Our Favorite Products & Recommendations
One of the questions I get asked most often by puppy families is, "What products do you recommend?" From food and grooming supplies to training tools, toys, and everyday essentials, I've put together a collection of products that I personally use and love.
Every item on this page is something I have experience with and feel comfortable recommending. All of these products have been used with my own dogs or puppies and in my home, and are resources that I believe are genuinely helpful for puppy owners.
Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my breeding program and allow me to continue providing resources and educational content for puppy families. Other links are simply products that I love and want to share, with no affiliate relationship at all.
My goal is not to promote products for the sake of promotion, it's simply to provide puppy families with trusted recommendations and resources that may make life with their new puppy a little easier. I only share products that I would personally purchase, use, or recommend to my own family and friends. As I discover new products and resources, I'll continue updating this page with items that have proven useful in my own program and home.
Thank you for supporting my program and for trusting me to be part of your puppy journey!
FXW Exercise Pen, Raised Beds & Washable Potty Pads
FXW exercise pens are what I use for my puppies and they are my absolute favorite. They create a safe, secure space for play, rest, and early training, while still giving puppies room to move comfortably. My puppies are already accustomed to these pens here, which makes the transition into their new homes much smoother because the setup feels familiar right away. I recommend every new puppy family have one set up before their puppy comes home—it provides a safe space and helps maintain structure during those first weeks of learning and settling in. FXW also makes raised cooling beds, which I really like for giving dogs a comfortable place to rest that stays cool and elevated off the ground. They are especially nice during warmer months or for dogs who like a bit of airflow while they sleep.Their washable potty pads are another staple for me. They are durable, easy to clean, and much more practical for everyday use than disposable options. I like having them as part of early potty training because they hold up well and are simple to maintain.
https://fxw.life/EmpyreGreatPyrenees
Puppy Crate
A properly sized crate can make house training and puppy management much easier during those first few months. I prefer using a smaller crate for young puppies because it creates a cozy, secure space and helps prevent accidents. While your puppy will eventually outgrow it, I find that starting with an appropriately sized crate sets them up for success from the beginning.
Adult Crate
For my adult dogs, I prefer oversized crates that give these giant breeds plenty of room to stand, turn around, stretch out, and relax comfortably. A quality large crate is an investment, but it's something most families will use for many years. Even dogs that have earned free roam privileges often enjoy having a crate as their own quiet space to rest and unwind.
Purina Pro Plan 30/20 All Life Stages Salmon & Rice
This is the food my puppies are weaned onto and the food they will be eating when they go home with their new families. I like the convenience of an all-life-stages formula, which allows puppies to transition easily as they grow. While I rotate protein sources for my adult dogs, this is the diet I use for raising puppies and giving them a consistent nutritional foundation before they head to their new homes. Each puppy goes home with enough food in their go-home bag to last for the first few days, allowing families time to get settled and order additional food if needed. I recommend keeping puppies on the same diet during their initial transition period to help minimize digestive upset and make the adjustment to their new home as smooth as possible.
The link below provides a 40% discount on your first order, making it easy to continue your puppy's current diet while they settle into their new routine!
https://refer.purina.com/go/oKXw5AvfEJTW
Nature's Miracle Puppy Shampoo
This is the shampoo I use for my puppies. It is gentle enough for young puppies while still doing a great job of cleaning an adventurous puppy. I like that it leaves puppies feeling clean and soft without being overly harsh on their skin or coat. While puppies don't need frequent baths, it's always helpful to have a mild puppy shampoo on hand!
Alpha Dog Series Bright White Shampoo + Conditioner
This is the shampoo and conditioner I use when I want to enhance brightness and keep coats looking clean and vibrant, especially on lighter-colored dogs. I like that it combines both cleansing and conditioning in one step, which makes bath time a little more efficient while still leaving the coat soft and manageable. It’s a good option for maintaining coat appearance between more intensive grooming sessions, and it helps keep coats looking fresh without being overly harsh. It also smells amazing, and the scent tends to last well after bathing, which is an added bonus when you want your dogs to stay fresh and clean longer between baths.
Nature’s Miracle (Enzyme Cleaner)
This is one of those “must-have” products in a home with puppies. Accidents are a normal part of the house-training process, and having a reliable enzyme cleaner makes cleanup much easier. I use it to help fully break down odors and stains so puppies are less likely to return to the same spot. It’s something I recommend every new puppy family have on hand before their puppy comes home. It’s simple, effective, and takes a lot of stress out of the early training phase.
Nail Care for Puppies & Adults
For very young puppies, I use small toenail clippers because they allow for more precise, gentle trims on tiny nails while they are still small and getting used to handling. As they grow, I transition them to standard dog nail clippers for routine maintenance. For my adult dogs, I use Resco nail clippers for regular upkeep. I like them because they are durable, reliable, and give a clean cut when used correctly. Consistent nail care is an important part of keeping dogs comfortable and maintaining proper foot health, so this is a routine I stay on top of throughout all life stages.
Grooming Brushes
I use a few different brushes depending on the age and coat type. For puppies, I start with a pin brush since it’s gentle and helps them get used to regular grooming without being too harsh on their coat or skin. It’s a great introduction tool for early handling and coat care. For adults, I use both a pin brush and a slicker brush. The pin brush is great for everyday maintenance and keeping the coat looking neat, while the slicker brush helps work through any tangles or undercoat more thoroughly when needed. Using both together helps keep coats healthy, comfortable, and well maintained. I use Chris Christensen brushes, which are definitely an investment, but in my experience they hold up beautifully for years and make a noticeable difference in coat care and efficiency.
Flea & Tick Prevention (PetArmor Plus)
This is the flea and tick preventative I use in my program. It contains the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus, but is typically more budget-friendly, which makes it a practical option for multi-dog households. I also like that it can often be purchased in bulk at places like Sam’s Club, which is helpful for families managing multiple dogs or wanting to stay stocked up for the season. As always, I recommend choosing a preventative that fits your dog’s needs and your veterinarian’s guidance, and staying consistent with protection year-round as appropriate for your area.
Microfiber Quick-Dry Towel
These are one of my simple but very useful everyday items, especially for puppies. Microfiber towels absorb water quickly and help get dogs dried off much faster after baths, rainy days, or outdoor play. It’s one of those small tools that ends up getting used all the time.
Dog Blow Dryer (High-Velocity Dryer)
This is one of the most useful grooming tools I use, especially for double-coated breeds like Great Pyrenees. It’s not just for drying after bath it's also incredibly helpful for blowing out loose undercoat during shedding season. Using a high-velocity dryer helps remove dead coat, dirt, and debris much more efficiently than brushing alone. It also speeds up drying time significantly, which is especially helpful for large, thick-coated dogs. Regular use can make coat maintenance easier, reduce matting, and keep the coat healthier overall.
Vet’s Best Toothbrush Kit
Dental care is an important part of overall health, and this is the toothbrush kit I use for my dogs. It’s designed to make brushing easier and more effective, with tools that are comfortable for both the handler and the dog. Starting dental care early helps puppies get used to having their mouth handled, which makes long-term dental maintenance much easier. I like this kit because it’s simple to use and helps support a consistent routine for keeping teeth clean and gums healthy
Collagen Chews (No Rawhide Recommended)
These are one of my go-to chew options for puppies and adult dogs. I prefer collagen-based chews as an alternative to rawhide, and I do not recommend using rawhide at all.
Buffalo Cheek Rolls
Buffalo cheek rolls are a chew option I like for both puppies and adult dogs. They provide a satisfying outlet for natural chewing behavior and are especially useful for crate time, quiet time, or helping puppies stay occupied in a positive way. I prefer these because they are not rawhide. Chewing is an important need for dogs, especially puppies, and I like offering alternatives that avoid rawhide while still being enjoyable and appropriate for long-term chewing.
Freeze-Dried Raw Liver Training Treats
These are one of my go-to training treats for puppies and adult dogs. Freeze-dried liver is highly palatable, which makes it very effective for early training, reinforcement, and building engagement during short training sessions. I like using small, high-value treats like these because they help keep puppies focused without overfeeding. They are easy to break into smaller pieces, which is especially helpful when working with young puppies who are just starting to learn basic cues and manners. As with any training treat, it’s important to be mindful of overall intake throughout the day to avoid overfeeding, especially during early training when treats are used more frequently. Some dogs can also experience mild stomach upset if they are given too many rich treats at once, so moderation is key.
Toys & Rotation for Enrichment
I always recommend having a variety of toys available and rotating them regularly. One of the most common frustrations new puppy families have is, “My puppy has plenty of toys, but still wants to chew the rug, shoes, or other household items.” In many cases, it’s not a lack of toys, but boredom with the same options being left out all the time. Rotating toys helps keep things interesting and increases engagement, making the toys feel “new” again without constantly buying more. I like having a mix of chew toys, interactive toys, and comfort toys so puppies have appropriate outlets for different needs throughout the day. This simple habit can make a big difference in preventing unwanted chewing and helping puppies succeed in the home. The puppies especially love crinkle toys! I don’t have specific brand recommendations for those. Trying different styles is part of the fun, and dogs often have their own preferences. Discount stores like TJ Maxx, Burlington, and similar shops can also be great places to find affordable options to experiment with!