NEWS

Three clear warning signs: wear on the links (the wire no longer looks round and even at the contact points), visible damage such as deep notches, or bent chain links. Check the collar regularly, especially after heavy use – there's no fixed lifespan, as it depends on material and use. CUROGAN is somewhat softer than stainless steel and therefore tends to wear out faster.

Long-link collars for long coats (gentlest on the coat), medium-link collars as an all-rounder for short, medium, and long coats, and collars with round links (fur-saver collars) specifically for short coats, as they offer a flatter, more comfortable contact surface.

The harness fits correctly when no strap or ring at the neck presses on the breastbone or throat, the belly straps have enough clearance from the elbows but still rest over the rib area, and you can easily slide your hand under the straps everywhere. There should be about a hand's width of space between the front leg and the chest strap. For puppies and young dogs, you should check the fit regularly, as they're still growing.

ClicLock is the SPRENGER safety closure: the button is pressed down and slid into the metal housing, with an audible click confirming secure engagement. A plastic slider then prevents accidental opening. With a breaking load of 200 kg, it holds even large, powerful dogs during training.

Look for: no artificial additives (no colorings, preservatives, or flavorings), lactose-free or low in lactose, no sugar or xylitol, as short and natural an ingredient list as possible, and a portion size suited to your dog. Store-bought dog ice cream also has the advantage that, thanks to its best-before date, it can stay in the freezer longer without you having to worry.

Blood tracking primarily requires a tracking leash – a special search leash, usually without a hand strap, made of nylon or Biothane. Both materials are low-maintenance and quick to clean. Signal colors on the leash also ensure good visibility of the handler. It's important that the equipment fits reliably and works well even in wet, dirty, and active conditions.

Reflector patches increase visibility at dusk and in the dark by reflecting light from car headlights or bike lamps – with no battery required. They can be attached to a harness, leash, or dog coat with Velcro. Especially useful for dark-coated dogs, in rural areas without street lighting, or for active/older dogs. A securely fitted collar or harness is also important so your dog can be reliably guided. In addition, the ClicLock buckle (200 kg breaking load, UV- and seawater-resistant) can provide secure hold for the collar.

Dummies, retrieving dumbbells, play balls, throwing rings, frisbees, and bite tugs are suitable for retrieving. These toys are easy to throw, pick up, and bring back by the dog. For retrieving games, it's important that the dog toy is clearly visible, comfortable to carry, and matched to your dog's size. For retrieving from water, make sure the toy's material has buoyant properties.

Both are retrieving objects used in dog sports or hunting. There's the elongated, sausage-shaped dummy with filling (available in many variants and firmness levels) and the food dummy, a bag with a zipper for filling with food. There are also special forms, such as the duck retrieving dummy, which is designed to resemble real game. Important: a dummy is not a tug toy – it's meant to be searched for and brought back.

The measurement depends on the version:

• Without hook (pulled over the head): Measure the neck circumference and add extra length depending on the version – assembly chain: +5–8 cm, without pull stop: +5–7 cm (less for 2 mm chains). Also measure the head circumference at its widest point – the chain length must be greater than the head circumference.
• With SPRENGER hook: No need to pull it over the head, simply go by the neck circumference.

Exact tolerances can always be found on the respective product page. Important: the collar must not choke when pulled taut.