Gear and Supplies
Some of our favorites — tried tested and true. No affiliation.
Harnesses
- Look for Y or H-shaped harnesses that don’t restrict the range of motion of your pup’s front shoulders.
- Harnesses should fit properly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when measuring your puppy.
- Avoid buying something your puppy will grow into.
- You will need to change harnesses a few times as the puppy grows.
- Not all harnesses will fit all bodies well.
- Take the time to build a positive association with putting it on, wearing it, attaching a leash and taking it off.
Canada Pooch Everything Harness makes a good first harness for a puppy. It checks these boxes—no over-the-head, attachment for leash front or back, wide straps, no velcro, lightweight.
Ruffware – we use these 3 styles from Ruffware, Hi and Light, Flagline and Front Range.
Blue 9 Balance Harness – top pick once the puppy’s body starts to lose its puppyness. I switch to this as the pup rolls into adolescence, still growing but not itty bitty.
Active Dog Fleece No Pull Harness – super soft and lightweight.
Long Lines
Be sure to watch our video on long lines here.
- An essential tool for puppy raising.
- A good introductory long line is a 10 or 15-foot nylon line available at most pet supply stores.
- We have a preference for biothane lines. Easy to clean, water resistant, lots of fun colors.
Trail Blazing Tails custom biothane lines made in the USA
Dog Walkies custom biothane lines made in Canada
Treat Pouch
Dog Gone Good Rapid Rewards treat pouch. All-time favorite.
Toys
West Paw Toppl Treat – our go-to for a food-stuffing rubber toy.
West Paw Qwizl – to hold bully sticks and smear and jam treats
Tricky Treat Ball – go for medium or large
Unstuffed tug toys with squeakers
Hol-ee Roller – watch our video on what to do with this outstanding, versatile toy.
Double-handle bungee tug from Clean Run (USA)
Double handle bungee tug from 4 My Merles Creations (CAN)
Platforms
Grooming Supplies
The brush recommendations are puppy-specific to help create a good first impression.
Black Sheep Organic peppermint toothpaste
Millers Forge Nail Clippers (RED handle)
Feeding dish
We prefer puppies access a large portion of their daily caloric intake from hand-feeding and food dispensing toys. When you do use a bowl we opt for glass. We love a 9″ Pyrex glass pie plate.
