This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
Over the years, I’ve come across many different products – some amazing, and others… well, let’s just say they left much to be desired. With so many choices on the market, it can be a daunting task to find the supplies that are not only high-quality and safe but also suited to your dog’s specific needs and preferences.
These are the items I reach for every day, and the ones I recommend without hesitation to every dog owner who asks. If you follow us on Instagram, you might have already seen these products in action!
Dog Walking Accessories For All Dogs
Dog-walking accessories are essential for a pleasant and safe walking experience as they provide comfort, control, and visibility. I don’t use collars or hands-free leashes on my dogs, so I can’t recommend those.
I prefer quality harnesses that distribute pressure evenly, retractable leashes that allow freedom while maintaining control, and reflective gear that ensures visibility. Visibility is an important safety measure when it’s dark outside.
Harnesses I Use on My Dogs:
When looking for a good quality dog harness, there are a few important factors to consider:
Firstly, the harness should be made from durable materials that can withstand regular use. It should have adjustable straps to ensure a proper and secure fit for your dog’s size and shape.
The padding on the harness can provide extra comfort for your dog, especially during long walks or if your dog tends to pull.
Lastly, features such as reflective elements or attachment points for leashes can contribute to increased visibility and control.
Hurtta Weekend Warrior Dog Harness
I’ve used these Hurtta harnesses for years. Hurtta is a Finnish reliable dog gear brand that has gained the trust of customers from all over the world. The weekend warrior harness comes in various colors and I’ve purchased them in green, neon orange, black, beige, and violet.
This harness doesn’t have a leash attachment point in the front, so if your dog pulls on the leash, the Ruffwear harness is better!
For Who:
- Dogs of all sizes
- Dogs that do not pull on the leash that much.
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
A family member gave us a Ruffwear harness for Haiku years ago and Haiku has a tendency to pull on the leash when he gets reactive or excited. The front range harness has a sturdy attachment point in the front, that reduces the pulling. It has supportive padding and it’s an all-around good-quality harness!
For Who:
- Dogs of all sizes
- Dogs that tend to pull on the leash.
Proper Leash for Walks:
Dog-walking leashes are essential for a pleasant and safe walking experience as they provide control over your dog’s movements, ensuring they stay by your side and reducing the risk of accidents or escapes.
A proper leash allows you to guide your dog, maintain their safety, and follow leash laws. I use a retractable Flexi leash on a daily basis and the Hurtta leash when training or traveling.
Hurtta Weekend Warrior Dog Leash
This is a good-quality sturdy leash for everyday use. I use this especially when we are traveling for extra control or if I’m walking with multiple dogs.
For Who:
- Dogs of all sizes
- With this leash, you’ve more control if the dog pulls
- If you are walking multiple dogs at a time.
FLEXI Comfort Retractable Dog Leash
I use a FLEXI leash for our everyday walks with Halla. She doesn’t pull or sprint on a leash so this gives her more freedom to explore the roadsides. I recommend the tape leash option because if you have to grab by the actual leash, you won’t get chafes or burns so easily.
For Who:
- Walking only one dog at a time (two at max)
- Dogs of all sizes
- Dogs that know how to walk on a leash without erratic movements and pulling
Stay Visible in The Dark
In Finland, from autumn to spring we have more darkness than daylight. A reflective harness, vest, and/or a small but bright led light is a must. I’ve been using a reflective vest on my dog previously, but in recent years the reflective harness + led light combo works as well.
If you live in a region that experiences shorter daylight hours for months or want extra safety for evening walks, this is for you!
Hurtta Ranger Reflective Vest
Haiku used to use this vest whenever we went exploring the forest. The high visibility vest is good for outdoor activities even in the dark. The plentiful reflective prints and reflective piping ensure good visibility.
For Who:
- High visibility for dogs
- For outdoor activities, hiking, forest exploration
Hurtta Nordic LED Safety Light
High-visibility light with a minimal weight that is visible for up to 300m/ 984ft. It easily fastens to any harness with an elastic band loop. The Hurtta LED Light will help improve your dog’s visibility in the dark which is important when walking or playing in busy urban areas.
For Who:
- Moderate visibility for walks in the evening/nighttime
- Discreet and lightweight
Grooming Products for Dogs:
I have cavalier king charles spaniels so all the recommended bath products, combs, and brushes are for dogs with medium to long hair.
I’ve written a blog post about how often you should bathe your dog, and the post takes into consideration different coat lengths and textures!
Regular grooming is not just about keeping your dog looking its best. It’s a critical aspect of their overall health and well-being, helping to ensure they live a happy, healthy life.
Bath Products for Long-Haired Dogs
I’ve been using Bio-Groom products for a long time. I remember as a child when my mom bought their black color-enhancing shampoo for our black and tan cavaliers. I felt it was fancy since we had been using market pet shampoos before. Now I’m almost thirty years old and I still rave about their products.
Bio-Groom Protein Lanolin Shampoo
The classic! I’ve been using this for a decade! The original sulfate-free pet shampoo since 1971, protein lanolin shampoo is a tear-free, sulfate-free, baby-mild, and coconut oil-based pet shampoo. This shampoo highlights all colors, moisturizes all coats, and builds body.
For Who:
- For all dogs no matter the coat length
- All breeds
- Best for medium to long coats
Bio-Groom Super White Shampoo
Having a tricolor cavalier with a lot of white, this super white shampoo helps keep her coat looking extra bright. This is like a purple shampoo for blonds! It’s a mild formula that helps to prevent dryness and enhances the coat’s strength with soy protein. The product includes pearlescent brighteners to add sparkle to the coat.
For Who:
- All breeds
- White and light-colored dogs, tricolors, and blenheims
Bio-Groom Silk Creme Rinse Conditioner
This returns moisture to your dog’s skin and coat while removing tangles and controlling flyaway hair. Helps prevent matting and makes hair incredibly easy to manage.
For Who:
- Medium to long-haired coats
- Dog breeds with long, tangle-prone hair
- Dogs with thin or weak coats
- Owners looking for allergen-free products
Combs And Brushes for Long-Haired Dogs
Brushing helps distribute the natural oils in the dog’s fur, promoting a healthy sheen and preventing skin irritation. Brushing also stimulates blood flow, enhancing overall skin health.
Again, I’ve dogs that require regular brushing, their ears need extra attention to keep mats away and they shed all around the year. These items are for medium to long-haired dogs.
ClumsyPets Dog Ball Pin Slicker Grooming Brush
This kind of basic long-pinned grooming brush is essential for dogs with medium to long coats. Ball pin brush like this gets helps to get rid of matt, long & short loose hairs, and dirt. Make sure to purchase a brush with ball pins, they are gentler for the dog’s skin and won’t be so harsh or scratch.
For Who:
- Medium to long-haired dogs
- All breeds
- Beginner level
Wooden Handle Grooming Comb
Comb like this is another essential to have. Great for removing dried leaves, thistle, burdock, and all other debris that can get stuck on the fur from outdoor adventures. Also great for keeping long ears from tangling from the back!
For Who:
- All breeds
- All coat lengths, but best for medium to long coats
- Beginner level
Mars Coat King Grooming Rake 20-Blade
This is for more experienced dog groomers. This tool has actual blades (not too sharp) but steel blades nevertheless and therefore this is a tool that can harm the condition of your dog’s coat. Correctly used this helps get rid of seasonal shedding of single-coated and double-coated breeds. Pay attention to the blade count, I’m recommending the 20-blade.
For Who:
- Double-coated breeds
- Seasonal shedding
- Medium to long-haired breeds
- Experienced level
Nail Maintenance
Overgrown nails can cause dogs pain, and in severe cases, can lead to problems with their feet and joints. Regular nail trims help prevent these issues. When you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, that’s usually a sign that it’s time for a trim.
Nail clipping should be done with care as cutting into the quick can cause pain and bleeding.
Kruuse Buster Nail Clippers
These might look like generic nail cutters for dogs. BUT! They are the best and sharpest stainless steel clippers I’ve used for YEARS and they’ve yet not become blunt despite me having them for a decade!
I started to wonder why these are so special and found out that the brand behind Buster is Kruuse, a Danish company that produces high-quality veterinarian equipment for vet clinics around the world! The bad thing is these look like any other Alibaba products and get lost in the mix! Now I’ve shared my secret!
For Who:
- Dogs who don’t hate/fear nail cutting
- All dog breeds
- Both big (L) and small dogs (S).
Ear, Eye, and Dental Care
Cleaning your dog’s ears can help prevent ear infections by removing debris and excess wax. It’s also an opportunity to check for ear mites or other issues.
It’s important to gently clean around your dog’s eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any build-up or debris, taking care not to touch the eyeball directly. Dog breeds with protruding eyes or long hair on their face are more prone to eye issues.
Regular eye care involves inspecting your dog’s eyes for any signs of redness, cloudiness, or discomfort. Discharge or constant tearing can be signs of an infection or other issues.
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser
This is a great ear-cleaning solution for weekly use. The Virbac cleaner contains salicylic acid and lactic acid which are effective compounds keeping dog’s ears clean. Don’t forget to have cotton pads with this product! No cotton swabs!
For Who:
- All breeds
- Especially breeds with floppy ears
- Dogs that accumulate ear wax
- Dogs prone to ear infections
Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit
Virbac dental kit is a great product for those who don’t know where to start canine dental care! The kit has a dual-sided toothbrush, finger brush, and poultry-flavored toothpaste.
Everything you need to start! Daily brushing provides the very best in-home dental care for your pet. Both toothbrushes remove plaque from tooth surfaces massage and strengthen gums.
For Who:
- All dog breeds
- All ages
- Beginners
Toys and Treats
Treats are fun for dogs as they stimulate their senses with new tastes and smells, providing a refreshing change from their regular diet.
Small treats also serve as positive reinforcement during training, making learning new tricks and commands enjoyable. Many treats are designed to promote play or mental stimulation, contributing to a dog’s overall well-being.
Interactive dog toys are fun for dogs as they stimulate their minds and satisfy their innate need for play and exploration. These toys often involve problem-solving tasks which can keep dogs engaged for longer periods, providing both physical and mental exercise.
Dog Treats:
WHIMZEES Natural Dental Chews for Dogs
I purchase these time and time again. The rigid vegetable-based texture ensures proper blood flow through the gums to reduce bad breath & tartar buildup. These come in all funny shapes and forms, like alligators.
No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten, or meat. Low in fat, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and with fiber to aid in good digestive health!
For Who:
- All breeds, different size treats for every dog
- If your dog has a sensitive stomach
- If your dog has allergies, e.g. animal protein
Dog Toys:
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Kong Toy is the classic of them classics. This rubber toy is a versatile and durable product that satisfies dogs’ natural instincts, promotes mental stimulation, and encourages healthy play.
It can be used for interactive games of fetch and chew, providing exercise for average chewers. The toy can also be stuffed with treats like the West Paw toy.
For Who:
- Different sizes for all breeds
- Different chewing strengths for all dogs, also puppies
- Provide mental stimulation and activity
KONG Wubba Ballistic Friends
Wubba is like a tennis ball wrapped in durable nylon, perfect for interactive games of tug and fetch. Covered in reinforced nylon, it is designed to withstand rigorous play. It has a squeak, just a warning for pet parents. Available in three sizes (Small, Large, and X-Large), you can choose the perfect fit for your dog’s size and play style.
For Who:
- Playful dogs
- Not for chewers
- Puppies of big breeds
- All adult dogs
- Dogs who like to fetch, or at least run after a toy
Lick Mat for Dogs
The Dog Licking Mat by Heksa offers multiple textures to reduce anxiety and boredom in pets while providing a calming effect and keeping them engaged. It also improves digestion by slowing down food consumption and promoting healthier eating habits. The contributes to dental hygiene and fresh breath by cleaning the tongue, and it is safe to use as it is BPA-free and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
For Who:
- Anxious or bored dogs or cats who need a calming activity
- Looking to promote slower eating habits
- A safe and convenient way to entertain their pets
West Paw Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle
This durable chew toy from West Paw is designed for moderate chewers and provides entertainment for your dog with hidden treats or kibble. I bought this last year from a dog convention. I like to fill this with ground beef and put it into the freezer overnight.
It serves as an interactive chew toy that will keep your playful pup occupied for hours, protecting your furniture from their gnawing and chewing. Additionally, this mentally stimulating toy can be filled with treats and used for games like fetch, toss, and catch.
For Who:
- If your dog likes to chew
- Provide mental stimulation and activity
- Different sizes for all dogs
Nina Ottosson Interactive Treat Puzzle Toy
The Nina Ottosson Dog Twister puzzle toy offers advanced-level fun for dogs, challenging them with sequential steps to solve. It features compartments where treats can be hidden, which are locked in place with plastic tabs.
Nina Ottosson has designed multiple different dog toy puzzles, and they come in different difficulty levels. This is level 3, which is advanced. I suggest you start with level 1 or level 2.
For Who:
- Smart and intelligent dogs who enjoy problem-solving play
- Looking for a fun and engaging way to train their dogs’ brains
- Seeking to redirect destructive or negative behavior in their dogs
- If you want a durable and long-lasting puzzle toy for their dogs
- Owners looking for interactive toys that can keep their dogs entertained and mentally stimulated
Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Slow-feeder dog bowls are made for fun and food as your dog forages through the fun patterns. These bowls are great for dry, wet, or raw food diets. I usually mix kibble, some sort of meat, and vegetables.
For Who:
- All dog breeds and sizes
- Looking for a fun and engaging way to train their dogs’ brains
- Owners looking for interactive toys that can keep their dogs entertained and mentally stimulated
The links work in every country Amazon is available. If you have any questions about how to use these products, or you are not sure what to get, message me on Instagram or send me an email! 🙂 Thank you for supporting my endeavors! 💚
