hoop harness

[Lindalee]

I very much wanted a hoop harness for my golden , he is always bumping his nose or head. I do have goggles for him but that won't protect his poor nose.
Unfortunately he is very large and would take a 14" hoop , according to angel vests I think the name of web site who makes them , her web site says larger than 11" doesn't work. I guess we are out of luck there. I wondered if maybe I missed something in my search. If I did get a hoop He could wear it outside only. Does anyone know of someone making hoops for large dogs that might work?

[Blinddogs.net]

On my website http://www.blinddogs.net there is a 'tips' page with directions for making a plastic-tie collar that was sent in by a man with a larger dog. He said the collar worked really well for him, so might be worth a try, and would be very inexpensive to make! Here is the direct link to the directions & picture of the collar:
http://www.blinddogs.net/blind_dog_collar_plan.html

[Lindalee]

Thank you! I'm going to try making that!

[Blinddogs.net]

Great! Please let us know how it works for you!

[Lindalee]

Sorry to say that idea does not work for my dog(*cable tie collar). He has no idea it's even on him. First thing he did was run right into the fence. I don't see how it can work, he can't feel it, it's not part of his body. There is another one similar to this that has cable tie inside a fuel line tube bolted on a collar , it fibrates when it contacts things. Possibly would work better.
I really think the hoop idea is the best. I wish they would work for large dogs, what a bummer. He has learned to listen to me when i watch him outside. When I say watch out he stops and turns, he is doing the stairs great with my step instructions. So we are making a lot of positive adjustments. I was just hoping he could have a tool so he could be more independant. I have to say though back 2 years ago when I knew he would be totally blind I thought I would have to put him to sleep. That is a very crazy idea now that I know he is happy blind too! I found this really neat toy he got so excited about , it drops food when pushed around. There is a whole line of them in different shapes ect... I will go find and post to this site.

[Blinddogs.net]

I'm sorry to hear that the collar didn't work out. I know the idea is for the ties to act as "feelers" like big whiskers, but like you say, since they are not a part of their body there would be a learning curve for the dog on how they work. I imagine they would need to learn to 'listen' for the tie(s) hitting an object etc. It is too bad that the hoop harness doesn't work well for the large dogs, but it does sound like your guy is doing great with commands and is a happy boy.

Yes, those toys that dispense food treats when they are rolled a great! Would love to see the one you got that comes in different shapes. I don't know who made the one we have, but it is a square shape.