Sunday, April 22, 2012

It's not a dog leash, but it's totally TDS




Time for a manly blog post... Note the awesome, manly photo featuring the Tacticool Dog Sling hands free leash, a good looking dog, and an extremely handsome gentleman utilizing both hands to possibly defend his home, his family, or his life. Tacticool Dog Sling! GET SOME!!!

OK, so I think we've covered it before, that I am a firearms enthusiast. It's my job and my hobby. I constantly tinker. The idea for our TDS Leash came from a rifle sling, and the leash was developed during one of my tinkering sessions. I welcome my constant tinkering, because that tinkering is what leads to innovation, especially when it comes our TDS Gear.

So today I whipped up a 2 point sling for my AK variant rifle. I utilized a 1.5" cotton web, it's a low stretch, high strength material. The sling utilizes HK hooks to connect the sling to the rifle, and a quick disconnect, side release buckle to release the rifle from the operator. The sling also has multiple adjustment points via steel strap slides.The sling is primarily designed to connect at 2 points. (hence, 2 point sling) Luckily, the rear sling mount on the rifle has enough room for 2 HK hooks, so I can use the sling as a single point also (attaching to the rifle at one point). Still, I think I might modify the sling to allow it to convert to single point. It works for now, but again I'm a constant tinkerer...

HK Hook and Steel strap slide, note the stitching is similar to the style used on our leashes. This connection is  at the front of the rifle.

Another HK Hook. This time it's used on the rear of the rifle. 

Here is the sling in 2 Point configuration.

The same connections this time both are attached that the rear of the rifle.

This shows the sling in single point configuration.
 Like I said before, tinkering leads to innovation. I'm proud of my latest rifle sling. You never know, this rifle sling could lead to updates on our TDS Leashes in the future, so stay tuned!

-Nick
(A.K.A. The extremely handsome gentleman pictured at the top)


Insta-what!?!

I have discovered my next new obsession... instagram!  At first I thought it was just for Apple products, but when I found the app for my droid, I was so excited to join the cool kids club.  I can't help but want to share fun pics spiced up a little with instagram.

I love Vizsla ears!  


Toby and Phinley romping at the park


Turn around for one minute and look who is in the driver's seat!  


This last picture wasn't taken with Instagram, but it's just too sweet not to share!

Happy Phinley!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Fine Day at the Dog Park


The weather is finally warming up and spring has officially arrived in the Midwest.  Here are a few pictures from one of our many evenings at the park.

Phinley waiting patiently for her next throw

Phinley in action

Sweet Toby

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

10 Commandments

I was bitten by the Pinterest bug a while back and I have to admit that it's my favorite way to waste an evening.  The other day while I was happily perusing through all the lovely pins, I came across this...






1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful. Remember that before you get me. 


2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 


3. Place your trust in me- it is crucial to my well being. 


4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment. 


5. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I only have you. 


6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understands your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. 


7. Be aware that how ever you treat me, I will never forget. 


8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you. 


9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out to long, or my heart is getting to old and weak. 


10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember that I love you.


Follow Me on Pinterest


~ Amanda

Monday, December 19, 2011

Merry Christmas... Happy New Year... Happy MLK Day... & We're Engaged!!


We've been MIA for a while now and we've had a very exciting few months.

Phinley & Toby
Nick, Phinley & the MK3 TDS
New customers, Jake and Gunther, wearing their TDS MK1 collars.

Jake - Royal Blue MK1 Collar
Gunther - Olive Drab Green MK1 Collar
‎"I've had my new TacticoolDog Sling for almost a month. You couldn't pay me to go back to a regular or retractable leash. Daisy likes it too and it really only took a few days for her to get used to not having the retractable feature of the old leash. This is so much more comfortable for my hands and for needing to walk with a cane!" - Gail from KY, a pleased TDS Customer
On January 8th, he proposed... and I said YES!
I got an engagement ring...
And he got an engagement car!!


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Introducing the TDS MK1 Collar


tacticool dog sling: the hands free leash

Our new Tacticool Dog Sling MK1 Collar incorporates all the same hardware and features as the TDS MK3 Leash. Metal/Plastic hybrid side release buckle, stamped steel heavy gauge slide, welded, heavy gauge Tri-Loop, and reinforced box stitching. Best part is, we can color match your dog's TDS MK1 Collar to their TDS MK3 Leash!

TDS MK1 Collar




There is no new technology here, Amanda and I just decided, why not offer a custom made collar under our brand name that matches the hardware and colors used on our MK3 TDS Leashes? So, naturally, my pup Phinley got TDS MK1 Collar Production Number: numero uno!

Phinley and her new TDS MK1 Collar

We plan to offer the collars starting at $10 each. Of course, we'll need your dog's neck measurement before we can custom build a collar for you.


TDS MK1 Collar


For information about purchasing a Tacticool Dog Sling hands free leash or our new TDS MK1 Collar, email us at Tacticool.Dog.Sling@gmail.com! 

-Nick



Saturday, December 17, 2011

Tacticool Training Session & A Very Rewarding Day

TDS: Give your dog a Tacticool Advantage 

     Today was one of those days where we just had to get out of the house and go do something. The sun was out, it wasn't snowing or raining, and the temperature wasn't too awful cold. So we layered up, grabbed our TDS Leashes, and Amanda and I took Toby and Phinley out to dog park. There are some agility obstacles at the park, so I decided to use my Tacticool Dog Sling for some impromptu "tactical" field training with Phinley. We had a great time and Phinley did awesome! She was jumping three foot walls, weaving poles, and traversing A-frames! It was a lot of fun, and the Tacticool Dog Sling proved it's worthiness in tackling each of the obstacles with ease!
Phinley conquers the wall

... and tackles the A-frame

     Most importantly, we met up with one of our field testers today. Paul is a local,  former (once a Marine always a Marine) Marine with a service dog. We decided to donate a leash to Paul and his service dog, Dingo, in exchange for Paul's feedback while he uses his TDS. Dingo is a 55lb Australian Kelpie who goes everywhere with Paul.

Generic Picture of an Australian Kelpie


     One thing that was important to Paul is to have a traffic loop to keep Dingo close while walking indoors and in crowded areas. The Tacticool Dog Sling is able to accommodate this need by adjusting the dog end of the sling to the appropriate length to create the traffic loop (illustrated in picture below). As Paul walked Dingo around the park, using the TDS, he quickly realized how great the freedom was of having both hands free. He told us he saw a lot of potential in using his TDS in everyday situations with Dingo whether it's grocery shopping, eating at a restaurant, or out for a stroll.

TDS Traffic Handle: Adapt and Overcome

     Paul and Dingo were both really excited to try out their new Tacticool Dog Sling! We wish them both the best of luck and hope to hear back from them soon! We'll be sure to keep you all posted on their progress with the TDS!

-Nick