Deciphering Dog Gear

Eat, sleep, walk, play; a day in the life of a dog is pretty simple. Choosing the right gear for your dog, however, can be quite confusing. Most pet stores carry hundreds of brands, sizes and shapes of collars, toys and leashes. Read on for a few tips on how to choose the right equipment for your dog.

Most dogs require very basic feeding equipment. The most important part of choosing food and water bowls is to make sure they are an appropriate size for your dog. If you have a small puppy, think about the size the dog will be when full grown and choose bowls accordingly. Metal and ceramic bowls are considered more sanitary than plastic bowls, which can trap bacteria in scratches and nicks. Pick up a doggy placemat to catch spills and drips.

Every dog needs a sturdy collar and leash. A basic nylon or leather collar is perfect for everyday use. If you can, bring your dog with you to the pet store to try on collar styles and sizes before you buy. If you can’t bring your dog to the pet store, measure his neck and add a few inches to find the right collar size.

The collar should fit snugly around the upper neck. It should be tight enough to fit just two fingers between the neck and collar. It should not slip over the dog’s head or down to his shoulders. If you have a growing puppy, be sure to check the collar often to make sure it is not getting too snug. Training collars that choke, pinch or shock dogs should only be used when actively training your dog, and never left on the dog constantly.

Once you have selected a collar, find a leash to match. Look for a leash with hardware that matches the size of the hardware on the collar. Small dogs and puppies will do best with a lightweight leash. Large dogs will need something more substantial. You may need to upgrade your collar and leash as your dog grows.

Retractable leashes are a good option for letting your dog explore while still under your control. A retractable leash may not help teach your dog proper leash walking manners. However, retractable leashes can be helpful when visiting parks and public places where you want to explore, but your dog must remain on a leash.

A kennel and bed will come in handy for crate training your dog. Dogs like to have their own space to sleep and relax. Dog beds and crates come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Look for a bed and crate that is slightly bigger than your dog will be at full size. Place a few toys in the crate to help the dog understand the space is his.

Toys are a great way to interact with your dog and give him something to do when you are not able to play. There are hundreds of toys available, but most dogs will be happy with a simple ball and tug rope. If your dog tends to chew on things, stock up on bones and chew toys to redirect his attention away from furniture and shoes.

Remember that dogs like to run and play outside and will likely be rough on equipment. If your dog is full grown it is often beneficial to invest in high quality products that will stand the test of time. The Country Store carries a number of high quality dog equipment brands. If you have questions about which products might be best for your dog, just stop by and ask!