YEAR-ROUND ESSENTIALS + winter gear guide

When it comes to dog gear, I really like to keep things simple. I focus on the needs of the dog from a safety standpoint and what items are necessary to make sure they are set up for success. This of course varies by dog (breed, coat length, size, etc.) but I’ve built this to give an overview of the gear I use on a regular basis and nothing extra or unnecessary!

  • Leash: A thin slip leash is my leash of choice. Even if we are doing an off-leash activity, I always carry a leash with me in case I ever need it! My two favorites are:

  • With all of the work in the rescue world I’ve done, I cannot stress how important it is to have a collar and ID tag on your dog at all times. If something were to happen and your dog gets loose, you significantly help the person who finds your dog to be able to contact you quickly when your dog has a collar and tag.

    My favorite collar: Arnoldsen Leather Dog Tack

  • For the car: Ruffland is my favorite. They are lightweight and you can easily take them in and out of your car. They’re super safe and have a den-like feel so your dog feels safe while riding in the car. So much of car anxiety can come from cars/objects moving by at fast speeds and it’s a lot for dogs to process…especially those with herding instincts. So a crate like a Ruffland limits visibility which can actually help lower stress. 

    For home: Ruffland is totally good for home too, but the footprint can be slightly smaller, so either size up or get a crate with a rectangular shape - like Rock Creek

  • I always keep a dog specific first aid kit (I love this one from Adventure Medical Kits) with us during activities no matter the season, however for winter I always make sure to have extra of the following:

    • Bleed stop - If your dog snags a toenail on some brush hiding below the snow or if you are skiing with your dog this is a must! Yes, we are working with our dogs to keep them away from the skis and to ski safely, however accidents can still happen. I include the gel (good for broken toenails), powder and gauze in my kit

    • Gauze: In case of a cut or needing to wrap, I always pack extra gauze in my kit 

    • Athletic wrap: Also in case of a cut, I make sure a fresh roll of athletic wrap is in my kit

  • Primo pads are great for dogs who like to chew soft bedding. They still provide a padded mat for your dog to sleep on but are safer and can secure to the bottom of the crate. Other benefit: easy to clean

  • Mountain Wild training treats are my go to! They’re the perfect size for doing Yes Work and they’re made with sustainably sourced 100% wild elk and deer. My dogs are literally obsessed with them. Use code PETE10 at checkout for 10% off!

  • Ruffwear Trail Runner Ultralight Bowl is the bowl we use most. It’s super packable and is all we need to quickly get the dogs some water on trail no matter the season

  • I love using these collapsible water containers from HydraPak! They fit easily into my pack, they’re durable and have different size options

YEAR-ROUND GEAR

  • Ruffwear is my top recommendation for warm winter jackets! They have a wide variety for different needs. Of course this is breed specific but my shepherd/pit mix wears the Powder Hound jacket the most! 

    If you have a doodle or breed that gets a lot of snowballs stuck in their fur…this Protector Suit from Non-Stop Dog Wear is awesome!

  • Why would your dog wear booties?: If the temps are really low (single digits or negative), even dogs who are built for the cold can start to get cold feet to the point where they are picking up their paws or they can even get frostbite when cold enough. Also…salt! If you live in an urban area, booties are a great way to protect your dog’s paw pads from salt.

    • I like to use mushing booties (that sled dogs use) - they’re affordable (no sad tears if you lose one), they are soft and mold with your dog’s feet as they run, but tough enough that they’ll protect your dog’s feet from ice and getting too cold. It’s important to measure your dog’s feet and go off of the recommended sizing chart. Booties that are too big will inhibit your dog from moving naturally and will most likely fall off anyways

    • Mountain Ridge Booties - Standard or Finished top

    • Non-Stop Dog Wear High Booties - again for dogs who are prone to getting snowballs on their feet/legs

    • Non-Stop Dog Wear Long Distance booties (similar to Mtn Ridge option)

  • This is SO INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT if you are skiing with your dog! Skis are sharp and skiing with your dog is inherently dangerous. You must carry a first aid kit. 

    • Overall favorite kit:  Adventure Medical Kits 

      • For skiing, make sure you have extra of the following: 

        • Bleed stop - If your dog snags a toenail on some brush hiding below the snow or if you are skiing with your dog this is a must! Yes, we are working with our dogs to keep them away from the skis and to ski safely, however accidents can still happen. I include the gel (good for broken toenails), powder and gauze in my kit

        • Gauze: In case of a cut or needing to wrap, I always pack extra gauze in my kit 

        • Athletic wrap: Also in case of a cut, I make sure a fresh roll of athletic wrap is in my kit

      • If your dog gets cut while skiing, please consult your vet on needed next steps!

  • I personally have the FidoPro Airlift sling and would use it in a scenario if my dog were to be severely injured where they could not walk back to the car. Luckily I’ve never had to use it, but it gives me peace of mind that I could safely get my dog back to the car and head straight to the vet if needed. 

WINTER-SPECIFIC GEAR