Having a new puppy is HARD WORK (I’ve been there). Using the right tools for the job really helps, you will achieve the best results much easier and quicker. Through trial and error (and money), I’ve narrowed it down to the very best of the best to help you navigate the vast amount of equipment out there.
There’s a few things you might not have know about which can be useful. You can get cheaper alternatives (I’ve bought them), but these are the absolute best. Like most things, you get what you pay for:
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Equipment
Treat Pouch: I would never leave for walkies without my treat pouch on. I’ve been using these ones for years. They have a quick release for easy access to treats (avoid draw-string ones) and a handy compartment for poo bags.
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Halti Double Ended Training Lead: I think it’s the best lead on the market. Comfortable, versatile and in this day and age, very good value for money.
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Halti Padded Collar: If your dog was to choose a collar, it would be this one. Personally I usually leave Bear’s collar on with his ID Tag, JUST encase someone leaves the back gate open and he fancies taking himself walkies.
The collar is reflective and made of a neoprene material making it much more comfortable than something like leather. Plus is has quick release instead of buckle fastening, making it much easier to take on and of when needed.
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Ruffwear Front Range Harness: Simply the best harness on the market. With a two point connect to help with control and loose lead walking. The Y-Shape harness is padded for comfort and has reflective strips for safety. They also do a light weight version for smaller breeds.
Check out our video: Faff Free Harness Fitting & article on why to Avoid Horizontal Strap Harnesses.
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Dual Grooming Brush: Grooming increases your bond and helps to keep their coat healthy. Introducing this early on, will really help with future behaviours being handled, both with your household, at the vets and groomers. You can check out our full article on grooming equipment HERE.
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Pro-Kolin: MOST diarrhoea is caused because dogs eat EVERYTHING and have no idea what’s good for them. We’ve all been there, mopping up s**t when the dogs have a dodgy tummy. Keeping a tube of Pro-Kolin in the cupboard is a great way to restore balance to the force. Simply squirt over their meal and they’ll be nice and firm in no time.
Simple Solutions Extreme: When cleaning up, you want something with Enzymes which breaks down stains and odours. Simple Solutions Extreme is the best! And when picking up solids, I prefer handles in my poo bags. Check out Earth Rated Poo Bags.
Dogs could be loose through stress or anxiety. Check out our articles on Tips For Separation and Fireworks. There are some great products on the market to help, such as ADAPTIL Plugs, Pet Remedy Spray and ThunderShirts.
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Play Pen/Toilet Pen/Crates: Generally I advise crate training your pup. It needs to be big enough for the pup to stand up and turn around in. VetBed is perfect to line the crate and can be used in play pens, around the house and in the car.
For some pups a play pen is more suitable or can be used in additional to the crate for extra space. A toilet pen is handy to place by the back door to keep your puppy safe prior to being fully vaccinated and establish a solid toileting routine a lot quicker.
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10m Long Line: Don’t feel under pressure to let your pup off lead too soon. Avoid flex/extendable leads as these are common cause of injury. Choose a 10m Long Line to give your pup some extra space over the park, whilst still having control.
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Apparel: There are a multitude of coats, jackets, jumpers to suit every occasion. Check out our articles on Summer, Winter and Evening recommendations.
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Chews
Chewing is a natural dog behaviour and should be encouraged on appropriate items. Have a read of our full article on Chewing and the right chew for the job HERE.
I always have a bag of Pizzle Sticks (tightly sealed : ) in the cupboard, as a high value chew. Get yourself a bag of these bad boys, they stink, but your hands and feet will thank me for it. I’d also recommend Tripe Sticks, Braided Ostrich and Braided Lamb.
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I also have a selection of long lasting chews on rotation such as Bamboodles or Benebones. You can see the full list of our recommend Chews on our Online Shop.
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Interactive Feeders
Bear has NEVER eaten from a bowl. They are so old fashioned. Check out our article ‘Ditch The Food Bowl‘. I have always fed him from a variety of Interactive Feeders since day one. I always recommend an 80/20 Dry Food such as AATU Salmon for puppies and AATU Chicken for dogs.
When he was a puppy, he used to LOVE his Snuffle Mat and Kong Activity Balls. Now he’s older, he loves his Gnawt-a-Rock and I regularly use a Green Feeder as they’re so easy. When Bear’s been a VERY good boy, as an extra treat, I’ll mash some Pooch & Mutt Wet Food in it, sprinkled with some AATU.
When I leave the house, I may give him a stuffed Kong, as that will last the longest. Check out our ‘Killer Kong‘ video on how to best use them (it’s surprising how many people don’t know). It seriously takes him around 1.5hrs!
Check out the Interactive Feeders section of our Online Shop for the full list.
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Food/Treats
I’ve worked with a variety of dogs over the years and by simply using the right treat for your dog, is a game changer. I still see owners come to my classes with crappy, heavily processed rubbish. Always read the label, these companies have very clever marketing and packaging.
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Check out our article on ‘Does Your Dog Have Selective Hearing?‘ and ‘Dog Not Coming Back?‘
Remember to have that differentiation or “Training Treats” and “Recall Treats.” Check out our article Using The Right Treat For The Right Job.
Variety is the spice of life. By varying your yummy treats, you’ll keep your dog wondering, ‘ooooh, what have they got in that goody bag today?’ It’s a great way to keep them on their toes and listening to you.
For young puppies I mainly use their diet, but to reward something extra special (such as toilet training), I use Innocent Hound Puppy Treats and/or Pet Munchies Liver & Chicken Treats.
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For older pups, Sprats are my go to “Training Treat” with Bear or JR Fresh Meat Treats. For pups who are particularly fussy, I use Thrive Pro Reward. The company call them the ‘professionals secret‘ for a reason.
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For my “Recall Treat” you can’t go wrong with anything in the Pet Munchies range I’ve chosen on our Online Shop. Otherwise the JR Chicken Pate and Meat Sticks are fantastic.
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Dog food can be a confusing market. There is so much advise and marketing out there. Check out our article on Dog Food for some guidance.
You can view the full range of our tried and tested Food and Treats on our Online Shop.
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Toys To Help With Biting
For any one who knows me, knows I absolutely LOVE the Tug-E-Nuff toys. I think Bear literally has the whole collection. They suit different purposes. The Rabbit Skin Pocket Squeaker and the Pocket PowerBall Magnet are great to take on walks. They are small enough to fit in your treat pouch or pocket, which make them super convenient for ‘Find It‘ games or Recall.
Dogs love to chase. So the chaser toys such as the Sheepskin Bungee Chaser is a brilliant one to give your pup an outlet for this natural behaviour.
It’s also a great one to have on stand by when your legs and feet are under attack by blood thirsty puppies. If you’re currently dealing with one of those, make sure you red out our ‘Ultimate Guide To Surviving Vampire Puppies‘.
You can view the full list in the Toys section of our Online Shop.
Travel
Dogs should always be secure when travelling. If you have your dog on the back seat, the CarSafe Harness is one of the only crash tested harnesses on the market. Dogs can develop fear of going or being in the car. For all our tips and best equipment t use, check out our article Car Travel.
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So these are the products that have helped me out most over the years. Do let us know how you get on and we’d love to hear of some of your own recommendations too x
