Top 26 Best Dog Accessories of 2023

Whether you’re buying toys for a new puppy or hoping to upgrade a well-worn leash, we have recommendations for every dog accessory imaginable, informed by our vast library of product tests. We’ve tried hundreds of dog products in a wide range of categories, conducting tests ranging from lab demos to real-world, hands-on experience, with testers reporting back results after months of use.

We also have a variety of fun, optional accessories we love, ranging from luxurious snuffle mats to designer jackets. What fun is being a dog parent without splurging a bit? So whether you’re looking for a fun gift or picking a dog-walking basic, here are our top picks for every major type of dog accessory.

Our Top Picks

Best Car Seat Cover:URPOWER Dog Car Seat Cover at Amazon
Best Food Storage Container:IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container at Amazon
Best Collar:Lupine Original Designs Dog Collar at Amazon
Best Nail Trimmers:Safari Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer at Amazon
Best Clippers:Wahl Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers at Amazon
Best Dog Toy:KONG Puppy Dog Toy at Amazon
Best Leash:Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash at Amazon
Best Pet Camera:Eufy Dog Camera D605 at Amazon
Best Brush:Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush at Amazon
Best Tags:GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag at Amazon

Best Car Seat Cover URPOWER Dog Car Seat Cover

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What We Like

• Waterproof, durable
• Full backseat coverage
• Available in a variety of colors
• Non-slip backing
• Easy seat belt access

What We Don’t Like

• May shift due to wind if car windows down
• Not machine-washable

When compiling our full roundup of the best dog seats on the market, URPOWER’s multi-purpose cover stood out immediately. It can be set up in three different ways to fit the specific needs of your pup and type of car, whether you’re looking for something for the back of your SUV or your sedan’s backseat. It is hyper-secure but also comfortable, and designed to not damage your vehicle. The 100 percent waterproof capability of the seat will come in handy, and it is also easy to clean, despite not being machine-washable.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Dimensions: 54 x 58 inches for Standard | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Coverage Style: Car bench, backseat hammock, cargo liner}

Best Food Storage Container IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container & Scoop Combo

Amazon: View On Amazon

What We Like

• Foam seal
• Caster wheels
• Two stackable containers
• Multiple colors available

What We Don’t Like

• Containers not connected

The best overall pick from our list of great food storage options for pups is the IRIS Airtight Pet Food Storage Container & Scoop Combo. Its most impressive feature is its airtight design: You can shake this plastic container or kick it over, and it won’t spill. It is as durable as it is impenetrable and easy to move around. Unlike a lot of containers on the market, it comes with a scoop, and the measurement marks make it easy to know whether you’re giving your dog the appropriate portion size for its meal.

Price at time of publish: $37

_{Capacity: 33-quart container stores up to 25 pounds; 12-quart container stores up to 10 pounds | Dimensions: 16.5 x 10.83 x 18.63 inches (33-quart) and 16.5 x 10.83 x 6.5 (12-quart) | Material: Food-grade, BPA-free plastic}

Best Collar Lupine Original Designs Dog Collar

 

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What We Like

• So many color and pattern choices
• “Even if chewed” guarantee
• A wide variety of fitting options

What We Don’t Like

• May stretch a little during initial weeks of use

There are essentially endless options to choose from, but we did our best to select an ideal dog collar, taking into account price tag, comfortability, safety and other elements. Our top pick from our list of great collars was this Lupine Original Designs option, available in more than 80 designs, including green-friendly options made from recycled materials. It’s both flexible and durable, keeping your pup both in control and in its element. Our testers noted its rare ability to cause virtually no discomfort or injury. In terms of tenacity, the Lupine collar is unbeatable next to competitors at its price point, thanks to a rust-proof ring and YKK buckle.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Sizes: Nine sizes, fits neck from 6-31 inches | Colors: Dozens of patterns, eight solid colors | Materials: Nylon}

Best Nail Trimmers Safari Professional Nail Trimmer

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What We Like

• Affordable
• Durable and sharp blades
• Easy to grip
• Comes in various sizes
• Can also be used on cats

What We Don’t Like

• Safety stop may not be the right size for every dog

To keep your pup well-manicured, we recommend the Safari Professional Stainless Steel Nail Trimmer, which topped our Best Nail Clippers list. Their exemplary sharpness is the main important feature of this double-bladed cutter, but it also has a non-slip grip and a tension spring that allow you to groom your dog safely and with precision. Tests proved that the clippers cut nails quickly and without hitting snags. At $12, this Safari Professional model is also about as cost-effective as dog clippers come.

Price at time of publish: $11.99

_{Style: Scissor | Breed Size: Small/Medium or Medium/Large | Life Stage: All | Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 0.5 x 2.55 x 10.5 inches | Blade Type: Angled}

Best Clippers Wahl Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers

 

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What We Like

• Corded and cordless operation
• Rechargeable
• Blades are color-coded and labeled for easy identification
• Made in the USA
• Reasonably priced

What We Don’t Like

• Not great for larger breeds
• May not be heavy duty enough for matted coats
• Difficult to find blade replacements

For the majority of sizes of dogs, the Wahl Deluxe Pro battery-powered clippers are a perfect option, with features that catapulted them to the top of our dog clippers best-of list. The clippers have a long-lasting battery and boast 6,000 strokes per minute of power. This will get you through a comprehensive trim with dogs of most hair types and thicknesses. Every accessory you could possibly need for a good groom comes with the clippers: blade guard, charger, clipper combs, styling comb, cleaning brush, scissors, and blade oil.

Price at time of publish: $65

_{Weight: 1.6 pound | Blade Material: High carbon steel | Battery Life: 2 hours | Accessories: Cord wrap, 4 color-coded blades, finishing comb, blade guard, blade brush and oil, storage case, scissors, power cord}

Best Dog Toy KONG Puppy Dog Toy

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What We Like

• Has an erratic bounce and wobble
• Softer rubber for teething pups
• Comes in four sizes and two colors
• Can be cleaned in the dishwasher

What We Don’t Like

• Can be destroyed by tough chewers

This KONG dog toy became the favorite pick for us among the exemplary puppy chew toys we found because of its sturdy rubber design, which is perfect for both dynamic play and teething and chewing. It can be filled with treats and frozen to be an extra-enticing option for your pup. Filling the toy with treats or other food will cause them to go to town on it. There are sizes of toys for both large and small dogs, so that it is easy for any size of pup to access the snacks inside.

Price at time of publish: $11

_{Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 3 inches | Materials: Rubber | Colors: Pink, blue}

Best Leash Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash

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What We Like

• Two padded handles
• Sturdy and durable
• Lots of color choices

What We Don’t Like

• Vulnerable to chewers

You would be hard-pressed to find a more crowded dog accessory market than the world of dog leashes, but Max and Neo’s super-popular Dog Gear model is a clear winner on both the safety and durability fronts. It became our favorite leash of the many excellent ones we found during our research. The design features two sturdy rubber handles, one known as a “traffic handle” spaced a foot and a half from your dog, designed for emergency use or if you’re in a location where you need to keep it controlled and close at hand. Pick either the 4- or 6-foot version of the leash in one of seven colors.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Material: Nylon | Color: Black, blue, pink, red, purple, teal, orange}

Best Pet Camera Eufy Pet Dog Camera D605

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What We Like

• Makes treat dispensing into a game
• Ability to pre-record messages
• Easy-to-clean treat compartment
• Great design

What We Don’t Like

• No mounting options
• High price tag

For a high-quality pet camera, it doesn’t get much more state-of-the-art than the app-controlled Eufy Pet Dog Camera D605. The technical specs are great—170 degree wide-angle lens,1080p resolution, 4x zoom function—and it functions great both in daylight and night. The camera rotates 270 degrees, its movements integrated with the app’s voice and treat and motion controls. Like many contemporary cameras, this camera can dispense treats, but this one can also shoot a treat in any direction, making snacktime a fun game for your pet, even when you can’t be there to play.

Price at time of publish: $200

_{Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.7 x. 12.44 inches | Subscription Required: No | Treat Dispensing: Yes | Motion Alerts: Yes | Night Vision: Yes}

Best Brush Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

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What We Like

• Not irritating or harsh
• Ergonomic handle
• Less expensive than most

What We Don’t Like

• Nylon bristle side is difficult to clean
• Not as effective on short-haired dogs

The standout of our dog brush “Best Of” list, this affordable double-sided brush from Hartz is expertly designed to tackle any variety of canine fur. Either use the stainless steel side for curly, knotty, or long hair, or flip it over and use the nylon bristles to keep your short-haired pup looking resplendent. Testers noted that dogs of all types and sizes seemed to enjoy their brushings, likely because of the gentle rounded tips on the brush’s pins. The Combo Dog Brush is also a comfortable grip for dog owners, thanks to its soft rubber handle; this feature is key during a long or vigorous brushing.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.62 x 12.25 inches; 4.8 ounce | Color: Purple | Hair Type: All, particularly long, curly, or wiry fur}

Best Tags GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag

 

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What We Like

• Durable stainless steel design
• Mirrored surface
• Double-side engraving
• Eight lines of text
• Nine shapes and two sizes

What We Don’t Like

• Relatively small tags that will look best on smaller breeds

Topping our Best ID Tags roundup, GoTag’s polished, stainless steel tags are extremely strong and durable. It is easy to find a model that works for your dog, thanks to the different sizes and shapes they are available in. It can fit four lines of text on either side of the tag, so owners can easily give as much information as they want.

Price at time of publish: $9

_{Color: Clear | Size: between 1 and 1.3 inches in diameter (depending on design) | Material: Stainless Steel}

Best Wipes Pogi’s Fragrance-Free Grooming Wipes

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What We Like

• Durable
• Gentle materials
• Large surface diameter
• Eco-friendly
• Organic ingredients

What We Don’t Like

• Wipes tend to stick together

The shining star on our Best Dog Wipes list this year was a product from Pogi: grooming wipes that are high-powered, gentle, and eco-friendly. Sized 8 by 9 inches, these large, quilted wipes can handle big jobs. They are also sturdily designed so they can withstand a vigorous cleaning.  The durability is the result of the sustainable bamboo fiber they are made out of. Their cleaning ingredients are also green—aloe vera, vitamin E, and Hawaiian awapuhi, primarily—and they are biodegradable. You can buy your wipes in sizes from 100 to 400 wipes, and with and without scent.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Quantity: 100, 120, 240, or 400 count | Wipe Size: 8 x 9 inches | Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Vera Extract, Vitamin E, Awapuhi Extract, Cucumber Extract}

Best Pooper Scooper Nature’s Miracle Advanced Pet Waste Scoop

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What We Like

• Works on any surface
• Easy to clean
• Comes in two sizes

What We Don’t Like

• Needs a separate container

All our research pointed to the easiest to use, best-made, and most sanitary pooper scooper on the market being Nature’s Miracle Advanced Pet Waste Scoop. Available in large and small sizes, its hard plastic design makes it durable, and its jaw-like bucket can pick up your dog’s business from any surface. It is also simple to keep it sanitary; the non-stick surface can be hosed off easily, while its antimicrobial capabilities will prevent it from smelling up your home or building up germs and bacteria.

Price at time of publish: $23

_{Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.8 x 27.5 inches (medium), 6.7 x 7.64 x 32 inches (jumbo) | Weight: 1.63 pounds (medium), 2.08 pounds (jumbo)}

Best Talking Buttons FluentPet Dog Talking Button Tester Kit

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What We Like

• Easy to record and press
• Compact and durable
• Variety of kits for a range of use
• Uses space efficiently

What We Don’t Like

• A little more expensive than others

The world of training your dog to use talking buttons is complex, and looking at our best talking buttons list, you will see that there lots of different directions interested owners can go. FluentPet makes a variety of kits featuring different numbers of buttons, which you can program with certain words that your dog will begin to associate with specific actions. Owners can upgrade to larger and more complicated kits if the training is a success.

Price at time of publish: $35

_{Button Size: 1.9 inches | Programmable: Yes | Extras: Free, downloadable starter guide, button stickers and HexTile foam mats}

Best Hands-Free Leash Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash

 

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What We Like

• Both hands-free and regular leash
• Durable bungee design
• 48” length
• Reflective for night jogs

What We Don’t Like

• Bungee flexibility works best with dogs who are already leash trained

If you’re an owner who loves to give your pup the freedom to run without having to tug it back, or one who loves to bring your dog along on a jog, it is worth looking into investing into a hands-free leash. The Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash works as a regular or a hands-free leash—it is most easy to attach to your waist—which allows for flexibility while moving through different environments. The four-foot length of the leash and its bungee material are perfect for maximum mobility for both you and your dog while in motion.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Size: 48 x 1 inch | Color: Green, gray | Material: Nylon}

Best Dog Shoes QUMY Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips

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What We Like

• Secure fit with adjustable strap
• Tough, anti-slip rubber sole
• Available in a range of sizes and colors
• Reflective strips for night walks

What We Don’t Like

• Not machine-washable
• Not for walking in deep water or sand

When selecting looks for our Best Dog Boots roundup, we primarily vetted products for comfortability, support, and protection against the elements. The QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes are a secure fit, with their double velcro snap design; they also excel in the safety department, with reflective straps for walks in areas with poor visibility or at night. Their anti-slip soles and waterproof (except in deep water) design provide fortification against snow, rain, and other potentially hazardous conditions.

Price at time of publish: $29

_{Main Material: Rubber and velcro | Size(s): 7 sizes available | Machine Washable: No}

Best Dog Training Book Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love

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What We Like

• Offers an expert perspective
• Personable and entertaining read
• Comprehensive
• Perfect for new and experienced dog owners alike

What We Don’t Like

• Lacks detailed training material

For an eminently readable, comprehensive, and smart dog training book, we recommend Zak George’s Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love. You may recognize him from his popular YouTube dog training videos and periodic appearances on Animal Planet. It covers the basics of dog training with a fresh perspective, beginning with the basics of raising a pet at home, looking after their health, and more, before entering into training regimens. Dog owners—new and experienced alike—will find something of interest in George’s entertaining book, which is a much more edifying read than an instruction manual.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Length: 240 pages | Language: English | Formats: Paperback/E-book}

Best Grooming Kit oneisall Cordless Dog Grooming Kit

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What We Like

• Battery-powered clippers
• High battery life
• Six clipper guards for precise trimming
• Comes with comb, brush, scissors

What We Don’t Like

• May not be powerful enough for dogs with thick undercoats

The name “oneisall” perfectly describes this cost-effective and customizable full-service dog grooming kit. Its clippers are cordless with a high battery life (150 minutes). They work on two different speeds and come with six clipper guards to get the cut exactly right. The kit also includes a grooming comb, cleaning brush, and scissors to give your pup the full makeover they need.

Price at time of publish: $37

_{Items Included: Clippers, clipper guards, comb, brush scissors, charger | Colors: Brown, Red, Gold, Silver | Clipper Guard Sizes: 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm}

Best Snuffle Mat Stellaire Chern Snuffle Mat

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What We Like

• Lots of areas to hide treats
• Machine-washable
• Anti-skid backing
• Rolls up and ties for storage
• Two sizes

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than most
• Takes up a lot of room

This top-of-the-line snuffle mat by Stellaire Chern is full of places to hide kibble and treats, decked out with pockets, flaps, and cup-like creations. This makes for great gameplay with your pup. The large size is spacious, which is perfect for doggie recreation, but is easily storable so it doesn’t take up your whole living room. It is also machine washable so it’s easy to clean, and durable and secure (it won’t slide around easily) to suit the play needs of both big and small dogs.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 23.6 x 39.4 inches (medium); 39.4 x 39.4 inches (large) | Materials: Polar fleece and upcycled materials | Colors: Blue, gray, pink, white}

Best Dog Toy Storage Morezi Large Dog Toy Storage Box with Lid

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What We Like

• Collapsible with removable spanider
• Nearly 20 colors and patterns
• Has a lid and handles

What We Don’t Like

• A little on the small side, especially if providing storage for toys for multiple dogs

This generously sized toy storage box from Morezi gets high marks for durability and practical design, and it just looks nice, so it won’t be an eyesore in your home. (Choose your favorite of 19 colors to make sure it suits your decor.) It comes with a spanider which allows you to choose whether to separate into two large compartments so you can organize your pup’s favorite things however you want; each half has its own lid which closes with Velcro. It is structurally firm, but is constructed from soft and high-quality fabric and easy to move around.

Price at time of publish: $26

_{Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 10 inches | Material: Linen/cotton blend}

Best Dog Dental Chews Greenies Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Chews, Fresh Flavor

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What We Like

• All-natural ingredients
• Adaptability for different sizes of dog
• Rich in vitamins and minerals to promote immune health

What We Don’t Like

• Some dogs don’t find the flavor enticing

For combating bad breath while promoting positive dental health, Greenie’s Natural Dog Dental Care Chews immediately stood out to us as a great option among the many dog breath freshener options on the market. They work wonders against tartar and plaque while giving dogs long-lasting fresh breath, making them a favorite with vets and owners alike. The chews are also chock full of vitamins and minerals with a proven beneficial effect on dogs’ immune systems.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Flavor: Mint | Shape: Treat | Application Type: Chewed | Recommended Frequency: Once a day}

Best Paw Wax Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax

What We Like

• Hardcore protection against extreme weather
• Protects against hot and cold environment
• Soothing properties for damaged skin
• 100% natural

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly higher price tag than budget options

There are dog paw balms suitable for different types of weather, breeds, and price brackets, but for a powerful and restorative balm that will work even in the harshest of cold weather, we recommend this Paw Protection Wax from Musher’s. It was originally created for dog sledders in Canada, so you know that it offers the maximum possible protection against irritation and other skin damage; to be clear, though, it also has been proven to work with dogs who have had unfortunate run-ins with hot pavement. Musher’s 100% natural wax also has soothing properties that do wonders for even the most cracked skin.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Ingredients: White and Yellow Beeswax, Carnauba, and Candelilla Wax and White and Vegetable Oils with Vitamin E. | Sizes: 600 g, 200 g, 1 pound}

Best Frisbee Chuckit! Paraflight Frisbee

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What We Like

• Two sizes to accommodate any breed of dogs
• Lightweight and aerodynamic
• Floats in water
• Resilient against heavy play

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t hold up after aggressive chewing

The Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer is our favorite dog frisbee of  the major consumer favorites we found online. Available in both small and large sizes, testers approved it as being a perfect fit for any breed of dog, and built to withstand heavy play. Super-lightweight, the nylon and rubber disc also floats in water, making it perfect for almost any kind of summer trip with your pup. Its weight and shape mean that it soars a long way, too, so your dog should prepare themselves to get some cardio chasing this thing.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Materials: Nylon | Size: 7 x 7 x 1 inch | Weight: 1.76 ounces | Colors: Blue/Orange, Green/Max Glow}

Best Jacket Wau Dog World’s Lightest Warm Jacket For Dogs

What We Like

• Reversible
• Available in several fun, bright colors
• Fits to sizing guide
• Lightweight and warm
• Folds up into a compact carrying case
• Water-resistant
• Fits snuggly, so a dog can’t pull it off
• Provides chest protection

What We Don’t Like

• No opening for leash hook
• Zips from neck to tail, which is difficult with squiggly dog
• Doesn’t provide protection for back legs
• Zipper on bottom

In all our research, we were unable to find a dog jacket that boasted the Wau Dog Jacket’s rare combination of resistance to the elements, comfortability, and light weight (with a fun and colorful design to boot). It is thoroughly windproof and water-resistant and designed to be adaptable to different types of weather. It is form-fitting, but it does not restrict dogs’ mobility. If you’re bringing it out on an excursion with your pup and want to store it away, its carrying case makes it simple to tuck into a bag or stow elsewhere.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Materials: Nylon, polyester fiber | Sizes: XS22-L65, see sizing guide | Colors: Yellow/Light Green, Red/Black, Orange/Light Green, Black/Light Green, Light Blue/Light Green, Black/Light Blue, Pink/Purple, Pink/Grey}

Best Dog Goggles Rex Specs V2 Dog Goggles

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What We Like

• Great build quality
• Removable lenses, with two included
• Multiple size options
• UV protection
• Wraparound lenses for the widest field of view

What We Don’t Like

• Tougher to fit on dogs with flat faces

For protection for your pup’s eyes, Rex Spex’s V2 Dog Goggles were a clear choice for a chart topper on our Best Dog Sunglasses list. They offer human-grade eye protection—UV 400—combatting a full 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation and can be used with and without black lenses. They also are essentially safety goggles, impervious to shattering, thanks to their polycarbonate lenses. They fit securely on dogs’ heads without chafing or other discomfort and accommodate their full peripheral vision so that there’s no risk of disorientation or injury.

Price at time of publish: $84.95

Best Bandana The Foggy Dog Modern Mud Cloth Dog Bandana in Black

What We Like

• Many unique patterns
• Website features real dogs modeling the bandanas

What We Don’t Like

• Few solid color options

When choosing a great dog bandana, you have fewer practical concerns to worry about than with almost any other accessory on this list; just make sure your dog feels comfortable in it. We love the flair of Foggy Dog’s bandana line, which includes dozens of different designs, whether for holidays or just a bit arty flair. These bandanas are largely 100% cotton (easy to clean!), but a couple of special patterns integrate flannel and upcycled denim. In this selection, you can almost definitely find something that will suit your taste and look great on your pup.

Price at Time of Publish:$26

_{Material: Cotton, flannel, denim | Size: 13, 18, or 22 inches}

Best Treat Bag Ruffwear Treat Trader Dog Treat Bag

 

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What We Like

• Clips to waistband or enclosed belt
• One-handed magnetic snap
• Waterproof lining

What We Don’t Like

• Outside pocket could be bigger

Please peruse our full leash accessory “Best Of” list to see what items might suit your dog-walking needs most, whether it’s an on-the-go poop bag dispenser or a light for night walks. For our money, the Ruffwear Treat Trader, which is designed to hold dog treats and provide easy access, is a great staple. It’s a fanny-pack-style carry-along that can bring your dog instant joy and a deserved reward at any time while on the go. It is waterproof, it closes easily and throughout, and it can be used with one hold while you hold a leash.

Price at Time of Publish: $30

_{Color: Twilight Gray | Dimensions: 6 x 5.3 x 4.9 inches | Weight: 3.99 ounces}

What to Look for in Dog Accessories

Puppy Basics

For new dog owners raising a pup, it is important to make sure you have both the base of knowledge you need to get your pup through the easy stages of life, and products that will assist the most in its development. A read like our top dog training book (above) may be helpful. Some starter buys are a good dog leash and collar, as well as some chew toys that can get your dog active and keep it snacking. A pet camera will be helpful for watching it develop and keeping both it and your household safe until it becomes better house-trained.

Cleaning Basics

There are a variety of ways for your favorite canine to dirty up your house. It’s important for owners to invest in toys that will be easy to clean, so that food won’t get tracked around the house, and of course what is needed to comprehensively clean up their dog’s poop. (See our Pooper Scooper recommendation above.) Appropriate storage of food and toys can be a good way to make sure your dog isn’t getting into areas where it shouldn’t be. For general bodily cleanliness, one good go-to set of wipes is always an essential, and the right grooming products will keep your dog looking good and staying sanitary.

Must Haves for Travel

Taking your dog outside of its comfort zone—into the great outdoors—can be either the peak of excitement or a complete nightmare. Make sure you never leave the house without a good leash, collar, and ID tag. For dogs traveling in a vehicle, it is essential to have a dog seat cover to both keep it safe and contained and protect your car. For inclement weather, a good jacket and a pair of boots can be tremendously beneficial for many breeds of dogs.

Must Haves for the Car

In addition to the seat cover mentioned above, a good chew toy can be a crucial form of  distraction for your pup during a long car ride. A snuffle mat may be helpful, too. If you don’t want to be plagued by bad doggie breath when you’re in close quarters in the family sedan, bring some good breath fresheners along.

Must Haves for Walks

We love the Max and Neo leash we selected as our favorite dog leash, because it has two handles, which allows owners to have two essential levels of control over their dog when passing through either open or more populated and potentially hazardous areas. Make sure that you have the right leash for your size of dog, and that it is sturdy enough to accommodate its behavioral patterns. Of course, a good collar goes hand in hand with a quality leash; keep in mind both security, resilience and comfort when investing in these. ID tags will make sure good Samaritans know where your pup’s home is.

FAQ

• What do dog owners need the most?This is, of course, a subjective question, and based on the specific needs of your dog, household, and bank account. It is safe to say, however, that you should not enter into dog ownership without an ideal leash and collar situation in order. (ID tags should be a part of that unit as well.) Toys and play environments should also be fixtures, and puppies will be in need of controlling areas for romping around almost immediately. Items like wipes and basic grooming accessories are important for making sure your dog keeps clean and healthy and doesn’t become a breeding ground for parasites.