Essential Dog Supplies
April 17, 2020 12:27 PM Subscribe
So we're (almost certainly) getting a dog! He's a 50 lb. black lab/boxer mix, about three years old, crate trained, potty trained, and good natured. Tell us about the stuff/gear you use that we/our dog might like. Crate. Dog bed. Treats. Food. Toys. Talk to us about what you use and why it's awesome.
Notes:
-Yes. A lot of people are getting dogs now.
-We are asking about stuff/accessories/treats/toys/food, not general advice on dogs. We are working with people on that stuff.
-Assume we left this open ended because we wanted to hear a variety of responses, not because we need a primer of some kind. We're interested in specific recs not broad statements or crash courses.
Notes:
-Yes. A lot of people are getting dogs now.
-We are asking about stuff/accessories/treats/toys/food, not general advice on dogs. We are working with people on that stuff.
-Assume we left this open ended because we wanted to hear a variety of responses, not because we need a primer of some kind. We're interested in specific recs not broad statements or crash courses.
Get a Kong, the big kind you can stuff with food/treats. Well loved by every dog I know.
I find memory foam block beds do well and last longer than fluff or foam shred filling.
Grain free foods are much better for dogs. No potatoes as filler, but sweet potatoes are ok. Raw feeding or cooking for your dog is another option but there's too much to go into for the purposes of a more general question.
No raw hide. Antler chews and thick walled RAW beef leg shanks cut into lengths too large to fit all the way in their mouth are much better. You can get shanks from the butcher, they don't smell bad even after theyve been sitting around for weeks. *Shrug* strange but true.
Freeze dried liver is the go to treat in my house
I use a chest harness for walks, its safer than clipping a lead to just a neck collar.
I dont use a crate anymore, though I did when he was younger. His bed serves the same purpose these days. They are good to have on hand tho. It's a good way to transition a dog to a new space.
posted by ananci at 12:49 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
I find memory foam block beds do well and last longer than fluff or foam shred filling.
Grain free foods are much better for dogs. No potatoes as filler, but sweet potatoes are ok. Raw feeding or cooking for your dog is another option but there's too much to go into for the purposes of a more general question.
No raw hide. Antler chews and thick walled RAW beef leg shanks cut into lengths too large to fit all the way in their mouth are much better. You can get shanks from the butcher, they don't smell bad even after theyve been sitting around for weeks. *Shrug* strange but true.
Freeze dried liver is the go to treat in my house
I use a chest harness for walks, its safer than clipping a lead to just a neck collar.
I dont use a crate anymore, though I did when he was younger. His bed serves the same purpose these days. They are good to have on hand tho. It's a good way to transition a dog to a new space.
posted by ananci at 12:49 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
Congratulations! You will have a pal for life. I would ask his current caretakers for recommendations on food, and start him off with whatever he’s been eating before transitioning to something else. We feed our 55# pup good-quality, grain-free kibble mixed with a little canned, and some steamed broccoli thrown in. But strong opinions abound about this. We don’t go overboard, but I know people who only feed raw chicken, or who cook for their dog every day, or who have special organic frozen meals shipped in monthly. I always felt that unless there’s some medical reason for a special, super-duper diet, it’s ok to give them kibble with canned. We throw in broccoli because our dogs, current and previous, love it and it’s easy to do.
Toys are so individual. One of our pups loved to tear apart plushy toys and scatter their guts and squeakers all over the place. He also LOVED a toy called the Hol-ee Roller. Our current pup couldn’t care less about toys. So I’d go slow on buying stuff until you figure him out. Same with a dog bed. We bought a cheapie one to start, then as our dog got older, we upgraded to a nicer one that was easier on him.
Edit: honestly, the thing that really made our dogs happy and healthy was a lot of time with us, and a lot of exercise. Your doggie-mileage may vary. Have fun!
posted by Gusaroo at 12:50 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
Toys are so individual. One of our pups loved to tear apart plushy toys and scatter their guts and squeakers all over the place. He also LOVED a toy called the Hol-ee Roller. Our current pup couldn’t care less about toys. So I’d go slow on buying stuff until you figure him out. Same with a dog bed. We bought a cheapie one to start, then as our dog got older, we upgraded to a nicer one that was easier on him.
Edit: honestly, the thing that really made our dogs happy and healthy was a lot of time with us, and a lot of exercise. Your doggie-mileage may vary. Have fun!
posted by Gusaroo at 12:50 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
Toys - try to buy many different types at first to see what your dog prefers (unless the previous owner or rescue can tell you that already). Like one ball, one squeaking stuffy, one squeaking rubber toy instead of 3 stuffies, for example.
I highly, highly recommend the rubber toys that you fill with food (a measured portion of their kibble mixed with a dog-safe liquid like unsweetened applesauce works great, and you can add dog-safe fruits/veggies/treats too). Especially if frozen, it will buy you a much-needed distraction for a few minutes, and is also great for crate-training or distraction when you leave the room. Kong is the classic one but there are other good brands too. I use several of these every day and it's so helpful.
Puzzle toys are great mental stimulation. I really like this particular one because it has both easy and more difficult elements. My dog still loves it hundreds of repeats later, even though she finishes it in like 15 seconds now.
posted by randomnity at 12:51 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I highly, highly recommend the rubber toys that you fill with food (a measured portion of their kibble mixed with a dog-safe liquid like unsweetened applesauce works great, and you can add dog-safe fruits/veggies/treats too). Especially if frozen, it will buy you a much-needed distraction for a few minutes, and is also great for crate-training or distraction when you leave the room. Kong is the classic one but there are other good brands too. I use several of these every day and it's so helpful.
Puzzle toys are great mental stimulation. I really like this particular one because it has both easy and more difficult elements. My dog still loves it hundreds of repeats later, even though she finishes it in like 15 seconds now.
posted by randomnity at 12:51 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Congratulations! Your dog is likely going to be a chewer. I cant recommend kong products enough for dogs that are aggressive chewers. Any kind of soft toy likely will not survive long.
My lab loves very hard bones. I don't know the specific brand, but they're not antlers and they're definitely not rawhide. I would not recommend rawhide at all. Get the hardest bone you can find that will last a long time. Sometimes they stuff them with some kind of processed cheese goodness, which my lab also loves.
My dog loves having his own bed. They are not so different from people in that they do like their own space, and they especially like that space to be soft and warm. He even has his own blanket to go on the bed, which is covered in little paw prints.
He is a puller and we have the most luck with a front clipping harness.
Certain vegetables are great for dogs and they work really well as treats if your dog likes them. Ours loves broccoli, tomato, carrot, apples... really any fruit or veggie. He eats them constantly. We never buy dog treats. His fur is shiny and soft and he has hardly slowed down from old age at all. I cant recommend feeding fruits and vegetables enough. Obviously do research on which ones are toxic. The ones that come to mind are onions, garlic, maybe grapes, but I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking of.
Good luck!
posted by Amy93 at 12:58 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
My lab loves very hard bones. I don't know the specific brand, but they're not antlers and they're definitely not rawhide. I would not recommend rawhide at all. Get the hardest bone you can find that will last a long time. Sometimes they stuff them with some kind of processed cheese goodness, which my lab also loves.
My dog loves having his own bed. They are not so different from people in that they do like their own space, and they especially like that space to be soft and warm. He even has his own blanket to go on the bed, which is covered in little paw prints.
He is a puller and we have the most luck with a front clipping harness.
Certain vegetables are great for dogs and they work really well as treats if your dog likes them. Ours loves broccoli, tomato, carrot, apples... really any fruit or veggie. He eats them constantly. We never buy dog treats. His fur is shiny and soft and he has hardly slowed down from old age at all. I cant recommend feeding fruits and vegetables enough. Obviously do research on which ones are toxic. The ones that come to mind are onions, garlic, maybe grapes, but I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking of.
Good luck!
posted by Amy93 at 12:58 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
THE duck i swear this used to made by realtree and if you can find the one that is, its great. This looks just like it so idk. surprisingly durable for how soft it is. tail shakes, it squeaks, bounces funny when you throw it.. All three of our dogs love it.
We have one other toy that they all LOVE but i can't find it online. If i can read through the nasty grime on it to find who made it I will post. its three pronged, shaped kinda like one of the tripod things in war of the worlds, yellow rubber and big enough our 70 pound and 30 pound dogs can both have a prong in their mouth at the same time. That thing is indestructible.
Very few toys last more than a day with our crew, but those two do. they aren't kong fans for some reason.
FYI we have yet to find a dog bed they can't chew up
posted by domino at 12:59 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
We have one other toy that they all LOVE but i can't find it online. If i can read through the nasty grime on it to find who made it I will post. its three pronged, shaped kinda like one of the tripod things in war of the worlds, yellow rubber and big enough our 70 pound and 30 pound dogs can both have a prong in their mouth at the same time. That thing is indestructible.
Very few toys last more than a day with our crew, but those two do. they aren't kong fans for some reason.
FYI we have yet to find a dog bed they can't chew up
posted by domino at 12:59 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
I second the puzzle toys. We have a few of them to give to our dog for a stimulating activity with some treat rewards. If yours isn't much of a chewer but a solver, might be a good addition.
posted by msbutah at 1:03 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by msbutah at 1:03 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh and for food - the clinical nutrition team at Tufts University is the most reputable source I've found for info on choosing the best food for your pet. They have many other great articles on that site if you're interested in learning more.
There are a LOT of very incorrect, very strongly held opinions about pet food (particularly from pet store employees), so it's important to carefully choose an evidence-based source of information rather than just googling or asking around. An unbalanced food can cause all sorts of health problems even if it has a lovely-sounding ingredient list. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists are the most trustworthy source you can get, in my opinion.
posted by randomnity at 1:05 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
There are a LOT of very incorrect, very strongly held opinions about pet food (particularly from pet store employees), so it's important to carefully choose an evidence-based source of information rather than just googling or asking around. An unbalanced food can cause all sorts of health problems even if it has a lovely-sounding ingredient list. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists are the most trustworthy source you can get, in my opinion.
posted by randomnity at 1:05 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
Our favorite toys for our smaller & non-chewing-oriented dog:
-orbee-tuff snoop - we fill it with kibble and he has to roll and bounce it for a while to get everything out. It's soft enough to be pretty quiet, which is crucial in an apartment.
-zogoflex toppl and/or tux, for filling and freezing. A Kong is a classic choice in that category (and you should definitely get one) but our guy strongly prefers these shapes - he is easily frustrated by his kong.
-Barkbox is a really fun thing - they make high-quality toys that are also clever enough to be funny to humans, plus great/creative treats. We had to stop getting boxes because our dog is not a toy destroyer and we were getting overrun by toys but both humans still miss getting them.
YMMV on all of them, of course, especially since it sounds like your dog is likely to be much more of a chewer/player than ours.
Other stuff:
-We love our costco dog beds; they've lasted really well.They don't carry either of the models we have right now but I'm sure their others are great.
-These are the BEST poop bags. They tear easily (and one-handed, usign the included dispenser), they're just the right size/thickness to work well without being wasteful, and we've never once had a leak or anything in several years of using them.
-We do buy packaged dog treats for convenience (especially freeze-dried liver), but the best treats we've found are anything varied and dog-safe: string cheese, blueberries, cheerios, and watermelon are all go-tos for us. Our guy isn't very picky, but he's most motivated by variety.
-Get a clicker, any clicker. Actually, get a bunch, they're easy to lose.
-This treat tote is ideal for keeping treats with us, both on walks and in the house, for training purposes. There are plenty of other styles, and they're all fine, but it's definitely good to have something to do that with.
-we love our hands-free running leash for running, hiking, and hanging out in places (like picnics in parks) where you might want use of both hands. Makes a big difference when you can have both hands free to keep your balance/handle other things/whatever while still keeping the dog securely attached.
posted by mosst at 1:12 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
-orbee-tuff snoop - we fill it with kibble and he has to roll and bounce it for a while to get everything out. It's soft enough to be pretty quiet, which is crucial in an apartment.
-zogoflex toppl and/or tux, for filling and freezing. A Kong is a classic choice in that category (and you should definitely get one) but our guy strongly prefers these shapes - he is easily frustrated by his kong.
-Barkbox is a really fun thing - they make high-quality toys that are also clever enough to be funny to humans, plus great/creative treats. We had to stop getting boxes because our dog is not a toy destroyer and we were getting overrun by toys but both humans still miss getting them.
YMMV on all of them, of course, especially since it sounds like your dog is likely to be much more of a chewer/player than ours.
Other stuff:
-We love our costco dog beds; they've lasted really well.They don't carry either of the models we have right now but I'm sure their others are great.
-These are the BEST poop bags. They tear easily (and one-handed, usign the included dispenser), they're just the right size/thickness to work well without being wasteful, and we've never once had a leak or anything in several years of using them.
-We do buy packaged dog treats for convenience (especially freeze-dried liver), but the best treats we've found are anything varied and dog-safe: string cheese, blueberries, cheerios, and watermelon are all go-tos for us. Our guy isn't very picky, but he's most motivated by variety.
-Get a clicker, any clicker. Actually, get a bunch, they're easy to lose.
-This treat tote is ideal for keeping treats with us, both on walks and in the house, for training purposes. There are plenty of other styles, and they're all fine, but it's definitely good to have something to do that with.
-we love our hands-free running leash for running, hiking, and hanging out in places (like picnics in parks) where you might want use of both hands. Makes a big difference when you can have both hands free to keep your balance/handle other things/whatever while still keeping the dog securely attached.
posted by mosst at 1:12 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I recommend Martingale style collars.
Find out if he likes peanut butter and cheese early. I've had some dogs turn up their nose to both, making medicating them harder. If he's not down with either, get some pill pocket treats before you need them so you don't have to hunt when there is a need.
The green dental chews have been amazingly popular with most of my pups. Some owners report digestive issues with them though.
posted by Candleman at 1:12 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Find out if he likes peanut butter and cheese early. I've had some dogs turn up their nose to both, making medicating them harder. If he's not down with either, get some pill pocket treats before you need them so you don't have to hunt when there is a need.
The green dental chews have been amazingly popular with most of my pups. Some owners report digestive issues with them though.
posted by Candleman at 1:12 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Puppia harnesses are great, and harnesses in general are much harder to slip than regular collars and don't choke. NO retractable leashes - get a standard 6' leash.
Costco has great dog beds, or just get them as rugged as possible. Kongs in your dog's size (and don't necessary require special stuffing - I just stuff them with crumbed treats sometimes.) Collapsible bowls for road trips, dog parks, etc.
Know the location of your local 24/7 emergency vet.
posted by gnutron at 1:15 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Costco has great dog beds, or just get them as rugged as possible. Kongs in your dog's size (and don't necessary require special stuffing - I just stuff them with crumbed treats sometimes.) Collapsible bowls for road trips, dog parks, etc.
Know the location of your local 24/7 emergency vet.
posted by gnutron at 1:15 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Also, human gear: if you don't currently have any slip-on shoes that you like, get some. That One Weird Trick made walks about a thousand times easier for me. I live in an apartment, so we go on walks 3-5 times a day. Also, I love my looong down jacket because I can go out in the winter without worrying about what weird clothing I'm wearing underneath. Basically, I try to keep walks as easy/comfortable as I can so that I'm able to treat them as a fun outing rather than a chore.
posted by mosst at 1:17 PM on April 17, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by mosst at 1:17 PM on April 17, 2020 [5 favorites]
I like leather leashes like this one. I have a six-footer from when I lived in a small town, and a newer four-footer because I moved to a comparatively dense urban area and need to keep my dog closer. They're comfortable to hold on to, don't get visibly soiled, and last practically forever.
posted by jon1270 at 1:31 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by jon1270 at 1:31 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Get some Natures Miracle. Even the best trained goodest boy can have an accident or two learning a new routine with new people.
A Kong chew, the original ones are great. Fill them with peanut butter when crating to make going in the crate happy funtimes or just when you want your dog to spend a little quiet time happily working the treat out. Kong also make a variety of shapes & sized in the same kong material all are good. If he's a tough chewer go the black ones they're tougher.
Sams Club has amazing dental chews, better than Greenies IMO, the Costco brand ones actually made my dogs breath smell worse. And unlike Greenies they don't give my dog the runs.
Barkbox brand dog toys. Now you can subscribe to the monthly box if you want, you'll get different themed toys in all sorts of styles and it might be a fun way to find out what sorts of toys your dog likes. The quality is amazing, definitely up with the best I've seen in dog toys. If the subscription isn't your style I've seen the toys for sale in supermarkets & pet stores here in the midwest.
posted by wwax at 1:33 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
A Kong chew, the original ones are great. Fill them with peanut butter when crating to make going in the crate happy funtimes or just when you want your dog to spend a little quiet time happily working the treat out. Kong also make a variety of shapes & sized in the same kong material all are good. If he's a tough chewer go the black ones they're tougher.
Sams Club has amazing dental chews, better than Greenies IMO, the Costco brand ones actually made my dogs breath smell worse. And unlike Greenies they don't give my dog the runs.
Barkbox brand dog toys. Now you can subscribe to the monthly box if you want, you'll get different themed toys in all sorts of styles and it might be a fun way to find out what sorts of toys your dog likes. The quality is amazing, definitely up with the best I've seen in dog toys. If the subscription isn't your style I've seen the toys for sale in supermarkets & pet stores here in the midwest.
posted by wwax at 1:33 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I too prefer leather leads to other leashes; they don't burn your hands and they only get better with time. I would also suggest that you always walk a dog a very secure harness. The 2-Hounds no pull harness is the best one I've seen, and I've had hundreds of fosters over the years. A medium fits dogs up to about 50 pounds. For really extreme pullers, I use both a harness and a Martingale collar, but only the ones with a quick-release. Puppia harnesses and other T-shirt style harnesses are better for smaller dogs, but the style doesn't lend itself to all dog body types. Since labs can be chow hounds, think about a slow feed bowl to help prevent bloat.
posted by answergrape at 1:40 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by answergrape at 1:40 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh, and if he likes fetch, get one of those ball scooper/thrower things so you're not reaching down a million times to pick the ball up. Your back will thank you.
But then again my dog will only play fetch with a slightly deflated soccer ball so ymmv.
posted by ananci at 1:47 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
But then again my dog will only play fetch with a slightly deflated soccer ball so ymmv.
posted by ananci at 1:47 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
Also, I like the type of ID tags that slide onto the collar band rather than dangling from the ring. Typically your dog will need three bits of informational metal on their collar: a personalized ID tag, a rabies vaccination tag, and a county license. Less dangling metal means less-noisy movement.
posted by jon1270 at 1:49 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by jon1270 at 1:49 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
For beds, especially for big dogs, I prefer Kuranda beds, which is what most shelters use. They keep a big dog's hips off the floor, which is good for them. They also last forever. You can top them with fleece (which they sell) or a fluffy blanket. It save your dog from surgery if he's a bed-eater, and also saves you from the whole "exploding dog bed" problem.
posted by answergrape at 1:52 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by answergrape at 1:52 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
One really important thing regarding tags. Most vets/humane societies/adoption groups don't tell you that once you microchip your dog you must pay a yearly fee to keep your info current in their system. The only company that I know of where you just pay a one time fee is the AKC. Its OK to get the micro chip from another orginization, just make sure you get a record of the number on the chip. You can transfer that number to the AKC database. Here's the site you need. The site is self explanitory and easy to update if you move or otherwise need to change the info connected with your pet's chip.
posted by WalkerWestridge at 2:07 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 2:07 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
A couple of posts above recommended grain-free food. I previously fed my dogs a grain-free diet but there has been some recent research possibly linking a grain-free diet with dilated cardiomyopathy. I’m not sure where the research stands exactly, but I decided to switch to Purina Pro Plan instead, a switch my vet also encouraged.
posted by masters2010 at 2:10 PM on April 17, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by masters2010 at 2:10 PM on April 17, 2020 [5 favorites]
black lab/boxer mix. Black lab = Black Labrador Retriever. Tennis balls, not the crap ones at the pet shop, actual tennis balls. My JR Terrier, peels the fuzz, then tries to destroy the ball, and real tennis balls last way longer. Maybe a chuk-it for throwing the ball really far. I taught my dog Bring because I don't want to run and find the ball. If he wants it thrown, he has to bring it.
Collar and leash with reflective threads - they really enhance visibility, and therefore safety, more than you'd think. Tag with phone number.
Can't wait to see pictures!
posted by theora55 at 2:13 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Collar and leash with reflective threads - they really enhance visibility, and therefore safety, more than you'd think. Tag with phone number.
Can't wait to see pictures!
posted by theora55 at 2:13 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Congrats! My dog is half boxer as well, and I echo everyone else's recommendation of Kong toys. She destroys pretty much anything else, but Kongs always hold up. We also give her antlers to chew on, and those last a long time.
posted by Ragged Richard at 2:13 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Ragged Richard at 2:13 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
If he pulls on walks, I cannot recommend the Gentle Leader enough. A life-changer with a strong, prey-driven dog.
If he's a chewer, antlers are a cruelty-free bone substitute that my big chewer prefers strongly over the Nylabone, which he will only chew when he's lost his antler under the couch, which is always. Don't give him a rawhide, for several reasons—even leaving aside the health effects, with a lab/boxer mix you'll have to keep replacing them. A big antler lasts months. I'm also a fan of BioBags and leashes made of recycled climbing rope (mine has lasted nine years).
A lot of stuff is going to be super-individual for your dog—mine is obsessed with towels and security blankets, for instance. You'll probably make some missteps, and that's okay! I bought my dog a pillow-type dog bed when I first got him that he never ONCE set any part of his body on, but when I got him a hammock-style Coolaroo he loved it. There is trial and error involved, but you didn't get a dog because you thought it would be cheap. :) Just introduce new foods slowly, and new toys/accessories with the understanding that they may not be a hit.
posted by babelfish at 2:20 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
If he's a chewer, antlers are a cruelty-free bone substitute that my big chewer prefers strongly over the Nylabone, which he will only chew when he's lost his antler under the couch, which is always. Don't give him a rawhide, for several reasons—even leaving aside the health effects, with a lab/boxer mix you'll have to keep replacing them. A big antler lasts months. I'm also a fan of BioBags and leashes made of recycled climbing rope (mine has lasted nine years).
A lot of stuff is going to be super-individual for your dog—mine is obsessed with towels and security blankets, for instance. You'll probably make some missteps, and that's okay! I bought my dog a pillow-type dog bed when I first got him that he never ONCE set any part of his body on, but when I got him a hammock-style Coolaroo he loved it. There is trial and error involved, but you didn't get a dog because you thought it would be cheap. :) Just introduce new foods slowly, and new toys/accessories with the understanding that they may not be a hit.
posted by babelfish at 2:20 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
100' Leash Boss lead. Great for when they want to run 100' for every step you want to walk.
Himalayan dog chews. You can make a cheese puff from the end.
Flirt pole for yard play. Just be sure to take care about jumping/hip issues.
posted by MountainDaisy at 2:25 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Himalayan dog chews. You can make a cheese puff from the end.
Flirt pole for yard play. Just be sure to take care about jumping/hip issues.
posted by MountainDaisy at 2:25 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
If you have no toys yet, I'd start with a Kong Box. I don't think they're worthwhile on a monthly basis, but it's a good way to get a few basics for your puppers to try out.
Agreeing with others that different dogs like different types of toys. My german shepherd loves to chew, but she's particular about it. She won't gnaw on an empty Kong, for example, but give her a bone or antler, and she'll go to town. It will take some experimentation to find the right combination of durability and what your dog likes.
Some of my dog's favorites: Marrow Bones from our local butcher (uncooked); Erratic Bounce Balls from Chuck-It (she also loves chewing on these); Antlers - they're expensive, but last forever; I like West Paws' balls for durability, but my dog isn't as keen on them because they're not malleable. I've gotten some balls from 1 Leg Up, and love them for their bounciness. They've lasted quite a while, too.
She loves any stuffed toy with a squeaker. I've found the Woodland Creatures from Kong to be pretty durable (I got one in my Kong Box). The Bear I got from Westpaw also shows no sign of wear.
When I need to keep her occupied, I put some of these whimsey sticks inside this Quizle. It takes her a good 30-40 minutes, and the Quizle is barerly showing any wear.
posted by hydra77 at 2:34 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Agreeing with others that different dogs like different types of toys. My german shepherd loves to chew, but she's particular about it. She won't gnaw on an empty Kong, for example, but give her a bone or antler, and she'll go to town. It will take some experimentation to find the right combination of durability and what your dog likes.
Some of my dog's favorites: Marrow Bones from our local butcher (uncooked); Erratic Bounce Balls from Chuck-It (she also loves chewing on these); Antlers - they're expensive, but last forever; I like West Paws' balls for durability, but my dog isn't as keen on them because they're not malleable. I've gotten some balls from 1 Leg Up, and love them for their bounciness. They've lasted quite a while, too.
She loves any stuffed toy with a squeaker. I've found the Woodland Creatures from Kong to be pretty durable (I got one in my Kong Box). The Bear I got from Westpaw also shows no sign of wear.
When I need to keep her occupied, I put some of these whimsey sticks inside this Quizle. It takes her a good 30-40 minutes, and the Quizle is barerly showing any wear.
posted by hydra77 at 2:34 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
-Barkbox is a really fun thing - they make high-quality toys that are also clever enough to be funny to humans, plus great/creative treats. We had to stop getting boxes because our dog is not a toy destroyer and we were getting overrun by toys but both humans still miss getting them.
This is what I was going to suggest as well. The quality and variety has been really good.
We had good luck with the Costco beds, and they are cheap, too.
posted by Dip Flash at 3:01 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
This is what I was going to suggest as well. The quality and variety has been really good.
We had good luck with the Costco beds, and they are cheap, too.
posted by Dip Flash at 3:01 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Have an extra collar and leash for when your dog decides they're the next chew toy.
We also use a car harness so he doesn't become a projectile when traveling.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 4:26 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
We also use a car harness so he doesn't become a projectile when traveling.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 4:26 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
I swear by multifunction leashes, for all kinds of scenarios including the ones you can't think of. In particular, anytime we go anywhere in the car, I can clip a loop around the seat belt, which means that in the worst-case scenario where the dog gets a chance to bolt out the door, they can only get about 6-8 feet and the seat belt should tolerate the weight of a dog at full fun. Also incredibly useful if you're out walking and something happens that you need both hands, you can clip to your jeans or bike or around a parking meter or whatever. We have two (number of current dogs) in the walkies closet plus two more in our emergency go-bags, along with EasyWalk harnesses.
When my dogs were younger, our go-to dog beds were the giant round Kirkland beds at Costco. They seem to only have them about half the year and then they disappear for Christmas floorspace, but they've lasted 8+ years even in the sun part of the day, outside on the patio, and are still beautiful. Comfortable enough for a human nap. When mine got older and wanted a bolster for support, we ended up with three of these.
They are NOT attractive (you could probably keep them in cool wicker or rag-weave baskets, or similar), but these Rubbermaid commercial 4qt containers are everything-proof, very unlikely to spur allergic dermatitis, and happily go through bottom-shelf dishwasher cycles. They're not impossible to knock over, but it's tough - we had one dog who liked to paw his bowl when it was empty, and he could knock over a big stainless bowl, not so much these. At some point some dog expert pointed out that dogs rub snot around the inside of their dishes and would probably rather have frequently-cleaned bowls than cool bowls, and I switched then.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:09 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
When my dogs were younger, our go-to dog beds were the giant round Kirkland beds at Costco. They seem to only have them about half the year and then they disappear for Christmas floorspace, but they've lasted 8+ years even in the sun part of the day, outside on the patio, and are still beautiful. Comfortable enough for a human nap. When mine got older and wanted a bolster for support, we ended up with three of these.
They are NOT attractive (you could probably keep them in cool wicker or rag-weave baskets, or similar), but these Rubbermaid commercial 4qt containers are everything-proof, very unlikely to spur allergic dermatitis, and happily go through bottom-shelf dishwasher cycles. They're not impossible to knock over, but it's tough - we had one dog who liked to paw his bowl when it was empty, and he could knock over a big stainless bowl, not so much these. At some point some dog expert pointed out that dogs rub snot around the inside of their dishes and would probably rather have frequently-cleaned bowls than cool bowls, and I switched then.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:09 PM on April 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
I think you'll eventually figure out what the dog likes as far as toys and treats through trial and error.
I am big on safety, so I would recommend a crash-rated harness that is designed to clip in to a car seat belt. In my opinion, this is the safest way to have a dog in a car. We have this model and luckily I can't report on how effective it is in real-world crashes, but it does ease the dog's anxiety in the car and keeps her from crawling around while allowing her to stay comfortable in the back seat. You may also want to grab a waterproof seat cover for the car if you're going to be taking the dog out for walks where it's particularly muddy.
I would also get a nail clipper that has a guard on it, especially if the dog has dark colored nails. If the dog doesn't have white/pale nails, it can be very hard to see where the quick is; the guard will keep you from cutting too much nail.
We also bought a new shower head that includes a wand, which has made bathing the dog much easier. Highly recommended.
posted by backseatpilot at 7:13 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I am big on safety, so I would recommend a crash-rated harness that is designed to clip in to a car seat belt. In my opinion, this is the safest way to have a dog in a car. We have this model and luckily I can't report on how effective it is in real-world crashes, but it does ease the dog's anxiety in the car and keeps her from crawling around while allowing her to stay comfortable in the back seat. You may also want to grab a waterproof seat cover for the car if you're going to be taking the dog out for walks where it's particularly muddy.
I would also get a nail clipper that has a guard on it, especially if the dog has dark colored nails. If the dog doesn't have white/pale nails, it can be very hard to see where the quick is; the guard will keep you from cutting too much nail.
We also bought a new shower head that includes a wand, which has made bathing the dog much easier. Highly recommended.
posted by backseatpilot at 7:13 PM on April 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
Meant to add that I would NOT get a retractable leash. If he lunges or bolts and you unthinkingly go to grab the leash with your other hand, a very reasonable thing to want to do to regain control, those suckers are like a nylon bandsaw. Ask me how I know.
posted by babelfish at 7:41 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by babelfish at 7:41 PM on April 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
I agree that a lot of items will be individual for your dog and for you. For example, we tried the Gentle Leader harness but it didn't fit our dog's (odd) proportions and gave him painful red rub marks on long hikes. We settled on the Julius K9 harness. It took a while to find the right leash too. We love the leashes from Mountain Dog Products, sturdy climbing rope and well made.
Kongs are the best - try different types of Kongs to see which your dog likes (we have, at last count, 4 kinds) or other treat stuffed toys if your dog is treat-motivated. The Outward Hound puzzle toys are favorites too. Ours loves the treats from Trader Joe's including freeze dried liver as others mentioned.
Have plenty of towels ready (including your dog's post bath towel), and a special blanket/pillow or two. Pick ones that are very easy to wash. Get Natures Miracle cleaner - good for pee, poop, slobber. It doesn't smell great but it works.
Enjoy getting to know your new dog! It's the best!
posted by Red Desk at 10:35 PM on April 17, 2020
Kongs are the best - try different types of Kongs to see which your dog likes (we have, at last count, 4 kinds) or other treat stuffed toys if your dog is treat-motivated. The Outward Hound puzzle toys are favorites too. Ours loves the treats from Trader Joe's including freeze dried liver as others mentioned.
Have plenty of towels ready (including your dog's post bath towel), and a special blanket/pillow or two. Pick ones that are very easy to wash. Get Natures Miracle cleaner - good for pee, poop, slobber. It doesn't smell great but it works.
Enjoy getting to know your new dog! It's the best!
posted by Red Desk at 10:35 PM on April 17, 2020
So much of this is trial and error. Your vet should have good recommendations re: food but the general wisdom now seems to be avoiding a grain free diet due to cardiac issues, particularly with labs. We use Wellness Complete Health Large Breed, and our vet seems happy with that choice. Also per vet advice, we avoid rawhide but do offer Yak chews and filled cow bones (special treat). They have lots of Nylabone type things available as well, though those are somewhat hit or miss.
Our labs love (and very rarely destroy) stuffies and soft toys. When they do go destructo, they seem to go for cheapies more often than higher-end brands-- eg the cute seasonal toys from random stores are done in 10 minutes, whereas they have years-old Bark toys that are 100% intact.
We got slow feeders to reduce gulping behaviors, with a fair amount of success. We also sometimes use puzzle toys / "boredom busters" to feed them-- this is a current favorite.
We like the Kong crate mats. Dogs seem to enjoy them too, they often choose to nap in their (open) crates. They also seem to like couch-style beds more than flat ones. We have these from LL Bean.
Happy trails!
posted by charmcityblues at 12:38 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
Our labs love (and very rarely destroy) stuffies and soft toys. When they do go destructo, they seem to go for cheapies more often than higher-end brands-- eg the cute seasonal toys from random stores are done in 10 minutes, whereas they have years-old Bark toys that are 100% intact.
We got slow feeders to reduce gulping behaviors, with a fair amount of success. We also sometimes use puzzle toys / "boredom busters" to feed them-- this is a current favorite.
We like the Kong crate mats. Dogs seem to enjoy them too, they often choose to nap in their (open) crates. They also seem to like couch-style beds more than flat ones. We have these from LL Bean.
Happy trails!
posted by charmcityblues at 12:38 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
a lot of this will depend on the personality/preferences of your dog. my girl is a super chewer, dog reactive, and has mid-level separation anxiety (60lb pit/pharoah hound mix.)
her must haves:
-large crate (since she is so well controlled in terms of bathroom habits, i got one bigger than she needs)
-kongs! i keep 3-4 in rotation in the freezer. i usually put dry kibble in, then top with peanut butter or wet food. she only gets the kong when i have to crate her to go to work. it distracts her from me leaving, plus provides an activity, since she has to move it around to get the dry kibble to fall out.
-almost anything nylabone (she has a crate bone, too)
-3 point harness with two leashes
-martingale collar (the kind without a clasp)
-poop bags. lots of poop bags
-stainless bowls for food and water (bacteria grows in plastic and she gets zits!)
-training treats of some kind (they go with us everywhere)
things she loves but can't have:
-rawhide anything (she chokes on it)
-any kind of actual bone (it can crack her teeth and potentially chip off and cause internal damage
-rope toys (the first time you have to pull string out of your dog's butt, you'll understand)
-plush toys (she can have one while supervised but that's it)
-oravet or greenies (insta-diarrhea)
congrats on your pup!
posted by megan_magnolia at 4:51 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
her must haves:
-large crate (since she is so well controlled in terms of bathroom habits, i got one bigger than she needs)
-kongs! i keep 3-4 in rotation in the freezer. i usually put dry kibble in, then top with peanut butter or wet food. she only gets the kong when i have to crate her to go to work. it distracts her from me leaving, plus provides an activity, since she has to move it around to get the dry kibble to fall out.
-almost anything nylabone (she has a crate bone, too)
-3 point harness with two leashes
-martingale collar (the kind without a clasp)
-poop bags. lots of poop bags
-stainless bowls for food and water (bacteria grows in plastic and she gets zits!)
-training treats of some kind (they go with us everywhere)
things she loves but can't have:
-rawhide anything (she chokes on it)
-any kind of actual bone (it can crack her teeth and potentially chip off and cause internal damage
-rope toys (the first time you have to pull string out of your dog's butt, you'll understand)
-plush toys (she can have one while supervised but that's it)
-oravet or greenies (insta-diarrhea)
congrats on your pup!
posted by megan_magnolia at 4:51 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
I use the Dremel that is branded as a pet nail grinder for nails instead of clipping. You can also use a regular Dremel if you already have one.
It took patience and a lot of treats to get my adult dogs accustomed to it but now I grind their nails down every week or so and the wood floors appreciate it.
With dogs with dark or black nails it is really hard to know how short to clip and I think my nervousness about clipping was making them nervous. We are all happier now.
They go to the groomer every 7 or 8 weeks, because my big (130#) boy is too hard to get all the fur off of and having them groomed cuts down on the dust mammoths in the house. Also they smell better when she washes them because she gets them very dry prior to sending them home.
The other thing I really like is a tactical belt I bought to hook their leashes to when walking. I’d much rather have them safely attached to me than hang onto leashes.
posted by hilaryjade at 6:34 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
It took patience and a lot of treats to get my adult dogs accustomed to it but now I grind their nails down every week or so and the wood floors appreciate it.
With dogs with dark or black nails it is really hard to know how short to clip and I think my nervousness about clipping was making them nervous. We are all happier now.
They go to the groomer every 7 or 8 weeks, because my big (130#) boy is too hard to get all the fur off of and having them groomed cuts down on the dust mammoths in the house. Also they smell better when she washes them because she gets them very dry prior to sending them home.
The other thing I really like is a tactical belt I bought to hook their leashes to when walking. I’d much rather have them safely attached to me than hang onto leashes.
posted by hilaryjade at 6:34 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
I love this Kurgo harness for either walks or the car (it has a seatbelt tether you can just leave in the car all the time). I had it for my 40 lb dog and now have a smaller one for my smaller dog, it's great.
Also the Ruffwear padded harnesses are good for anytime you'll be on rougher terrain; most have a handle you can grab either to keep the dog pulled closer to you/away from others who are crossing your path, or to give them a boost if needed. They have front clip versions also.
posted by assenav at 7:56 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
Also the Ruffwear padded harnesses are good for anytime you'll be on rougher terrain; most have a handle you can grab either to keep the dog pulled closer to you/away from others who are crossing your path, or to give them a boost if needed. They have front clip versions also.
posted by assenav at 7:56 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
"Obvious" things that worth doing from the get go.
Poop bag dispenser on leash. They are ubiquitous and cheap, but if you walk without one you'll realize you miss it!
Chip your dog.
If you have a car, a Car harness is v. useful! Collapsible travel bowl for hydrating doggo on trips makes it easy.
posted by lalochezia at 10:18 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
Poop bag dispenser on leash. They are ubiquitous and cheap, but if you walk without one you'll realize you miss it!
Chip your dog.
If you have a car, a Car harness is v. useful! Collapsible travel bowl for hydrating doggo on trips makes it easy.
posted by lalochezia at 10:18 AM on April 18, 2020 [1 favorite]
A sturdy harness with a handle on top so you can really grab your dog if necessary is really great. Lots of dog beds; I have one or two in every room. I don’t do crates so, you know, not crating is an option. Keep an extra water bowl in the car, always. I just got a whistle I keep on my keys and I like it - we do a lot of off leash beach runs and it’s louder than I can manage. Retractable leashes are horrible garbage, it is true, but I have one per dog for specific places where they can’t go off leash for a reason (elk in our case 😄) but there’s room for exploring. Do not use them in the woods or, actually, anywhere else.. Real tennis balls are both cheaper and more durable than the ones marketed for dogs. Toys vary widely by dog and some don’t care about them at all. I have one toy lover and one who couldn’t care less. I used to get those big bones at the grocery store and when they were hollowed out I would fill them with peanut butter or canned dog food and keep them in the freezer. Worked really well for a springer spaniel but my hound mix cracks them in half. Might be worth a supervised try though, they kept him entertained for hours.
posted by mygothlaundry at 8:37 AM on April 19, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by mygothlaundry at 8:37 AM on April 19, 2020 [1 favorite]
The best thing we ever bought for our dog is this bed by PetFusion. It comes in multiple sizes and attractive neutral colors. It is extremely comfy, the memory foam is excellent quality and very supportive. I know this because we got the XL size, which is big enough that I can curl up in it with our 65lb bulldog. We've had it for two years and it still looks new. The foam has yet to sag or lose its shape. Likewise, the stuffed bolster is also still nice and plush. The bolster goes nearly all the way around, leaving a little opening for the dog to step through, and gives many lounging options. She prefers to stretch out lengthwise using the bolster as a pillow for her chin. Having her head elevated has helped reduce her snoring quite a bit. We cover the bed with a twin-size cotton flat sheet just to make it easier to keep clean. But as a senior dog, she sometimes has accidents and whenever that happens I'm very pleased with how easy it is to take the covers off the bed and machine wash them. There are actually two covers, a waterproof one on the inside, and the twill one on the outside.
The second best thing we ever bought for her is a car hammock like this one. It slobber-proofs and fur-proofs your entire backseat. The sidepanels especially ensure that she doesn't drool over the buttons in the armrests, or down the window sills. Our girl loves car rides and this makes it easy to do so with minimal cleanup. If safety is a concern, there is a slot in the hammock where you can attach a tether that inserts into the seatbelt buckle. Our hammock came with one. There are also convenient pockets where you can stash poop bags, treats, a leash, etc. so they're easily accessible. The hammock installs to the front and back headrests using buckled straps, so it takes at most a couple of minutes for me to undo the whole thing and fold it up if I need to free up the backseat for human passengers. But I've gotta say, the hammock is also very handy for transporting anything messy or dirty, or has sharp edges that could scratch leather... other than a dog. My favorite thing about it though is the mesh window that fits between the two front seats. That allows the air conditioning vents to direct air to the backseat without obstruction, and it's really nice that she can see us and we can see her so easily.
Toys are hard to figure out. Our girl will play with Kong toys sporadically for a few days before she gets bored. She is in love with ChuckIt toys (the Tribumper and Kick Fetch ball) but she shreds them within weeks. It's very expensive to keep replacing them, but she loves them so much. Her other favorite is a $10 rope, but she only takes that one out of her toy box about once a week. She also loves bones, we look for the thickest one in the bin, and it gives her hours of entertainment trying to get at the filling inside. Very important, do not give your dog cooked bones. They are much more fragile and could splinter. A bone splinter, swallowed by a dog, could result in serious internal injuries. Raw bones from the butcher could be okay if they are heavy enough that your dog won't crush through them, but that gets messy. Bones from the pet store are just the easiest option by far.
In terms of treats, we try to feed her vitamin chews in yummy flavors. Because she's old, we give her cranberry supplements for UTI prevention, and hip/joint supplements. You may want something else for a young dog. Since you can only give vitamins or supplements a couple a day at most, she does have some other "junk food" treats that she adores. The Milk Bone Soft and Chewy treats are her fave.
posted by keep it under cover at 12:52 AM on April 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
The second best thing we ever bought for her is a car hammock like this one. It slobber-proofs and fur-proofs your entire backseat. The sidepanels especially ensure that she doesn't drool over the buttons in the armrests, or down the window sills. Our girl loves car rides and this makes it easy to do so with minimal cleanup. If safety is a concern, there is a slot in the hammock where you can attach a tether that inserts into the seatbelt buckle. Our hammock came with one. There are also convenient pockets where you can stash poop bags, treats, a leash, etc. so they're easily accessible. The hammock installs to the front and back headrests using buckled straps, so it takes at most a couple of minutes for me to undo the whole thing and fold it up if I need to free up the backseat for human passengers. But I've gotta say, the hammock is also very handy for transporting anything messy or dirty, or has sharp edges that could scratch leather... other than a dog. My favorite thing about it though is the mesh window that fits between the two front seats. That allows the air conditioning vents to direct air to the backseat without obstruction, and it's really nice that she can see us and we can see her so easily.
Toys are hard to figure out. Our girl will play with Kong toys sporadically for a few days before she gets bored. She is in love with ChuckIt toys (the Tribumper and Kick Fetch ball) but she shreds them within weeks. It's very expensive to keep replacing them, but she loves them so much. Her other favorite is a $10 rope, but she only takes that one out of her toy box about once a week. She also loves bones, we look for the thickest one in the bin, and it gives her hours of entertainment trying to get at the filling inside. Very important, do not give your dog cooked bones. They are much more fragile and could splinter. A bone splinter, swallowed by a dog, could result in serious internal injuries. Raw bones from the butcher could be okay if they are heavy enough that your dog won't crush through them, but that gets messy. Bones from the pet store are just the easiest option by far.
In terms of treats, we try to feed her vitamin chews in yummy flavors. Because she's old, we give her cranberry supplements for UTI prevention, and hip/joint supplements. You may want something else for a young dog. Since you can only give vitamins or supplements a couple a day at most, she does have some other "junk food" treats that she adores. The Milk Bone Soft and Chewy treats are her fave.
posted by keep it under cover at 12:52 AM on April 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
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The best "stuffed" dog toys are:
-flats (basically a stuffed toy with no stuffing)
-flat but crinkle filled
-knotted rope filled
-simulated silicone ribcage
I don't have specific product recs, my dog is half the size of the one you're getting so you'd need something bigger anyway. But a polyfil toy will be about 3 minutes of fun and cover your house with stuffing. It's just not worth it!
Costco has really good reasonably priced dog beds.
Retractable leashes are garbage.
Keep a jug of water and a stack of rag towels by the door for a quick paw/coat wipedown before you come in on snowy/muddy days. It'll always be there when you need it!
Put your vet's on call number on your phone contacts now.
Shredded cheese is great for training and getting a dog used to something new and scary. One little sliver of cheese is stinky and tasty, and 20 little slivers of cheese isn't going to break any diets. Like I said your dog is bigger, but I got mine used to his airplane carrier by sprinkling shredded cheese on/in it and letting him explore at his own pace. It's not a scary enclosed space anymore! Now it's a place where sometimes there's cheese!
posted by phunniemee at 12:47 PM on April 17, 2020 [4 favorites]