MY FAVORITE THINGS!
When it comes to dogs, these are a few things I can't live without!
I seldom go a day without being asked about the products I use and recommend to others related to living with and caring for dogs. Over the years I've compiled a list of some of the items I simply can't live without!
Take a look at the list of my "must haves" below. I've organized them by category so you can find things more easily and included Amazon product links so you can check them out for yourself!
(I do receive a small commission on sales through these links.)
And as I find more things I simply can't live without, I'll add to this list, so you don't miss out!
Check out some of my "go to" products for dogs
Leashes, Harnesses, Treat Bags
Mendota 6' Leash (1/2" thick for large dogs)
The only leash I use. Soft in your hand, comfortable to hold, and substantial, I have yet to find a better leash.
Mendota 6' Leash (3/8" thick for small dogs)
Same material as the 1/2" option but thinner and lighter, making it light-weight for small breed dogs and still super comfortable and easy to hold for you.
Mendota 15' Line (for large dogs)
Same feel as the 1/2", 6' leash but 15' in length gives your dog more freedom to move and explore. This is the main lead I use when walking my dogs.
Mendota 15' Line (for small dogs)
Same feel as the 3/8", 6' leash but 15' in length gives your small breed dog more freedom to move and explore without adding bulky weight.
Waterproof Long Lines
My favorite waterproof long line, this lead comes in lengths up to 50ft - perfect for distance work, recall training, and increased freedom. It doesn't hold moisture or debris. An easy-clean option for drag-leashes!
Freedom No-Pull Harness
One of my favorite no-pull harnesses (my Golden Retriever wears one). It's very adjustable, comfortable for most dogs to wear, and has 2-points of contact (one on the back and one on the chest)
Blue9 Balance Harness
Another one of my favorite no-pull harnesses (my Labrador Retriever wears one). It's very adjustable, allows for unrestricted should movements, and has 2-points of contact (one on the back and one on the chest)
RC Pet Treat Pouch
I LOVE this treat pouch. With a hinged pocket, wide opening, and deep pouch, it holds a ton of treats. I've been using this bag for years.
Karen Pryor Treat Pouch
This is a great treat pouch. I really love the hinged pocket and wide opening. I use this treat bag often.
iclick
If you're interested in clicker training, this is my favorite clicker. With the wristlet, you won't drop it. The clicker fits nicely in your hand, the button is easy to push, and the sound isn't too loud.
These Treats Are Always In My Bag
Food Puzzles & Toys
You'll find all of these in my dogs' toy bins. These are some of our favorite food puzzles, stuffables, and toys!
West Paw Toppl
Hands down, this is my favorite "stuffable" - better than a Kong, the Toppl is easy to fill, less frustrating for my dogs, and easy to clean. We have 4 of them!
WOOF Pupsicle
Another one of my favorite "stuffable" toys- better than a Kong, easy to clean, purchase their molds to fill and freeze with whatever you'd like!
Lick Mat
These licki mats are a great option to get your dog started with lick mats. My dogs always love when I get these ready for them!
Snuffle Mat
This mat gives your dog lots of different foraging opportunities in one large mat. Easy to wash and really fun for your dog -- I highly recommend this snuffle mat to bring some fun and enrichment into your dog's day.
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick
I don't think I've met a dog who didn't enjoy this puzzle! We have two of these so both of my dogs can work on one.
Bob-a-Lot
This is the most substantial food dispensing toy I've seen. It can handle heavy chewing, scratching, and tossing around! I've only ever needed to buy one (of each size) and they have lasted me YEARS!
Bully Buddy Bullystick Holder
If you give your dog bully sticks, you need the Bully Buddy. This keeps your dog from swallowing (and potentially choking on) the last inch of a bully stick. I never give my dogs bully sticks without the Bully Buddy.
Flirt Pole by Squishy Face
My dog's absolute favorite toy. This flirt pole is ideal for outside play with medium and large dogs.
Flirt Pole by Outward Hound
This flirt pole is ideal for indoor play or for small breed dogs (inside or out).
Dog Splash Pad
One of my dog's favorite ways to stay cool. This splash pad is well made and has given us many summer-season's worth of water-fun. (My kids love it too!)
63" Foldable Dog Pool
One of my dog's favorite ways to stay cool. This foldable dog pool is well made and has given us many summer-season's worth of water-fun. It's easy to fold up and store away too!
Management Tools
When we structure our dog's environment in a way that sets him up for success, everyone wins. These are some of my favorite management tools I use and I recommend to others for truly setting your dog up to be successful navigating their world.
Regalo Expandable Play Pen
This metal playpen has lasted me YEARS and serves as a contained playpen or a room/area divider for puppies, dogs, (and kids)! I've used it both indoors and outdoors for various needs throughout my dogs' lives.
Regalo Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate
Similar to the playpen, this metal, extra-tall, walk-thru baby gate will last you years and give you the ability to section-off areas either for your dog or out of reach of your dog. It's a great option for hallways, mudrooms, or bedrooms.
Hamopy Mesh Retractable Gate
This photo is from my own home. We love this gate for the convenience of only seeing it when we need it; otherwise, it rolls up and stays contained.
Privacy Window Film
Transparent enough to let the light through your windows, but solid enough that your dog can't see out, this window film does wonders for privacy and to reduce a dog's urge to bark at people, cars, other dogs, etc that they may see outside. It's an instant way to reduce those barking behaviors in a safe, low- stress way.
Melissa and Doug Stuffed Dog
This life-size, stuffed animal can be used for puppies or adult dogs in need of a playmate, or as a "practice dog" for those working on building their dog's confidence and skills in the presence of another "dog". I affectionately refer to mine as "Hank" and he has been a fantastic tool for these situations.
Melissa and Doug Stuffed Dog
This life-size, small-breed stuffed animal can be used for small breed puppies or adult dogs in need of a playmate, or as a "practice dog" for those working on building their dog's confidence and skills in the presence of another "dog". It has been a fantastic tool for these situations.
Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle
For anyone interested in building your dog's comfort with wearing a muzzle. This is a great muzzle! Adjustable straps and with the ability to even adjust the overall shape, the Baskerville is a nice option for most dogs.
Scratch Board/File Board
When we can make games out of obligatory activities like nail care, it takes stress right out of the equation. Teaching your dog to use a file board is a fun, low-stress way to have fun while maintaining your dog's nails.
Curved Scratch Board/File Board
When we can make games out of obligatory activities like nail care, it takes stress right out of the equation. Teaching your dog to use a file board is a fun, low-stress way to have fun while maintaining your dog's nails.
Potty Training & Puppy Products
Nature's Miracle Enzymatic Cleaners
For potty accidents in the house. The Nature's Miracle line of enzymatic cleaning products is the best I've found on the market.
Artificial Turf Patch
Forget potty training pads, for consistency in your potty training routine, I recommend turf patches. Don't risk confusing your dog with different textures to potty on, keep the "grass" texture consistent with this easy to clean patch.
Real Grass Patch
For the most consistent way to teach your dog to potty on grass, use indoor REAL grass patches for your potty training routines.
Heartbeat Puppy
These specialty stuffed animals are amazing at comforting a puppy as they transition from being away from their littermates and into a new home. I highly recommend the versions that include both a heartbeat and heating component.
Must Read Books!
Meet Your Dog by: Kim Brophey
The moment I opened this book, it became one of my absolute FAVORITES. Kim Brophey has expertly outlined the missing pieces to understanding dog behavior. She's done so in this easy-to-read book full of information anyone who lives with (or is thinking about living with) dogs. Put this at the top of your reading list for sure!
The Other End of the Leash by: Dr. Patricia McConnell
The book that changed it all for me. This is the book that set my canine behavior journey in motion. Dr. Patricia McConnell has a true talent for writing books that are not only full of information but are fun to read! A warning, once you start, like a great novel, you'll get drawn in right away and you won't want to put this book down. And be careful, it may lead to a healthy addiction to learning more about dog behavior!
Canine Enrichment for the Real World
Anyone who has worked with me knows how passionate I am about the quality of life we provide our dogs. Providing appropriate enrichment opportunities is integral to this. Allie Bender and Emily Strong have outlined the in's, out's, why's, and how's of canine enrichment in this incredible book. A must read for anyone with a dog.