Pat Miller, CPDT, CDBC, of Peaceable Paws, and author of "The Power of positive Dog Training and "Positive Perspectives" had this to say in the May 1999 issue of The Whole Dog Journal
"The perfect training collar is the Holy Grail of the dog training world. There is a firm belief that such a thing must exist, people will go to great effort to try to find it, and the search, for the most part, is disappointing and frustrating. It's refreshing to find a humane training collar that delivers at least some of what it promises. The Scruffy Guider is such a product."
"...the collars fit and rode well, with one strap high on the neck and the other resting at the base, and did seem to more widely distribute any pressure caused by the dog's pulling, as promised."
"I discovered that the handle, offered only on the slip collar, did come in handy on several occasions."
“I have been a professional trainer for over 10 years. I started out using choke chains, prong collars, and traditional training, then, 8 years ago I was "turned on" to Positive Reinforcement, and found out you didn't have to hurt your dog to teach them good manners." I joined APDT (Assoc. of Pet Dog Trainers) and through the APDT list posts by other trainers, I found out about the Scruffy Guider Collar. I found it to be a very important addition to my "toolbox." Owners of large dogs in particular find it helpful for managing their dog's behavior in the house thanks to the handle design. I have a client that I assisted in training his service/seeing eye dog, and he loves the Scruffy Guider, the double collar system allowed him to feel if her head turned or dipped during training, and the handle allowed him to hold her closer if it were necessary. Small dogs can benefit from the Scruffy because it does not cause the choking problems like a regular buckle collar can. I would love to introduce this collar to Police K-9 units, I think they would find it very useful. I have a set at my classes so I can allow my clients to try them on. I have a Scruffy for one of my dogs and she gets excited whenever she sees it. The only bad thing I can say about the Scruffy Guider is, "Darn, why didn't I think of it!?"
Connie Price, CPDT, Gentle Touch Dog
Training, Stockton, CA
“The Scruffy Guider is an ideal tool for stopping “bad” behaviors and redirecting dogs toward good behaviors that win them praise. The Scruffy Guider’s prominent handle allows dog owners to interrupt problem behaviors without a lot of fumbling around. In addition, due to the unique, two-buckle design the Scruffy Guider distributes the strength of the owner over the full length of the dog’s neck. This gives the owner control over the dog without putting pressure on one spot on the young dog’s undeveloped neck. The owner can more effectively stop problem behaviors. Once the behavior is interrupted, the Scruffy Guider enables the owner to continue guiding the dog into a sit or down position. The dog can then be rewarded for being in control."
Sherie Gintner, Canine Behavior Counselor (Western PA. Humane Society)
“Just wanted to let you know I'm a trainer and have used your Scruffy Guider in a rather surprising way - on a 5 year old female german shepherd who has only three legs (has lost her front leg). It's a great collar for her as she uses it like a brace when she is training on lead. Her family is thrilled with it."
"The Scruffy Guider changed my dog into a loving, kind, happy dog."
"An excellent training tool, helps give me better control without hurting the dog."
"The Scruffy Guider is the best collar we've ever used. We had at least 4 collars before this one. Our dog is 50 lbs. of muscle (Bulldog), and this collar gives us the control to handle him. It's great!"
"The Scruffy Guider saved my arms and allowed me to continue to love her. It really helps me to guide her. I tell all my friends about it!"
"The collar has been wonderful at helping me gain control without feeling I'm hurting my dog. The handle is great for working through agility obstacles."
Glenis Levine (18 month, Gold Retriever)
"With having such a large dog, the Scruffy Guider really helped us gain control. Other collars slipped lower on her neck where she couldn't feel it. The Scruffy Guider stays high up and gives us great control!"
"Emma tended to pull back when timid or pull ahead when excited. These behavioral problems caused me anxiety because I felt like I was stretching her neck. The Scruffy Guider lessened my anxiety and eased the pull on her neck. Thanks."
"Humane, efficient, great training device."
"Scruffy has been a great tool for our "high energy" dog. The handle feature of the collar is especially useful. Our dog has shown wonderful progress in just a few weeks."
"We've had Jasper's "Scruffy" since she was 6 months old. We would have been lost without it. It is essential for any dog who pulls. Both our dogs wear "Scruffy". They are invaluable."
