Is it possible for my dog to escape from one of these head collars. She has had a Halti in the past but needed to use a link attached to her normal collar. Will I still need to use the link with the dogmatic? I have soaked it in Ko cho line for 24hrs but still seems a little stiff in parts (double layers) will giving it another treatment help to soften further?

Hi Gaby

I have used dogmatics for years on my dobermanns and they have never escaped from them. They do scrabble at them from time to time but if the headcollar is the correct size and is fitted properly then you should have no problems with it coming off, there is no need to use a link. As for the softening of the leather I just use leather conditioner/restorer before I use them for the 1st time, then repeat this when I clean them, I would just try and get the noseband part nice and supple to prevent rubbing. Hope this helps :)

Angela

Hi Gaby,

I have one - soaked it for 48 hours in olive oil (not being a snob/idiot - just that it was handy :P ) and then cleaned it up with leather balsam - worked a treat.  If fitted correctly it can't come off BUT the loop under the lower jaw which has the lead ring attached I found was too long.  If the dog lagged behind for a few paces and the lead became tight then this looped band could easily get into the mouth (this in a long faced breed).  I could have sent it back for free adjustment of that part but was going to take approx 10 days for return so I ended up taking it into a local cobbler and having him replace this webbed loop with a shorter one made of soft leather.  Result was fantastic and although it's rarely used (I've lent it out several times as a short-term training aid) it's in great shape.

HTH, Teri :)
ps. of course havig it altered by anyone other than Dogmatic themselves scuppers the guarantee - didn't bother me but thought best to mention that ;)

My male dobe has managed to escape from one!  Found personally that once the leather had softened and stretched a bit thats when the problem arose and I needed to make adjustment to the strap that goes behind his ears. but since then he has managed o chew his way through the loop beneath his chin (been an awkward s.o.b since day one lol) so we are now using an harness.  Use one on my bitch also and have not had any of the above problems with hers, it works very well as she is a bit fiesty so I have greater control over her head. Good Luck

Thanks everyone. Gabi has her collar on as we speak. Just trying to get her used to it before attempting a walk. She is lying in the hallway looking very sorry for herself. She is used to a Halti so should not be too difficult. Being a bit heavier I think she is more aware of it.
Latest fun trying to get a wee sample. She now knows what happens when I have a dish in my hand and has decided that she would rather do her wees in private. It is 11.17am and I am still waiting. No wee since midnight last night. The last one I needed I had to wait untill 2.15pm before she would comply. Any tips?

My lab can get out of almost anything if she trys including a dogmatic and a harness. but then she is a bit of an escape artist :)

Pee sample what fun. You shoud try getting one from a cat :D:D:D
I use a margerine tub carefully concealed about my person until there is a flow. Ofcourse it may need adapting depending on how low she squats :D

My Malamutes have never escaped from one yet but, as a precaution, I always use a double ended lead...one end attached to their collar and one end to the dogmatic.  I think they are fantastic by the way :)