decommissioned Fort Wool was used to sight and to strike approaching British ships around 200 years ago, and now it’s home to thousands of seabirds that go there to nest. Flyaway Geese was hired to patrol a neighboring construction site and to herd the birds away from the site to Fort Wool. Their job is to teach the birds the area near the construction work isn’t a safe place where they should live.    How do they do that?   The team gears up in working vests, safety boots and goggles, and deter the birds from landing near the construction site. Their tactical vests with light reflective strips and bright patches help with visibility when working in outdoor or low light conditions, the boots protected their feet from jagged rocks and rough surfaces, and the goggles protect their eyes while helping them to see the birds in the air.   The Flyaway Geese team, along with a group of wildlife biologists, will remain until September when the tunnel expansion project is over, and they are already getting a lot of publicity on local news channels and social media pages: WBTV, Virginian Pilot, VDOT, JBLE...    Video Credit: VDOT   Among our K9 Ambassadors, there is also Denali and her pups from Global Conservation Force, working with professional anti-poaching teams in South Africa. CRW Hercules from Yeager Airport is on the airport wildlife control team and also works as a therapy dog. Newton and Koper are online celebrities with a big following, and they were the center of attention as our K9 models at Airsoftcon last year in California. We also have Phoebe the Samoyed from Scotland, Rosie the Service Dog from California, and The Dog Coach with his entire doggo team.    All our ambassadors help OneTigris to test gear and offer valuable feedback, and at such strange times, it’s always very uplifting to hear news of them not only staying safe and healthy, but being active and taking each day in calm and confident stride.    Photo Credits: Flyaway Geese   
MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY WINNERS

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MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY WINNERS

  To all the Wonder Women of this universe, thank you for being awesome. Here are the lucky winners of our Mother's Day giveaway! ***   @ilckenzoo   "I’ve always been an animal lover, even in college I was smuggling in stray kittens and puppies into the dorm. I started fostering years ago when a friend of mine posted a dog who’s time was up at a local county shelter. For some reason I couldn’t get the image of her face out of my mind so I went to the shelter to pick her up and ended up working with a rescue because she had severe health issues… As you know vet bills can get expensive so it’s great to have a rescue to work with to alleviate some of the financial burden.   "Once I found a home for her, I fostered another, and another, and another, lol. There are just so many that need help! It’s really sad. It’s been therapeutic for me too finally be able to use my passion for animals in a positive life-changing way. I’ve met so many great families along the way!"   ***  @forestwolfperak   "Because of you, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot more.   "My name is Julia, and the handsome fluffy boy next to me is (Dari Intan Putih) Perak! He's an almost 7 year old white Swiss shepherd and we live together in the Netherlands, when we started looking for a new companion 7 years ago we where set on one of the female dogs from the litter, Perak's sister who's named Pucat was set to come live with us. My father who came to help us pick out a puppy noticed Perak right away and decided he should be coming home with him, and I'm very glad he did exactly that! Perak grew up as my fathers dog, but we quickly started bonding together. There was just this amazing connection that we had. At age 2 I started doing agility with Perak, and from there on our bond grew even stronger. Years went on and my father came to realise how happy perak and I made eachother, he signed ownership of his beloved dog to me! This was the greatest blessing I could ever receive, and now years later I have both Perak and Pucat at my side, we have been on many trips within." *** @lisi_mtb_33   "My name is Lisi and I am 21 years old and I live in Austria. I have a rare chronic disease called EDS and some more. I want to live my life the best way I can and still do things that makes me happy, even if it's harder. That's why I got Jucan. He is a 7 months old service puppy and in training to be my service dog. He is my lifeline and gives me the strength to move on and stay mobile. Jucan is my soul mate. I also have 2 Swissy dogs, Tony and Barli. Sadly Tony needs a wheelchair. All my dogs use 1TG Gear, because it's strong and looks fantastic. So to all disabled people amd animals out there: Stay strong!  *** @mileyonetigris   "Last year, our apartment adopted an angel Molly. She's smart, gentle, friendly to everyone! I was a "cat" person actually, but she changed my life. One day she came to my door, wants play with me and my cat. Suddenly there was a man banging on my door, scared the hell out of me. She was just like 3 months old? She stood up and shouting at the door! I never heard that she made such loud voice before. This cute little thing was trying to protect me!!! After that she came to my house everyday and she loves me just like I love her! Now she grown up, had 5 babies on Mar. I just want to say, I'm happy to be your mother, and I'm proud of you to be a mother! Happy Mother's day!!" *** @that_nepa_newfie   "Happiest mamma’s day to all my fur frens!!! Dis my mamma and she is da bestest to me and my dad! Frens tanks your mamma’s fur all da treatos and lovin’s dey gives us!!"   "Oakley is a 2 1/2 year old Newfoundland. We have raised her since she was a puppy. She trains as a water rescue dog. She brings out the best in people who meet her and we enjoy spreading her love! We have been using 1tg gear since she was big enough for a harness. Keep up the good work!"  
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

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WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

This year’s World Mental Health Day (Oct 10th) comes at a time of change and much uncertainty. 
BENEFITS OF WEARING A DOG HARNESS

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BENEFITS OF WEARING A DOG HARNESS

In the past, dog harnesses were used mostly for working dogs (e.g. sled dogs), but with the evolution of pets! More and more owners are now looking into different types of canine attire for different purposes (running, training, etc.) So, what are the benefits of harnesses for your pup?