Our favorite dog ownership products and training gear
Our favorite dog ownership products and training gear
Updated post: This piece was first published in November 2021 and last edited in March 2024.
The list of collars, leashes, toys, and other things we rely on in life with our cattle dog is constantly evolving. I’ve made a few different Instagram posts with some favorite items over the years — but I figured a blog article would be the best way to both 1) keep everything up to date and 2) actually include direct links.
Here we are!
We’ve included some affiliate links
If you purchase anything through an Amazon link in this blog or use a discount code through a brand’s website, we might get a small affiliate commission. The cost of the product will not change for you!
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Looking for training tool information?
The below article focuses mostly on specific product and brand recommendations we get asked about. If you’re looking for a higher level discussion about our tool choices, check out this article on the what, when, and how of our dog training tools!
Walking tools: Collars, leashes, and harnesses, oh my!
Collars
I’m a fan of wide collars because they spread any leash pressure over a larger surface area. Plus they have more room for fun patterns! We typically use a 1.5″ flat collar with Scout nowadays.
Harbor Hound Co flat belt collar
This is made of a biothane material that is perfect for the beach. It cleans off super easily — we’ve had it for three full years now, and it’s still in great shape.The Oxford Dog flat buckle collar
This fabric collar is a nice everyday option for standard walks. The yellow floral design is one of my all-time favorites.Bully Billows flat belt collar
This is our strongest collar, great for group classes or other situations where physical control is paramount.Anomaly Collar Club martingale buckle collar
I absolutely love all these fun patterns.Kimberland prong collar
Scout rarely wears a prong collar anymore, but I’m happy I found Kimberland’s bright options. They come with a clip to make taking it on & off a bit easier.
Harnesses
We’ve taught our dog that she is allowed to pull on a harness but needs to keep a loose leash on a collar. We use Y-shaped, back-clipping harnesses so they don’t affect her natural gait, especially when attached to our retractable leash.
XDream Dogs custom harness
This is my favorite harness. It doesn’t constrict Scout’s shoulder movement and only covers a small surface area!
Leashes
Standard leashes and slips
I enjoy lightweight standard leashes for everyday walks and venturing out in public.
Recneps Designs custom 5′ slip lead
Our slip lead was especially convenient for bathroom breaks when we lived in an apartment and now again that we live in a van!Dog Days of Maxx “Do Not Pet” leash wrap
You can read more about how I use “do not pet” accessories to advocate for Scout here.
Long lines and flexis
We use a brightly colored 26′ tape flexi and a 30’ long line to give Scout more freedom while respecting the legislative intent of leash laws. We love both equally — but the flexi wins out when the ground is wet.
Flexi Giant
I know, I know — retractable leads get a really bad rap sometimes. You can read about how we use our flexi responsibly in this article!
Food and treats
Main meals
Scout rotates between three Nature’s Logic kibble proteins (beef, pork, duck and salmon) and three Jinx kibble varieties when we aren’t able to access Nature’s Logic (chicken, salmon and carrot, beef).
Extra treats
When we use higher value food rewards, I especially like single-ingredient options that are low in calories. Some treats we’ve enjoyed:
Bones and meal additions
The occasional raw bone (non-weight bearing) helps keep Scout’s teeth clean. We also spice up her kibble with things like bone broth from time to time.
Beef necks or tails (from a local grocery store)
Interactive toys
Play is an enormous part of our relationship. The goal is for Scout to play with anything — it’s about the game with me, not the specific toy! — but she definitely has a few favorites.
Tug favorites
I’ve put together a longer article with Scout’s top tug toys here.
Fetch favorites
I’ve put together a longer article with Scout’s top fetch toys here.
Non-interactive toys and enrichment
We always have at least one Benebone (or similar chew) out for our dog to channel arousal into chewing while we’re not interacting with her. She also goes crazy for meals in her snuffle mat, which we do often since we stopped regularly hand feeding.
For meal time
For other chewing
Travel gear
Our small folding dog mat is perfect for hanging out at patios! And van life would be so much less safe for Scout if we didn’t have her travel kennel beneath our bed.
Grooming supplies
You can read more details about our favorite grooming products in this article!
Cleaning supplies
Read more about our favorite dog-safe cleaning products in this article!
Beds and coziness
Scout’s favorite place to lay is usually right on top of us But when she’s not there, she had a crate and several beds scattered throughout our house. In the van she has her kennel mat and a few blankets in her den.
Midwest Homes 36″ wire crate
An affordable, basic kennel option.
Human gear
Sean regularly makes fun of me because I “don’t have any clothing that isn’t dog themed”. He’s not entirely accurate — I think about 30% of my apparel is canine free — but the overall point is valid. I am not ashamed.
Dog-themed apparel
Dog Mom Mentality s-shirts (no longer being sold right now)
Training accessories
Plain gun belt
This is great for looping the flexi handle through to go on hands-free sniffaris (and not worry about dropping the bulky grip).
Share your own go-tos!
The above is just what’s worked for us in the time we’ve had Scout. We’re always excited to hear your favorite gear recommendations as well — feel free to send them my way!