Dog Product Recommendations

Dog Product Recommendations

On this page, you find our dog product recommendations. These are all products we use and recommend with links on where to purchase them. Some of the links will pay us a referral fee should you end up buying that item. This page is updated regularly, so it’s worth coming back to. If you are looking for nutritional and health information, you can find those on our Dog Health page.

Jump to: Training Tools  |  Toys  |  Equipment  |  Treats  |  Accessories  |  Grooming Supplies  |  Medical Supplies  |  Books

DOG PRODUCTS: TRAINING TOOLS

These are our dog product recommendations for leashes, everyday harnesses, and dog collars. We prefer biothane leashes as they are easier to clean. Biothane is also more durable than leather.

Dog Product: 6-ft Biothane Leash

Biothane Leash 6-ft

We like biothane leashes because they have a feel close to leather but are water-safe and more bite-resistant. You can throw these in the sink and wash them when they get dirty. They will also safely survive wet environments like the beach or lake; as lovely as they are, leather leashes don’t do well with moisture. Also, if your dog likes to grab the leash and try to bite through, it will be more challenging with biothane—not impossible, but more challenging. Overall, biothane is an excellent material for leashes and other equipment.

Viper Biothane Working Lead for Dogs (4-ft)

Biothane Leash 4-ft

These shorter, thinner leashes are great around the house. Dogs can also drag them during training and play. We like biothane leashes because they have a feel close to leather but are water-safe and more bite-resistant. You can throw these in the sink and wash them when they get dirty. They will also safely survive wet environments like the beach or lake; as lovely as they are, leather leashes don’t do well with moisture. Also, if your dog likes to grab the leash and try to bite through, it will be more challenging with biothane—not impossible, but more challenging. Overall, biothane is an excellent material for leashes and other equipment.

Biothane Leash 25-ft

Biothane Leash 25-ft

We only use biothane leashes because we often drag them over the ground, and they get dirty. The traditional cotton leashes are a nightmare to clean and constantly knot and tangle up. Biothane leashes have a feel close to leather but are water-safe and more bite-resistant. You can throw these in the sink and wash them when they get dirty.

25-ft Leash (thin, 1/2 inch wide, 3/8 thick): Amazon

25-ft Leash (regular, 1/2 inch wide, 5/8 thick): Amazon

 Biothane Long Line

Biothane Long Lines

We only use biothane leashes because we often drag them over the ground, and they get dirty. The traditional cotton leashes are a nightmare to clean and constantly knot and tangle up. Biothane leashes have a feel close to leather but are water-safe and more bite-resistant. You can throw these in the sink and wash them when they get dirty.

15-ft Long Line: Amazon

33-ft Long Line: Amazon

More Long Lines: Leerburg

 

DOG PRODUCTS: TOYS

These are our favorite training toys. These toys are for training and play. They are not chew toys. Your dogs will destroy them if you leave them alone with these.

Dog Product: Squish Ball with Leather Strap

Squish Ball with Leather Strap

Great for fetch, tug, and other play. Lightweight and easy to throw. Removable leather strap. The strap handle is Amish hand-crafted with latigo leather. Easy to grip. The medium ball is 2.75″ in diameter, and the large ball is 4″ in diameter. I prefer the medium ball for medium to large dogs. The large ball is better if your dog is in the 100lb+ category. This is the type of ball you see in many of our videos. These are sturdy and can handle some serious tugging. This is a professional training tool. The link to buy these balls takes you to Leerburg, one of the best, high-quality dog training supply stores in the United States.

 KLIN Fetch Ball Medium with String

KLIN Fetch Ball Medium with String

These are my favorite balls to play chase and catch (aka fetch) with. Whenever the dog I am working with doesn’t require an extra sturdy ball like the squish ball above, this is my toy of choice. KLIN is a German manufacturer of high-quality dog training equipment, and their products are used by professional trainers worldwide. The link to buy these takes you to Canis Callidus, a high-quality dog sports store with KLIN and many other excellent European import products. These balls do sell out quite regularly but always come back in stock. It’s worth signing up to be notified should they be out when you first check.

Dog Product: KLIN Original H2O Inflatable Soccer Ball, medium

KLIN Original H2O Inflatable Soccer Ball (medium)

Another popular KLIN product. Excellent for dogs with softer mouths. KLIN is a German manufacturer of high-quality dog training equipment, and their products are used by professional trainers worldwide. The link to buy these takes you to Canis Callidus, a high-quality dog sports store with KLIN and many other excellent European import products. These balls do sell out quite regularly but always come back in stock. It’s worth signing up to be notified should they be out when you first check.

 ChuckIt Paraflight Dog Frisbee

ChuckIt Paraflight Dog Frisbee

This is an excellent dog frisbee! You can play tug with it once your dog brings it back. These are pretty durable but not as durable as the balls. Luckily they are not expensive, so if your dog takes to these, it won’t break the bank if it shreds a few. These frisbees are for dog training and playing with people. They are not chew toys.

 

DOG PRODUCTS: OTHER EQUIPMENT

Dog Product: The Buddy System

The Buddy System

Tethering dogs has many benefits; it’s great for puppies and rescues alike. Tethering helps build stronger focus and sets your dog on the right path. I like these running leashes. You have your hands free while your pup stays attached to you. I suggest these for many dogs during the initial training period. I also use these on hiking trails as a backup for the occasions when I need to keep my dog with me.

 Julius-K9 IDC Power Harness

Julius K9 IDC Powerharness

Julius K9 Harnesses are fantastic. They are made in Germany, are high-quality, durable, can get wet, are very affordable, and many accessories and replacement patches (i.e. ‘In Training’ or ‘Service Dog’) are available. I use these with my service dogs in training, for restrained recalls, hiking (with pouch accessories), and for car safety. They are very versatile. I have used the IDC Powerharness size one on a 50lb pitbull, size two on German Shepherds 70lb-90lb, and size three for over 90lb dogs. They are also available in small sizes for puppies, and I have even seen one for a 3lb Miniature Chihuahua.

Dog Product: Keeper Collar

Keeper Collars

The Keeper Collars Hidden Prong Collar is not simply a cover for a prong collar. The prong is built directly into the collar, allowing for unmatched functionality and camouflaging of the prong. These collars are designed to easily be put on and taken off. Gone are the days of struggling to pinch the prongs together. This will be a massive benefit for those who do not have a ton of dexterity in their fingers.

I use these in training a lot. These collars are comfortable and loose on the dogs I work with. Prong collars sometimes get a bad reputation from ignorant people, but these have dull, rounded tips, are easy to put on and take off, are very effective, and allow for proper application of learning science without causing any harm to your dog. These are my most recommended training collars. For a more extensive selection, check Leerburg, and to customize them with embroidery, the manufacturer Keeper Collars.

 Agitation Collar (2-inch)

Amish Leather Agitation Collar (2 inches) from Leerburg

This is a high-quality, sturdy collar made from latigo leather by the Amish. The craftsmanship is outstanding. These are a bit stiff at first but get soft quickly with regular use. Like all quality leather products. I use this a lot for long-line work and handler awareness drills.

 

DOG PRODUCTS: TRAINING TREATS

These are our dog product recommendations for training treats. Happy Howie’s are my number one favorite when working with food. They are moist, don’t crumble while eating, are soft, and are good quality.

Dog Product: Happy Howie'sOXO Good Grips Chopper

Happy Howie Meat Rolls

These are my favorite dog training treats. They are high-quality, and dogs love them. They don’t crumble, are made in the US, and are cheaper than most treats in bags. You have to cut them, so I recommend getting the cutter. I use these for training on rare occasions when still working with food.

Beef Roll, 12oz Buy on Amazon

Lamb Roll, 12oz Buy on Amazon

Turkey Roll, 12oz Buy on Amazon

Dog Product: PetSafe Treat Pouch

PetSafe Treat Pouch

These treat pouches are one of my favorites, as they have stay-open hinges. They won’t collapse on your hands when trying to get a treat from the pouch and are very affordable! These pouches also come with a waistband and a clip, so you can choose which way to keep it on you works best. The multitude of pockets and carabiner give you plenty of space for keys, pop bags, gloves, wipes, and some change if needed. These are all-around good and last quite well.

 

DOG PRODUCTS: ACCESSORIES

These are our dog product recommendations for various accessories I found over the years. I am using or have used all products personally.

Dog Product: 4Knines SUV Cargo Liner

Cargo Liner by 4Knines

This cargo liner is fantastic. We have them in several of our cars. This is not some flimsy, thin liner. 4Knines liners are heavy-duty, waterproof, stay in place, and will last for many years. This liner has saved the inside of my car more than once.

Dog Wheelchair

Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair

I had a foster dog named Neko (read his story) who was recovering from spinal surgery. This chair helped him during his recovery. Neko’s rehabilitation veterinarian recommended this wheelchair model as it is height-adjustable. This is an excellent wheelchair! Great quality. Sturdy. It was easy to set up and easy to get Neko in it. I had to lift his hind legs into it, but that seems to be the case for all models I looked at.

We were very happy with this wheelchair. I received it by donation and wholeheartedly recommend it. It can be adjusted to not have the legs touch the ground at all for immobile dogs or just as support for dogs with arthritis or alike; it’s very versatile. I recommend investing in the wider belly strap if body support is needed/desired (I got it for Neko), and if your dog needs to drag his feet like Neko, get the protective boots they sell as well. It’s a worthwhile investment; you can resell it on eBay once you no longer need it.

 

DOG PRODUCTS: GROOMING SUPPLIES

These are our dog product recommendations for grooming. I prefer organic cleaners and shampoos to keep toxins away from my dogs.

Dog Product: Booster Bath

Booster Bath

Your back will thank you for this raised dog bath tub. No more bending over to bathe your dog! The version we recommend also includes walking up steps and straps to secure your dog during a bath. We recommend the XL version even for medium-sized dogs. It’s sturdier and will last longer.

Dog Product: 4Legger Organic Dog Shampoo

4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo

I have been using this shampoo for about a year now, as my previous favorite brand was discontinued. This one is equally great! It’s all organic and smells very nice. It is mild on my dog’s skin and doesn’t burn in their eyes. A gives you a nice, foamy lather your dogs will love just like mine do.

Vets Best Ear Wash

Vet’s Best Ear Relief Wash

This ear wash was recommended to me by a holistic vet, and it is terrific. You can use it as a traditional ear rinse, but the best part is that you can also leave it in, have your dog shake it out, and skip the wiping out. This wash is designed to be left in and soothe your dog’s ears. It’s a great preventative for dogs prone to ear infections, an excellent wash, and a wonderful natural cure for minor irritations that don’t require medication but need attention.

Dog Product: Large Dog Nail Clippers

Professional Nail Clipper

Good nail clippers are hard to find these days. Most pet stores sell cheap, flimsy clippers or worse, guillotine clippers or electric rotary files. Anyone, who has ever used those on a larger dog, knows that’s a mission doomed from the start. These a great, sturdy clippers. I removed the safety that is supposed to help prevent over-cutting but, in reality, is just in the way of holding and using the clippers correctly (all clippers have these useless attachments these days). I cut my dog’s nails regularly, and these are my favorite.

 

DOG PRODUCTS: MEDICAL SUPPLIES

These are our dog product recommendations for medical emergencies and dog first-aid.

Dog Product: Vetericyn Wound Spray

Vetericyn Wound Care

Vetericyn is my favorite first aid product for minor injuries and scratches on my dogs. It is a clear, non-sticky, non-burning disinfectant spray that won’t make your dogs resent you for using it. It just feels like a spray of water. No burning sensation. This is far better for home care than hydrogen peroxide as it doesn’t kill any tissue and doesn’t cause the mess betadine does. Aside from the wound spray, they also have ear washes, hot spot sprays, essential oil-based tick and flea sprays, collars and drops, and other great products. For wound care of any kind, I always check this brand first. We even use this on ourselves.

 

DOG PRODUCTS: BOOKS

These are our dog product recommendations for readers. These are books every dog owner can benefit from.

Unlocking the Ancestral Diet

Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet: Healthier Dog Food the ABC Way

This book is the foundation of our custom raw dog recipes. It is a great introduction and overview of raw feeding. It was recommended to us by Keto Pet Sanctuary. One of the books we highly recommend if you want to take charge of your dog’s health.

Dog Product: Stop the Shots

Stop the Shots! Are Vaccinations Killing Our Pets?

This is NOT an anti-vaccine book. It’s a vaccination education book. This book is about understanding the dog’s immune system, which vaccines are necessary, and how often you should administer them. Spoiler Alert! It’s NOT annually! Most pet owners aren’t aware of the dangers of animal vaccinations that have been discovered in recent years. In this compact, easy-to-understand volume, John Clifton explains the very real risks involved every time a dog or cat gets a shot. The major veterinary associations now agree that vaccinations can trigger all sorts of maladies, from allergies to cancer – but most pet caretakers (and many veterinarians, it seems) haven’t gotten the word. This is an essential book for every pet owner to read. In a conversational, direct, non-technical voice, it guides the reader in formulating an intelligent approach to animal vaccinations.