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Recommended Products
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Below is our list of recommended products for dogs. We use or have tested most of these products with our own dogs so that we can recommend them to you. Receive future changes and/or additions to this web page by subscribing resources e-mail list.
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Continued from page 1 of the Recommended Products section.
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Collars, Head Halters, Harnesses and Training Leads
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Martingale Collar - If you have a dog who slips easily out of a collar, then a martingale collar is what you need. This is also known as a greyhound collar, and every greyhound-lover knows what these are! I also use this with my smooth collie during agility when I cannot use a harness. He slips out of regular collars as well.
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Gentle Leader (head halter) - Consider this option to a regular collar if you have difficulty walking your dog. If your dog pulls and is difficult to control, consider either a head halter or a no-pull harness. Choose the head halter if your dog is also reactive or aggressive toward other dogs.
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Halti (head halter) - Another brand of the head halter.
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This is NOT available through Sitstay or Pet Expertise, but you might find it at Petsmart.
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No-pull Harnesses - Consider one of these if your dog pulls but is not reactive to other dogs or people while on leash. There are a few brands to choose from that are very similar: the Premier Easy Walk Harness, the Sense-ation Harness, and the Wayne Hightower Freedom Harness. The last one you most likely will need to order directly from the company as they are not sold in most pet supply stores. The Premier and the Sense-ation Harnesses can be ordered online or found in some local stores. Some stores carry them in the training section or you might need to ask, as they might not be found near the other collars and harnesses. The idea behind all of these is that the leash hooks to a front chest-ring rather than at the top of the shoulders/back like most harnesses. This causes the dog to turn back toward you as he tries to forge ahead, making it more difficult to pull you. I have many clients who can now ENJOY their walks because of these harnesses, with no additional work needed. Others use these to go for walks while working separately on teaching their dogs to walk nicely on a leash regardless of the harness or collar being used.
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Sure-Fit Harness - This is NOT a no-pull harness. However, if your dog walks nicely on loose leash and you do not have trouble with pulling or reactivity while walking, I prefer to use a harness. It does not cause as much strain in the dog's neck as using a leash attached to a regular collar. I use this brand of harness with both my greyhound and my collie.
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Indoor Drag Line - Consider using an indoor drag line on your dog if you need some extra control in the house or have trouble getting a hold of your dog for any reason. The drag line is similar to a leash but is less likely to catch on furniture, corners, etc.
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Outdoor Drag Line/Training Leads - When working on recalls/come from longer distances, or if you just need to be able to keep your dog under control in a fenced or unfenced area, an outdoor drag line or training lead might be the answer for you. If your dog is not ready to be loose yet, this drag line will help you to get hold of your dog if necessary. There are several options, including many different lengths. For something heavy-duty, you might try the Super Cord. For something lighter weight, you can find training leads that look like a regular 6-foot nylon or canvas leash, but come in several lengths. For local retailers, try Deer Creek Animal Hospital, Pet Outfitters or other pet supply stores.
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Hands Free Leash - If you would like an option for walking or training your dog that keeps your hands free, consider the Buddy System Hands Free Leash or a similar product. If you're creative enough, you can devise your own!
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Anxiety Reduction Products
Bach Flower Remedies - The most popular of the Flower Remedies is Rescue Remedy. This is used for short-term or emergency situations to relieve stress and calm a dog (or a person, as they were originally developed for human use). I use Rescue Remedy for my greyhound to help relieve her stress of riding in the car and have found it to be quite effective. You can find the Bach Flowers locally at places such as Vitamin Cottage or Wild Oats. Dr. Edward Bach Centre is the website for Bach Flower Remedies. This site should be able to answer many of your questions about these remedies and how they are used.
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Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) plug-in or spray - This product is supposed to simulate the appeasing pheromone given off by mother dogs when nursing their pups. It can help to calm some dogs when dealing with fear issues, separation anxiety or other stressful situations. For some dogs, it works quite well, for others, there does not seem to be a significant effect. As with many products, it can be a matter of trying things to find out what works for your particular situation.
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Anxiety Wrap - This product is intended to help reduce anxiety in dogs. Although the product is a bit pricey, it might be worth the cost if your dog has severe anxieties. You can also try a less costly option by trying a home-made version first. You can use an old t-shirt, Ace bandages or other items to create your own wrap.
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The Storm Defender Cape - for fear of thunderstorms. I have NOT tried this product but have heard some good things about it. This product is pricey, but it might be well worth the cost if your dog has severe anxiety during storms and you have had no success with other remedies. However, I might try Rescue Remedy or other less expensive options first.
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Medical/Health-related Products
Everyone should have some medical supplies on hand in case of accidents or injuries. Here are just a couple of things to include in your supplies.
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Vet Wrap - Keep vet wrap on hand to wrap up those scrapes and bruises. I've used lots of this with injured dogs - cuts and scrapes on the feet or legs, split tails, etc. Plus they come in a great variety of fun colors!.
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Kwik-Stop Styptic Powder - Keep this or something similar in your doggie medicine cabinet next to the vet wrap if you trim your dog's nails. If you cut too close and draw blood, this will stop the bleeding. But be very careful when cutting nails so you will hopefully never have to actually use this!
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Crates, Baby Gates and Ex-Pens
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Crates - Crate training some dogs can be very helpful when you first bring them home. As they become more comfortable with their new surroundings and learn the house rules, they can be given more freedom and hopefully weaned off the crate. However, some dogs prefer to have a "safe place" to go and rest undisturbed. Some dogs will choose to use the crate long after you stop locking them in. There are a few different types of crates. There are plenty of different brands and places to buy these. Following are only a few samples. Shop around to find the one you prefer.
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Travel or Plastic Crates - These can be used at home, but are a must-have if you will ever travel by plane with your dog. They also are a good choice if you need a safe way to travel by car with your dog. Some people like these at home due to a more "den-like" feel to them.
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Wire Crates - I generally prefer these for home use as it allows the dog to see out from all sides so no one can "sneak up" on the dog. It also allows for better air circulation in the crate. If you need to give it a more "den-like" feel, you can place a blanket over the outside.
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Baby Gates - These are a good option if you are not using a crate and need to block your dog off from certain areas of the house, such as the room with the cat litter box! I use them often at my house. You can find baby gates just about anywhere they sell pet, baby or hardware supplies, so shop around for one you like.
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Ex-pens - This is an option for confining some dogs if you don't want to use a crate. Works better for small dogs or dogs that will not attempt to escape the pen. This can also be a good option for puppies if you need a confinement area but must leave your puppy alone longer than they can hold their bladders. You can set up one corner of the pen as a potty area.
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Copyright 2004-2008 Love My Dog Training. We serve the metro area of Denver, Colorado.
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