Western Mass Dog Training
Additional Puppy Starter-Kit Essentials
Not every product I recommend is available through Chewy. This page is for specialty products, handmade items, DIY projects, and other recommendations that I've found especially useful when raising and training puppies. I'll continue adding to this collection as I discover products I think are worth sharing.​
Leashes and Drag Lines
Purchase a regular 6-foot leash for walking, and two lightweight leashes that you can use to make a 6 and 15 foot drag line by cutting off the handles:
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High end lightweight long line recommendation
Low end lightweight long line recommendation
Biothane lightweight ling line recommendation​​
DIY OPTION
Make your own lightweight puppy leashes with paracord and clips:
Flirt Pole (Tail Teaser)​
A favorite tool for engaging shy puppies, keeping toy lovers from running off with the prize, and building play skills!​​
A flirt pole is one of my favorite ways to introduce interactive play while discovering what type of play your puppy enjoys most. Does your puppy love to stalk, chase, catch, or tug? This simple tool lets you explore your puppy’s natural instincts in a fun, controlled way.It is especially helpful for puppies who are sensitive to spatial pressure from people or unsure about more physical games like tug. Instead of reaching toward your puppy or asking them to engage, the flirt pole lets them choose to chase and participate.
Benefits of a flirt pole:
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Helps teach the foundations of tug and fetch while keeping the toy connected to you.
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Channels your puppy’s natural chase instincts into an appropriate game (it doesn’t create prey drive — it gives your puppy a safe outlet for instincts they already have).
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Helps you discover which movements and games your puppy finds most rewarding.
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Makes you part of the fun, strengthening your puppy’s desire to engage with you.
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For safe play, watch this 5-minute demonstration
Hint: a rabbit never commits suicide by jumping into your pup’s mouth — they stay close to the ground, dart, and run away.
Keeping the lure low and moving it naturally helps your puppy engage in a safer, more realistic version of the chase game.
Because puppies are still developing physically, it is important to play appropriately while growth plates are maturing. Keep the lure close to the ground, use smooth sweeping movements rather than sharp jerks, and avoid high jumps or sudden tight turns.
I have found that many puppies and adult dogs love this real raccoon tail, so I make my own flirt poles with them​​​​​​​!​ Simply purchase the racoon tail, parachord, and a pvc pipe.
DIY OPTION
​Teething Comfort ​
​In the First Week Chewy Quick Start Kit, we included a teething pacifier or combo kit to help soothe sore gums. If you'd like a simple DIY alternative, dampen a clean washcloth, tuck a few treats or pieces of kibble inside, roll it up, and freeze it before offering it to your puppy.
The cold can provide soothing relief for tender, teething gums while giving your puppy something safe and appropriate to chew.​
Important: Always supervise your puppy while they are using the frozen washcloth. Remove it once they have finished or immediately if they begin tearing off or swallowing pieces of the fabric.
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(DIY Frozen Wash Cloth)​