Harnesses- What are the good for?

Absolutely Everything!

Hello folks,

After the release of our super-cheap yet durable Scruff MacDuff harnesses:

(£9.90- These beauties also come in red as well, by the way)

we got a lot of questions along the lines of- "are harnesses better than collars?" "will they improve my dog's behaviour?" and "why buy a harness in the first place?"

So in answer to your questions, we've compiled a list of the main benefits to a harness:

1) Safety.
Harnesses are a good buy, particularly if you dog pulls like a freight train. By distributing the weight more evenly across the dog's body, it means that strain is not put onto the dog's trachea or delicate spinal column but across the torso instead.

2) The Great Escape.
Harnesses are also good in there is a far smaller chance that your dog will pull himself free of the collar when excited. Particularly if collars come loose or wear with age, it can become possible for a dog to wriggle free. Get a harness and save yourself a search party.
In addition, some harnesses come with reflective strips so that cars (and you) can see your dog clearer at low light. We sell this pretty swanky harness at £18.00  that does just that:

http://www.scruffmacduff.co.uk/reflective-v-mesh-harness-pink-grey.html

3) Behaviour.
Whilst harnesses are not the miracle cure to bad behaviour that some dog whisperers claim, the increased control of the dog allows for easier training and better discipline.
For dogs that pull a lot, a forward facing clasp is recommended whilst for smaller dogs, the more traditional backward facing clasp is more appropriate.

4) In the Car.
It is now UK law for a dog to be restrained whilst in transit. Getting a harness means that you can easily strap your dog into the the seatbelt of a car and thus protect yourselves, the dog and other road users from unwanted accidents.
Unlike human seatbelts, strapping dogs into the car is not designed to prevent injury on impact. However, it will stop any unexpected seat-sharing or hysterics in the back seat.

We sell the Clix Car Safe Dog Harness at only £12.00

http://www.scruffmacduff.co.uk/clix-car-safe-extra-small-dog-harness-35-65cm-girth-1341.html

5) Breathing and Respiratory Problems.
As well as distributing the strain to the torso and away from the neck, a harness has the added benefit of not restricting the windpipe in dogs with breathing or respiratory problems, particularly small or short-nosed breeds.


6) Lifting.
If you buy harnesses with a handle attached, they can make it easier and more comfortable to lift your pet. If you spend a lot of time with your pet outdoors, for example hiking or on boats, it can make transporting your dog easier.
If your pet's hiking days are long behind him and he isn't so strong on his feet, a harness can make sure you can help him to his feet.

This high-quality Ruffwear harness has a handle towards the back of your dog's body to lift safely and comfortably:

http://www.scruffmacduff.co.uk/ruffwear-webmaster-harness-1664.html


So there you go. Why not take a look at our harness selection and see if one is right for your four-legged friend?

http://www.scruffmacduff.co.uk/dog-harnesses.html

It's Winter for Dogs too

For many walkers the company of a four-legged friend is one of the best parts of spending time in the hills. And no, we're not talking about sheep - that's a whole different story...

As the winter sets in and the weather gets colder, most dedicated lovers of the outdoors will continue with their walking or running routines, simply adjusting their attire to compensate for the cooler temperatures. After all, spending time outside in winter can be a fantastic experience, so there's not need to stay indoors just because it's a wee bit nippy out.

But even though we wrap ourselves up against the elements, we're unlikely to do the same for out furry friends. Sure, they have a built in coat and in general are better equipped to deal with the cold, but that doesn't mean they don't feel it. It's also worth bearing in mind that certain breeds of dog may require more care than others. While Huskies, Saint Bernards and German Shepherds are all well suited to winter conditions, puppies and older pets, plus small, short-haired, or thin breeds of dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Boxers, or Whippets respectively will be far more prone to feeling the cold and may benefit from a little extra protection.

Luckily for man's (or woman's) best friend, there are now a huge range of products available to make this time of year more comfortable. Ruff Wear performance dog gear is one brand that has put as much effort into canine comfort as you would expect from any supplier of outdoor equipment. To use their own words, "Built with the same technical innovations as human apparel, Ruff Wear allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your canine companion wherever your adventures take you."

Ruff Wear's full range of canine clothing can be seen at www.ruffwear.co.uk, but here are a couple of their winter-wear products that could make the darker days a little cosier for your faithful furry friend:

Features and Benefits Vibram® Ictrek® ice-specific sole with snow gripping lug pattern provides superb winter traction Three-layer laminated soft-shell upper is DWR coated and is weather-resistant, wind-resistant, and breathable Cam buckle ankle strap and cord loop closure system stays on in snow Internal grip cuff keeps the boot securely on dog's paw Extended gaiter height for added leg protection from elements and ski edges 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective trim offers 360° reflectivity Easy to operate & adjust in winter conditions while on the dog's paw

K-9 Overcoat Utility Jacket
Don't let the weather slow you down! When you layer up to head outdoors, protect your best friend as well with the K-9 Overcoat. Designed to be warm and durable…wind and water-resistant. The recycled fleece insulating layer is enclosed in a durable recycled polyester shell, keeping body heat in, and the elements out. Auto-lock buckles on each side of the jacket provide easy on/off.
Features and Benefits

• Refined sizing and tailored fit features added neck, chest and belly coverage
• 100% recycled durable outer layer repels moisture and wind
• Recycled inner fleece layer insulates from the cold
• Elastic stay-fit webbing and Duraflex® auto-lock buckles adjust for a custom fit
• 3M™ reflective trim for enhanced visibility

For more information or to see the full range of Ruff Wear's outdoor clothing for dogs, visit www.ruffwear.co.uk.

Browse Ruffwear Jackets at Scruff MacDuff now

View a summary of all Ruffwear jackets offered by Scruff MacDuff

By Live For The Outdoors News Team 
A website for Country Walking, the best selling outdoor magazine in the UK and Trail's the number 1 magazine

Winter is upon us!

The Track jacket dog coat

Winter, winter is upon us! As you get ready with the snow shovels, deicers and even bags of salt, don’t forget to get your beloved dog his boots and jackets so he too can storm the winter blues.

 First,the jackets.

 

The Cloud Chaser jacket and Polar Trek boots

 The Quinzee is a sleeveless puffer jacket, for the trendy and warm dog! Made with thermal insulation, abrasion free outer shell with a reflective trim, this jacket is all you need for those in town excursions, walks through the snow, and even to wear in the cold home as the heating fires up. Suited for wear during the SEVERE COLD weather, the Quinzee also comes with an integrated stow sack allowing you to conveniently stow away the jacket neatly and easily. 

For more information on the Quinzee jacket click here.  

 

The Cloud Chaser jacket is the ultimate full body armour for your dog. With fleece insulation, and a three layered weatherproof upper and stretch belly panel, the Cloud Chaser will shield your dog against wind, snow, rain and water. Suited for wear during SEVER, CHANGING WEATHER, the Cloud Chaser is the daddy of all jackets. Suitable for wear snow activities including skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and even runs through the severe cold and snowy weather.

Browse jackets at Scruff MacDuff now 
To view a summary of all jackets offered by Scruff MacDuff click here

 

Then, the boots.

Shadow with his Grip Trek boots, Doubleback harness and Doggles

Skyliner, the lightweight and pliable boot, is suited for walking on pavements outdoors, and great indoors with its non marking sole. Made with a water resistant upper, the Skyliner will help keep dirt, debris and water out. 

Grip Trek, the high traction rugged lug (sole grip) boot, is great for dogs struggling to walk in uneven, rough and unstable e.g. slush or icy conditions. The Grip Trek is made with breathable mesh upper material for comfort and ventilation. 

Polar Trek, the ultimate insulated cold weather boot with extended gaiter, is ideal for ice and snow. With non Velcro straps to help keep the boot on, a weatherproof insulated upper to help keep the paws warm and dry, and a vibram ice specific sole to provide great traction on snow and ice, the Polar Trek is a must have for your dog this winter!

Browse boots at Scruff MacDuff now

To view a summary of all Ruffwear boots offered by Scruff click here

Scruff MacDuff recommend the Cloud Chaser jacket and Polar Trek boots this Christmas to not only help keep your dog nice and warm, but to also allow him/her the freedom to run in the snow without risk of catching a cold. 

 

And don't forget to take advantage of Scruff's Xmas offers

Browse Scruff MacDuff's store now 

Quinzee by Ruffwear

Introducing a new product added to our range just in time for Winter - Quinzee, the warm lightweight insulated coat. 

Coat packed in the stow pocket

Made with Synthetic Thermore® thermal insulation, this lightweight Quinzee jacket is perfect for keeping your dog warm on those freezing cold temperatures.  The outer shell is abrasion and snag resistant free, and finished with a reflective lining for that added security on those dark nights.  With side release buckles this jacket is easy to put on your dog, and easily packed away again with it's integrated stow pocket.

Quinzee

Intended for use -

• In between activities

• In camp

• In town excursions, early morning and late evening walks

• Anytime your dog needs warmth and insulation from the elements e.g. in the morning when the heating in the house is just starting up, or to play out in the snow

Machine (cold gentle) washable.    

Browse the Quinzee coat at Scruff MacDuff now

Other articles of interest -

Ruffwear Cloud Chaser jacket

Cold-Weather dog gear 

Do Dogs Need a Winter Coat

Rain.. Sun.. Sun.. Gale.. Snow.. Sun.. Rain..

Oh and the occasional rainbow too.

Based in Scotland you can imagine the variation of weather Scruff and his poor humans go through in one single day, while every other dog and human down south is probably taking out his cool Doggles to bask in the continuing sunlight. Are we jealous?  Well it depends, especially for all those snow dogs and winter sports enthusiasts out there as the first snow has already been reported to have fallen in the Cairngorm Mountain.  

But no worries, rain or gale, we got it covered with our Ruffwear light jackets, coats and even float jackets should you decide to get a lot wetter.

Sun, ha!  Keep protected with your own pair of Doggles and sunscreen.

Don't get cold paws running out bare pawed into the snow, prepare for it with our Ruffwear boots, and dog coats for the more sensitive out there. 

So keep cool/dry/warm where ever you are,

Scruff (and his team)

Shop online at Scruff Macduff

Deals of the Week

Deals of the Week

As we move into October you may or may not have noticed by now, our newly added Deals of the Week on our Scruffy store site.

Through our Deals of the Week we will take some products and sell them at a discounted price for a limited time, so keep an eye on this orange banner (as seen above right) on our Scruff Macduff store website.




Deals of the Week currently on offer -

 Doggy Ruffwear Bark n' Boots Skyliner: 

  

      Now £47.50, Was £55

Now £13.50, Was £15

 

Ruffwear Knot-a-Just Collar:

Available in 3 colours -      

           
                          Obsidian Black, Red Currant
                                              and Glacial Blue

             Now £15, was £17

Quick Update from Graham Povey

Hello ScruffMacDuff! ...just a line to let you know how the kit is holding up!..

Very stable and well designed in general...works very well even though this is quite an extreme test for any Dog Kit. ...only problems so far are minor...rubbing on top of paws from boot fastening where it crosses-over (but we are walking from dusk to dawn in very rough terrain) ...and Panniers prone to wear from scuffing on rocks on the narrow very rocky high trails and ravines. .. in geñeral this kit is excellent and very stable and practical! ...

Thanks,
Graham/Shadow.

Browse Ruffwear Gear at Scruff MacDuff now! 





Other articles of interest -

An update from Graham and Shadow

Graham Povey now has Shadow's Ruffwear Kit