The Products We Use With Our​ Dogs

We recommend these products and brands so often that we decided to create a place for them on our site so you don't have to hunt around for them anymore!

We get asked every single day about our top recommendations for everything from food to toys. These are our top picks, chosen with the health and happiness of your pup as our number one priority. If you have questions about any of these recommendations, ask your Courteous Canine trainer or send us a message. We have tested every recommendation on this page, and have been recommending them for years!

The Basics

Clickers

Whether you purchased singles or three-session packages, or simply want more than the single clicker that came with your six-session package, we really think you can never have too many clickers! 

Harness (#1)

BrilliantK9 delivers bold designs with expert craftsmanship! This ergonomic harness is Modern Dogwear that truly makes a difference.

Ruffwear Harness (#4)

For when you need a little help – this harness features a front-clip option that gives you more leverage when working with a large, pulling dog. Of course, with more training you won't need leverage, but until then, this should help you stay on your feet. ;)

Jingle Free Tags

Made from stainless steel, these jingle free tags attach to the front part of the adjustment loop so the metal won’t irritate your hound’s neck. Deeply engraved and color filled, the tag collars are easy to read and feature a slide-on tag. Collars also available. A great option for all boarding and daycare dogs since hanging tags are not allowed.

Basic Long Line

 While this isn't the fanciest long-line, at under $10.00 on Amazon this 30' long line should be an essential part of your toolbox. We're hoping that the great cost will inspire each and every one of you to get one! #ad

Harness (#2)

While we do sometimes recommend front-clip harnesses when puppy-parents themselves have some physical limitations, this back-clip harness is usually all you need as we teach our dogs to keep the leash slack during walks. They are comfy and beautiful!

Embroidered Collar

An embroidered, personalized collar for your pup increases safety and gives you peace of mind. Remember no hanging tags for boarding and daycare dogs!
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Clawguard

Invented by one of our very own clients, the Clawguard is an effective way to prevent damage to your doors by over-exuberant pups. The Clawguard is the perfect door protection as we work on training and mental enrichment to reduce door-scratching!

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Comfort Long Line

This Mendota Products Check Cord comes in a variety of sizes, and has the advantages of being softer in the hands. It is rounded, rather than flat, more substantial, and stronger. The downside is its price, but we think it's worth it.

Harness (#3)

Okay, we couldn't restrict ourselves to just one. This Julius K-9 harness is great for long-haired pups or for those who don't like the feeling of the leash on their back. We also love these because they are so easy to put on! You can't go wrong.

Platform Bed

Coolaroo beds keep your dog comfortable and cool in the summer, and off the cold floor or ground in the winter. The design helps reduce pressure on hips, elbows, shoulders and knees. Available in small, medium and large sizes. We recommend platform beds like this for teaching the "place" behavior.

Toys & Chews

Puzzle Toys!

Food puzzle toys are the answer! Our personal favorite, the snuffle mat, is a great way to feed your dog meals if you use kibble. Having to sniff out the little bits of food or treats gets your pup's brain working HARD. Don't be surprised if he conks out afterward. 

Our Favorite Chew

Bully sticks from www.bestbullysticks.com are made from free-range, grass-fed South American cattle free of harmful antibiotics, hormones and chemicals, and are our #1 pick for long-term dog chews.

Our Favorite Small Tug

You can't go wrong with products from Clean Run, and we love this long tug toy. It is frankly irresistible to your dog, and tug with long toys is a great way to interact with mouthy puppies to give them something legal to put their teeth on.

Bully Buddy

The Bully Buddy is a durable, easy-to-use, veterinarian-vetted, and dog-approved device that tightly secures bully sticks, preventing dogs from choking on the tail-end of the treat.

​Zogoflex

The toppl treat toy made by Zogoflex is another fun and enriching food puzzle toy! It's innovative design is great for dogs of all sizes. Add some yummy treats, peanut butter, pumpkin or greek yogurt to the cup and watch your pup go to town. Freeze it for an even longer lasting experience. Combine the small and large cup for an additional challenge your dog will love. 

The Pupsicle

Long lasting quiet in a beautifully designed dog toy. Easy to clean & easy to fill with DIY or pre-made treats. 

For Puppies

Kid-Friendly Long Tug

More than a few of you have children, and one of the top issues we deal with is puppy nipping and mouthing on kids. This tug toy is the perfect way to keep puppy teeth away from sensitive hands, so that interactions are fun for both parties!

​Exercise Pen

When not being directly watched, puppies should be confined with fun chews and toys until they are fully potty trained, and usually beyond! Confinement is the best way to prevent problem behaviors such as chewing or counter-surfing from developing in the first place.

Food and Treats

 Raw Air Dried Food

Somewhat more affordable than Darwin's frozen options, Big Dog Natural (BDN) Pet Foods is raw, fermented, and air dried. Though you don't need to thaw like frozen food, you will still need to spend some time rehydrating this food before feeding, but it is well-worth the effort!

Fresh Pet

Another brand you can trust for high-quality food and treats! You can find some of their products in the refrigerated section at pet stores. They have all kinds of options, including a variety of proteins and grain free.