Everyday Essentials Dog Owners Might Not Know About
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:
Treat Pouch
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.
Dog Lead
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.
House Line
This lightweight house line can help redirect exploring puppies away from counter tops, tables, sofas, cats, the works.
It’s important to avoid physically moving your pup with your hands, as this could cause a negative association, fear and they may accidently redirect their teeth on you.
This will also help teaching them recall, so you’re not standing in the garden shouting their name ten times over.
Padded Collar
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.
Walking Harness
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.
Generally I advise a large pen as opposed to a crate. This will give your pup more space to exhibit natural behaviours.
GO BIG, the more space they have the better and they will be less likely to vault over the top.
VetBed is perfect for a cosy sleeping area and in the car.
Trust me, one of the best things I can advise you regarding toilet training is getting your self a toilet pentoo. Place this by the back door to keep your puppy safe prior to being fully vaccinated and establish a solid toileting routine a lot quicker. It also prevents them from unwanted gardening and ingesting.
Grooming
Dual Grooming Brush: Brilliant dual grooming brush from Furminator. Keeps your dog looking their best, less hair in your house and gets them used to being touch.
Check out all our tips in our full article on Grooming.
Gut Health
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.
I also use Protexin which includes a pre and pro biotic to help support a healthy gut.
Agility: Setting up some jumps and a tunnel in the garden to practice some agility with your dog is so much fun. Trixie do a great range of very reasonably priced equipment such as Jumps, Weave Poles, Tunnels and Hoops.
Your dog should be at least one year old to start formal agility. But having some poles in the garden can help to work on proprioception and a tunnel is a great socialisation experience as well as being great fun.
Fashion
Who doesn’t love a bit of canine couture? There are a multitude of coats, jackets, jumpers to suit every occasion.
Check out our articles on Summer, Winter and Evening wardrobe recommendations.
Chews
Dogs should always be secure when travelling. If you have your dog on the back seat, the CarSafe Harnessis 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.
So these are the products that have helped me out most over the years. I hope this helps you to navigate the vast amount of equipment out there.
Using the right tools for the job, you will achieve the best results, easier and quicker. Do let us know how you get on and we’d love to hear of some of your own recommendations too x
Perfect Puppy
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 dog 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, check out our ‘Ultimate Guide To Surviving Vampire Puppies‘.And for those who know Bear, will know he is rarely seen without his favourite ChuckIt! ball in his gob. Remember, always go BIG with your ball (watch this).
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 Harnessis 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.
So these are the products that have helped me out most over the years. I hope this helps you to navigate the vast amount of equipment out there.
Using the right tools for the job, you will achieve the best results, easier and quicker. Do let us know how you get on and we’d love to hear of some of your own recommendations too x
Perfect Puppy
I primarily use the pups diet to reinforce good behaviour in the early days (a part from toilet training).
However when you start to leave the house and/or come to class, you will need something a little tastier.
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.
Remember to have that differentiation or “Training Treats” and “Recall Treats.” Check out our article Using The Right Treat For The Right Job. Honestly, it makes all the difference.
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.
Sprats are my go to “Training Treat” with Bear or JR Fresh Meat Treats. For dogs who are particularly fussy, I use Thrive Pro Reward. The company call them the ‘professionals secret’ for a reason.
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.
You can view the full range of our tried and tested Treats on our Online Shop.
Toys
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 dog 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, check out our ‘Ultimate Guide To Surviving Vampire Puppies‘.And for those who know Bear, will know he is rarely seen without his favourite ChuckIt! ball in his gob. Remember, always go BIG with your ball (watch this).
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 Harnessis 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.
So these are the products that have helped me out most over the years. I hope this helps you to navigate the vast amount of equipment out there.
Using the right tools for the job, you will achieve the best results, easier and quicker. Do let us know how you get on and we’d love to hear of some of your own recommendations too x
Perfect Puppy
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. But for our full list of independent recommendations, read our article on Dog Food.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 a Kong, sprinkled with some kibble.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.
Treats
I primarily use the pups diet to reinforce good behaviour in the early days (a part from toilet training).
However when you start to leave the house and/or come to class, you will need something a little tastier.
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.
Remember to have that differentiation or “Training Treats” and “Recall Treats.” Check out our article Using The Right Treat For The Right Job. Honestly, it makes all the difference.
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.
Sprats are my go to “Training Treat” with Bear or JR Fresh Meat Treats. For dogs who are particularly fussy, I use Thrive Pro Reward. The company call them the ‘professionals secret’ for a reason.
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.
You can view the full range of our tried and tested Treats on our Online Shop.
Toys
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 dog 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, check out our ‘Ultimate Guide To Surviving Vampire Puppies‘.And for those who know Bear, will know he is rarely seen without his favourite ChuckIt! ball in his gob. Remember, always go BIG with your ball (watch this).
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 Harnessis 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.
So these are the products that have helped me out most over the years. I hope this helps you to navigate the vast amount of equipment out there.
Using the right tools for the job, you will achieve the best results, easier and quicker. Do let us know how you get on and we’d love to hear of some of your own recommendations too x
Perfect Puppy
Chewing is the buffet of life. It’s a natural dog behaviour and should be encouraged (on appropriate items).
The more stuff you give them they can chew, the less likely they are to chew the stuff they shouldn’t (fingers included).
Check out our recommendations for the best selection of natural chew, as approved by Bear. Have a read of our full article on Chewing and preparing yourself with the right chew for the right job.
I always have a bag of Pizzle Sticks (tightly sealed : ) in the cupboard, as a high value chew and a selection of long lasting ones on rotation such as Bamboodles or Benebones.
You can see the full list of our recommend Chews on our Online Shop.
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. But for our full list of independent recommendations, read our article on Dog Food.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 a Kong, sprinkled with some kibble.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.
Treats
I primarily use the pups diet to reinforce good behaviour in the early days (a part from toilet training).
However when you start to leave the house and/or come to class, you will need something a little tastier.
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.
Remember to have that differentiation or “Training Treats” and “Recall Treats.” Check out our article Using The Right Treat For The Right Job. Honestly, it makes all the difference.
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.
Sprats are my go to “Training Treat” with Bear or JR Fresh Meat Treats. For dogs who are particularly fussy, I use Thrive Pro Reward. The company call them the ‘professionals secret’ for a reason.
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.
You can view the full range of our tried and tested Treats on our Online Shop.
Toys
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 dog 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, check out our ‘Ultimate Guide To Surviving Vampire Puppies‘.And for those who know Bear, will know he is rarely seen without his favourite ChuckIt! ball in his gob. Remember, always go BIG with your ball (watch this).
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 Harnessis 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.
So these are the products that have helped me out most over the years. I hope this helps you to navigate the vast amount of equipment out there.
Using the right tools for the job, you will achieve the best results, easier and quicker. Do let us know how you get on and we’d love to hear of some of your own recommendations too x
