Philosophy of Dog Gear Buying
We try our best to educate our team and avoid cheaply made toys, beds, collars, leash, gear. We have seen and heard of the unpleasant experience of buying a cheap products made with toxins that led to illnesses in dogs like seizures, upset stomachs, choking, etc...
We stand by the following shopping tenants
Functionality
Durability
Toxicity
Made in the USA
Company Guarantee
Need to Have
Some gear you are required to have before welcoming your furry family member, paired with some brands we merely suggest based on years of experience and the shopping tenants above. And remember, NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES under any circumstances!
The Art of RaisinG YOUR DOG
Newer edition, a must read! As you all know, we are huge advocates of balanced training. Read this book written by a balanced trainer, as well as the Monks of New Skete, who train a variety of dogs from service, to police, to just well rounded family dogs.
TIP: Read it!
BONUS: Written by monks who train dogs using balanced training methods.
To use at bedtime and when the dog is left home alone. Recommended for lifetime use to give dog a safe place to retreat during uncomfortable situations.
TIP: Ask us for what size would be ideal.
BONUS: Comes with a divider to create a smaller space for puppies and room to grow as they get bigger.
This crate mat is made one of our favorite pet companies. These crate mats are durable, machine washable, and last for years. Worth the price tag.
TIP: Pick the size based on the crate you order.
BONUS: Made in the USA
The Art of Raising Your Puppy
This is a book is written by the same Monks of New Skete as other book, but is more of a understanding puppies and dogs brains, and their needs, and wants.
TIP: Read it!
BONUS: Written by the same Monks of New SKete.
To use at bedtime and when the dog is left Do you want to survive puppyhood, then buy plenty of puppy chews to survive! BUY IN BULK!
TIP: Give them one in their crate during puppy witching hour to help with all the teething and mothing!
BONUS: Made in the USA
High quality commercial stainless steel bowls with rubber, non-skid bottom that won’t slide or damage your floor.
TIP: The 30 ounce size is best for most dogs. The 16 ounce size is recommended for dogs under 20lbs.
BONUS: Lifetime Guarantee
If you don’t have a pantry or closet, this is a MUST. Dogs will find their food, and they will dive in!
TIP: Get the 42lb or 55lb storage.
BONUS: It has wheels!
This is a great bowl to have in the car, attached to the leash, or on your back pack. It’s also a great bowl for travel.
TIP: Small is a worthless size, buy the large.
BONUS: Easy to clean.
Any clear measuring cup will do. But it’s important to know how much food your dog is getting.
TIP: One cup is perfect.
BONUS: Easy to read from the top and side.
Great toy to have for crate time or for a rainy days. Stick peanut butter, yogurt, or cottage cheese in it and put it in the freezer. Then give it to the dog for some mental stimulation or quiet time in the crate. It’s so much easier to clean than the traditional Kong, and big enough you can feed a puppy their meal in it!
TIP: Buy two! Buy the small and large because as they get older, you can out them together to make it “extra'“ hard work to get to the treats!
BONUS: Made in the USA
A MUST HAVE!
We love this company because they will replace your collars and leashes even if it torn or chewed through. They stand by their lifetime guarantee and ship your replacement within 24 hours. They also have fun prints. Lupine can be found at most New England pet shops.
TIP: For dogs under 25lbs, purchase a 3/4” width at 9-14” long.
BONUS: Made in New Hampshire
COMES WITH YOUR PUP!
These are the most durable leashes we have come across. This leash has a slightly padded handle, making it comfortable to hold. The latch is easy to quickly put on the collar. Absolutely no retractable leashes, and here are some reasons why!
TIP: Purchase at least two leashes at 6 feet long.
BONUS: Made in New Hampshire
Skip the harness, and start with the plastic training collar at 20 weeks old to teach no-pulling-heel-side walking. THIS COMES WITH YOUR PUPPY, BUT IF YOU WANTED AN EXTRA, here is the link!
TIP: Order some extra links for puppy growth.
We love this company because they will replace your collars and leashes even if it torn or chewed through. They stand by their lifetime guarantee and ship your replacement within 24 hours. They also have fun prints. Lupine can be found at most New England pet shops.
TIP: For dogs between 25-60lbs, purchase the 1” width at 10-20” long.
BONUS: Made in New Hampshire
For those without a fence, this is a great tool to have until you teach them off-leash control, but still giving them some freedom to wander.
TIP: Buy the 30 foot one.
BONUS: It’s cheap.
To be a respectful dog owner, you must pick up the poop. To be nice to the environment, stick to the biodegradable or compostable ones.
TIP: Buy a big pack, you go through these faster then you think.
BONUS: Compostable
The best shampoo for dogs. "Dog” shampoos have a ton of chemicals in them. Keep it simple with Dr. Bronner. Lavender is natural tick and flea deterrent, while almond is great for pups with sensitive skin.
TIP: Apply a quarter or two when washing your pet because it's very concentrated.
BONUS: Biodegradable
A must for New England dogs. It helps protect their puppy pads from various weather elements. Just appeal a thin layer on their pads before braving the elements.
TIP: Apply before walking on ice and salted side walks, or sand and hot asphalt.
BONUS: 100% Natural Wax
The point of a name tag is that when your dog is lost, someone who finds them can actually see the name. The cheap name tags wear down in about a week so the name is barely visible. Spend the extra money and order a well made one so that there is no mistaking your dogs name.
TIP: Order two, just in case.
BONUS: Made in Oregon
Every dog loves this toy. It’s fun to play tug, to chase, and to just chew on. Even more amusing when they try to throw it up to themselves.
TIP: Get the 6 squeaker, all the more fun!
BONUS: It’s cheap!
Always good to have a place to store the poop bags.
TIP: Slip a spare key in the house for those times you lock yourself out.
BONUS: You can attach is using the velcro straps or with a carabiner.
Monthly tick treatments only protect the dog if the tick actually BITES them. It does not stop them from taking a ride and entering your home. Before heading on any trails, be sure to spray your pet and a bandana and tie the bandana to your pet’s neck.
TIP: It is pet and HUMAN friendly, so spray your shoes and socks!
BONUS: Made in New Hampshire
A must for any white or light colored dog.
TIP: Spray before heading outside on those supper sunny days.
BONUS: Made in the USA
If you hit the trails, this is a must have. This attaches easily to the collar, and serves as a warning to coyotes, fox, deer, and bears.
TIP: Just keep it on a spare collar, and put that collar on when you hit the trails.
BONUS: Has a magnetic silencer, otherwise it is a noisy car ride.
Having a basket is an easy way to teach dogs what toys are theirs. You can even teach your pups how to put their toys back!
TIPS: Establishing a toy basket helps keep dogs from eating the furniture, stealing shoes, etc…
Good to Have
Some fun stuff to ensure your dog has a good time. Don’t go too crazy to start! Get two of durable toys, one with a squeaker, and a ball. For puppies, start with toys like the Tizzi, Hurley, and Qwizl!
NO TENNIS BALLS because they can shave a dog’s teeth! We learned the hard way.
WEST PAW
These are our favorite durable, floatable, fetchable, playable, chewable dog toys! Some are great for solo play, some are meant for interactive play.
TIP: Buy at least two!
BONUS: Made in Montana
ASK ABOUT OUR DISCOUNT!
INTERACTIVE PLAY: Great for fetch on land or in water, because it floats!
INTERACTIVE PLAY: One our favorite tug-a-war and tossing toys!
SOLO PLAY: Great for fetch, great for hiding treats and lathering with peanut butter.
INTERACTIVE PLAY: So much fun for tugging and tossing.
SOLO PLAY: Great to fill with treats and peanut butter, freezing, and then give to the puppy for some homework!
GoDog
These are fun, squeaky, decently durable toys. Dogs tend to rip them, so don’t pay full price, and be sure to have your eye on them while they dig out the squeaker.
TIP: You can find that at TJMaxx and Home Goods for great prices,
BONUS: They limit how much stuffing they put in, so little less of a mess for humans.
INTERACTIVE OR SOLO PLAY: But do not leave it in their crate. Wouldn’t want them choking on the squeaker!
INTERACTIVE OR SOLO PLAY: But do not leave it in their crate. Wouldn’t want them choking on the squeaker!
INTERACTIVE OR SOLO PLAY: But do not leave it in their crate. Wouldn’t want them choking on the squeaker!
Zippy Paws
Inexpensive, but fun toys for dogs, and silly toys for human’s amusement. The burrowing toys are our favorite!
TIP: You can find that at TJMaxx and Home Goods for great prices!
BONUS: These are pretty inexpensive, so you feel less guilty when it’s time to toss them in the trash.
Hours of fun as you stash the chipmunks and watch them dig it out!
Because who doesn’t love tacos?
And whoever doesn’t love tacos, must love pizza.
This ball floats and bounces all over the place. Lots of fun!
This is every puppy’s favorite. Easy for them to grab and toss around.
These are made in Maine, and a great, durable ball with a squeak!
Everyone’s favorite cheap bouncy ball. Keep your hands clean and get the launcher to go with it.
Want to Have… Eventually
Some gear that we love, but recommend you wait until you own a dog for a bit.
The PLUSH VELOUR line is by far the most durable, easy to spot clean, easy to machine wash bed. We have had ours for years, and it has maintained its puffy shape. We spot clean as needed, and machine wash seasonally. Most dogs prefer a donut style bed to snuffle up into.
TIP: Small is great for dogs smaller then 25lbs, Medium is great for dogs 25-55lbs, and Large is great for dogs 55lbs and more.
These dog rugs have save our floors from muddy paws many times.
These towels are super absorbent and useful to have after rainy and snowy adventures.
Great comb to use post hike to brush out any loose dirt or ticks.
TIP: Leave it in the car, brush them out quickly when you get in the car.
Recommend for those without a fenced yard, until an electric fence is installed. Makes it a lot easier then needing to leash your puppy every time you go outside.
TIP: Attach the tie out to a strong post.
In our experience, dogs are happy to sit in the trunk because it’s a flat bed. Nonetheless, they will try to crawl into the front which is unsafe.
TIP: Easy installation onto the head rest.
Good to have between grooming appointments to keep the nails short.
TIP: Watch a YouTube video of how to cut nails without hitting the quick.
Recommended for those living in a big home, and getting a puppy. Sure beats chasing the puppy around the house. Can also be set up to gate off areas.
TIP: Get the 34 inches because, most pups can climb 24 inches!
In our experience, dogs are happy to sit in the trunk because it’s a flat bed. Nonetheless, they will try to crawl into the front which is unsafe.
TIP: They have a front seat and trunk barrier.
Great to have for long car rides. It is important to remember that if you are in an accident, the dog becomes a flying object. So for the safety of the dog, and everyone else in the car, it’s good to have.
TIP: Don’t leave the dog buckled when you leave the car. Would hate for the dog to get stuck.
Gear
Most of these southern dogs are short haired, and need a jacket for a cold winters. It also makes it more pleasant for them to walk in the rain. This is our favorite, super durable jacket that’s water proof and fleece lined. Ruffwear has other great options.
TIP: Other fun coat brands include.
A must for anyone walking on trails in New England that are shared hunting spaces. You want your dog in a high visible jacket to alert hunters.
TIP:
Wait to see how often you adventure. This is helpful when your dog is learning to swim. Our dogs are avid swimmers, but we still use it because the handle makes it easy to pick them up into our kayak, canoe, or boat.
TIP: Be sure to check CraigsList and Facebook Marketplace, because people often sell them as their dogs grow to the next size.
This has been our saving grace during high tick season. Use the spray above and drench the bandana in spray and place on the dog. Does not keep all the ticks off, but it certainly helps.
TIP: Any bandana will do!
Our Favorite Brands
Wait until your dog is full grown before you spend more money on the fun stuff.
Amazing husband and wife company out of Colorado. Super durable and well made collars.
Great collars that are made in Rhode Island.
Great marine rope collars made in Maine.
Same collar company we recommend above for good quality, durable collars. They have different colors and designs.
Alternative, Cheaper brands
Still good brands just not as high quality!
This is a budget friendly, cozy, durable, machine washable, crate mat.
TIP: Pick the size based on the crate you order.
BONUS: Made in the USA
Our second favorite dog bed company. Their suede is durable and easy to clean. Doesn’t keep it’s shape as good as Jax & Bones, but they are cozy and comfortable beds.Most dogs prefer a donut style bed to snuffle up into.
TIP: 24” is great for dogs less then 25lbs, 32” is great for dogs 25-45lbs, 40” is great for dogs 45lbs and more.