Equipment Recommendations
Below are some great products we find ourselves recommending and sending out links for often. If you have specific questions about any of this gear be sure to check out the info on the sellers website and let us know if there is anything you need help with.
As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small percentage of any purchases made by purchasing products via the Amazon links on this page. Many of these products can also be purchased at other retailers than those listed below.
Harnesses
When looking for a good harness typically you will need something with many adjustment points to allow for the most secure and comfortable fit. Y-shaped harnesses (look like a Y when looking at your dog's chest) will be the least restrictive. Many "no-pull" harnesses work by restricting leg movement which can lead to joint problems. You also will want a reinforced leash attachment in the front and on the back.
Blue-9 Balance Harness
6 points of adjustment and chest and neck straps unbuckle.
Enrichment Toys and Feeders
The best enrichment toys and feeders are the ones that your pup enjoys safely. Typically you would want activities that will occupy your dog's time but without ending in frustration. We typically look for products that are BPA-free, food-grade, dishwasher-safe, made in the USA, and have been safety tested. It is always best to supervise your pet during any enrichment time. The following are all products that we use at Happy Dog or with our own pets.
Outward Hound Slo Bowls
Comes in a variety of designs and sizes. These slow feeder bowls add stimulation to meal time and slow down your pup's eating. (The orange swirl is easiest to clean without a dishwasher.)
Mighty Paw Licki-Mat
Features several licking textures and super strong suction cups. Made of dishwasher-safe, food-grade silicone so there's no staining or toxins. There are many other great licki-mat brands.
Mighty Paw or Amazon
Paw 5 Snuffle Mat
Made in the USA and designed to imitate grass, this snuffle mat is easily machine washable and heavy enough to not drift around the room.
Nina Ottoson Puzzle Feeder
With a variety of puzzles of varying types and difficulty levels these puzzles are a great brain workout! The one pictured is level 1 and can be made easier by tying strings through the holes on each bone shape to make them easier to remove.
Leashes
A leash should always be secure and comfortable. The following are several leashes we use at Happy Dog or with our personal dogs for various purposes.
Nimble Waterproof Leash
30-50ft lines are good for proofing recall skills or working training games outdoors.
PetiFine Leash
Padded handle with easy on attachment that cannot accidentally open.
Max and Neo Triple Handle
6ft leash with 3 intuitively-placed, padded traffic handles for easily reeling in your dog on walks.
Harness Lead
The Harness Lead is an all-in-one slip lead and harness that is completely customizable to your pup's size and secure for pups that know how to slip their collars or harnesses. Should not be used for correction or as a primary leash.
Collars
Collars need to be secure and comfortable for your pup. There are many great collars out there but here are just a few of different types that we and our staff have used for our dogs that offer specific solutions. We do not typically recommend martingale, chain, prong, or electric collars.
Tactipup Collars
Available with handles and/or personalization in a variety of sizes these collars are heavy duty for extra security.
Find at Tactipup
Fi Smart Collar
Monthly subscription includes GPS tracking, step counter, and sleep tracking software. GPS collars are good for any dog without bomb-proof recall so you can always find your dog.
Visit TryFi.com
Mighty Paw Padded Collar
Very affordable, this padded collar helps pups with sensitive necks. Has handy extra clip in just for tags. Order a size up for maximum velcro contact if your dog's measurements are right on the edge.
Dog Identification
Your pup's identification should be durable and easy-to-read. These are some great basic options.
GoTags Dog Tag
Misc. Accessories
Some great protective gear that we sometimes recommend depending on your pup's hobbies. Gear like this is not meant to be used to ignore any safety concerns but to help you actively manage heat, cold, or other factors that may put your pup more at risk when out and about.
Outdoor Toys
All of these are toys you'll find out in our play yards or in pics of the dogs. They are all easily sanitized, fun, and relatively durable for dogs. Plus large toys and bright colors = less chance of being mowed under (RIP some pretty great toys). These toys are all meant to be interactive so be sure to supervise your pup if they are playing with any of these items solo.
Tug-e-Nuff
Has a wide variety of engaging toys for interactive play. Longer tug toys are great for fun and engagement—real fur toys are high value for training games.
Tug-e-Nuff or Amazon
Puppy (Teething) Toys
Puppy teething toys are typically designed to be softer than chew toys for adult dogs. Ideally they will also be in a variety of engaging shapes, textures, and scents to keep your pup engaged to promote safe chewing habits.
Supplements
There are many great supplements to help with a wide variety of issues your pup could be having. Here are a few that we use with our own dogs to help with problems many dogs may face.
Chews
Below are a couple of stick alternatives we find ourselves recommending to those who would like a safer chewing alternative. We always look for chews that will not splinter, are all natural, and are engaging for pups. Your pup may find other chews more engaging and please be aware that it is likely no chew will hold up over time against the heaviest chewers.
Native Pet Yak Chews
Made with 3 ingredients these chews are low odor, long lasting, and tasty! These treats do contain dairy as they are a "cheese" chew.
Training Treats
Small, moist treats are a great basic training treat. Freeze-dried or air-dried treats make a great higher-value option. There are many, many great treat brands out there at a wide variety of price points. Look for limited ingredients and made in the USA if possible. If your dog is on a special diet make sure that your treats don't undermine your food...if you have grain free food, try grain free treats. If you are using a food that has no corn, wheat or soy - find treats without these ingredients.
American Journey Bits
Only 4 calories per treat and made with zero grains, corn, wheat, soy or artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Buy in salmon, beef, or chicken flavors.
Treat Pouches
Your treat pouch needs to have an attachment point that is convenient for you. It should also be able to be closed via magnets, hinges, drawstring, zipper, etc. so that over-ambitious pups can't raid your supply. Easy to clean and availability to hold other items you might need while out and about are other positives. Here are a few of our favorites.
Harness Lead Volunteer Pouch
Wear over the shoulder, around the waist, or use the handy carabiner. Has extra pockets and a drawstring closure.
Grooming Tools
These are some great basic grooming products that almost everyone could use in their arsenal. Be sure any products you use on your pet are not going to damage your pet's coat.
Oral Health
Look for anything that is VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved for dental treats. Some are designed to work via mechanical action and others are formulated with additional ingredients to help in other ways. P.S. most vets recommend brushing your pet's teeth at least every other day. A foul smell from the mouth is NOT normal.
H&H Pets Toothbrushes
Dual-headed toothbrushes at a great price.
Cleaning Supplies
These are some products we use around the facility that would be great to have in your home!
Nature's Miracle
Enzymatic cleaners like Nature's Miracle remove pheromones and other odors which encourage repeat peeing in spots in your home. Especially helpful if you are struggling with house-training your pup!
Dirty Dog Shammy
Super absorbent and conveniently designed this shammy will help you keep your pet clean and dry after all their adventures!
Raised Beds
Here are some of the beds we typically recommend. Each of them are sturdy. You may want to check each product for it's level of chew-resistence and/or cooling level. Most of these beds come in a variety of colors so you can find something that matches your home. Be sure to buy one that is large enough for your pet to be able to lay on comfortably.
K9 Ballistics Dog Bed
This bed is advertised as "chew proof" with an aluminum frame and a water-resistant, rip-stop canvas bottom.
Misc. Great Products
Just some miscellaneous products we love!
Privacy Window Film
Blocks triggering views with an etched glass effect. Easy to install and completely re-useable. Comes in a variety of patterns.
Amazon or Home Depot
