From collars to cameras, these practical dog accessories are must-haves for your furry BFF!

As a dog mom, I have used most of these dog accessories with my dogs. Yet, I am pretty low-tech, so I researched the hell out of the accessories that I haven’t used so that you can have the most relevant, up-to-date information. 

As a dog walker, I use many of these dog accessories every day, many times a day. These are my best recommendations for you and your bestie.

Dog Collar

A well-fitted collar that fits flat against your dog’s neck is ideal. 

There are a wide variety of different styles and colours to choose from.

Take your pooch to your local pet store and they will gladly hook you up with a collar that suits your needs.

Want a collar with GPS capability? Try the Fi Collar.

Fi Collar

The Fi Collar has GPS locator capability for your peace of mind. The app alerts you when your dog is outside without you and tracks their movement. 

The Fi Collar also tracks how many steps per day your pooch takes. Kind of like a Fitbit for your dog!

The app has a great, active online community so you and your pooch can keep up with your doggy buds!

Customizable bands for those fashionable pups are also available. 

Light Up Collar

Safety first! Keep your pooch visible on those early morning or late night walks.

Identification Tags

All dogs need identification tags. They may even be mandatory where you live. 

There is a higher chance that your curious dog will stay out of the shelter and return safely if they are wearing some sort of identification tag.

Important info to put on your pup’s ID tag:

• Their name (or first initial)
• Your phone number
• The city where you live
• Your full address
• The words “needs meds’ if your pooch requires medication
• The word ‘microchipped’ if your pup is microchipped

Check out your local pet store for a DIY dog tag maker and design your own custom dog tags.

Leashes

There are a few types of leashes that are handy to have for different occasions.

Rope Lead

A good rope lead is both strong and comfy in your hands. They are lightweight and durable.

This eco-friendly rope leash from Rocky Mountain Dog is handmade from recycled climbing rope. How cool is that?

Chain Lead

Chain leads can be painful to hold on to but may be useful if your dog likes to chew or carry the leash in their mouth.

Nylon Leash

Nylon leashes are strong but can hurt your hands. A padded handle is highly recommended!

Biothane Leash

Biothane leashes are lightweight and easy to clean. I use this one for long lines.

Hands-Free Leash

Hands-Free leashes are great for pullers. I use a hands-free leash that clasps around my waist from a Canadian company called TinyHorse.

Without this leash, I would not have any shoulders left!

Running Leash

When clasped at the waist, it keeps your pooch beside you when you run. I have used a running leash for years and love it!

I use a running leash from the brand Smoochy Poochy and can’t say enough good things about it. It’s taken its fair share of abuse from not one but two puppies and has lived to tell about it.

This is still my everyday leash and has stood the test of time (and dogs!)

Unfortunately, their website really sucks and you can’t buy directly from them, but here’s a picture of me walking two dogs, one with a new Smoochy Poochy leash, and the other with my old beater Smoochy Poochy leash.

I got mine at a local pet store in Toronto over 13 years ago, and my client has a new one, so they are still available somewhere!

Leash Tips: When using a leash, make sure you attach it to the D ring of your dog’s collar and not the split ring that attaches their ID to the collar. I have made this mistake before and it only takes one squirrel or sudden movement to break the ring. Not only is your dog loose, but there’s also a good chance you lost your ID tags as well. 🙁

Heeling and sniffing require different lengths of leash for your dog. An easy way to allow more leash for sniffing or to reign them in for a heel is to simply tie knots in the leash at specific lengths. 

Having an easy-to-grab knot sure comes in handy when a squirrel crosses your path!

Dog Safety Light

Keeps your dog visible in low light conditions and in bad weather. Conveniently clip to leash or collar.

Poop Bags

These are a must if you go anywhere other than your yard with your pup.

The Amazon basics poop bags are what I use and I have yet to put my finger through one! They even come with a poop bag holder, bonus!

Poop Bag Dispenser

Attaches to the leash for easy access. Some dispensers store an extra roll of dog poop bags which comes in quite handy.

Bonus points if your dispenser has a cinch loop or something to hold onto a full poop bag until you find a garbage can. 

Dog Toys and Chews

Honestly, can you ever have enough toys for your dog? Hell, no!

Here are a few favourites:

Lick Mats

For enrichment or when you need a few minutes to get something done! Check out this three-pack from Amazon.

Snuffle Mats

Slows down those fast eaters. This one from Amazon has awesome reviews!

Fillable Toys

A Kong is a good example of a fillable toy. Fill it up before you leave the house and hide it for your pooch to find while you’re out.

This can help ease separation anxiety, good for mental stimulation, and give your pup something to do when you’re not home.

Flirt Stick

A chasing toy is amazing at tiring out your pooch!

Chuck It!

Great for a game of fetch, and not having to touch a slobbery ball!

Bully Stick

All-natural dog chews to keep your pup entertained and away from your shoes!

Elk Antlers

Heavy chewer? These are great for those dogs who love to chew. They last a long time and have kept my dog happy for years!

Your local pet store should have different sizes so you can pick the most appropriate antler for your dog.

Subscription Box

Monthly deliveries of doggy goodies right to your door! Usually include toys, treats, and activities for your dog. A monthly surprise that’s fun for both you and your pooch!

Toy Storage

Easy access is what you want in a toy box.

A wire basket for toy storage is a good idea. Your dog can sniff and access whichever toy they choose, even if it’s at the bottom!

Dog Treats

Having a couple different types of dog treats on hand for rewarding positive behaviour is a good idea.

Crunchier treats: Used occasionally since they are typically bigger in size.

Training treats: High-value treats used for reinforcing positive behaviour often. Small or soft enough to cut into smaller pieces.

Yak cheese chews are a great, natural alternative to rawhide. Himalayan Yak Dog Chews help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, relieve stress, and keep your pup from chewing everything else in your house.

Dog Treat Pouch

Provides quick and easy access to treats while out for a walk or just to have handy around your house.

As a dog walker, I love my treat pouch. Having treats on hand without rummaging around deep within my backpack is a win in my books!

Dog Bedding

Indoors

Washable covers are a must. Zen Den makes a great dog bed that is durable and washable.

Outdoors

Keep your pooch off the ground when you’re outside BBQ-ing or gardening. Elevated beds are great for outdoor lounging.

Dog Bowls

Dog bowls that are non-slip and spill resistant are the best!

Stainless steel and ceramic are both easy to clean. 

Raised bowls are good for tall dogs. Who wants to bend over to eat or drink?

Collapsible bowls are convenient for on-the-go. I carry these with me on all my hikes for quick pit stops.

Dog Enclosures

Gates

Keep your dog out of specific rooms or block off the stairs.

Playpens

Provides your dog with its own area in your house. Playpens are great for puppies and when you have people over and your dog needs their own space.

Crates

A safe space for your dog. An area where they have access at all times and know they can chill out in there whenever they want. Crates provide comfort and security for your dog, even as they age.

Invisible Fencing

Keeps your pooch in your own yard. Your neighbours will thank you!

Fenced-In Yard

Maybe not an accessory, but definitely nice to have! Keeps your pooch on your property when they are outside. Just remember to close the gate!

Dog Clothing

Sweater/Coat

Keep your small, or large, short-furred pooches warm in any season.

Protective Clothing

Rain gear helps keep your pooch clean and dry in inclement weather. Especially awesome for those long-furred pooches who tend to get muddy and matted!

Dog boots can help protect your pooch’s paws in snow and muddy conditions.

Protective Goggles For Dogs

Sunglasses protect your dog’s eyes from the harsh sunlight when you are out hiking and adventuring together.

Dog Cooling Jacket

Keep your dog cool on those hot summer days with a dog-cooling jacket. 

Dog Lifejacket

Keeps your pooch buoyant. 

Great for at the cottage, on the boat, paddle boarding, or any water activity!

Bandanas

Purely for the stylish pup!

Traveling With Your Dog

For safe travel in a vehicle, a dog should be either behind a dog guard, secured with a car-seat harness, or in a crate or fixed car cage. 

Dog Harness

Distracted driving is dangerous! A dog harness is a good way to make sure your pooch does not distract you while driving. A harness can also prevent injury to your dog if you happen to stop quickly.

Travel Crate

Dog travel crates or carriers provide a safe, enclosed space for your dog to travel in comfort. Travel crates offer necessary security and durability during travel. They also function as a safe space for your pet at your destination.

Dog Guard

A barrier for keeping your pooch in the back seat or cargo area. Keeps your pooch from licking your face while driving!

Seat Belt Restraint

Keeps your dog in place in the back seat and prevents distracted driving.

Seat Cover

A durable, washable cover for the back seat. Should be easy to fit, remove, shake clean, and machine washable.

Dog Food Travel Bag

Easy to transport and dispense kibble when on the go.

Dog Travel Bag

Keeps gear organized and accessible on the go. Store and quickly access food, bowls, leashes, toys, and poop bags. 

Collapsible Food and Water Bowls

Convenient bowls that are smaller to store and great for travel.

Pop-Up Sun Tent

Provides shade for your pooch when at the beach or park.

Dog Grooming Equipment/Supplies

Brushes

Brushing helps reduce shedding and matting and stimulates healthy hair growth.

A couple of different types of brushes may be required for your dog, depending on their breed.

The furminator is good for double-coated dogs and heavy shedders.

Slicker brushes are great for curly-furred pooches.

Rubber brushes are awesome for short-haired dogs and puppies. Removes loose hair, stimulates capillaries, and natural oil production for healthy skin and coats. Reduces shedding. Used for all fur types.

An undercoat rake is great for detangling, thinning, and de-shedding all fur types

Shower Head Attachment for Dog Baths

Attaches to your tub spout if you don’t have a removable shower head. Makes giving your dog a bath more enjoyable for both of you!

Dog Shampoo

Dogs need a nice, light, sensitive shampoo that is gentle on their skin. Good to have on hand in case you need it.

Dogs only need a bath every few months unless they have rolled in something delicious or had a run-in with a black and white ‘cat’.

Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Getting your dog used to toothbrush and toothpaste sooner than later is ideal. Unfortunately, there are no bones or chew toys that will do the same great job at cleaning your dog’s teeth than a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Paw Cream

Paw cream protects your dog’s paws from harsh outdoor elements such as snow, salt, and ice.

Great for:

• Smoothing dogs paws
• Reducing snow clumps
• Healing paws
• Moisturizing calluses on dogs’ elbows
• Moisturizing dry dog noses

Dog Accessories For YOU!

Running Belt

For hitting those dusty trails! Includes a hip belt and leash system for running with your pooch on leash and hands-free.

Allows you to comfortably carry essentials such as keys, poop bags, phone, etc.

Hip Packs

Carry all your dog’s essentials. Bonus if there is an internal ‘mess’ pocket that keeps treats or slimy toys separate from other contents, like this pack.

Dog Carrying Backpack

Backpack dog carriers that you wear. Use hiking, biking, or just a casual stroll around your neighbourgood. Recommended for smaller breed dogs, I don’t think you would want to carry your Great Dane on your back! Or maybe you would, you do you!

Pet Stairs

Especially good for corgis and other small/long-torsoed pups. Pet stairs provide easy access to your bed and couch. For easy storage, they can fold up.

Doggy Door

Let your dog go outside for potty breaks and playtime on their own schedule.

Vacuum

Cordless vacuums such as a robot ‘Roomba’ and stick vacuums are a must for your sheddy little friends!

Broom and Dustpan

Yep, for sweeping up fur and food!

Paper / Old Towels

You’re gonna need them! Alternatively, you can use old towels to wipe paws or spills instead of single-use paper towels.

What’s Next?

Getting a puppy? Congrats! Check out our new puppy checklist for all the essentials you need for your furry best friend.