IDC Julius k9 Harness Review

IDC Julius k9 Harness in Camouflage: size mini. 29,95 euros

I must admit, I really enjoy collection different harnesses and putting the to the test. After trying a step-in H harness over the summer and finding rubs in Tobi's armpits I wasn't too amused. I needed something that was easy to put on, gentle on the skin, safe to use whilst cycling.

The new Julius k9 IDC (innova dog comfort) power harness is different from the original power har because of it's slant the ergonomically follows the shoulder line which allows for easier pressure distribution from the leash.

The harness comes with a set of velcro pads saying 'Julius k9' but you can switch them out for custom made ones or store bought ones. I already own a few like bodyguard, security, ball junkie and out of control. I do plan to order a few custom ones in the near future. The IDC harness comes in a variety of colours and patterns but I went for the camouflage print as it really suited tobi's fawn and taupe colouring.

IDC Julius k9 chest piece: size mini. 8,95 euros

Along with the harness I ordered a chest piece for more pressure distribution. I sometimes go cycling with tobi and if he does end up pulling there will be less stress over just the horizontal chest area. I also need to confess that it looks pretty darn badass (hehe). The clasp on the side is nice and big so easy to open and close, even with gloves and friggid fingers in the winter. I've washed the harness a few times already and it still looks like new, so no complaints there.

The ring on the back is nice and big for easy attachment. I have had leashes in the past with big clasps on them so this would definitely been great then! The handle on the top, between the shoulders is definitely a great addition as I travel by bike and public transport a lot. People don't seem to notice small dogs right away on crowded stations so I can hoist him right up onto my hip. The same goes for hoisting him into the crate on the front of my bike.

The only real complaint I'd have is that hairs stick to the inside like crazy (but hey, I've chosen for the fury pug life) and I would prefer the closure system of the handle to be like those on the larger sizes.

I bought my IDC power harness, chest pad and 2 labels from http://www.beestenspul.nl . Shipment was super fast, they even sent it earlier when I needed it the next day.

If you head over to his instagram account (@itstobithepug) you can see the harness in action!

Read More

Zee.Dog Collar, Harness & Leash Review

Some people enjoy collecting stamps or the newest shoes by a certain brand, but I enjoy collecting and using different kinds of harnesses and leads. With tobi being a brachiocephalic dog and and keen on walking ahead of everything and everybody I like to use harnesses so if he pulls he doesn't choke himself. (He also has a tendency to suddenly run and jerk at the leash which kills my shoulder after his evening walk to the dog park.

It might not be much but 1% of the revenue made from each item gets donated to shelters that don't get supported by the government. Cool huh? Here in Holland it's hard to come by anything made by Zee.Dog, luckily zooplus.nl sells a small selection of their items. The driver design/ print seems to suit Tobi quite well as he's a little speed demon when he plays with other dogs!

Zee.Dog collar: Driver, size medium. 7.99 euros.

A great sturdy collar with a nice large D-ring which feels quite hefty, great for withstanding all Tobi's excited pulling and playing! I like that I can change the size of the collar, especially because Tobi's neck roll game is increasing as he grows. I usually like a snug fit for but a tight collar on a pug looks so wrong! 

Zee.dog leash: Driver, size large. 14.90 euros.

I thought Tobi would hate a regular leash but his walking behaviour has improved soo much! Now don't get me wrong I still love the Flexi vario, but it's just not the right leash for a busy city centre and a hyper pug puppy. The big buckle is easy to use and feels sturdy.

Zee.Dog step in harness: Driver, size medium. 16.90 euros.

It's a bit more hassle to get Tobi into this harness but it's a great fit and will continue to fit well as it's adjustable at three main points (chest, shoulder and sternum). I've been able to correct Tobi without hurting him or irritating any sensitive areas, he recently had a URI which had him all stuffy and gasping for air so this was a great solution! The two d-rings at the top make sure you're pulling from a centre point above the shoulders and not off to one side.

I really like the no-nonesense packaging, sure it's nice to get a huge box with plastic to keep it in place and all but it's a waste of materials. As long as the packaging can communicate what product it is and a few basic details about it I'm perfectly content. Less is more, right?

In June Zee.Dog will be launching their online store, which has me super stoked because I really want to order the watermelon and pineapple printed items! If you sign up for their newsletter at www.zee-dog.com you'll get 20% off you're order when they launch!

Toodles! x

Read More

Hurtta harness review

When I first got Tobi his previous owners gave him to us with a measly lead in neon green with a thin little collar that was far too small for him. Walking him from where we had parked the car to my house was super scary and annoying. Tobi kept spinning in circles and charging about which only made me feel bad. He kept choking himself due to all the excitement :( As soon as we got home we walked to the local pet store to get him a good harness. The man in the shop didn't have a large selection but what he did have in stock were these really durable Hurtta pro padded harnesses!

Brachycephalic or not, i'm a big believer in well crafted harnesses. It's a better experience for both pet and owner. Tobi is a lucky pug with a longer snout so he doesn't get winded easily. Pugs and bulldogs are generally hard to shop for as their chests are quite large in comparison to their barels. This one will always be a bit loose as long as he's a puppy but he can't escape from it so i'm happy. There's no contact or pressure on the neck, so if he decides to run until his flexi can no longer extend he can't be choked.

The harness slips right over his head and buckles up with an extra safety hook for when the buckle breaks or isn't closed yet. As you can see in the picture above there's reflective stitching. Lots of my walks (during the week) are either early in the morning or later at night, and living in the city centre is dangerous for little dogs here in Holland! All the bikes, cars, trucks and busses wizzing past don't easily see tobi without his harness.

I payed €29.95 for the harness which is a lot but with daily use for the past 3 months I haven't seen a single stitch come undone, even after hand washing it with a brush! It dries fairly quickly and is also easy to clean if your dog plays in mud or dirty snow.

If you're looking for good harnesses that are easy in use and maintenance then look for Hurtta! They do various kinds of harnesses, matching leads and even coats for real outdoorsy dogs. On their official website  they even have size charts for all breeds so no need to measure up before ordering!

Toodles x

Read More