Debbie's Recommended Supplies
Over the years I've tried many different supplies both personally and professionally. There are SO many options out there it can be overwhelming. To help you out I've listed my favorites to get you started.
This is an ever-changing list as I learn and experiment with all different supplies. I also welcome your feedback, recommendations, and experiences with the products that you have used.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I have used and loved and all opinions expressed here are my own and are NEVER paid for. That being said, this post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. If you don't wish to use these links, most supplies can be found by searching Amazon.com or Chewy.com.
Most of the links below will take you to the product on Amazon.com. For ease, I've compiled a list of my recommended products all in one place on Amazon.com
I am also a HUGE fan of Chewy.com. Their prices are about the same but their customer service is stellar. Any time I've had to reach out to Chewy they have gone above and beyond. They are worth checking out.
Treats, Chews, and Bones
Stewarts Pro-Treats are the treats I talk about ALL THE TIME. They only have one ingredient and I've never met a dog who didn't LOVE them. I prefer the chicken variety because the individual treats are smaller and easier to break apart.
Bully sticks are my go-to way to keep your dog occupied. Best Bully Sticks are my go-to brand but there are plenty of high-quality brands out there. They are also sold in different lengths and thickness, so be sure to read the description. The biggest complaint that dog parents have is the smell. There are also "odor-free" variations.
One last note: If you are giving these to your dog for the first time keep a close eye on them. Some dogs will swallow the last bit of the stick whole.
Himalayan Chews are my second choice for a long-lasting chew. They are cheese-based and last even longer than the bully stick. The only reason I don't use them more often is that my dog buries them if she doesn't finish it.
Cosequin is the most well known joint support supplement. I always recommend to my clients once your pup reaches 7 years of age to put them on some kind of joint support. Glucosamine is tremendously beneficial to dogs. When I started my girls on this "treat" there was a noticeable difference. There are a few varieties but I like that this one has fish oil to help support skin and coat health as well.
Treat and Food Dispensers
Treat balls are one of the easiest ways to engage your dog and it takes no more effort from you. Instead of dumping their meal in a bowl put it in a treat ball and let them work for their kibble! This one is simple and has an insert to make it harder once they get too good!
For your super smarty pants dogs, this treat ball (or treat mushroom) is the most challenging one I have found.
The Kong Wobbler is another treat/food dispenser. It's more stationary than the other two. Instead of rolling around the house it just wobbles back and forth.
Ah, the good ol' Kong. When used right this little red snowman will become your best friend. I believe in it so much that I have a whole lesson on how to use a Kong inside my new puppy online course. Stuff it with their food, yogurt, peanut butter, or one of a million recipes (seriously check out Pinterest). Freeze it and enjoy a moment to yourself (remember that, you had a few of those before you got a puppy).
Chewy.com has a whole section dedicated to these guys
Toys
This Hide-A-Squirrel toy has been one of my obsessions since my first dog Chance. It's adorable, fun, and interactive...and dogs love it too! Seriously, it's a great interactive toy. Each of the squirrels squeaks. They do have replacement squirrels when the originals go to fluff heaven.
Flirt Pole is one of my most recent favorites. It's great for kids and a nippy puppy. It allows them to interact and play with those sharp puppy teeth far away from their hands.
Leashes, Collars, Harnesses
A front-clip harness is the best tool for loose leash walking. The harness keeps the pressure off the neck and if you have a puller the clip in the front controls the pulling while you work on their leash skills.
This is the harness that fits my dogs the best. There are many options and fits out there. It's a bit of trial and error to find the one that fits your dog well. You want it to be snug so it doesn't shift around, but not restrictive so it cuts into their skin.
A long line is an essential training tool. This gives you a chance to give your dog freedom but still have some control. Use it to teach a strong recall, play in the park with the family, or simply run around the back yard (even if there is a fence!).
30 feet seems to work best. Or if you are handy grab a 50 foot and make a 20ft and 30ft!
Crate and Bedding
Life stages crate is my favorite type of crate because you can adjust the size as your puppy gets bigger so you only have to buy one that will last their life (I have a wire crate that has seen me through three different dogs). You really can't go wrong with which type of crate you use. The main concerns size and safety.
If you've been with me for a while you know I always say to "make their crate cozy". A flat fleece bed works great as a base, then I add blankets both inside and out. A puppy will chew almost anything that is in the crate but this fleece bed is the one I've had the most success with.
Flea, Tick, and Bath Time
Wondercide Flea and Tick is a natural topical spray that kills and repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. I spray my girls (and me!) down whenever we go for an off-leash romp in the woods and I rarely find any ticks when we come home. It leaves their coats a little oily but it's so effective I'm ok with that. Wondercide has a whole line of natural products (you'll see I use some below).
I am OBSESSED with Wondercide's Soap Bars. It lathers, smells amazing, and my dogs' coats are so soft and shiny after. As a bonus I've discovered it's so much easier to bath a dog using a bar of soap instead of a bottle of liquid soap. It also lasts a really long time.
This weird looking doo-dad is a tick twister. It's by far the easiest way to remove an embedded tick from your dog. I know gross, but ticks are a growing concern especially with wetter warmer climates. All you do is slip in under the tick and twist.
This is just one example of a Flea and Tick comb on the market. They come in all different shapes and sizes. The teeth are super close together so when you run it through your dog's fur the comb picks up the little buggers (I'll usually have an alcohol pad ready to grab them). If you live in an area that is prone to ticks I highly recommend having this in your grooming kit.
Cleaning
An Enzyme Cleaner is essential for anyone potty training a puppy. You have to make sure you not only clean the smell you smell but the smell you puppy smells to deter them from using that same spot again. Make sure you leave it on for 5-10 minutes so the enzymes can do their work. Nature's Miracle is the most popular one on the market and the one I've always used.
FURemover Broom is another one of my obsessions. This broom picks up dog hair like no one's business. If you have hardwood floors and a dog that sheds I recommend adding this to your cleaning cabinet.
Anxiety Aids
Rescue Remedy is a natural flower essence to help relieve stress and anxiety. It's not a miracle cure but I do notice a difference when I don't use it during thunderstorms or fireworks.
This is a little white noise machine I use during thunderstorms or when I just want to drown out some outside noise. I also find white noise (or music) can help a puppy sleep better in their crate.
