My dog, Haiku is a beautiful labradoodle and after 18 months of having her, here are the products that I use currently and would recommend you consider. My choices are fairly reasonably priced (nothing fancy!) but the products are quality!
DOG LEASH
This leash is great, I have been using since I got my dog. Still pretty intact. The company is reliable. 5-feet is a good length to walk a medium size (40 lb) dog.
BAAPET 2/4/5/6 FT Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle and Highly Reflective Threads for Small Medium and Large Dogs (5FT-1/2'', Black)
NO-PULL DOG HARNESS
Tried a few, bought and returned them. This one is my favorite. In general, my dog prefers the collar during regular walks but this is great for the car and when she is in the mood to just run-run-run, and I need to control her craziness...!
rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded Dog Vest, Reflective No-Choke Pet Oxford Vest with Easy Control Handle for Medium Dogs, Pink, M
DOG COLLAR
Again, tried a few and was annoyed with how difficult it was to adjust. I finally found a great one and I have never looked back. It is expensive but you won't need to buy another one. I love that it is padded, and comfortable and has a metal d-ring where I can add my dog's name tag. Medium was the size I bought.
KONG Comfort Neoprene Padded Dog Collar Offered by Barker Brands Inc.
CHEW TOYS
You will be buying so many chew toys if your dog is an aggressive chewer! When my dog was teething or just plain bored, she totally attacked her toys, like with a vengeance! I bought these toys a year ago, some she took to right away and some a little later as they were slightly bigger. I am happy to report that these toys are still intact. She plays with them, chews on them, we play fetch with them. All great! The blue one is her favorite because (like you see in the picture), it's easy for her to hold it. The orange one is her second fav.
LUKITO Dog Chew Toys 3 Pack, Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers Large Breed, Multifunctional Teeth Cleaning and Gum Massage, Tough Dog Toys with Natural Rubber for Large and Medium Dog
POOP BAGS
When I first got my dog, I was really focused on getting things that were super environmentally friendly, compostable, etc. Truth is, I am not really sure how compostable any of those brands are that claim it. Also, these bags go into garbage and not my recycle bin. And I refuse to put them in my fruit and vegetable compost. So, I have graduated to these Amazon Basics bags. The size is right for my dog and 40-rolls, with 15-bags per roll last me literally...for ever. I have bought these only twice since I got the dog. So ...! I love that it comes with a dispenser, which I have attach to my dog's leash.
Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags with Dispenser and Leash Clip, Standard 13 x 9 Inches, Black - 600 Bags (40 Rolls)
New York Times Best Seller BOOK
When I first got my dog home, I was like a new parent, trying to learn everything about keeping this beautiful life healthy and happy. That's when I started reading this book, and I have revisited it several times. How we feed our dog makes a huge difference. In my opinion, if you love your pet, you should read this book.
The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer
EYE WASH
There are little things that no one tells you, but now I know. Dogs have this gunk on the outside of their eyes when they wake up - and if you don't clean it, it gets crusty and can lead to infections. I use this eye wash to flush out the corners of my doggy's eyes. Just a little goes a long way in keeping them clean. And it does not hurt or burn at all.
Vetericyn Plus All Animal Eye Wash-Pain-Free Solution for Abrasions and Irritations, Helps Relieve Pink Eye and Allergies Symptoms, and Part of Regular Eye Care-for Dogs and Cats
PLAY PEN
When my dog was little, we wanted to control her movements. She was jumpy around other people and she had no sense of etiquette how to behave, not to bite, stay safe - all that stuff. So we bought this foldable metal enclosure for our backyard and we liked it so much that we bought another one for the front yard! For the most part, we don't use it anymore as she is smart enough and better trained but it is a great product for puppies. It can also be attached to a crate, and this way you can keep your dog confined to a certain area without restricting their movement. I have used it both ways!
MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen / Pet Playpen. Black w/ door, 24"W x 30"H, 1-Year Manufacturer's Warrant
CRATE
I will be honest. When I first got the dog, I thought my dog will always need a crate and she will be sleeping in the crate at night. Truth is, my dog does not sleep in a crate. We don't even have a crate anymore. But when she was little and we were potty training her, this crate was super helpful.
There are very expensive crates out there, but this single-door one is fairly priced, and its pretty good quality. I like slightly bigger crates so that the dog does not feel so cramped. Some people might disagree, and also not like my parenting style of letting the dog roam free, but this is my preference! I know of dogs that only sleep in their crates, so it really does depend on their upbringing and habit.
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet , Divider Panel & New Patented Features
DOG SEAT
Literally the cutest, and a great product to bring your puppy home! It is very easy to install and quite helpful for first-time dog parents! It is a safe way to transport a pet that has never been in a car before. We bought ours and then in 3 months, gave the product to someone who was bringing their dog home. If you have a smaller dog, under 25 lbs, this is also a product you can use daily.
Henkelion Small Dog Car Seat, Dog Booster Seat for Car Front Seat, Pet Booster Car Seat for Small Dogs Medium Dogs Within 30 lbs, Reinforced Dog Car Booster Seat Harness with Seat Belt - Black
DOG SEAT COVER
As your dog grows, you can move to a seat cover instead. I am not a big fan of the hammock-style covers, but a general bench-like cover protects the backseat and its great for road trips!
iBuddy Bench Dog Car Seat Cover for Car/SUV/Small Truck, Waterproof Back Seat Cover for Dog and Kids Without Smell, Heavy Duty and Nonslip Pet Car Seat Cover for Dogs, Machine Washable
DENTAL TREAT
This is my dog's most favorite dental product. I like that I can control the quantity, as the treat can be broken into two parts. If you can find it on Costco.com, that's great - it's the best deal, but I also know that not all Costcos carry this product. I don't have a Costco membership, and I buy them on Amazon. It is wheat-free as it's made of potato flour. My dog looks forward to one-half every morning and one-half every night and I think it works really well. Clean teeth, fresh breath! US and Canada sourced ingredients, accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Checkups- Dental Dog Treats
Queen Haiku is our beloved family pet - the baby in the family, stealer of hearts and giver of kisses. Follow her amazing, royal life on Instagram.
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