Recommended by Dog Expert Jessica O'Neill
As a Canine Behavior Professional AND a life-long animal owner and lover, below are lists of my personal and professional product and book recommendations. If the product is listed here below, I have either used it, would use it or know someone who’s used it (essentially first-hand or trusted word of mouth;). Any book you see here is one I own, have read, or want to read. If you see some thing here that you’ve had a bad experience with please let me know. Most of these links are for Amazon with preference given to vendors with prime. I’m a big supporter of local businesses so if you choose not to shop through and know where you can find these products locally please do so.
Any book you see here is one I own, have read, or want to read. If you see some thing here that you’ve had a bad experience with please let me know. Most of these links are for Amazon with preference given to vendors with prime. I’m a big supporter of local businesses so if you choose not to shop through and know where you can find these products locally please do so.
As with any type of recommendation, following is my disclaimer… Please make educated purchasing decisions for you and your dog. If you’re not sure if the recommended product is a good choice, please connect with your coach or another trusted canine professional.
BOOKS
NEW RELEASE
Reference Books (pick it up if you need to know something specific)
This is a great little book written by a local to Ottawa Trainer, Kyla Denault. Within the book are QR code links to videos showing how to play each game. It's fantastic!
Doggie Language: A Dog Lover's Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend
Canine Body Language - A Photographic Guide
Reading Books (for those of you who want to learn more about dogs and get deep into it)
Canine Communication: The Language of a Species
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
Dog Language - An Encyclopedia of Canine Behavior
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
Not Specifically About Dogs (there's lots you can learn that can relate in some way to your understanding of dogs)
Despite it's title, this book is not about dogs. It is a fantastic read about child psychology and trauma and there are many parallels to the dog world.
TREATS
These are the ones I typically have with me on consults and sessions. They are fairly inexpensive comparatively. I usually get mine at Costco, but they sell them on Amazon as well and you can get quick delivery. (single ingredient- beef liver- can be broken into little pieces are into dust as a food topper)
I started alternating between beef liver and Salmon with my client's dogs. They are a HIT! Easy to break and make a great food topper.
100% Sardines Dehydrated Dog Treat
For dog's with allergies, Freezes dried sardines are commonly a safe bet. Not all dog's love them, so start with one bag and try it first. (single ingredient- 100% sardines- good choice for dogs with allergies)
More expensive than the beef liver, but a nice change from beef if your dog is getting bored or having a reaction to beef. (100% chicken or lamb- single ingredient- easy to break- can be used as a food topper)
OTHER CONSUMABLES
A must have for crappy, cold winter weather.
You'll just need them bottom line... When you buy in bulk they are about 4 cents each. I use them in my suburban yard to clean up poops too. Keeps the smell down between garbage days.
CHEWING & FOOD DISPENSING
Great option for a short chew. 100% sweet potato. Wonderful option to keep on hand. Easy on the tummy.
Always have one stuffed and ready in the freezer. Kings are a staple in any dog owner toolkit. Checkout Pinterest for cool ideas on what to stuff them with. (food delivery toy- easy way to supplement diet- great distraction- dogs will lick out the ingredients- can be used unsupervised)
Comes in two sizes. A great way to give a dog independent enrichment time using their kibble scattered with little bonus treats:)
Faux Antler Made with Real Wood
Great for a before bed chewing activity or for times when your dog needs a chew release without the complications of a high value food object. (alternative to real bones- lasts a long time- low value chew)
KONG Wobbler™ Treat Dispensing
My go-to food dispensing toy. Comes in multiple sizes, make sure to get one that's the correct size for your dog. Just fill with your dog's kibble and a few liver treats for bonus prizes. (interactive, thinking toy- food dispensing- can be used unsupervised- alternative to bowl feeding)
These are SUPER HIGH value chewing objects. They are fairly pricy but are a must-have tool to have indoor toolbox for times when you really need your dog to ignore something difficult and self-sooth. Some are very stinky and are ideally given in a crate on tethered on an old sheet. (have nutritional value-high value to the dog-should be consumed supervised as first)
High value chew article for average chewers. All natural, chemical free, grain free, gluten free and safe for most dogs with lactose intolerance and sensitive stomachs. Average chewer usually take several hours if not days to fully devour it. (has nutritional value- can be completely consumed- high value for dogs)
Benebone Dental Durable Dog Chew
Excellent non-edible chew article. Durable and inexpensive. Lasts a long time and will give your dog something to do with their mouths. (I provide this one when we are in the car, before bed during the day when I'm working- can be given unsupervised)
Good option for times of boredom or to be used as an anxiety reduction tool. An easy alternative to puzzle bowls or snuffle mat. (I use this for grooming sessions. Nail clipping for bath time it comes in handy)
ENRICHMENT & ACTIVITIES
Great water toys for chasers and tuggers! (interactive toy- needs you to be involved- great energy draining game)
Good ol' Chuckit balls... they are simply the best ones for fetch. Fairly durable and one even glows in the dark.
Excellent toy for dogs who love to tug and chase. Durable material, this thing lasts forever! Can use used outside year round. I have one of these that has been kicking around for 20 years! Every now and then my dogs get into it again. (great for multi-dog games- can be enjoyed independently- very durable)
Don't ask me why, but dogs just love these things. They don't last long with chewers or dissectors but they are fun while they last. They squeak and they bounce!
I have honestly tried a hundred different frisbees and this one is the best! It's super tough, it flys well and it glows in the dark! If you have a frisbee dog, this is what you need.
This is an activity that can be a massive amount of fun for the right type of dog. You need a large yard or open area to play this game. NOT A MULTI-DOG activity. This activity can really excite your dog and should be played in a controlled way, away from other dogs and people. (great energy drainer- super fun collaborative activity- for dogs who love to chase)
Large Puzzel Bowls
Small Puzzel Bowls
Never feed from a boring bowl again. I recommend feeding your dog through games and training, but if you need to feed from a bowl, make it a puzzle bowl (excellent passive mental game- can be used independently without supervision)
Heavy Duty Snuffle Mat (bite and tear resistant)
A friend of mine in rescue who works with very large and sometimes intense dogs purchased this and I thought it was awesome.
A great way to keep your dog occupied using their nose! Not an option for destructive dogs. (gets your dog using their nose- should be supervised- great option for feeding meals)
DURABLE TOYS
Good old polly pig has been kicking around for years even survived my most destructive dissectors. Polly is a little less 'full' but still kicking it!
Stuff-less Toy For Water bottles
Use your recycling to keep this toy alive over and over again! Depending on how intense your dog is with the sleeve, you may need to replace this often.
SAFETY & CONFINEMENT
Confinement in the car is a great idea for safety. Protecting you car from dog grossness is also a great idea. I love the half seat idea, especially if you only have one dog and you need the other seats open for human passengers.
People ask me all the time where I got my backseat cover, so here it is! I love it. I moved away from the hammock style only because I needed the foot space for passengers and got frustrated having to remove the cover constantly. I love how easy it is to keep clean.
Same as the one above that I use but in hammock style.
These are not the identical ones I have, but same idea. This has removed the dog's ability to not only scratch my door but also keeps them from touching the door lock and window mechanics.
Super Wide Gate and Exercise Pen
I ordered this for my little guy 'Basil' after his neuter. Love it! I hate the plastic cones. Highly recommend inventing in this one.
HANDLING GEAR & APPAREL
Muzzles are an incredible tool under the right circumstances. Here is an excellent link to muzzling resources: https://muzzleupproject.com
The only no-pull walking device I recommend. Patented, side-attachment to redirect movement when the dog pulls! Psst... I invented it;) (must have urban or sub-urban walking harness)
In most cases I recommend clients get a hands-free waist leash called a utility belt. JWalker's belt has multiple features. It is adjustable in leash length, can be used as a regular leash, has a safety unclip feature and can be used as a longline. (learn to lead your dog using your body- should not be used with back attachment harness)
Adventuring Harness (back attachment, not for structured walks)
When you and your dog are on the go hanging with friends, exploring the outdoors and adventuring, I recommend a comfortable, structured, back attachment harness. This is the one I have on my dogs for adventure times. (not for training or proper walks- great adventuring gear-comfortable for your dog to move in)
12' Long Line for Training & Adventuring
A must have items. Provides you a length you can control with really soft easy to handle webbing. (This is the product I use regularly for training)
A great option for recall training, drag line in off-leash areas or a temporary tie-out.
Dog Treat Pouch Bag with Magnetic Closure
You NEED a treat pouch! This one has been a fav pick of my clients as it has two pockets, one for high value and one for low value treats. You can attach it to your JWalker Utility Belt or wear it like a bag. (zip pockets for your stuff- holds poop bags- waterproof- two areas for kibbles and treats)
Dog Treat Pouch with Magnetic Closure & Mesh Pockets
You NEED a treat pouch! This one I found on amazon and decided to order stand give it a try. It also has two pockets, one for high value and one for low value treats and mesh pockets in front. You can attach it to your JWalker Utility Belt or wear it like a bag. (zip pockets for your stuff- holds poop bags- waterproof- two areas for kibbles and treats)
MAKE YOUR OWN VEST:
Reactive Dog Indicator Vest & Give Me Space Patch
Some clients have a difficult time working with their dog in public because people just don't seem to get it or are not keeping a respectful distance. I have made these vests for my clients to burrow while they work through training issues in public. You just need to use a waterproof fabric glue to attach the patch to the vest.
Simple uniform for a dog in-training or service dog. NEVER walk your dog attached to the ring on this vest, this should only be used to attach ID. The JWalker Harness fits very nicely under this vest.
Whether you are training your dog for Service Dog Work, Emotional Support or just to be a good doggie citizen, you may want to try using this lightweight vest overtop of your JWalker Harness to encourage people to be helpful in your attempts to work with your dog in public spaces where dogs are permitted. *Please note it is not appropriate or legal to misrepresent your dog as a service dog if this is not the case.
Service Dog Patches
Although we do not manufacture this patch, we feel that this patch closely resembles our logo and certainly represents are attitude towards the human-animal connection. We encourage our Pet Intel. clients to adhere this patch to their working dog's vest or in-training dog's vest. You can use a waterproof fabric glue to attach the patch to the vest.
Service Dog & In-Training Patches
There are tons of options available, however I have used these ones and find them to be the most legible and visible. In comes in a few different varieties. You can use a waterproof fabric glue to attach the patch to the vest.
Here's my Service Dog Basil in his gear:
Household
I can't say enough about these mats.... they will just save you so many headaches. They seem to just suck the dirty in and keeps it from ending up all over the house. I have them everywhere.