All you need to know in order to get the correct fit for your dog.
To ensure the correct sizing and comfort for your dog, please check the following information and review the diagrams and pictures of a correct fit prior to use:
The Dogmatic should fit snugly around your dog’s face and behind the ears. You should fasten the clasp or buckle up behind the ears, so as to get maximum two fingers underneath. The Dogmatic should not move about the face or ride up at all once the lead is attached and however much your dog pulls. The Dogmatic should not sit near or move towards the
eye. If the Dogmatic moves about the face or towards the eyes, it will be too big and we will need to come down a size.
When viewed from the side, the rings on the sides of the Dogmatic should sit about 3/4’s way down from the top of the muzzle to the bottom of the jaw. This ensures that the understrap loop is sitting under your dog’s jaw and is working correctly.
If you attach your lead to the ring under the chin and pull the lead back towards you (as if a cat has appeared in front of you!), the Headcollar should stay put, not move about, move up the muzzle, ride up at all. If it does,
the sizing is incorrect.
Your dog should be able to eat, chew, pant and swallow a treat etc.
If your dog is uncomfortable or restricted, the sizing is incorrect.
Breed recommendations are for guidance only as individual sizes may vary by dog.
Measuring your dog is recommended to ensure the correct fit.
You are welcome to email some photos of your dog wearing the Dogmatic for us to check the sizing for you. If you could send a side and front view along with your dog’s muzzle and neck measurements, we will be happy to check the fitting and assist with the size for your dog.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding sizing, please view the videos below to see how the Dogmatic should fit.
If you find that the loop under the chin is very large, it may be that the sizing is too large. If your dog is able to get the loop into their mouth, the sizing is incorrect. The materials used are very strong and have been strength tested but please ensure you keep an eye on your dog to make sure they aren’t able to get the loop into their mouth and chew as we are not able to accept returns that have been chewed/damaged.
The Dogmatic should be removed when your dog is off lead or unsupervised. The Dogmatic has been designed as a walking and training aid to be used in conjunction with a lead.
Please do not attach the same hook to both the dog’s collar and the Dogmatic or use other makes’ links as this will prevent the Dogmatic being used to it’s full potential. With regards to attaching to a collar, you are defeating the object by attaching the Dogmatic and collar together. This will stop it being able to work in the way it was designed to.
If you are concerned, we would recommend using a Training Lead (with two hooks) and attach one hook to the collar and the other hook to the Dogmatic. That way, you can hold the lead and still work using the Dogmatic but the collar is attached independently for your peace of mind.
Dogmatic Leather Headcollars, Collars and Leads are made by an Award Winning Equestrian Company and, if looked after, are an investment. The Leather needs looking after in the same way you would an expensive pair of shoes or boots.
The New Luxurious Soft and Lined Leather Dogmatic Headcollar and Leather Leads should be cleaned regularly with saddle soap. To stop the Leather from becoming dried out and brittle and the stitches rotting, the Dogmatic Headcollar should be kept in good condition with a good quality glycerine based Leather restorer and preserver on a regular basis.
The Dogmatic Headcollar, Collars and Leads in the Padded Cushioned Webbing Range can be wiped clean with a damp slightly soapy cloth or can be put in a pillowcase and put on a very gentle wash and allowed to dry naturally.
The majority of dogs readily accept the Dogmatic, however, depending on how strong willed your dog is, it can take a little longer for them to become accustomed to wearing the Headcollar, but with some perseverance,
dogs soon settle down and associate wearing the Dogmatic with still going
out and having a nice time.
We would advise the following which should also help: If your dog is not keen on moving, you can pull on the lead (gently but firmly as opposed to a sharp jerk), then when the dog is by your side, tell them they’re wonderful, give a treat etc., until they realise it’s much better walking alongside rather than pulling ahead!
You should hold the lead close to you but you do not need to hold the lead up high or tight. You can turn your dog’s head and change direction etc., so that they are having to concentrate and work with you rather than just steaming ahead. Rather than allowing them to pull ahead and keeping constant pressure on the Headcollar, pull the lead back to you so that they are in the heel position, tell them they’re wonderful, relax the pressure on the lead and continue walking, when they pull ahead again, pull them back, tell them they’re good and then continue.
If they stop, rub or paw at the Dogmatic, distract them, change direction, show a toy, treat etc., and get them moving and then, again reward them. They should then start realising that you want them to walk next to you rather than charging ahead as they do!
With these tips it shouldn’t be too long before your dog starts to enjoy getting out and about wearing their Dogmatic!
