Recommended products
While your main tool should be knowledge, having the right tool for your needs will help you achieve your goals faster.
We’ve comprised a list of recommended items and linked some to amazon.com
(If you buy any products using any of those links, we do get a small commission from amazon, while the price does not increase for you – so thanks for that.)
Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
Slip leads are minimally invasive and if used correctly put very little strain on the dogs neck. Make sure it has a stopper so that you can position it correctly high up on the neck). Click below for our recommended type of slip collar, and make sure you choose the correct size.
To find out how to properly fit a slip collar check this out:
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Slip leads are slip collar and leash in one. We usually always have a slip lead handy, as it is the tool that provides us most protection when dealing with unknown dogs and it also comes in handy when a dog has no collar or you are rescuing a dog off the street
Our favorite brand is Mendota and our recommended size is 6″ with a thickness of 3/8″
Our favorite brand is Mendota and our recommended size is 6″ with a thickness of 3/8″
Electronic, or remote collars give us the opportunity to touch our dog even at great distance. This tool has gotten so much bad rep lately but if applied correctly it is an amazing tool. However, it is not a magical tool that will solve your problems without the proper knowledge and training.
Apart from Dogtra we also recommend SportDog, which is as well a great company with loads of R&D behind their products and the hunting market in mind. Their new line of SportTrainer features an easy to read LED display (also in bright conditions). The remote has a 10 level output and the collar goes from Low to Hi (thus giving you 20 levels of stimulation). It also features vibrate and tone (Dogtra only tone).
Two Dog Systems
if you have more than one dog and would like to only have one control in your hand, you must choose a two dog system. With Dogtra, this will keep you from using the handsfree option but will give you peace of mind with both dogs.
The 1902s is more heavy duty and has a higher range for strong tempered dogs The ARC is slimmer and meant for low to moderate temperament dogs. Both great and very similar units. If you are looking for a two dog system with the SportDOG SportTrainer, then simply add an additional collar with the following link:
Harnesses are not our favorite tool for walking our dogs, but they can prove very useful for several things such as any activity where the dog is pulling (biking, skating, hiking) or to keep them secure in the car.
Our favorite general use harness is the Julius K9 IDC power harness. Check it out below and make sure to choose the correct size.
Retractable leashes get a lot of hate from many trainers and they are also not our favourite tool. But in certain situations they can be a great tool such as teaching recall and potty training. They are very bad in high traffic environments and with dogs that pull a lot (because if it’s retracting it’s applying constant pressure).
If you do get one there is only one brand we recommend: FLEXI
If you’re looking for the most heavy duty then have a look at this one (though of course it’s heavier and bulkier than the regular FLEXI retractable leash.
Nutritional Supplements
Increase hindleg strength with high quality Glucosamine & Co. Pay attention to correct dosage and the loading times.
Omega-3 fatty acids are clinically proven to reduce inflamation. But the dosage and quality are important. Here’s out recommendation:
Cleopatra and Nefertitis were said to bathe in the wonder oil nigella sativa – black cumin oil. An all-round health miracle for humans and also for animals. Give it to your dog to help fight off ticks in a natural and effective manner. Black cumin seed oil can also be used as anti-fungal, immune booster, against inflammation arthritis and rheumatism as well a general anti-histemine.
Containment Systems
Used correctly, in ground containment systems can be helpful to keep your dog on property. Especially if you are not allowed to have a fence or have a very large property. If the dog is conditioned correctly, it can be a very useful tool. However, if your dog is not conditioned correctly it can either make him insecure or teach him that he can be on either side of the fence if he just tolerates the stim for a few seconds.
Wireless systems can be useful if you have a pretty even periphery. No need to dig them into the ground and they can be taken with you to other locations.
Training Aids
For training we recommend sturdy high rise beds with a washable top. Our Personal favorite is the Starmark PetZone Bed
Muzzle Conditioning is something we recommend to most clients, not only for aggressive dogs. You never know when you may need to muzzle your dog, in case of an accident for example while inspecting or tending to him. For general use, a soft muzzle, open enough for easy breathing, and allowing the dog to eat, drink and receive treats is our go-to choice. For more specific applications a bite proof muzzle will work best.
Baskerville Ultra Muzzle (check sizing chart for correct sizing)
Very versatile, whether it’s to teach tricks, obedience or condition your dog. These tables have lots of configuration options and are very durable.
Toys
Balls are very important. They can be used as a training reward or to get your dog tired and conditioned.
The starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball is a heavy duty ball that is soft yet durable. Fill it with treats and have your dog figure out how to get them or simply use it for fetch. … You can also attach a rope to it and use it as such.
Always great is the Kon. Fill it with anything flavourful, freeze it and let your dog enjoy it. Satisfy chewing needs, occupy your dog in the crate, use it to play fetch and as a motivator in training.
Make sure to select the correct size and hardness for your dog.
Kong Extreme (for Power Chewers):
Kong Classic (for your average chewer):
For Puppies
For Seniors
Natural Chew Toys
If you have heavy duty chewers and are looking to provide them with something natural and long lasting, look no further than Antlers. But make sure they are sustainable and good quality, they should naturally fall off the deer such as is the case with the Antlers from The Antlerbox Dog Chews. Just make sure you choose the right size for your dog and to feed them separate in a multi dog environment.