This leash coupler is obviously used to connect two dogs together, most commonly on the walk.  But I use it when I run more than one dog on my bike. I can hook two dogs together on my right side while I’m riding and have only one leash to manage.  If you have more than one dog this is an especially helpful tool to have on hand. I like the coupler made by Empire Tracks since it’s two feet long when extended, allowing the dogs a bit of breathing room from each other.  They range in a variety of sizes though, so if you have two very small dogs, you probably don’t need two feet extension. I also like that this model has the circle ring in the middle, allowing it to extend into one long strip.

I would not recommend a coupler for dogs that do not heel properly or if you have one dog that needs consistent leash corrections as a coupler means that you can only give equal leash corrections to both dogs (with the potential that you “snap” a dog that isn’t doing anything wrong). But if you run, bike-ride, or walk with both dogs on one side of you a coupler will mean you only have to hold one leash for two dogs! This is also a great tool if you bikejor or scooter with two dogs. You can hook the ends to their harnesses and link your tow line to the circle ring!

Even though the ChuckIt launcher (reviewed here) functions perfectly well with typical tennis balls, the ChuckIt Ultra Balls do have some advantages. They are a bit heavier than normal tennis balls, and should stand up to even major chewing. They aren’t quite as fuzzy as typical tennis balls, so dirt and grass doesn’t get stuck to them quite as easily. The bright orange and blue colors make them easy to spot in the grass. The price seems high but if your dog goes through typical tennis balls quickly, give them a shot!

My pointer hardly ever finds a toy he likes well enough to retrieve, but on a recent trip to the dog beach he was obsessed with this toy! The Kong Air Dog Fetch Stick is a combination of tennis ball, bumper, and rope! The rope was absolutely shredded on the one we played with, but it was an un-claimed toy on the beach and at least 50 dogs had attacked it. But even the shredded rope was still useful for getting a good wind-up so that it could be launched! It floats, making it a great beach toy. For only just over $10, you can’t go wrong. If your dog loves a tennis ball or frisbee, he may also love this fetch stick!

Harnesses have become extremely popular for dogs in America to a fault. Improper leash training results in a dog that pulls and chokes itself. So, owners feel they have no choice but to invest in a harness for their dog to keep it from choking as it pulls them along. The problem is that harness were made for dogs to pull since they distribute all weight along the strongest part of a dog’s body–it’s chest. By placing a dog in a harness, you are only encouraging your dog to pull more.

The positive side of the popular Step-In Dog Harness is that it is easy to put on. You simply place the legs of the harness on the dog’s legs and click the snap between the shoulder blades. The leash connects to the snap along the dog’s withers and you’re ready to go.

The downfall of this specific harness is that it can be stiff and uncomfortable until broken-in and most importantly, it is easy for most dogs to get out of.  I suggest you steer clear of harnesses in general, and find a trainer who can teach your dog to heel properly on the walk. If you are training your dog for weight-pull, bikejoring, or the like, I suggest purchasing an x-back racing harness which distributes the weight even more evenly along your dog’s body.

Anyone who has ridden a horse has quickly learned that if you can point the horse’s head in the direction you want to go, the body will follow. The same is true of the Gentle Leader Head Collar. This special collar smoothly and gently moves your dog’s head making it easy to have them follow you on the walk and look away from distractions. This type of collar is especially good for dogs that have been desensitized to leash corrections at the neck (for example if you have a dog that does not respond to a prong collar, you need to try the Gentle Leader). It is inexpensive, highly adjustable and comes in five different colors. The included training DVD discusses how to introduce your dog to this new training tool in a positive manner and how to set yourself up for success while using the Gentle Leader.

However, the Gentle Leader is often mistaken for a muzzle and may cause some to shy away from your pet. Be informed that this is not the case–your dog is still able to catch a ball, drink, pant, and bite while wearing this head collar. I have also seen it discolor a dog’s fur around the nose area. Know that not all dogs respond well to it. After months of training with the Gentle Leader my pointer still can pull through it and fixate regardless. But for the majority of people who purchase the Gentle Leader, their dog responds very positively to this tool. I believe it is worth the money and may be just what your dog needs to take your training to the next level.

Investing in a backpack is a great way to tire your dog out quickly since it forces your dog to concentrate on the job of carrying the backpack. They remain focused on that instead of becoming distracted by other things.We often put on our dog’s backpacks when we have guests over because of the way it keeps the dogs calm. We also use them frequently when going on any substantial walk.

I have found the Quick Release Backpack to be my favorite because it distributes the weight along the dog’s body and has lots of storage space. It has pockets that are a good size for carrying water bottles, and pick-up bags. It is called “quick-release” because of the break-away function to quickly lighten the load for your dog. There is also a key clip in one of the pockets which is very handy. This backpack comes in red, blue, or hunter green.

The straps on the Quick-Release Backpack tend to run very long. It is sometimes necessary to cut them so that they don’t drag.

A Chuckit is an absolute MUST HAVE item for any family that owns a dog that loves tennis balls! You will never again have to pick up a slimy, slobbery tennis ball and you will never again hurt your shoulder by throwing the tennis ball too hard. The Chuck-It fits any standard tennis ball (you do not have to buy the specific Chuck-It Balls, ordinary tennis balls will do just fine). Simply launch the loaded Chuck-It with a flick of the wrist and the ball will launch half a block! Your canine companion will have a blast chasing the flying balls every morning, afternoon and evening. Gets your dog tired but not you!

Bike riding with your dog is a wonderful way to get him tired–but not you! But how do you do it safetly? After researching several similar products, I settled on the Walky-Dog bike attachment due to the straight-forward design and the inexpensive price. We have been very pleased with it and use it on a regular basis for exercising our dogs. It keeps the dogs a healthy distance away from the tires, is adjustable to the height of your dog, and is easily assembled to most bicycles. You must tighten the bolts very tight to the bike to keep the metal bar from moving forward or backward (but that’s not a problem). This type of hands-free bike leash will not work with  bikes that have a shock absorber  under the seat instead of a pole; you need something to connect it to. Also, some bikes have very thick frames which will be too big to fit the bolt portion of the Walky-Dog. As the purchaser of this item you will  feel much more comfortable riding with your dog!

Three paws!