WALKING TWO DOGS #UMBILICAL BELT

By Monday, August 17, 2015 39 , , , Permalink

For me, walking two dogs can be challenging because one of them has yet to read the memo titled:

PLEASE DON’T DRAG YOUR HUMAN

Jax is still at that awkward stage. During a walk he pretty much goes where he wants, and at 50 lbs #hardtobelieve he usually takes me along for the ride…

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I know “training” is key, and I will be covering that in the weeks to come, but for now I am elated to tell you about the Umbilical Belt I received to try with my Boys…

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This durable well constructed hands free leash is designed for comfort, leaving me hands free when walking, jogging, or trying to make a call…

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The belt comes in two widths (2 or 3 inches). I opted for the wider belt and love how it supports my back when we’re out for a stroll.

The 4 ft leash is just the right length for us. In the park, on a trail, or even in the city – they have enough room to roam, yet they’re close enough for me to control.

Watch Ashley walk right up to the door without juggling leash handles…

Although Jax still pulls from time to time, I find I have more control. My arms, neck and shoulders no longer ache after a long walk with him tugging #goodbyeBenGay

Smart phone, camera, and poop bags are a necessity on any walk, and now I can tuck both my phone and a few bags in the zippered pocket while using both hands to work the camera, carry water, or swat the occasional mosquito #notabugperson

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There’s nothing like seeing this belt in action, so watch Ashley model the belt while I try to shoot the video. In all fairness to Jax, he’s pulling to get to me, but notice with just a slight touch of the belt – he’s back on course…

At first this belt did require some getting used to with two dogs. #forme

It’s like hand dancing – it took a little practice, but once we got the hang of it – we’re the best looking threesome on the concrete… #loveit

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ONE MORE THING –

Talk about “snazzy” gadgets. Sunday we took the Boys to our Annual Outdoor Summer Worship Service. It was dreadfully hot – even under our tree…

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But what a pawfect opportunity to test out the Auto Dog Mug, compliments of OTPR

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I filled it up with ice cubes and cold water before we left, threw it in my bag, and when they needed a little H2O I squeezed the bottom.

It’s nifty because it eliminates the extra step of pouring water into a portable bowl. #superconvenient

When they were done, I just tossed it back into my bag…

But I’ve also got to be honest, the drawback for me was having to to continue to squeeze & hold the bottle tightly. If I don’t apply pressure – the water returns to the bottom. #bummer

But if that’s not a biggie – then Auto Dog Mug is for you!

Signature

 

 

 

 

In full disclosure: Groovy Goldendoodles™ received no monetary compensation for this review. Groovy Goldendoodles™ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. All opinions are my own, swayed only by Harley & Jax’s tail wagging approval. Umbilical Belt nor Auto Dog Mug are responsible for the contents of this post.

I am joining the Monday Mischief blog hop brought to you by Alfie’s BlogSnoopy’s Dog BlogMy Brown Newfies. The Hop that wraps up the weekend…

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

39 Comments
  • April
    August 17, 2015

    Thank you for that information on the belt. I take my doodle running with me and this will be perfect…hands free!

    Thanks
    April

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 20, 2015

      You’re so welcome April – I have yet to start running, that is one of my goals as soon as this weather lightens up a bit. It’s so hard to get started but the belt will make it easier. At least once we get into a jog – should I decide to stop they will be able to make me keep going 🙂

  • Spencer the Goldendoodle
    August 17, 2015

    Such a good review! There is just something with doodles and pulling! I think it is in our blood, right Jax! 🙂 I really loved your videos and that water cup/mug is really a handy gadget!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 20, 2015

      Thanks Spencer – we’re all about pulling right now, I will start training with Jax in a couple of weeks, because his strength is a little too much for me to handle and as he starts growing it will only get worse. The cup is good to have during these hot summer days too!

  • Amanda
    August 17, 2015

    Wow – I think I’m going to check out that belt! I’ve certainly been getting a shoulder/arm work out thanks to Piper (now 8 months and just under 40 lbs), and her and Wrigley spend the first half of the walk attempting to go in different directions, leaving me to constantly rearrange leashes and untwist myself. I’m sure it’s a sight for my neighbors to laugh at every morning! Thanks for the product recommendation. 😉

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      You’re always welcome Amanda. I struggled with upper body pain and had no idea (at first) where it was coming from, and when I did – I was more than thrilled to give the belt a try. Let me know what you think when you start using yours.

  • Tenacious Little Terrier
    August 17, 2015

    Nice that the belt is working for you! When I taught Mr. N loose leash walking, it took me two weeks of agonizingly slow walks where we only walked when he didn’t pull.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      OMDoodle. I can only imagine how tedious that had to have been. If I tried that with Jax it would probably take me about two years LOL

  • Elaine
    August 17, 2015

    Interesting products! The umbilical belt sounds intriguing, even if you don’t have a dog that pulls it sure is nice to have free hands for other things. Yeah, I was all set to maybe buy the water bottle, but having to squeeze it constantly would be a bummer. Maybe they can tweak the design and put in a little valve. Thanks for sharing these!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      The water bottle is cool Elaine, but I had to tell the WHOLE story and let everyone know that you’ve got to “hold” if you want water to remain in the cup portion of the bottle. The belt is the bomb, I love it!!!!

  • Emma
    August 17, 2015

    You are brave taking the boys out together. Mom says she isn’t ready for that yet with Bailie and I. Bailie and Mom do absolutely love running with the Umbilical Belt. It is totally awesome! It is amazing how the belt gets Bailie to stop in her tracks so fast when she tries to catch a critter. It is much better than with leash in hand!
    You boys be nice and no more pulling!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      Emma, getting ready to start both Harley and Jax on some “one on one” training. Jax is pulling and jumping and Harley is just being stubborn and only listening when it’s convenient for him LOL The belt is really helping me a lot in the meantime.

  • Claudette pope
    August 17, 2015

    Once again Cathy, thank you for this very informative post. I intend to make an appointment with OTPR this week, it’s bath time for Ziggy. I will definitely get that water bottle. Sorry I missed you all yesterday. We were at the other end of the crowd. From the other comments, it’s nice to find out that pulling might be just a “doodle” thing. I’ve already had a trip to the Dr for a possible dislocated shoulder. I’ll also get the Umbilical Belt. We”ll see how it goes. I’ll let you know 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      Claudette – I was hoping to see you AND Ziggy at church. Sounds like you’re a great candidate for an umbilical belt. Let me know how you like it. Take care.

  • Earl Lover
    August 17, 2015

    Wow, how cool and clever.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      It really is Earl – it’s a great way to enjoy a walk with your dog.

  • Two French Bulldogs
    August 17, 2015

    What a great idea. I’ll be attached to mommy but not a Fatty
    Lily (& Edward)

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      Does that mean you’re going to try it?

  • Jan K
    August 17, 2015

    Wow, they are walking great ! I love my umbilical belt but haven’t been brave enough to try it with two dogs yet. I haven’t even tried it with Sheba…she is my worst puller. But I really do think that both Luke and Cricket walk better on it, and now seeing this I think I will give it a try with Sheba! If that goes well, I might even get brave enough to try two dogs (though that’s tough to do anyway, because one dog does not like being left behind!).

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      Go for it Jan. You’ll get twisted a couple of times but then you’ll find your rhythm and before you know it – BAZINGA you’ll be strolling along with both dogs in tow. Can’t wait to see pictures 🙂

  • Taryn
    August 17, 2015

    I’m afraid my corgis would take me down if they saw a deer or a fox while attached to my waist! They almost pulled me off my feet on a regular leash.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      I feel you Taryn – we’ve got to be careful.

  • Jean Dion
    August 17, 2015

    Jax is really applying some torque in that first photo! Check out the bent knees! I think you might have your hands full with training. 🙂

    Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      Jean – he is a #maniac 🙂 Can’t even begin to tell you the number of times he’s caught me off guard and dragged me in a different direction. We’re starting training in a couple of weeks – can’t wait!

  • De Hufford
    August 17, 2015

    Those sound like great little gadgets!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      They are De – we’ve enjoyed testing them out 🙂

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    August 17, 2015

    I love that leash. I’m curious how it would do with 3 or 4 dogs.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      I’ve not seen more than two dogs in person, however, there are pictures of three and four dogs on the website. I would give it a try, it’s a really cool leash and makes walking the dogs a lot of fun. It’s also a great conversational piece.

  • Dolly the Doxie
    August 17, 2015

    Frankly, the product needs another name, I don’t think mom could ever buy something called umbilical. On the other hand, mom is trying to walk two dogs too and she knows how hard it can be so if it works, go for it! Love Dolly

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      It’s definitely working for us and relieving much shoulder and neck pain to boot!

  • John Diles
    August 17, 2015

    The umbilicalbelt is a great way to train your dog, I’m am very happy with how it has helped you, I find that it has help many who have suffered with back and shoulder pain it really is a great way to walk your dog.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      John, we’re loving it, and my shoulder really feels so much better. Who knows, I may just start running a little bit. Thanks for the products – and I wish you much success with your company!

  • Sand Spring Chesapeakes
    August 17, 2015

    great review of a couple of cool products.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      Thanks JoAnn, happy to know you enjoyed reading about them.

  • Pamela
    August 18, 2015

    It was really interesting to compare Jax’s walking with Harley’s.

    And yes, I can see how Jax could seriously pull you around. I once read that dogs pull 3x their weight. So a 50 pound Jax exerts about 150 pounds of force. And that’s a lot.

    Glad the belted leash worked for you. I could see my husband ending up in a big yarn ball with Honey. Somehow those two always manage to get tangled in the leash.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      So far I haven’t fallen – but I’m not ruling it out completely. It’s bound to happen when I least expect it. If I can I’ll try to video my fall since I’ll be hands free LOL

  • Golden Woofs: Sugar
    August 18, 2015

    PAWsome invention 🙂 Oh! Been looking for a handy mugs on our walks n trips.
    BTW: I know we subscribe on your newsletter but stop receiving it (going to subscribe again 🙂 ) Golden Woofs

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 19, 2015

      Welcome back Couz – How are you liking Cally?

  • Cathy Bennett
    September 30, 2015

    Look at you! Go for it, try two dogs at once, you’ll love it.