The best in dog supplies

Well we know that retrievers love balls and greyhounds need jackets to keep warm but, if I were to sell dog supplies what would I just have to have?
I guess I can start with the top 10 that have changed my life with my dog. In random order.
1. Tag silencer. In this day and age we have license, rabies, id tag, microchip tag, akc tag, and voice sight (offleash) tag all jangling around on our dogs neck tangling in fur and making a racket when he runs around. Did you know that the tags can actually cause hearing damage? I decided on a tag pocket but, there are many to choose from. The pocket is soft and velcros around the jumble of tags adding minimal weight and can be found in several colors to match or stand out from the collar and coat.
2. Leather leash line. I have tried long leads, hand loops, retractable leashes, fabric show leads and what have you but, I got a 6 foot leather leash line when I got my newest dog and once it was broken in it was great. The leather is gentle on the hands and pliable enough to walk with ease. If my dog sees a bunny and bolts; it has the strength to hold up and a little give so as not to tear my rotator cuff or harm his neck. He can't chew threw it either which when he was a puppy, could have been a problem.
3.treat toy. Again there are countless shapes and mechinisms for these but, the ideas are the same: give the dog a way to eat through working for it like a game. They use their brains and noses and teeth to work the food out of the ball,bottle,etc. When my dog was young he would have the "blue ball" at lunchtime after his potty break which allowed my sister (who would rush over on her lunchbreak) time to eat her own lunch or do what she needed without being present watching him eat every kernel of food. now I use it after a long hike as a snack or on a day when I leave for work early for his breakfast. I use kibble mostly but you can use biscuits or soft food as well depending on the toys structure.
4. bones. I like to mix up my chew toys because my dog is super intelligent and will tire of one type of bone after a week or 2. My favorite is the simple double knotted rawhide about 6 inches is good for his breed and mouth spacing. He is quite systematic with it but, after a while he needs something else to keep him mouth busy. We typically will switch to bully sticks which if you don't know what they are, you don't want to. If these aren't around there are rawhide braids or twists and cattle knee caps. There is debate on if you should or should not use soup bones aka raw bones and some people fear bacteria or if you sterilize them the fear is the bone chips being brittle and harming the dogs digestive tract. I honestly have tried the raw and I see no problem as long as they are from a reputable source and are kept frozen. I let him chew it for an hour or so them I put it back in the freezer. They last a good week this way and run about 5 dollars each.
5.dietary supplements. I use a few of these. I really believe in a good strong diet and pay for it knowing the extra dollars spent will get me a longer life on my pets who will live happier and healthier with less injury and health issues ($ at vet). That said I switch my food around from about a half dozen quality foods being sure to mix the last few days of each bag with the new food, thus not upsetting the stomach and digestive system much. I keep my dog on a few supplements regularly but, never freak out if you skip a day or two. I give a broad spectrum probiotic which keeps stool firm and because 70% of immune function happens in the gut, it should be keeping him healthy. I also give this to my cat who has feline leukemia. For strong joints I give my very active dog a joint supplement called cosamine ds (this is a human supplement because it is cheaper than cosaquin and double strength) I open these caps and give about half at a time. My dog also takes a chewable multi but probably just a few times a week since his food is so high quality. My dog does not like fish or I would give fish oil. I give him flax powder mixed into his food bag and some brown rice or oatmeal mixed in with the food helps keep skin problems and stomach issues at bay. the last supplement has been a God's send. I use a homeopathic remedy called argentum nitricum diluted in his water. This remedy is designed to help with agitation and apprehension which manifests itself with alarm barking. be it the neighbor putting out the trash and rumbling the barrels or the neighbor dog walking by the front of the house. He has calmed considerably since going on it.I also noticed he is more social on walks and while out on the town.
6. treat bag. This keeps treats out of pockets while holding them in hand range for fast dispensing. I like this best because sometimes I dole out treats like roast beef or crilled chicken, which I obviously do not want on my clothes. I have one that has a draw string and a belt clip but there are others that are designed for center waist (both hand distribution) and ones that have a pocket for a tennis ball.
7. glow in the dark rubber ball. Don't get me wrong tennis balls are great they bounce and are soft enough to grip and durable but, in the winter I get home and it is dark out back. I like to turn on my back light and toss my dog his glowing ball a few times instead of walking in the dark. It is a good option to have. There are also ones which are made with flashing lights which go on when they bounce but,electricity and my dog... not a good mixture to introduce.
8. soft flight frisbee. I have seen cloth and soft rubber as well as ones with center holes for the dogs nose. I have a soft rubber one which we love. It is soft enough if he goes to catch it he won't lose teeth(hopefully) and the rubber is still thick enough if he chews on it, it won't be ruined. I am using this toy to teach the "away" command which should be useful in herding.
9. soft crate. This is easier to see as not a cage or some sort of prison for your dog and more like a den, a place to curl up out of the way and relax safely. I used this in the past for when I needed to run to the store but, the house wasn't puppy proof. We do a lot of construction at my house and it keeps him out from underfoot and away from dangers. I like that it is collapsible and I can bring it with me to friends and families homes and leave him in it while we go to dinner or at dog shows when I have to run to the car or let him rest from the active environment. The one I have is big enough he fits comfortably while standing, turning or laying down. It has a comfy and durable mat inside too!
10. treats. I have tried different methods of training and with or without treats and decided a while back that I do like to train with treats. I don't give a treat everytime and resolve to give randomly, however I do see the attention is better when a treat is given, not as a bribe but, a reward. Rewards can be a chest scratch or a bit of a meatball, a biscuit or an enthusiastic "good dog" but, having treats in the mix lets the dog know they have done well without any doubt. The treats I like are in levels. The level one is everyday use for those I use the traditional dog biscuit snapped into many pieces and given in ones or up to five or six as "parties." Then we have to better treats like soft treats or fancy treats these are level two and are given out for excellent work or doing something difficult such as running inside from the yard or leaving the squirrel to come to me. The best treats are those which are reserved for very difficult tasks. These treats include hotdogs,bacon, roastbeef, chicken, lamb lung and duck. I give these out in high distraction situations such as while doing agility or when the judge is examining at a show. My dog is shy so I also give these out when we are great with strangers. I try to keep the level one and two treats in my treat bag always but, the randomness is a guarantee that success will be attempted each time we go out.
Well that is the list of the top 10 items and other items are of course needed but, I won't go into so much detail.
Shampoo is a must have, be sure it is designed for dogs coats and that you use it somewhere between every 2 weeks and every month and a half. I do a double rinse to be sure it is all out.
Dog bed or mat is great to keep dogs in their own area while keeping them comfy.
hiking collapsible bowl is great to have in car just in case. Ideally paired with a bottle of water.
sound cd or dvd to help relax a lonesome dog is a nice thing to have.
Dog brush or brushes depending on coat and breed are needed to keep a great coat and skin condition. Try to brush on a schedule a little bit everyday. My dog can use a line brush weekly but, I keep him brushed 10 minutes a day with different body parts focusing in on areas daily.
nail trimmer, Well I just quicked my dog last cut and now I decided I must get that dremmel tool to grind down the nails easily.
Plush toys encourage self play. Find ones your dog likes, stretchy or puffy, materials or shapes.
for puppies: something to teeth on frozen toy or frozen facecloth
for storm scared dogs: humidifier or shock absorbing booties
Well those are my essentials for dog supplies. Many dogs have individual needs and that is why we have them.