Suggestions for a collar for a 3 legged dobbie - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

labanddobbielover · 01-04-2013, 09:28 PM

My family is in need of some help.
Here's our story:
My fawn Doberman (will be 3 in July) was born with 3 legs and has always walked out of his collars. We went through obedience training and the trainer had no suggestions on a better collar or halter for him. I've also talked to a couple of local vets, but they don't have the experience with 3 legged dogs missing front leg. It's no problem when we are home, however when we need to go to the vet he escapes his collar. Any suggestions would be a benefit.

Rouleaux · 01-04-2013, 09:45 PM

If put around the neck he shouldn't be able to walkout of them.
I am a bit confused, but I must say that your dogs are beautiful

*Wrigley* · 01-04-2013, 09:46 PM

Martingale collars have worked great for me. I have a hound with a lot of skin. She can slip that skin out of anything, but so far we have not had an issue with her martingale collar. She only wears it when we leave the house, so she actually gets excited when I put it on her.

**PatchworkRobot** · 01-04-2013, 09:49 PM

My suggestion would be for a martingale collar also but I don't understand how having a missing leg, front or back, aids in getting out of a collar. Perhaps you could ellaborate some?

labanddobbielover · 01-04-2013, 09:50 PM

I guess the best way to explain it is his neck and head are the same width and he slips out. I believe his neck is thicker due to lack of front leg.

*Wrigley* · 01-04-2013, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatchworkRobot

My suggestion would be for a martingale collar also but I don't understand how having a missing leg, front or back, aids in getting out of a collar. Perhaps you could ellaborate some?

Never mind. Wrong guess...

labanddobbielover · 01-04-2013, 10:00 PM

His body make up is totally different then his litter mates. He was the runt of the litter but is now the tallest of his litter mates.

Jazi · 01-04-2013, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by labanddobbielover

I guess the best way to explain it is his neck and head are the same width and he slips out. I believe his neck is thicker due to lack of front leg.

Skoll's neck is thicker than his head in parts and he has all 4 of his legs. Some dogs are just like that

A martengale collar will save you in many a scary situation. I'm debating putting one on Skoll after he tried to slip his normal leather collar today. He didn't succeed but if he had I wouldn't have been able to stop him in time before he ran out into the street or after a squirrel or dog.

falnfenix · 01-04-2013, 10:05 PM

i'd also go with a martingale, but you have to make sure it fits properly.

**PatchworkRobot** · 01-04-2013, 10:06 PM

As much as I hate to suggest this (because I hate them) but have you tried a head harness?

labanddobbielover · 01-04-2013, 10:20 PM

Head harness or martingale - I'm willing to try anything.

We've tried a normal harness with out success it moved too much where his limb should be an irritated his skin.

**MeadowCat** · 01-05-2013, 10:12 AM

I'd try a martingale, first.

mfkelly66 · 01-05-2013, 12:14 PM

If you are talking an everyday wearing collar I would get him used to a harness and just adjust it around where his leg is missing. If you just want something to grab onto when he is out back. For walking and training I would get him into a nylon snap around chokecollar. Its fitted to right behind his ears so he won't be able to pull out of it. Or you could use a regular buckle collar in combination with a properly fitted choke chain/collar in case he slips the buckle collar the choke will tighten and you will still have control. Hope this helps and good luck.
Mike Kelly

Hank · 01-05-2013, 12:33 PM

Martingale

ajp240 · 01-05-2013, 03:36 PM

I have italian greyhounds who use martingales for the same issue- their head is smaller than their neck. Hence, they can slip out of regular collars. Be sure to also use a buckle collar for identification though, just in case. I have them wear a martingale AND the buckle collar at the same time.

I would suggest just getting one made by greyhound folks. Just be sure to measure and order. I think they are generally much cheaper than at the pet stores. I've seen them for $8-20, and at pet stores they seem to be $30+!

Rosemary · 01-05-2013, 10:16 PM

I agree with the suggestion of a martingale collar. My rule about collars and leashes is that the leash is NEVER attached to the collar with the tags. The leash is always attached to a different collar used just for walks. A collar with tags is worthless when it's attched to the leash in your hand, and not around the dogs' neck, where it belongs Trust me on this. My Rattie was lost for 6 hours in Anaheim, CA, after he slipped his collar.

AgileDobe · 01-05-2013, 11:25 PM

Another vote for a martingale here. Martingales are perfect for dogs like yours. They are extremely popular with sight hound owners as it is very easy for those dogs to slip their collars. The good news is martingales are very common and you can get them in all sizes, colors and styles from plain to fancy and everything in between. I don't know what width your current collar(s) is, but it is generally harder to slip out of a wider collar vs. A narrower one; so you could try an 1.5 or 2 wide martingale.

Also if you still want to try a harness with him, here are a couple you could try:
Clean Run: ComfortFlex Sport Harness
Clean Run: Hurtta Padded Reflective Y Harness
Clean Run: Walkeez Fleece-lined Harness

I have used a comfort flex harness and really like it. It is nicely padded and fits well on a dobe.

voodoolizard · 01-06-2013, 10:04 AM

i make collars and my advice would be martingale !!