Clients often ask what products I use with my own dog and in my work. This page shares the equipment, food and services I personally use and trust.
These aren’t recommendations — every dog is different — just a helpful reference for those who are curious.
Pure Dog Food
As a young dog, Bertie was an absolute nightmare to get to eat. Something that was a real concern for myself and my wife as he is a standard poodle who needed to eat properly to grow healthily. I spent hours researching large-breed dog food to find the best for our fussy young man, only to have him go off it after only a few short weeks.
Then I found 'Pure'. Bertie has been on this food for over a year now, and yippee, he eats like a proper dog and maintains a lovely, healthy weight.
'You answer a few questions about your dog; weight, age, breed, and allergies or sensitivities, and they let you know which of their foods are best for him. You then get to choose which ones you order. When it arrives, all you have to do is scoop the recommended amount into their bowl and mix with water.'
I am so happy with this food and the improvement in my fussy pooch's eating that I sing its praises from the rooftops. So much so that 'Pure' have now made me a brand ambassador.
If you'd like to give it a go yourself, follow my link below and get a 30% discount on your first order.
Hazel Crumplin’s Canine Massage & Dog Grooming
Hazel and I became acquainted after sharing a mutual client who has some very real struggles with being touched. The poor little girl is so against people touching her that she will quite literally draw blood.
Hazel didn't refuse to groom her; instead, she and I worked together to get her to the point where she can tolorate Hazel giving her a much-needed groom.
As a result of Hazel's patience and willingness to work with dogs that would otherwise be turned away, I will always recommend her to my customers if their pets are experiencing troubles with grooming.
Please follow the link below to find out more.
Torridge Pet Cremation
No one wants to think about the need for their services. Unfortunately, it does come to all of us who share our lives with a pet. We've been there. Too many times! When we lost Oscar, we had to wait 10 days for his ashes to be returned to us. It was, quite honestly, the worst 10 days we've ever suffered.
Torridge Pet Cremation opened, just outside Holsworthy, about a year after we lost Oscar. Unfortunately, we have needed their services twice since then. I honestly can't recommend them enough. The owners are pet owners themselves and know exactly what you are going through. They understand the pain of your loss and the anxiety you suffer while your beloved pet is in their care. They put you at ease.
On both occasions, we have had our beloved pets returned to us in less than 24 hours.
Not just that. Each cremation is carried out individually, which means the ashes returned are 100% guaranteed to be those of your beloved only.
These next products I buy from Amazon.
I am legally bound to inform you that I am an Amazon associate.
All of these products are used either with my own dog or with the dogs in my care.
Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes
Two reasons we give Bertie this every day.
- Bertie has always been a slightly nervous dog. This affects his digestion. Bad digestion leads to poor gut health, causes behavioural changes and ill health.
- Bertie is a breed that can be prone to bloat. Research suggests that a daily dose of probiotics helps reduce the risks of bloat.
Plaque Remover
Bad teeth & smelly breath are signs of ill health. Bad teeth will cause ill health in your dog.
Bertie hates having his teeth cleaned. Denta sticks are not only unhealthy, but they don't really work.
A sprinkle of this on top of his food helps to keep his teeth clean. It works for Bertie.
Bug-K9 & Empty Gelatin Capsules
These two items go together in our house because Bertie doesn't like the taste of Bug-K9. Of Course!
Have you ever considered what exactly is in your flea and tick treatment? It's Pesticides!
We choose not to put pesticides in Bertie.
So we spent all of last year trialling this product.
It's a Natural Parasite Prevention Supplement for Dogs that works against fleas, ticks & worms.
It's not 100% in areas with high concentrations of these parasites. However, for your everyday walk in the park or on the beach, we have found it works.
And if, like Bertie, your dog doesn't like the taste. And you have the patience, you can fill the capsules with the powder and pop them in a favourite treat or his food.
Link to Bug-K9
Link to Empty Capsules
Pet Wiz Flea & Tick Spray
In the height of summer or when we're walking through high-vegetation woodland, we also spray this on Bertie for extra protection.
Made with Purified Water, Lavender Oil, Citronella Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Rosemary Oil, Geranium Oil, North American Cedar Oil, Lilac Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E.
This is another natural repellent that pests don't like. Adding a second layer of protection.
Again, I will say it's a repellent, not a pesticide, so not 100% full-proof.
Link to pet wiz Flea & Tick Spray
Pets Purest Scottish Salmon Oil For Dogs
We give Bertie this with his food every meal.
It contains Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids derived from EPA and DHA, known as triple omega. These nutrients help keep animal coats soft and support overall pet health.
It also supports brian and heart health. Joint support, flaky skin, itch and hair loss.
Find it HERE
Tug-E-Nuff Faux Fur Squeaky Bungee Chaser Dog Toy
This little tug toy fits nicely in my pocket. When I'm out training, I use this toy as a distractor when needed or as a reward after training. Most dogs love a game of tug, and if you can use it to distract from a trigger, even better.
Check it Out
Coachi Tuggi Ball
Another pocket filler. If I have a dog that needs distracting whilst out training, this little ball on a bungee is the perfect tool. Give him a game of tug and he stops watching what ever he's worried about.
The other good use for it is when I want to reward a dog that likes to chase at the end of a training session. I just have to throw it for them and if they don't bring it back for more, real their lead in until they learn.
Find it Here
Dog Flirt Poles Extra Strong
Flirt poles are a great way to teach your dogs self control, if used correctly. Alturnatively, I also use it to take the bounce out of a dog before embarking on a training session. I've yet to train a dog that didn't thoroughly enjoy chasing or tugging the toy at the end. The key is to then teach them to leave it.Find it HERE
Find it Here
Silicone Treat Bag
My wife and I have tried out sooo many different treat pouches over the years. Non of them were ever quite right.
This one, is so good we both have one.
It's made of silicone, so water proof and has a magnetic closure for quick and easy access.
I've had mine for more than a year and it's still going strong.
Get one Here
Training Lead for Dogs, 5M Waterproof
I don''t know about you, but when I'm training with a long lead, it drags through mud and water.
It can take days to dry if in constant use. Which is often the case for me.
Not so for this lead! A quick wipe or drag through a clean puddle and it's good to go for the next time. I use this lead with my bigger dogs. It also has ridges all the way down it making it easier to grab hold if the beastie trys to make a run for it.
Click Here
Dog & Cat Enrichment Toy
This little toy is a nice little bit of enrichment for your dog. Add something watery, with a nice flavour and leave them to lick it clean.
Word of caution. If like Bertie, your dog likes to chew. Don't leave them unatended with it or it'll be in pieces when you come back.
Take a LooK
K9Kraft - Waterproof Small Dog Lead
180cm
I've just discovered this seller on Etsy who makes the perfect waterproof leads for small dogs.
The problem I have found with smaller leads is that they still come with big and bulky clasps, which are still too heavy for most small dogs.
This little lead has a lovely small clasp, so when my small clients are having a little run, I'm not worried about it weighing them down.
I've only bought this lead from them, which I'm really pleased with. But they do other stuff that looks good too.
K9Kraft on Etsy
Cardboard Box
After you've received your delivery from Amazon or Pure, you're sure to have a nice cardboard box. This is such a good enrichment for your dog.
We save the box and the brown paper that inevitably comes in it, then, before leaving the house for the day, I chop up some of Bertie's nice, healthy treats and hide them amongst the brown paper for him to hunt through. Occasionally, we have a box without brown paper, so we stuff it with all his squeaking teddies and hide the treats among them.
Bertie gets so excited that he can't wait for us to leave.