Our favorite leashes, long lines, collars and harnesses!
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The Ruffwear High and Light harness is a nice, light weight harness that I’ve found is helpful for dogs who may have a handling/space issues and don’t enjoy wearing a lot of heavier gear. It goes over the head, then has two relatively quiet plastic clips that clip on the back. It also has a front clip (to prevent pulling) and a back clip for versatility.
Kurgo sells high quality, crash-tested car gear for dogs, and these seat belts are great. This model plugs right into any normal seatbelt adapter.
Tape style long lines are nice lightweight options if you want to get a nice long one! Long lines are perfect for giving your dog more freedom on hikes and walks while maintaining their safety, and also give you an option to practice training in more distracting environements safely.
Here’s my hot take: retractable leashes can be controversial in the dog world because untrained dogs can wreak havoc when on a long lead like this. However, I like Flexi leads when walking multiple of my dogs at once because it is easier to prevent their leashes from tangling and still gives them some freedom. The caveat is that my dogs are relatively well trained and won’t dash across a path and clothesline a passing jogger or bicyclist (and I am very alert and aware when using these leashes). It should also be noted that if you have a dog that pulls or is reactive, some retractable leashes can cause rope burns or cuts on the handler or the dog if they dart around you. Use with caution, and only in appropriate situations and with appropriate dogs!
The Balance harness is one of my all-time favorites and one I’ve recommended for years. This harness works well for dogs who may be a bit fearful of things going over their head. It has a neck clip and can be clipped and unclipped around the neck and well as the torso. It’s also one of the most adjustable & ergonomic harnesses out there, making it fit just about any dog when adjusted properly.
This is the Kurgo seatbelt I use for my dogs and clients I transport. It loops around the existing crossover seatbelt and clips onto the dog’s harness.
Long lines can get a bit muddy when they’re dragging in wet weather. Biothane leashes and longlines offer a waterproof solution! These are generally pretty lightweight, also.
Baskerville muzzles are an excellent place to start when working on muzzle training your dog. They’re great for conditioning and getting them used to wearing something on their face, and they provide adequate protection and, if fitted properly, plenty of room for panting and drinking. Baskerville also has a model designed for dogs who eat foreign objects.
This is a surprisingly sturdy harness given its price. I recommend this as a budget friendly option, and also a good choice for extra strong/thick dogs who need a sturdier harness than my other favorite options.
These are the car harnesses I use with my dogs. It’s important to buy car gear that is crash tested and rated to keep your dog safe. Kurgo does a great job with this and offers lots of options. The only thing to be aware of is the metal clips—they may make a noise that is unpleasant for some dogs.
I get asked about my dog’s collars a lot because they are SO pretty! Heka collars are handmade by indigenous weavers in southern Mexico. Heka is a family business, and the collars are secure and a wonderful quality. I love supporting this business!
This has been my favorite treat pouch over the years! Favorite treat pouch is a very personal decision for any trainer/handler, so do your research. ;) I love that this one has a variety of ways to wear it, pockets for my poop bags, spray shield, and clickers.