Recommended Puppy Supplies
We get asked a lot for product recommendations or toys/treats/equipment needed for a new puppy or dog. So for our current and past clients or our future clients out there, we’ve started compiling a list with links to some of the products that we like and use for our own dogs, as well as our student puppies and dogs. Just click on the pics and it will take you to the Amazon product page.
Page is still under construction, so please bear with us as we update our evergrowing list!
Essentials!
Bitter Apple Spray is great for spraying on items that are inappropriate to chew on by your puppy.
Accidents will happen, and when they do, you want to make sure you’re using an enzyme based product that removes any and all odor, so that your puppy isn’t tempted to potty at that same spot.
A treat pouch makes rewarding and dispensing treats much quicker and easier. They’re also handy on walks to hold your keys, poop bags, etc. as well as you always being prepared to reward good leash manners in public! Our favorite treats are listed below under Dog Supplies.
Mendota 3/8”, 6’ Slip Leads are the slip leads we specifically use. They feel good in your hands, they’re light and can be used as a drag line in the house, and come in different colors!
We prefer the Coolaroo brand of dog cots. They’re sturdy, easy to clean, and puppies seem to prefer the more giving weave of the fabric compared to other brands. They have different colors and sizes available. Most puppies do well on a medium even when adults, unless you have a toy or giant breed.
We start many of our puppies on front clip harnesses initially to teach and reinforce good walking habits. We don’t recommend using them as your puppy matures however, because it does interfere with your puppy’s natural gait.
And of course, two of the most important management tools in your puppy’s life are going to be his crate and an x-pen. We recommend plastic crates over wire, because wire crates can be too overstimulating since the puppy can see everything that’s happening around them.
Plastic crates cut down a lot on the visual stimuli and are more den-like. You will have to size up as your puppy grows, as starting with the final adult crate gives a puppy too much space and they will pick a corner to use as their bathroom.
An exercise pen is great when introducing more freedom and area to move around in, and can also be used as a way to block access to certain areas of the house in a pinch (we use baby gates to limit access to certain parts of the house).
Puppy Toys
Most puppies love playing with the flirtpole! You can attach other toys to the end as well, instead of the small tail teaser it comes with. We mainly use the Outward Hound flirtpole, but Squishy Face has a more durable one for when your puppy grows larger and stronger.
We do not recommend using regular tennis balls with your dog, the fabric wears down their teeth. Also, try sticking a Kong Squeaker inside of the JW Hol-ee Roller, your puppy will go nuts!
We also like interactive toys like the Kong Wubba. It bounces erratically, you can also play tug, and also practice your “drop it”!
We enjoy the soft, quiet indoor Chuck It ball when playing indoors.
Puppy Teething Toys
Puppy kongs are made of softer rubber for weaker jaws. Your puppy reading materials have suggestions on what to stuff your puppy kongs with. I would retire your puppy kong/teething toys once your puppy is done teething or you notice it starts getting chewed up and cracking/breaking.
All our dogs enjoy the Petstages wood toy. It’s safer than a real wood stick, won’t splinter, and lasts quite a long time. Just size up as your puppy grows!
Misc Items
Snuffle mats are great enrichment tools you can feed your puppy’s meal out of. It encourages them to use their nose and slows them down from inhaling their food. They’re also a useful tool for helping calm nervous puppies in new environments.
A long line is crucial when playing outdoors in public with your puppy or when practicing recalls. We recommend biothane as it is waterproof, easy to clean, and doesn’t pick up excessive dirt/vegetation, etc. We prefer a thinner, lighter thickness and a length of 10-15’ for young puppies.
Grooming items are important to introduce at a young age, especially nail trimmers, a dremel, wipes, brushing, etc.
Recommended Dog Supplies
Products for adult dogs that we like, use, and have been tested and given 4 paws up by our dogs and client dogs!
General Dog Equipment & Supplies
Grooming
Supplements
Misc Items
Favorite Training Treats
Below are the training treats we use most and highly recommend. Most are single source protein, with high quality ingredients, and many made with human grade ingredients. Happy Howie’s is probably the highest value reward on the list. Most of the treats below come in different protein sources & flavors for those dogs with sensitivities or allergies to any ingredients.
Mental Enrichment Toys
Toys that make your dog use his noggin.
Tough Toys
Tougher toys of varying degrees for our big chewers.
