We go through a lot of pet gear. Leashes get chewed, treat bags get emptied, and collapsible bowls get tested in every park in the South Bay. After hundreds of walks and visits, certain products have earned permanent spots in our kit. These are the ones we'd buy again in a heartbeat.
None of these are sponsored — we bought everything with our own money and recommend them because they genuinely make our work (and our clients' lives) better.
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
We've tried at least a dozen harnesses, and this one keeps winning. The padded chest panel is comfortable enough for long walks, the two leash attachment points (front and back) give you options for dogs who pull, and the reflective trim is a lifesaver for evening walks. The aluminum V-ring is sturdy without being heavy.
Why we love it
Easy to put on (even on wiggly dogs), machine washable, and the sizing runs true. We've had ours for over a year of daily use and it still looks nearly new.
KONG Classic
There's a reason the KONG has been around for decades — it works. Stuff it with peanut butter, freeze it overnight, and you've got 30 minutes of quiet enrichment that tires a dog out mentally. We use them during visits when a dog needs to decompress, and they're virtually indestructible. We've only ever seen one dog manage to tear one apart (a determined Malinois).
Why we love it
The original enrichment toy. Dishwasher safe, comes in multiple sizes, and the red "classic" version handles even aggressive chewers. The black version is even tougher.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
These tiny, soft training treats are our go-to for walks. They're small enough that you can use dozens during a session without overfeeding, and the lamb and salmon recipe is irresistible to every dog we've worked with. They're grain-free and made with recognizable ingredients, which matters to our clients who care about what goes into their dog's diet.
Why we love it
Low calorie, easy to break into even smaller pieces, and they don't crumble in your pocket. Despite the name, adult dogs love them just as much as puppies.
Biothane Long Line (15 ft)
For training recalls or giving a dog more freedom in open spaces without going fully off-leash, a Biothane long line is unbeatable. Unlike nylon, Biothane doesn't absorb water, doesn't get dirty, and won't give you rope burn if a dog bolts. It wipes clean with a damp cloth and coils neatly without tangling. We use the 15-foot length for most situations.
Why we love it
Waterproof, virtually maintenance-free, and available in bright colors that are easy to spot in grass. It's the one piece of gear that made us retire nylon long lines permanently.
LickiMat Soother
Spread some peanut butter, plain yogurt, or wet food on this textured mat and watch your dog (or cat) go into a trance. Licking is a self-soothing behavior, and this mat turns mealtime into a calming enrichment activity. We use them during visits with anxious pets, and the difference in body language is immediate. Cats enjoy them too, especially with a thin layer of wet food.
Why we love it
Slows down fast eaters, reduces anxiety, and the suction cups on the back keep it in place on hard floors. Freezing it extends the activity even longer.
Dexas Popware Collapsible Bowl
We clip one of these to every leash. It folds completely flat, holds enough water for a medium-sized dog, and the carabiner clip means you'll never forget it. We've tried fancy collapsible bowls with carrying cases and pouches, but this simple, inexpensive design outperforms all of them. Dishwasher safe and available in every color imaginable.
Why we love it
Costs under $10, weighs nothing, and has survived two years of daily use without cracking or peeling. We keep backup bowls in the car, in our bags, and at home. You can never have too many.
What We're Still Testing
We're currently trying out a few new products that haven't made the list yet but show promise: a GPS collar attachment for off-leash adventures, a slow-feeder bowl designed for cats, and a biodegradable poop bag brand that actually feels sturdy. We'll update this list at the end of the year with our verdicts.
If you have a product you swear by, we'd love to hear about it. Drop us a line — we're always looking for gear that makes life better for the pets we care for.
← Back to all posts
