The Right Tools, the Right Mindset:

Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Real World

At Ugly Dog Adventures, we know every successful walk starts long before you clip on the leash. It begins with preparation—understanding your dog, using the right equipment, and being ready for the unexpected. Whether you’re strolling through the neighborhood or heading into stimulating environments like parks, cafés, or city streets, safety and communication are everything.

The Importance of Proper Equipment

The gear you choose can make or break your training success—and your dog’s safety.

A properly fitted collar or harness gives you control and helps your dog feel secure. Ill-fitting equipment can cause discomfort, escape risks, or send mixed signals that undermine your training.

Did you know? A 2021 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that improperly fitted collars and harnesses contribute to 26% of leash-related injuries in dogs.

About Harnesses:

At Ugly Dog Adventures, we do not recommend harnesses for most dogs. While they may seem safe, they often encourage pulling and can allow dogs to back out or escape—one of the most common causes of lost pets.

Exceptions:

Puppies using a front-clip EasyWalk harness
Senior dogs using a properly fitted stability harness

Collar Sizing Matters:

Measure your dog’s neck carefully and purchase the right size and strength. A stylish but flimsy collar made of thin material is not suitable for a large, strong dog. Be mindful—choose gear based on your dog’s size, weight, and needs.

Locking Carabiner Leashes:

If your dog is wiggly, rolls on the ground, or shakes often, consider a locking carabiner leash. These prevent the clasp from coming loose—a common issue with standard clips.

Our Favorite Training Tools

We carefully select everything we use:

Slip leads: Cheri Lucas products and Mountain Dog
Backup clips: Custom-made on Etsy using biothane, 2” long
Prong collars: Classic Sprenger prong collar
E-collars: Only Educator brand, known for safe, humane training

A solid recall command using these tools can make all the difference. It’s the key to ensuring your dog never runs away, never gets lost, and lives a long, safe, happy life by your side.

Your Leash Is Your Lifeline

We say this often: The leash is your dog’s lifeline.

It keeps them connected to you—physically and mentally. In unpredictable settings, good leash handling can prevent disaster.

According to PetMD, 70% of dog-related accidents in public happen when dogs are off-leash or poorly managed.

Tracking Devices: Extra Peace of Mind

Technology gives you a powerful backup.

We recommend Tractive, Fi, or Garmin GPS collars. In fact, Jennifer uses Tractive on her own dogs—Hemingway, Bo, and Hope—because even the best-trained dogs are still dogs.

Dogs wearing GPS trackers are 80% more likely to be recovered within 24 hours (PetFinder, 2023).

Identification Tags: The Holy Grail

Nothing beats a flat collar with an ID tag and your current phone number. If your dog escapes, this may be your fastest way to bring them home.

It’s the simplest, most effective safety tool you can use.

Microchips: Invisible but Invaluable

All dogs should have a microchip—a permanent form of ID that can’t fall off.

But a chip is only helpful if your contact info is up to date.

If you move or change numbers, update your chip registry right away. Many shelters and vets scan for chips first when they find a lost dog.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Lost

If it happens, stay calm. Panic won’t help.

Don’t chase—it can push them further away
Stay put or return to where they last saw you
Use toys or food to lure them
Alert your local community—and contact us. We’ve helped many dogs return safely.