Hi

I take my dogs out in the mornings for their main walk - before work so we go out at 5.45am.  We live near woods so go there so they can be off lead which they enjoy.  Both have great recalls.  Just after some advice really as today it was much darker than it has been and I thought what am I going to do in the winter!  Don;t really want to take them on leads walks every morning where they are street lights and I wondered how you managed walks in the dark!  I was thinking a head torch and one of those flashing collars or something for the dogs.  Any suggestions please?

Thanks and hate thinking of winter already!

Nicky

I often walk mine in the dark they have flashing collars and a flashing dongle thing that hands from their collar.  They also have reflective leads when on the road and I always have a torch just in case but most of the time I don't use it.  I do tend to stick to the park or a field though not the woods in the dark as I can see them easier.

Hope that helps

My partner and I go out at the same time as you & also noticed is was darker this morning too :( booo hoooo

Yes we use flashing collars on the dogs & both of us have a hand held torch and I also wear a head torch for hands free poopy scoopin' lol :)

We walk late at night and use a good quailty head lamp and flashing lights on the collars.

I often road walk about 3 miles or so then let him have a run on the park near where it is lit. George has a flashing thing on his collar and if I go on the park then i carry a torch too.

Mine have hi-viz dog vests on and i have a hefty torch :-) had a head torch last year but it was pants, only a cheapie mind you.  If I can afford it this year I'll get a proper one, or just another big torch.  Headtorch was a lot easier though when handling and picking up after 4 dogs!

I have a head torch - I think it's an Energizer one, which I use. (The rest of the year it's for reading in bed lol)

I've just ordered a couple of these from a place on Ebay -
http://www.nitestik.com.au/
-will report back when I've got them. I've tried the normal flashing things from pet shops, and they always seem to fall off or stop working pretty quickly. I like the idea of the different colours too - I've ordered blue for one dog and green for the other!

Someone pointed me in the direction of these recently -
http://www.tauntonleisure.com/trekmates-nightlife-led-armband/p7477
Apparently they velcro to one another to make a collar for larger dogs, and for longhaired dogs they can be made to sit on top of the coat. Not tried them, so I can't verify that, but will probably order a couple next week.

I walk in the woods in the dark all winter.  The dogs wear Pup Lights which are brilliant...really bright and can be seen from all angles (flashing collars get lost in thick coats).  I carry a small torch but don't really need it as the dogs' lights are so bright.

Yes we found that flashing collars & dongles got lost in coated dogs so we use a head torch round the dog's neck, the red beam can be seen for quite a way and works fine. Depressing that the mornings and evenings are getting darker.

I  cant use any kind of torch or light-the collies chase the beams!More training needed!- -

> I  cant use any kind of torch or light-the collies chase the beams!More training needed!- -

Sorry but lol ... bless em :)

That made me smile too Claire :)
Pat I clip red bike lights onto my dogs collars, they don't make a beam like the white lights do, maybe your collies wouldn't get so excited by a red light? You can get red filters for your own torch too, my OH has one for when he goes after rabbits.

I use glow stick necklaces. A couple twisted together round their necks  works well in an unlit field with no street lighting nearby. I've tried flashing lights but with their long ears and gravity the flashing light always ends up being hidden by their long hairy ears! 

> I clip red bike lights onto my dogs collars

I tried that once as an experiment.... unfortunately I never saw the bike light again. Someone got lucky the next day when they found a fairly expensive bike light in the park!

I do lose a few a year especially off my Missy who loves to dive into undergrowth, cheap is best :)

A big thumbs up for the Pup Lights from me, I got one last year to try it out, they are excellent, very bright and act more like a personal torch for your dog than a locator, very bright beam that can be seen easily, and you can fiddle about with the angle it shines at, I i also liked the fact it comes on it's own light weight collar which is easy to snap on and off rather than fiddling with wee attachments.
Thanks for the link btw, I lost all my links as I had to have a new hard drive fitted.

worth a try,pookin,thanks!Of course,they also chase other peoples torch beams!but  luckily,not bikes,joggers,etc!Winter can bring a whole new crop of hazards for me,Watching out for "flashing" dogs in the distance!My old dog,Sadie,bless her,once scared someone,as she was pouncing round her feet,catching her torchbeam!I shouted"shes after your torch,turn it off"I think she saw the funny side,- -Same dog used to run backwards in front of my pushchair,trying to catch the shadows the wheels made.Which was ok till someone s pushchair shadows coming the opposite way looked more interesting,and she started bouncing about in front of theirs .She also used to leap up and catch flies,or snowflakes,really high,from a standstill,quite disconcerting for a passing couple as her jaws clicked 4feet up as they passed"sorry,shes catching flies" little barmpot.sadly missed!

The puplights look a bit like head torches..... Hmmm I wonder if a cheap head torch would do?

Thanks for the suggestion of bike lights. Went into my local "cheap shop" today and found these mini lights, perfect! £1.99 for the two.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2PC-FLASHING-BIKE-LIGHTS-/250848111141?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item3a67b66a25#ht_914wt_754

I use a head torch when I'm investigating woofers' lug-holes - they're great for all sorts of wound, scab and grot inspections - as well as walking in the dark.

...mind you we don't do much night time walking, no need to really and one of mine gets spooked in the dark and tries to bend my knees backwards (whilst leaping away from killer ducks)

We have the same problem taking our horse back to the field in winter and I started clipping bike lights to her rug. I was so worried cars wouldn't see her until too late - we have to walk down a road, a very quiet road but still with some traffic. The worst thing is this time of year when she doesn't need a rug as she is a very dark Bay and impossible to see in the dark! I usually have my daughter with umpteen lights and reflective waistcoat leading her while I drive behind with car lights showing the way. It's the same trying to spot her in the field - most torches just don't cut it!

Much easier when you can get flashing collars etc although they do disappear in thick hair. It's the one time of year I wish for light coloured dogs as they are easier to pick out in the dark :-D

My biggest problem is getting a torch for myself with a decent beam that doesn't weigh a ton or stop working after a few recharges - recommendations welcome!

We made a couple of small lamps on velcro straps that fastened to the horses hind legs. I can't remember where the lamps came from they were upright with a small red light on the back and a small white light on the front. I think they were designed with walkers in mind.
They were great with the two horses, but my daughters little Welsh pony was horrified and used to try and run away from them lol We stopped using them with her as it caused her too much stress trying to escape from her own legs !!

> My biggest problem is getting a torch for myself with a decent beam that doesn't weigh a ton or stop working after a few recharges - recommendations welcome!

Having admired one that my mum had she bought me this one:  AP Pro Series Spotlight - and I can highly recommend it.  It does need batteries, not a disadvantage as it works so much better than a rechargable, is quite light to carry, comes with a tilt stand for static use, and an extra shoulder strap for walking.  It's not the cheapest torch in the world but it's really good and pin points the dogs, owls, rabbits etc from a long distance.

thanks for that dogs a babe. we had the huge rechargeable one from B&Q - great at first but then it started running down after about 5 minutes use. Hopeless in winter when you are trying to check over a horse in the field or find dogs in the woods :-) . Will certainly give that one a try!

>We made a couple of small lamps on velcro straps that fastened to the horses hind legs.

I think you can buy those now for joggers & cyclists - complete with straps ;-)

Molly is pretty bombproof so I don't think she would try to escape from her own legs but with horses you just never know do you? :-)

No you don't, the pony in question was absolutely bombproof, genuine kids first pony. She was quite old and had been there and done it - everything except having her legs light up presumably !
She is sadly missed as she taught so many kids to ride. She could jump a 3ft clear round but a wouldn't go above a saunter with a beginner on board. Ponies like her are worth their weight in gold :)

Hi
Yes, the dreaded dark mornings are upon us again and I hate them.
We go out at 4.30/4.45am.   I like them to have a long run in the morning before I go to earn the kibble.
My two also enjoy being off lead.   I live near Coventry and I advertised for someone who wanted an early morning walking companion but unfortunately I had no response.   I thought it would have been company for them and for me too and Id have felt better (and braver) having someone else there too.
Part of our winter walk is over fields.   It is very dark.   I have a cream dog who you can just see as long as its not foggy and a black dog who you cant see at all!   Both wear lights around their necks as it gets daker.   One has pink the other yellow.   Those little dangly things dont seem to stay on for very long.   Im looking at the different lighting suggestions on here and I might give something else a try.
I also carry a small torch in my pocket.   Im not sure what you call them, but its one of those with about 9 bulbs.   I used the same batteries all of last winter and they have a strong bright light if I ever need it.   I dont usually use the torch as its easier on the eyes walking by moon light.
Seems to me that its got darker a lot earlier this year than last year.   ROLL ON SUMMER....!
Michelle

Dusk and dark here are when the skunks and porcupines are most likely to be out so definitely not off leash.  After a scary episode in a brushy field where the dog went one side of a bush and I went the other and he got so twisted up he was crying, well, not off the streets either for us.  We don't have a lot of streetlights so I wear a headlamp and my hunting vest, which has large reflective tapes on it.

For us winter is the BEST time to be out in the dark.  With snow on the ground, even if the moon is small or covered by clouds, it's much, much brighter out at night.  Most years I plan a full moon snowshoe outing with friends and dogs.  The dogs can be off leash because skunks and porcupines hibernate.  Our only worry is crazy idiots on snowmobiles and we are only on the snowmobile trail for a short piece.  Still wear the headlamp and vest though.

Before I changed my hours at work (I now only work evenings until 8pm) I used to take my lot out about 6.30, off lead through woodland.  I used a headlamp and a big torch, although I think the torch was more for my peace of mind.....I was jittery about the dark, dogs were just fine lol.  Luckily it was very rural so no issues re traffic etc to worry about.

Douglas tends to glow in the dark, but on misty mornings he completely dissapears. This gives him the opportunity to ambush me, which he finds hilarious!

we use this: http://www.collarways.co.uk/pages/leuchtie-led-light-collar-for-dogs/6704

and i am very happy with it

Led light collar... it seems good

This has been a really helpful thread!   Thanks for all the information.
Ive ordered the nitesticks, and also those bike lights and one of the pup lights too, to see how we get on with them.  
The led collar looks really good if not just a bit pricey at £32 and will probably order one and see how we get on before we order another.   I like the fact that it says that they can swim with them on and wear them in wet weather.   The problem with one of mine is that she just loves swimming and her lights just never last more than a couple of times in the wet...   Probably cheaper in the long run!!
Thanks again.
Michelle

My Nitestix arrived last week and sadly they would not be seen at the end of a long garden, never mind being of use in a park. BUT they do look rather cool, and - depending on which way the dog is lying - you can rely on them indoors to prevent you accidentally treading on a dog in the dark. I guess you could commandeer them to put on keyrings, luggage, whatever if/when needed.

Think I will stick to the poundstore bike lights for outdoors, and wait to see if any of the reflective LED armbands appear in stock.

I tried something similar to the nitestix years ago from I Want One of Those.com, I was really narked, the description stated you could see it hundreds of yards away, you could barely see it at the other side of the room ! complete waste of money.

We have flashing collars for ours, I find all the things you hang from collars completely vanish with my small dogs. Luckily I have 2 velcro dogs (also with big white patches so easier to spot in the gloom) so I only use the flashing collar on my wanderer! I just need to make sure the collar is switched off after, I have a habit of chucking it in a bag switched on and not needing it again for a few weeks.....

MsTemeraire, I tried the Nitestix too...   Should have been patient enough to wait for your comments first...!
I am with youl, all the way!   Agree 100% - great as keyrings, etc, etc, etc.   For dogs?   Completely useless bits of plastic!   I left them in full sunlight and full artificial light for hours but there was nothing to see even when the dog is lying as close as under your desk!
The bike lights are fab!   Even for a dog that swims - they are good.   And at that price, I dont mind having to replenish them too often.
They did have the armbands BUT I didnt buy as when I chose the item, then postage at £2.50. it said 'Royal Mail estimate' and I didnt really want to give my payment details without being certain how much they were going to charge.   Certain further communication from that website as they wanted to know why I hadnt purchased but they seemed unable/unwilling to understand that I needed a definite price before giving payment details.   May look on Ebay.
Have the Pup Lights already but not yet tried them.
Michelle

Hi,

If anyone wants any info on glowing collars and pendant lights I am happy to help.
I have tried nearly everything on the market.

HI
Which do you recommend?
I have tried many of the suggestions
here and very happy using the Pup lights.
In addition I also use fishing lights which we
adapt to go on their collars .
Michelle

For total waterproofness (ie, swimming with the collar on) then the only way to go is the glowdoggie or leuchtie collars.

For normal walking and park use then FlashDog collars or pendant lights are great. They are
heavy rainproof, just not made for swimming.

Avoid really cheap collars and pendant lights from eBay. I have sampled lots of them over the years and although they look OK, for some reason the battery compartments always seem to be too loose which means the light turns off as soon as the dog does anything active. It is really frustrating because you have to turn the light back on again every time the dog chases a ball!

Ignore all manufacturers claims of waterproofness. They all lie! Apart from the leuchtie ones (which I don't actually sell yet so am not just plugging them to make a few bucks.) The leuchtie/ glowdoggie ones really are the only waterproof ones.
The pendant lights and balls that I sell claim to be waterproof, but in the real world ( of dogs) really aren't and I advise people of this to avoid dissapointment.

Have you seen and/or road tested the Unloseaball? I'm impressed by the blurb on the website, plus all parts are replaceable, so I may go for one of those this year.

Yes I have. They are OK, but once again, not as waterproof as one would hope.
Just using mine on wet grass was enough for water to get in and corrode the batteries.
But as you said, at least you can get replacement parts for them.
It was also quite hard and my dog didn't like it compared to the rubberiness of the Nite Ize ones.

One of my dogs swims regularly in her leuchtie collar and so far we have had no problems - short coated breed but visible at quite at distance ( 0.3 mile) - I don't let them go further in the dark so not sure how far you would be able to see them .

I wear a cycle helmet torch they are really small and very bright. I got mine in Tesco.

HI
Which do you recommend?
I have tried many of the suggestions
here and very happy using the Pup lights.
In addition I also use fishing lights which we
adapt to go on their collars .
Michelle

I use a very bright head torch - this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/SuperLED-CREE-Torch-Lumens-Headlight/dp/B0050NN7GG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1319217739&sr=8-8 - and hi-viz vests on the dogs.

I'm also waiting for poundstretcher to get all their crimbo decs in - last year they had tubs of fair sized loose sleigh bells that work a treat for night walks (and lead to many entertaining comments about reindeer :-P).

Bells! Now you come to mention it I'm rather fond of bells, after I brought back some lovely ethnic handmade brass cat & dog bells from Thailand some years ago. I gave them to friends & family and only have one left now, too precious to risk using.

I was looking through Ebay for bells (as you do!) and found some interesting ones - a brass Bear Bell from America, said to have superb tone and carries a long distance, attach to your dog's collar to warn bears, but not cheap at about $12 plus shipping. Obviously a must-have in deepest English woods.
Austrian cow bell 4.5 cm wide, 'why not have it engraved instead of a tag'....
Large jingle type bell, as worn by Guide Dogs for the Blind, a snip at £4.99 each.

And the nearest to the Thai bells I could find - not as ornate, but brass & similar in design, from Taiwan, small hazelnut size £3-ish for 2, small walnut size £4-ish for two. I am hoping these are jingling in the postman's sack on the way to me as I type.

There were also sleigh bells, and a lot of people (mainly in the US) selling jingly bells to hang from a door handle, supposedly to train your puppy to tell you when it needs a wee. Nice idea but I would think the bells might end up inside puppy when you're not looking, as they do dangle like an irresistible chew toy!

Quite a few of the search and rescue dogs in my area wear bells on their collars whilst working. The sort the police hand out for free to help prevent handbag thefts!

> The sort the police hand out for free to help prevent handbag thefts!

My mother had a whole bag of these a couple of years ago (she is active in local Neighbourhood Witch - sorry - Watch, lol... Pratchett moment there). Now I hear a dog trainer is selling them as "jinglers", a way to stop dogs pulling or something...

I use a hunting bell on my terrier's collar as he disappears into the undergrowth out of sight but the bell lets me know just where he is. You can hear them from a great distance too - I first heard them on two dogs walking in the woods and wondered what on earth the noise was. A couple of minutes later the dogs appeared round the corner walking with their owner.

My son brought one back for each dog when he went to America on holiday. Prior to that I tried a goat bell but it was too big even though I bought the smallest one available. I would thoroughly recommend the hunting bells :-)