Links to Get the Good Stuff!
Having the right gear can make a big difference in your training and in simply living with your furry friend. We’re here to point you toward the best stuff! We carry many of these products in our retail store (often at a lower cost than online). But if you prefer to order online, here’s a handly listing to make sure you’re getting the right tools. Note: WAGD earns a small commission from sales from some of these links.
Training Treats
During training, you’ll be giving a lot of treats. Especially if your dog is a young puppy, you will be replacing a significant portion of their caloric intake from mealtimes with training treats. It’s important for those treats to be healthy (including complete and balanced, since your replacing large portions of meals). They also need to be high value to the dog. Our in-store pricing at WAGD is better than you’ll find online. But if we’re not convenient, here are a couple of our faves that you can find online.
These two are the current faves of the WAGD training team. The yum factor is really high on these. Most dogs will work hard to earn them! They are super healthy, with the only potential downside is that they contain multiple protein sources which can be a no-go for dogs with food allergies. But we also think that’s part of why dogs find them so very tasty.
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Freeze-Dried perfect sized training treat for medium to large breeds. Minimal crumbling. This one includes turkey, beef and salmon
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried – very small sized treats, make this one ideal for toy breeds. These contain beef, duck, salmon and turkey
Smart Tools
Remote Treat Dispenser aka “Food Robot” – Food robots can be a game changer for improving behaviors like over reacting to guests, counter surfing and much more. There is a new wave of inexpensive, rechargeable ones that make this tool a no brainer for many homes.
Adjustable Cross Body Leash – These adjustable leashes make it much easier to go hands-free. This is especially handy when you’re tethering a puppy or dog to your body during housetraining (or house acclimation). Many people also find this to be a handy set up for walking or jogging with their dog.
Home Set-up & Puppy Essentials (Playpens, litter setup, toppers)
Playpen options –Having a good confinement strategy is key to surviving puppyhood! If you’re home nearly all the time, you might be fine with rotating between a crate and heavily supervised loose time. But most families will benefit greatly from having a playpen / exercise pen setup. It is typically a better idea than using the laundry room or a bathroom, as most young puppies will chew on cabinets and doorframes if confined that way. Purchase a height for your pen that is taller than you think you’ll need for your pup. Here are some good options, with the best choice being based on your specific needs:
Wire Playpen – This is the traditional “ex-pen” widely used by dogfolk for many decades. The upside is that it is economical and comes in a variety of heights. The downside is that it is lightweight and can easily be moved about by a boisterous dog or puppy. You’ll likely need to anchor it to something heavy. The most economical version does not have a gate to walk through. But it’s easy enough to unsnap the connection point to walk in and out.
Playpen for medium to large breeds – Heavier duty than a traditional wire expen, yet still comes in a variety of heights. The heft of this one allows it to also be used for blocking off rooms or doorways (as a safety zone for door dashers).
Playpen for small breeds – This plastic playpen is a nice choice for smaller pups and dogs. The main downside is that it is not available in taller heights.
Playpen Topper – For the pups who are set on climbing out of a playpen, a topper is the way to go.
Litter Pan and Litter
It is often necessary to have an indoor potty option for your young pup. This is especially true if you plan to confine him in a playpen or ex-pen for more than an hour or two at a time. The advantage of litter over potty pads is that the litter provides a surface that is completely unlike other household surfaces. You’ll end up with a more reliatbley housetrained dog if you use litter rather than potty pads.
Litter Pan – This one is on Amazon and comes in two sizes. We like that the entry point is very low for even small pups to easily step over.
Economy Pan – An economical choice that can work for larger pups is picking up this mortar mixing tub from Home Depot. The sides are 6” tall, so it won’t work for toy breed pups. But great for all others.
Litter – It’s important to use dog litter, rather than cat litter. Pups will typically eat some of the litter pellets, so it needs to be non-toxic. The advantage over potty pads is that the litter provides a surface that is completely unlike other household surfaces. You’ll end up with a more reliatbley housetrained dog if you use litter rather than potty pads.
If you have a toy breed, opt for this one with smaller pellets, making it easier for them to walk on.
Bark Potty is an option to use in place of the Litter Pan / Litter combo. This is the best option for low key pups who aren’t like to tear up the cardboard tray. It will cause the pups to seek out a mulch-like surface for going potty. So, it can make an easier transition to going outdoors if you have an outdoor mulched area.
Enrichment
Clients are sometimes surprised by how much emphasis WAGD trainers put on mental and physical enrichment… but only until they try it and see the results! Improving the level of enrichment in your dogs’ lives doesn’t only make them feel better, but it also makes them behave better! There are many DIY options for providing enrichment (e.g. sniff walks, treat hiding, homemade puzzles, etc.). But here are our favorite products for providing enrichment:
Toppls – Like a Kong, just better. Savvy dog people usually have a drawer full of these. Having multiples allows you to “meal prep” for the week. Having these frozen and ready is the key. Ask us for a copy of our “Toppl Stuffing” handout for great ideas on how to use.
No Hide chews – These are a safe and healthy rawhide alternative for chewing. Because they are a consumable chew, most dogs are highly motivated to chew them. They have reasonably good lasting power. They come in multiple sizes and flavors:
Paw 5 Snuffle Mat – Classic enrichment item. Encourages foraging, which is calming. Lots of DIY options to create these. But this ready-made one is particularly sturdy. We use these at the training center where they get heavily used, and hold up well for years.
Note: What a Great Dog! Earns a small commission on sales of many of these products purchased through our link.