explored

Interesting fact: They love water and snow, and most litters are born in the winter.   The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is nicknamed “wolfdog” and it is essentially that, a rather controversial hybrid between a German Shepherd Dog and a wolf. Now, would it make a good house pet? We can’t be sure, but it definitely is a hell of an ambassador for a tactical gear brand! The CSV was originally engineered through a military experiment in Czechoslovakia in the 50s during the Cold War. They resembled the wolf in appearance and build, and would have the temperament and trainability of the German Shepherd Dog. Throughout the process of creating the CSV, they had to decrease the proportion of the wolf blood so they could work better with and around humans. That and also it was difficult to find a German Shepherd who was up to the task of mating with a wolf. The CSV has very good night vision, endurance, and sense of smell and hearing. It is has a pack mentality and forms very close bonds with its owner and the rest of the family, as well as other domestic families. Experts recommend subduing their puppy passion for hunting at the very beginning to avoid any mishaps in the future… Nowadays, the breed is much loved and can be surprisingly goofy when unguarded! In Italy, the CSV has been successfully employed as SAR (Search and Rescue) dogs. Why do they make excellent OneTigris LiFE ambassadors? They love to be out in the wild, they love to get dirty and to be put to work! Enrico “NorthWolf” Finazzi is our ambassador tasked with photography, meaning he spends a lot of time outdoors with the wolves so that we have amazing pictures to work with. They can be a dangerous dog breed for the inexperienced dog handlers, but not this one. We’ve had some incredible shots with this team and they also give excellent feedback on our tactical dog gear and vehicle accessories. Want to know what it’s like to live with wolves? Keep a lookout for our photos. NorthWolf can be spotted in many. Photo Credits: Federica Fiori

Hey OneTigris Tribe, I don’t know how many of you knew this but we’re a 500,000-person strong worldwide audience of dedicated tactical aficionados, real gear enthusiasts, and animal lovers who share a passion for the very best in great gear. To all my new friends around the world let me wish you a warm hello and a hearty welcome to this blog. I look forward to getting to know you as a result of this process so please leave me feedback in the comments section.   I’ve enjoyed hearing from a few of you in response to last month’s edition. I received the most requests for an in-depth explanation of how we stock a trauma kit for field use. This is a description of what we use in many jurisdictions within the United States. Unfortunately, the biggest new threat public safety organizations now face around the world is the mass-casualty incident. Most often brought on by an active shooter entering the area. The FBI states four or more victims in a single incident is classifiable a mass-causality incident (MCI).   It took me just over a week to plan and write this article. In that brief window of time we experienced The Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburg killing 11, and this week now ends with the 307th mass shooting of the year in the U.S., the Thousand Oaks shooting in California killing 12 people and it’s been just over a year since the Las Vegas music festival shootings that claimed 58 lives. From a medical standpoint we are currently trying to combat the loss of life in these horrific incidents by training every first responder, police officer, and firefighter in the country with enough of the basics of trauma medicine that they can stop bleeding and stabilize a trauma victim within a couple of minutes.   Most school systems are also offering training to teachers and other school officials on how to handle a mass casualty incident and reduce loss of life until the emergency services network kicks into action and engages a coordinated response to unexpected acts of violence or other tragedies requiring an immediate basic or advanced life support response.     For the instruction piece we use an evidence-based program introduced in the United States by The American College of Surgeons called “Stop The Bleed”. The program offers training for both instructors and students in trauma and bleeding control and you can access it at www.BleedingControl.org. Why recreate the wheel when they have this training broken down into a four-hour in-service and it’s free.  Let’s take a look at the tools of the trade. The personal kit we place on all of our police officers and firefighters contains the following items:      1. Three pairs of gloves 2. One Israeli Bandage in 4” 3. Two Chest Seals 4. Two C-A-T, Tourniquets 5. One nasopharyngeal airway 6. Hemostatic dressings (Quik Clot, Celox) These dressings are covered in a coagulant so they aid in bleeding control and when used with direct pressure and insertion into the wound can cause the bleeding to stop 7. The carrying case is EVERYTHING!  Everything listed fits very neatly in several of the EDC OneTigris Pouches. 8. For mass-casualty incidents, you can load up the list I just handed you four times over and it all fits nicely into the OneTigris Treat Tote #5 among others and we use them as multi-trauma response bags.  If you have a couple of those on each rescue or engine truck or in your personal vehicle and the EMT Pouch sized bag for the individual personal carry bag, you have enough supplies to help you hold your own for a couple of minutes until help arrives. It’s my sincere hope that you never need any of this information or training. However, in today’s world it pays to be cautious and prepared.  It’s also a part of the situational awareness mindset and a tactical and practical way of life I mentioned in last month’s column. Until next month stay safe and go out and make the work a better place.   Credit: Joseph Brigandi, OneTigris LiFE Ambsssador

Knowing canine CPR and having a well-stocked first aid kit can save your dog's life. This guide breaks down the 3 key CPR steps and shares two EDC kit lists from a service dog handler — a small kit for daily walks and a large kit for extended trips.

Intro from BigLenny   My name is BigLenny and I am BigT’s service dog. I am a Golden Retriever and the reason behind the BigGoldenBear discount code available for use now during check-out at www.onetigris.com   Read why I am so special!   Well first things first, I am a service dog and that makes me special. As a service dog I get to go everywhere my hooman partner goes so I can help if I am needed.   When I was just eight weeks old I went to a special puppy-raiser’s home. My puppy-raiser taught me manners and obedience. I was socialized in lots of interesting places where I learned to ignore other people and concentrate on behaving correctly. I stayed with my puppy-raiser until I was old enough to go to “Puppy College,” which the hoomans call Advanced Training. In Advanced Training I learned to do special things to help the partner I had not even met yet. I learned to pick things up/return them to my partner. I learned to open/close doors, and turn lights on/off. I learned to get things off high shelves, put my feet on a counter with money in my mouth in case my partner needs help paying for purchases, and I even learned to pull a wheelchair in case I would ever be needed to do that. I learned the names of some important things, like "phone". All my partner has to say to me is, “BigLenny, get the phone,” and I run and come back with the phone in my mouth.   When I was really good at all those skills, I met my partner BigT who then had to learn how to command me to accomplish such tasks. BigT had to learn to be my leader, and I had to learn to do what I was told by another person. It was hard work to go through team training together, but we did it. Now we are a real team and go everywhere together.  Service Dog Etiquette   Regularly when people see service dogs with their partners, they are immediately drawn to admire and even pet the service dogs. However well intentioned, it is important to be aware of some of the rules surrounding working dogs. People with workings dogs generally enjoy engaging with those drawn to their canine partners. Just remember to observe the tips below, and enjoy your interaction with the TEAM! These are just tips. Each organization, group, etc. has their own set of rules or etiquette, but virtually all can be associated with the tips below.   ● Do NOT touch the dog without asking permission first! This is a distraction and may prevent the dog from tending to the hooman. Be sensitive to the fact the dog is working and may be in the middle of a command or direction from its hooman partner. Most dogs need to be told the command "Release" from work mode to interact with someone. ● Please do NOT feed the dog. The dog may be on a special diet. Food is the ultimate distraction to the working dog and can jeopardize the working service dog team. ● Speak to the person, NOT the service dog. Most handlers do not mind talking about service dogs and their dog specifically if they have the time. In fact, they often enjoy it! ● Do NOT whistle or make sounds to the dog as this again may provide a dangerous distraction. ● Never make assumptions about the individual’s intelligence, feelings or capabilities. Offers of help are appreciated, but ASK first. Usually, the service dog team can get the task done by themselves. ● Always approach a service dog calmly and speak to their hooman partner before touching or addressing the dog. Disability Etiquette   I know I am handsome and pretty wonderful! I mean people are always telling me, and I know little kids who like the Disney Lion King often think I am a lion and run up to pet, hug and even try to ride me. There are also some kids and adults with my summer cut that think I look like a bear and again run up and want to touch and pet me. Being the celebrity I am I know BigT would never say anything, but I feel it is only my duty to say a little more about etiquette in regards to my man, BigT, and other handsome service animals out there.   There are a large number of sources offering in depth information on disability etiquette including the American Disability Act of 1990 which among others gives service animals the right to accompany their handler. Refusal to provide equal access to people with disabilities with service animals is a federal civil rights violation.   ● Golden Rule says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” ● When speaking with a person with a disability, speak directly to them and not to service dog (parent, attendant, interpreter, etc.) ● Ask if a disabled person wants your assistance. ● Do not ask about a person’s disability; they will share when they are ready. ● Always put the person first. They are a person with a disability, not a disabled person. ● Avoid outdated terms like crippled, handicapped, retarded, wheelchair bound, hearing impaired, etc. ● Use proper service dog etiquette. Make sure to acknowledge the person before acknowledging their service dog. And always ask before you pet. Remember the dog is working and we do not want to distract. In Summary   By the time BigT became my forever person I had learned over 80 commands! I will work with BigT until my retirement age between 8–10 years old. At that point I become a pet, but I will also have a very important role as BigT gets paired with his next service dog. Once BigT brings his new service dog home I will act as a sort of mentor, something that I did not have, and something that will give BigT’s new service dog a big advantage getting up to speed with the learning curve.   I hope you all enjoyed and maybe even learned something. Remember: A service dog is as vital to a person with disabilities as a wheelchair or cane, and do not forget you can use the discount code BigGoldenBear at checkout on www.onetigris.com to gear up on all of the wonderful tactical gear OneTigris has to offer Hoomans and Dawgs!!!  Service Dog Etiquette Recap   ● Never distract (with food, noise, touch, etc.) a service dog or a service dog in training. Because by doing so can potentially injure a disabled handler and/or earn the dog a correction. ● Pay no attention to a service dog or puppy in training. And remember, these dogs are not pets. They are being trained to do a very important job. ● If you feel you must pet a service dog or puppy in training, ask first. Do not feel offended if the handler says no. Handlers are hooman and might be having a bad day or might be running late. ● Teach your children to never pet a strange dog – ANY dog – without first asking permission. Teach them to follow your good example. All the best,  Lennon aka BigLenny!!! Credit: BigT, OneTigris LiFE Ambassador

It’s no secret that animals can play a significant role in trauma recovery for conditions like PTSD and they provide emotional support for people suffering from a myriad of issues from anxiety to depression and many other behavioral health conditions. Are service dogs and support animals the answer for everything that ails us? I know I’m going to disappoint a portion of our readership but I’m here to tell you it’s certainly not a cure for any category of disease or disability, the benefits and the risks of inserting an animal into someone’s life needs to be weighed carefully on a case by case basis assessing both the client and the animal.   As a clinical mental health counselor who specializes in PTSD, I face the question of service and support animals on a daily basis, and I must admit, I’ve seen animal placements backfire on more than one occasion. I had a situation with a client who was released from an inpatient placement for PTSD that specialized in wounded veterans and the treatment team insisted on the client leaving with a service dog. The client felt very strongly that the institution charged her over $6,000 for a mixed breed animal with questionable training at best. She complained several times after she returned to the community and they fired back with “You’re not letting the dog do its job so it’s your fault.” They finally sent a specialist out after several months of complaints and all they did was agree with my client that the training needed to be reinforced and they gave her a $200 shock collar so she could finish training the dog herself and they left. Make sure whoever you work with to select an animal clearly outlines what follow-up services are offered before you agree to work with them.   The agency that provided the $6,000 dog benefitted because they were paid immediately by the insurance carrier. However, this fee did not provide any coverage for follow-up care or additional training that was originally promised. This resulted in making my client’s transition back to the community harder than it might have been without a service dog.  My client experienced unnecessary feelings of guilt for not being able to make the relationship with the dog work. In my assessment of the dog, I had to agree that the dog was not trained well enough for the tasks it was expected to perform, and both the client and dog needed more time together before the placement became final.   The lesson here is when you are trying to help, please don’t immediately assume that animal assisted therapy is the answer.    Now, let’s move over to the fun stuff -- when animal assisted therapy becomes the answer. Let me just say, when it works it’s one of the most special experiences for the client, the animal, and the clinician. The bonding and connection both parties experience is the stuff both dreams and movies are made of with any animal human relationship but most especially a therapeutic one.    We all want that animal human relationship and connection and bond to work at the highest levels, and the best way to do that is with a constant focus on education and training, attending workshops and seminars, joining training groups and of course buying books. When it comes to books on this subject I highly recommend Animals That Heal, The Role of Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals in Mental Health Treatment by Stephanie Taylor, M.S. 2018. Stephanie Taylor is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed in Texas and she specializes in animal assisted therapy. Her private practice is called Wings of Liberty and she’s available for consultation worldwide online and in person in Texas.   I had the opportunity to visit with Stephanie and her service dog Jager last month at the annual Texas Counseling Association conference. I was delighted to meet both Stephanie and her dog Jager and I was not surprised at all to see that Jager was wearing a OneTigris Power Train Dog Harness. She had no idea that I was an ambassador for OneTigris when we met. In our brief time together, she gave us so much information that my wife Debra and I have been able to really step up our dog Stella’s training so that she eventually becomes the therapy, service, and search and rescue dog we can count on when we deploy with critical incident response teams in our roles as crisis counselors.    Do you know the difference between a service dog, an emotional support animal, or a therapy animal? All three categories are considered therapeutic interventions that can be assigned by your health care professional to help you reach your goals. However, major differences exist in the types and ways the animals are used. People often use the terms service animal, emotional support animal, and therapy animal interchangeably which can lead to a great deal of confusion. We also have a small section of the public making it even more confusing by trying to pass off personal pets as service animals so they can access the benefits of taking pets into areas that would otherwise be restricted from their use. The news media often uses the terms interchangeably and as Stephanie so eloquently points out many therapists are confused on the topic as well.    Service dogs serve people in so many amazing ways from being able to help pull a wheelchair to the intense training it takes to become a seeing eye, hearing ear, or medical alert animal that goes to work immediately when their companion is in distress and has a seizure or diabetic episode. Service dogs vary greatly in how they are trained and what they have been trained to do in order to help the owner achieve a better quality of life by mitigating the person’s disability in some meaningful way. The training of top-quality service dogs and support animals is a professional vocation and it takes years to learn and countless hours of dedication to begin to produce meaningful results between the animal and the trainer. If you want to get a better example of what it takes to train a guide dog take a look at this short four-minute animation by the South Eastern Guide Dogs. I’m warning you ahead of time to get a box of tissues on standby. This organization specializes in seeing eye dogs and PTSD dogs for veterans and their motto is, “Serving those who cannot see and those who have seen too much.”   Training service dogs of any kind is expensive. $6,000 to $12,000 is not an uncommon fee for a top-quality animal. Most police departments say the average entry cost for a police K9 is around $10,000 per dog. With a prescription from a medical professional confirming a legitimate medical diagnosis, many insurance companies will cover the cost of a service animal. Never forget to reach out to several nonprofit and community groups, they can often come together to help make it happen.     Remember, any animal that can properly serve a human is going to take two to four years of intensive training to produce meaningful results. If you’re anything like me after that much time it would be too hard to let them go. I guess that’s why I’m not a service dog trainer.  However, it is possible to do it on your own if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to do it right. That’s what my wife Debra and I have done with our dog Stella. Stella has already taken six different types of obedience courses and now we are moving her on to scent training courses and an agility program so we can see if she really has the potential for search and rescue work. Stella’s therapy dog training is ongoing and both Debra (who is also a licensed counselor) and I work with Stella constantly. Stella is just about to start joining us on our post incident debriefings and PTSD support groups for first responders from time to time. I am confident she will have a positive impact on the therapeutic process as we move forward as a team and a family of caregivers dedicated to helping people heal.    Debra and I occasionally conduct critical incident stress debriefings and tactical debriefings for local fire departments in our roles as crisis counselors on The Critical Incident Response Team at The Counseling Center of Texas. Our crisis response team is available to individuals and groups throughout the State of Texas.    As for those few of you who may unfortunately find yourselves in the situation of having to verify someone’s disability or the authenticity of a person’s service dog, emotional support, or therapy animal you will be very grateful for the insights provided in Stephanie Taylor's books aforementioned. She discusses the Americans with Disability Act as it applies to public and work "accommodations" for animals and she covers the Fair Housing Act as well as the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA). Can you bring your Emotional Support Velociraptor (ESV) on board the plane with you? Check out flying with your ESV     All kidding aside, access to fair housing and transportation privileges are important considerations for all of us and those decisions can become complicated very quickly once an emotional support or service animal enters the picture. Here’s to hoping you never find yourself having to be in the position of playing animal police. By the way and for the record, you should probably stay out of it unless you are fearing direct or indirect harm in some way by the animal. Don’t be in the position of unlawfully discriminating against someone without cause. Be forewarned – unless the animal is out of control they don’t owe you an explanation for the reason why they have a service animal in most countries. If the animal has somehow become a threat to life and limb then it’s time to call the brave men and women of law enforcement so they can investigate the situation further.   Aside from a small amount a people who abuse the privilege most people asserting a right to bring a service animal into an area have valid reason for doing so and should be treated accordingly. As my holiday gift to you please use the discount code BrigandiTX for a 10% discount on all of your OneTigris purchases.    Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays, and may you and yours have a joyous New Year!   Credit: Joseph Brigandi, OneTigris LiFE Ambassador

Product link: OneTigris SUBMARINER Tactical Dog Harness Credit: @Savage Survival, 1TG

"A while back we were contacted by OneTigris to join in testing their new multi-use dog cape! OneTigris is known for creating durable and trusted tactical dog gear and we’ve owned a few harnesses from them previously! We’ve only had one outing with this harness tonight while we ran to the store and got food, but already I’m loving the convenience of this cape!   The cape is nice and lightweight for Jasmine, and it’s a nice, simple design. There’s tons of velcro space for any and all patches, not to mention the pockets which have ample space for carrying medication, backup gear, and other equipment. Plus, the color blends in nicely with Jasmine’s coat, which doesn’t make her stick out like a sore thumb, and helps the patches be more noticeable.   Only downside I would say so far is the shifting from side to side, but we’ll be adjusting it later since this was the first outing. Stay tuned for another review later as we test it out some more!"   "Just wanted to update. I took the harness out as a cape attachment to my harness, and already noticed that for a BLD harness, it doesn’t work well. the clip is too large to fit through the attachment point, it took me ten minutes to push through and quite a while to get it out. i think for some harnesses, adjustments may have to be made to the strap and attachment point of the cape to fit on the attachment point of certain harnesses. i’ll attach photos below. and it was a bit bunched too, but overall it’s been a great cape other than the attachment point issue! yeah! and maybe a longer strap? some harnesses are just so different haha so that it’s not bunched up with the harness."   Credit: servicedog.shepherds I have not used it enough to come up with any improvements but so far I don’t see anything wrong with it and mine does not slide around since I properly adjusted it! I know someone testing it out that said it slides around but I havnt experienced it. The only thing right now that I can think of is a little more padding on the straps like a comfort padding on the girth around the belly and maybe one in the front!"   "This is a service dog harness that converts into a cape to attach to a mobility harness! This is a prototype of @onetigris new service dog harness. It has molle on each side, bungee cord on top, zippered pockets on both sides, breathable padded mesh fabric underneath, a D-ring on either side perfect for a pullstrap, and snaps on each side to secure to a mobility harness! It’s not for sale yet, we are testing it out and sending feedback to them about it! It’s been our favorite vest so far because of the practicality. It has everything I’ve ever wanted all in one. Brantley can wear this alone and still do grounding and guiding without wearing his mobility harness all the time. It’s super comfortable for him, I love the color it blends in and doesn’t draw anymore attention. You can fit a lot of patches on here but I only like adding a few! The only thing I would change is more padding on the chest and girth strap that’s it! We love this thank you so much for letting us be apart of testing it out! There will also be an updated gear haul on my YouTube channel soon where I show you this in detail if your interested!"   "Haha but seriously we’ve used this harness so many times now and it’s by far our favorite one. It’s just so easy and practical. I will get photos of it being a cape soon! I will put some low quality pics of it on my story if your interested. Just getting ready for Christmas this weekend!"   Credit: couple_of_mals "We were selected by @onetigris to test and review a prototype cape/vest combo that they’re working on, and boy were we excited when it arrived. It was a perfect fit for Rosie as both a cape and vest, and fit perfectly with her existing harness. The vest features two shallow pockets, velcro top and side paneling with MOLLE loops, a removable ID panel, and D-rings for a potential pullstrap. The construction is sturdy as always when it comes to OneTigris products, and I love the ability to switch between the two modes of cape and vest, depending on what your needs may be. They’re still working on a few details, but I imagine they’ll be releasing this product soon!" "I gave the multipurpose cape/vest a thorough test yesterday and loved it. It was a perfect fit for Rosie as both a cape and vest and fit perfectly with her YupCollars harness. The pockets are great, construction is fabulous, and I love the adjustability in switching between the two modes of cape and vest. I especially like how you handled the excess strap webbing on the belly, and suggest that maybe you add that to the chest as well if possible. I have no complaints, other than that you should definitely make this in black. All of the rings are in the right locations, and I’m very happy with the design. The ID panel was a nice touch."   Credit: rosietheservicedog The ID holder looks like it would let the item slip from the angle it's at.The pockets were nice. I think the zippers going in one direction rather than both in oppositeAlso the back of the cape is super squishy and I like it. The other cape was more of a fabricSo it seems more comfortable and more of a protective barrier." "The belly strap is too short, otherwise it is perfect.”   Credit: asia.and.lotus

Typically Da Big Boyz Crew are advocates of “rules were meant to be broken,” but occasionally even we agree rules exist for a reason. Just one such occasion is when it comes to service dogs and service dog law where it seems like just about everyone is viewing them more as recommendations. It doesn’t matter if you want to take your dog everywhere or you are breaking the law by presenting your pet as a fake service dog, both actions cause damage and harm to the service dog and disabled community.   When BigLenny and I are out in public at least once a week someone will come up and talk about how their dog would be “just perfect!” for service dog work. They wish they could take their dog everywhere just like me. There’s only one issue. They don’t understand the right to be escorted by a fully-trained service dog comes with a mountain of headaches no sane person would ever wish upon their worst enemy let alone themselves.   Per U.S. Federal Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dog handlers must be disabled. Service dogs perform tasks that their disabled owners would otherwise have a hard time doing on their own. By communicating your desire for a service dog, you’re also wishing for the disability that comes along with it. Hearing an able-bodied person freely wish for a disability (even if you don’t say those exact words) is extremely hurtful for a disabled person. It suggests you don’t take the disabled person or their disability seriously and trivializes the thousands of hours of training and socialization their canine partner went through to be prepared to do his/her job.   If you have questions about service dogs or about the job service dogs perform, ask them, as long as the question isn’t, “How can I make my pet a Service Dog” or “How can I take my dog everywhere, too?” The answer to those questions, unless you are disabled and your dog possesses the aptitude for service dog work, is ALWAYS: You Can’t! No equipment, vest, harness, special leash, ID card, “Do Not Pet Me” patches or anything else can make your dog a service dog unless you are disabled and your dog has been specifically trained to perform tasks or work that you would otherwise have difficulty completing due to your disability. If all of that isn’t true, then it’s ILLEGAL.   A lot of times service dog handlers are met with judgement and conflict – sometimes from public, friends and family, even other service dog handlers. Service dog handlers are forced into confrontations on a regular basis concerning their canine partner’s public access rights. Even though U.S. Federal Law is very clear regarding a disabled handler’s right to have their service dog go together with them in public. Many handlers especially in smaller towns or more rural areas face recurrent conflicts. From the “What’s wrong with you?” questions to, “Show me his papers,” life with a service dog is rarely without challenges. When you casually announce, “I wish my dog were a service dog,” let alone fake service dog status or claim your pet is an assistance animal, you’re not only minimizing the conflict faced by the service dog community, but also the hassle, lack of privacy, judgement, strife, and sometimes outright hostility that accompanies service dog partners.   Fake service dogs only contribute to this issue. Dogs demonstrating poor training, manners or behavior while wearing the “Service Dog” banner cause everyone who come into contact with them to view the next team they meet, even if it’s the best service dog team on earth with suspicion and judgement.   Emotional support animals and therapy dogs are often confused with service dogs. These are important types of working dogs who do great work, but are not service dogs and who have no public access rights granted by U.S. Federal Law. If you read my earlier posts you’ll recall that becoming and being a service dog is hard work. It requires a specific, rare temperament, an aptitude for training, serving and learning and a degree of stability most dogs simply don’t possess. Beyond that, though, service dogs undergo hundreds if not thousands of hours of socialization, public access training, basic obedience training and advanced training for their handler’s specific disability task work.   Anyone who has flown on a commercial plane recently might have seen some kind of animal or another being called a “service animal” or you might have even seen something in the news. This time I’m not talking about a service dog. The U.S. Transportation Department recently ruled that airlines must continue to allow “common” service animals on flights. Until now a lot of passengers have been using the right to have a service animal loophole, which has caused some news related stories. The U.S. Transportation Dept. “wants to ensure that individuals with disabilities can continue using their service animals while also helping to ensure that the fraudulent use of other animals not qualified as service animals is deterred.” Airlines became concerned as passengers tried to fly with peacocks, ducks, turkeys, pigs, porcupines, snakes, turtles and iguanas to name a few as service animals. Would you want to be in the seat next to one of these service animals?     Distracted Service Dogs Can Result in Hurt Handlers. When/If a person fraudulently takes their pet with them as a “service dog,” the pet dog could distract or harm a true service dog, which could result in injury to the service dog’s person. In the U.S. most states have laws that protect both the individual and the service dog if harm is done or the team is knowingly interfered with and the crime is punishable by law.   There are no papers, documents, certifications, vests, tags or special IDs required for service dogs in the U.S. Under Federal Law, disabled individuals accompanied by service dogs are allowed access to places selling goods or services of any kind, including places offering entertainment, lodging and food. Under the ADA a business may only ask two questions of a dog team owner: 1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? 2. What work or task is the dog trained to perform? Fake service dogs can often be identified by their lack of manners, obvious lack of training and ill behavior. If a “service dog” is interrupting a business’ daily operation with its behavior, it’s a danger to anyone or its conduct is NOT conduct acceptable in a service dog (barking, growling, stealing food from other clients, knocking people over, jumping, etc.), by law, the manager or business owner has every right to ask the person to remove the dog from the premises, “service dog” or not.   As a result of the public designating themselves as members of the “Service Dog Police” and the media’s sweeping statements concerning the service dog community, all service dog handlers, especially those with invisible disabilities like hearing loss, diabetes, PTSD or a seizure disorder, face a sense of distrust from bystanders, business owners and the public that is often noticeable. Handlers frequently face silent stares, pointed digs or inquiries, outright invasion of privacy and many other difficulties.   Please do not make light of the requirements and difficulties of service dog partnership, because when you do, this is the contribution you’re making.   We hope the message here is pretty clear: 1. Don’t fake service dog status. 2. Don’t downplay a disabled individual’s history or circumstances. 3. Don’t disrespect the work that goes into training a service dog. 4. Don’t make widespread conclusions or announcements that will have exponential consequences. 5. Don’t think you can spot a service dog in any way besides their behavior. 6. Say what you mean and mean what you say. And to take it one step further, think before you speak or act and the service dog community will be a better place as you map your existence!   All the best,  BigLenny!!!   As always hit us up with comments, questions, complaints, rants, like, shit anything would be nice! You can find us on the forum @BigT. You might not see us, but we are always around.    Check out www.onetigris.com to gear up on all of the wonderful Life & Tactical gear OneTigris has to offer hooman’s and dawg’s!!!   Credit: @BigT, OneTigris LiFE Ambassador

If you've ever visited our About Us page, you'll see that the OneTigris mission is to "empower you with motivation and affordable quality gear that helps you to do more and go further." Every year, we allocate surplus gear to be donated to service dog training organizations, animal rescue groups, and many other NGOs around the world, consisted of amazing souls that help to make this world brighter and lighter. When some of our customers reach out to return products that don't fit or colors that don't match their preferences, we ask them to instead send the gear to one of the many organizations that we have this donation arrangement with. The harnesses and dog packs are gifted to pet dog, service dogs and working dogs; the airsoft gear is gifted to airsofters and used as door prizes, raffle items and staff gifts; the EDC gear helps man and animal both to gear up more efficiently and to carry more responsibilities.   We'd like to take a moment to thank these groups of people who contribute their time, effort, knowledge, and even their own wages and savings to help others. See if you can recognize any of our friends on this list: USA - One Tail at a Time, Illinois - Victory Service Dogs, Colorado - Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, Virginia - Spectrum Health Police K9 Team, Michigan - Travis Mills Foundation, Maine - Rebel Dogs Detroit, Michigan - Protection 4 Paws, Pennsylvania - United Schutzhund Club of Houston, Texas - New Jersey Enlisted Association, New Jersey - Caring Hearts for Canines, North Carolina - Tails of Hope, New Jersey - The Driven Dog, California - Doodlebug Dog Ranch, Florida - DFW Canines for Veterans, Texas - Veteran Service Dogs, Michigan - Fisher House Foundation, Ohio - Cumberland County Search and Rescue, Pennsylvania - The Great Dane Club of Maryland, Maryland - Melba Fire Department, Idaho - Colorado Beagle Rescue, Colorado - MWDTSA, West Virginia - Florida Alliance of SAR K-9, Florida - Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue, Virginia - K9's for Veterans, Illinois  - Canine Services Training Center, Florida  - B&B Bernedoodles, New Jersey  - Vetwod, Ohio - LoneStar Malinois, Texas - University of Minnesota Duluth Ride Club, Minnesota - Henry County Fair Dog Show, Missouri - Carolina Helping Paws Rescue, South Carolina - White Oak EMS Search & Rescue, Pennsylvania - Next Level K9, Texas - Calloway County Collective, Kentucky - Global Conservation Force, California - Project 2 Heal, North Carolina  - Grateful Hearts Senior Dog Rescue, Ohio - K91199 Foundation, California  - K-9 Line, Inc, Florida  UK - RSPCA Solent Branch, Hampshire, Fareham, England - RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England - RSPCA Oxfordshire, Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England - Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, London, England - Service Dogs UK, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England  - Last Chance Animal Rescue, Edenbridge, Kent, England  - Keighley Volunteer Centre, Keighley, West Yorkshire, England  - HIVE Bradford, Shipley, West Yorkshire, England  - Blind Dog Rescue UK, Saine Anne, Guernsey - Lomond Flyball Club, Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland CANADA - Wild Rose Assistance Dogs, Alberta - Women That Hunt, Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia Bushcraft, Nova Scotia - Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, Ontario - SPCA Alberta, Alberta - SPCA British Columbia, British Columbia - Taiga Adventures, Saskatchewan Germany - Animal Souls e.V., Bayerbach, Germany Belgium - Airsoft Alliance Belgium, Limburg, Belgium Photo Credit: Veteran Service Dogs Photo Credit: Veteran Service Dogs

All Weather Service Pups   Credit for this section of the article goes to a good friend and fellow New Horizons Service Dog Handler, Sue & her service dog, Nestle.   When spending time in the great outdoors it’s important to make sure your dog is properly equipped just like you make sure you have planned for the day yourself. With winter still upon us we have to consider what our pups wear as utility and not just as a fashion statement.    Many breeds aren’t meant to be in the climates we’ve brought them to. A Chihuahua, originally from Mexico, finds the New York winters to be a bit much and will shiver from more than just being nervous. Some breeds require wearing a coat in these colder climates and care must be taken on the length of time spent outside based on outside temperature and breed.    The same is true for dog boots. It’s hilarious to see a pup try these on for the first time. They walk like their feet aren’t necessarily attached and do crazy aerobatics to try to get these little torture devices off but in many cases they can be useful. The key with any type of equipment is the proper use of it. (New Horizons service dog, Mozart, shown below)   Dogs sweat through their paws. In the heat of summer dog boots can be great for protecting a pups pads from being burned on the hot pavement but by the same token, if the boots are left on too long without frequent rest breaks and adequate time in the shade a dog can be easily overcome by heat stroke. We live in the theme park capital of the world - Florida, USA. Working dogs go to theme parks with their handlers and the pavement can reach scorching temperatures.  The outside temp may reach 95°F but the pavement could be as high as 130°F! Ground temperatures as low as 120°F can begin to cause pain, while 140°F can cause burns and scars after prolonged contact, and 150°F can cause rapid blistering.    It’s important to make sure the dog’s paws are protected against the extreme heat. Boots can be used to protect from heat but breaks should be taken to properly insure your pup can cool down. Many handlers will buy cooling vests to help keep their pup cooler and stop frequently for rest and drink breaks. Pad Wax is also a great tool to use if you are not spending great amounts of time on hot pavement. With pad wax it’s important to reapply often to insure your pup doesn’t get their pads burned. Their coats are designed to help cool them down and keep their skin from burning but it’s still important to make sure they have the chance to cool off and stay hydrated. Misting their underside is a great way to cool them down but use cool to temperate water. Ice cold water can cause shock.   In the colder climates snow can cause issues with a pups paws as well as the salt used to melt the snow. The irritation and stinging of the salt can make a pup’s paws raw. Using dog boots is a great way to protect your pup from the ice and snow and keep their pads from getting raw. If you don’t have booties and your pup loves to play in the snow you can still protect with pad wax or even use a non-stick spray like PAM cooking spray! It’s important to wipe and clean their paws each time to get the snow and salt off the paws. Vaseline is also great for protection with the snow and salt. Some handlers have also used coconut oils on their pup’s paws to protect against the elements. The key is to completely wipe your pup’s paws when they come in. This will remove any snow or salt that can cause irritation and keep them from leaving a trail of oily paw prints everywhere they go. (New Horizons service dog, Revere, shown below)   All Weather Service Big Dogs   By BigT & Da Boyz   Coats/Outerwear: Make sure you pick the correct accessory for the appropriate dog bread and weather. Not all dogs need all kinds of coats, jackets, sweaters, etc. for all occasions. If worn these items should be removed immediately upon entering the home as dogs can overheat easily. Don’t Be Cute! Think of your dog first not fashion. Don’t Force It! Some dogs just will not wear anything. FIT is always important so try it on in the house and let your dog get used to it in a comfortable setting. Then try it outside. Boots: If you are going to get boots/booties/shoes/etc. for your dog the most important thing is FIT! Be ready to try a lot of boots on to find the right ones. You should consider boots if your dog is routinely exposed to weather (snow), rough terrain, health issues, old age, etc. A dog’s paw pads and the areas in between them are sensitive. When you’re mapping your existence there’s numerous negative injuries a dog’s paw pads can sustain. It’s possible for the paws to get cut on rocks or wear out if you take your dog hiking on rocky mountain trails or sprinting on hard pavement. Dog boots can protect against this.   If your dog flat out refuses to wear boots you can still protect his paws. To help prevent cracked and bleeding paws apply Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) or Paw Wax to your dog’s paws before your dog goes outside. Just remember this method wears off, so if you are hiking you will need to reapply often. Soak paws a few seconds in a bowl of warm water the second your dog comes inside, then dry the paws thoroughly. To help prevent junk stuck between the toes which can cut the feet or cause your dawg to pimp limp trim the hair between the toes.   Goggles: Dog eyewear protects your dog’s eyes from UV rays and over-exposure to bright sunlight, numerous chronic canine eye diseases and conditions, pink eye, etc. Not all eyewear was created equal for working dogs. For working dogs site is essential and most will also test the protection limits of their eyewear. Because of that I trust Rex Specs and Doggles for my service dog. If you chose eyewear it is essential that the eyewear is measured properly before ordering and then FIT properly on your dog. To be successful it is of the utmost importance that your dog is trained to wear the eyewear. Rex Specs lays out an entire training program for you and shows you step by step how to fit and how to slowly introduce your dog to the goggles. (I do have to confess my personal favorites are the goggles with the windshield washers. I mean why not J!) Conclusion DON’T BE CUTE! DON’T FORCE IT! FIT – FIT – FIT! As you can see when it comes to weather gear for your working dog there are a lot of options. This was not all encompassing but more of just scratching the surface. Given the number of products I’ve found it easiest to focus on one area at a time when looking to purchase. Take your time. Do some research based on your needs.    All the Best, BigT & Da Big Boyz CrewOneTigris LiFE Ambassadors

To summarize:   We liked the original version the best because it fits Farley's deep chest better which makes the overall fit more snug and less likely to slip and twist.   Farley is not a huge dog but he does have a huge chest. I think the problem with this harness comes with deep barrel chested dogs like Dobermans and boxers and such. They are otherwise slim dogs that don't weigh a ton and some have small necks but these dogs do not fit into the medium sized harness because of the size of their chest. This bumps them up into a size that's too big for the rest of them, like the neck area.   The new version had more give and take on the neck area, allowing us to be able to pull it in a little tighter but with the chest we had the leads let out as far as they went which was still a tad too tight, pulling that area creating a gap in the side area (you'll see on the video). The overall fit was worse on the new version which not only gapped at the sides but also slid downward over his neck towards his head when he would put his nose to the ground (which dogs do 90% of the time. So it was always ready to fall off (over his head). We also agree with JoeCrowe about the velcro strips that hold the excess strap down. In theory it's a great idea but it creates too much bulk. A ladder lock buckle would be ideal. I think my biggest gripe about this harness was not even in the fit but the fact that there was no front DLoop to attach the lead to on the front chest area, which is fantastic and super helpful when dealing with dogs that pull. I think there should be two: one on the back and one on the chest for us to see which works better for our dogs. And actually some people use a double lead and attach to both front and back gaining even more control of their dog AND this prevents the backing out of the harness, which is possible with the Firewatcher (another downfall). And lastly I'd run the handle lengthwise down the back instead of across the neck area, all this does when grabbing at it (the way it is now) is lift the harness up, choking the dog.This could be a brilliant feature but it does not work for us the way ours fits our Doberman (maybe it works with other breeds). We would like to thank OneTigris very much for allowing us to participate in this test and hope that we have been a help. Please reach out anytime! Best to you all!Jennifer and Farley   Credit: @thrujenseyes, 1TG

Airport wildlife control K9 teams work in demanding conditions. In this article, we look at the specialized training these dogs undergo and the tactical gear they depend on — from no-pull harnesses to durable leashes — to stay safe while keeping runways clear.

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

The Beast Mojo is OneTigris’ lightweight tactical harness for dogs that don’t need heavy 1000D nylon. In this review, a professional trainer and a real owner break down its fit, features, and ideal use cases for dogs in the 10-45 lb range.

Taking your dog on an overnight hiking or camping trip? Here's how to pack and carry their food without spills, spoilage, or extra bulk — including a hands-on review of the OneTigris dog food carrier with MOLLE attachment.

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

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

> 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

Credit: @Ozzytheservicedog, 1TG Instagram: Ozzy the Service Dog, Cheese the Yorkie

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!