Dog Gear I Recommend (From Years of Walking Dogs in Finchley)
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Some links on this page may be Amazon affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I believe are useful for dog owners.
When you walk dogs every day, plus own your own dogs for 40 years (all rescues), you start noticing which equipment actually helps dogs and which things end up sitting unused in a cupboard.
I see a lot of different collars, harnesses, leads and gadgets on walks. Some make walking calmer and safer. Others make things harder for both the dog and the person holding the lead.
This page brings together the dog gear I regularly recommend to owners. These are tools I see working well on real walks
Nothing here is chosen because it is fashionable or looks cool. It is simply equipment that tends to work well for everyday dog owners.
If you are preparing for a new dog, helping a rescue settle in, or trying to make walks easier, these are good places to start.
A Good Harness Matters More Than Most Owners Realise
One of the most common issues I see on walks is a poorly fitted harness or a dog walking on a collar that puts pressure on the neck.
A well-fitted harness spreads pressure across the dog’s chest and shoulders. This can make walks more comfortable, especially for dogs who pull or those still learning lead skills.
When I am walking a dog through busy areas near East Finchley High Road or crossing roads around Muswell Hill, I want equipment that keeps the dog secure without causing discomfort.
When choosing a harness, I suggest looking for:
• adjustable straps so the fit can be tailored
• padding across the chest
• a strong back attachment
• room for the shoulders to move naturally, and doesn’t rub under the arms
Harnesses that sit too close to the throat or rub under the front legs often cause problems.
Related post Leads and Harneses
Recommended Harness Perfect Fit harness – direct link
Long Lines for Recall Training and Confidence
Long lines are one of the most useful tools for training recall.
They allow a dog to explore and sniff while you still maintain control. This is particularly helpful for dogs who are not ready to be fully off-leash.
I often recommend long lines for:
• rescue dogs adjusting to new surroundings
• young dogs learning recall
• nervous dogs who need space
• dogs with a strong chase instinct
In quieter areas such as parts of Coldfall Woods or the edges of the Parkland Walk, long lines give dogs more freedom without the risk of losing them.
Most owners find a line between five and ten metres works well.
Treat Pouches Make Training Much Easier
Good training often comes down to timing.
If you are digging around in your pocket for treats while your dog is pulling towards another dog or chasing a pigeon, the moment has already passed.
A small treat pouch keeps rewards easy to access.
This makes it much easier to reinforce behaviour such as:
• calm walking near other dogs
• responding to their name
• checking in with you
• loose lead walking
It sounds simple, but this small change can improve walks surprisingly quickly.
Training Treats That Actually Work Outdoors
Many dogs will ignore their regular food once they step outside.
Parks are full of distractions. Squirrels, smells, and other dogs can easily win the dog’s attention.
That is why I often recommend using small, soft training treats that are easy to eat quickly.
They should be:
• soft and easy to chew
• small enough to deliver quickly
• high value for the dog
I always use Natural treats as these are generaly fine for all odogs
Natual dog Treats – Amazon
Sprats no dog can resits – amazon
Enrichment Tools That Help Dogs Settle at Home
Walks are important, but dogs also need ways to use their brain indoors.
Mental stimulation can help reduce boredom and restlessness.
Many behaviour issues improve when dogs have appropriate outlets for their energy.
I always recommend as a stat that people ditch the bowl, or at the very least, use a slow feeder
Related post: Dogs and enrichment
recommended product
Lick Mats
Lick mats are one of the easiest enrichment tools to introduce.
You spread soft food across the textured surface, and the dog spends time licking it out.
Licking naturally helps dogs relax.
Owners often use lick mats:
• after walks
• during grooming
• when visitors arrive
• during fireworks
Safe options for spreading include plain yoghurt, mashed banana, or dog-safe peanut butter.
Recommended Lick Matt Tuff Pro as they are suitable for sizes and can withstand chewing – Amazon
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders turn mealtimes into a small challenge.
Instead of eating quickly from a bowl, the dog has to work out how to access the food.
This helps slow down fast eaters and keeps the dog mentally engaged.
Puzzle feeders can be particularly helpful for:
• working breeds – Missy, my collie, loved these
• energetic young dogs
• dogs recovering from injury who need quieter activity
Puzzle Feeder – Amazon link, but I have found these to be great with most dogs
Natural Chews
Chewing is a normal and calming behaviour for dogs.
Many dogs settle more easily in the evening if they have an appropriate chew.
Some commonly used options include:
• dried rabbit ears
• beef skin chews
• yak chews
• natural dental chews
Always supervise chewing and choose a chew suitable for your dog’s size.
I always used to get Missy and Roxy a variety of natural chews from Amazon, and one of the things I found worked best was the 1kg Natural dog treat box
The other natural treat bag I used to get them, which contains chicken, rabbit, beef and pork chews, all single ingredients, and never caused Roxy any skin issues, unlike most commercial treats,s was
1kg Natural Treat Bag – Amazon
Training Leads
Standard short leads often create tension between the dog and the person walking them.
A slightly longer lead can make walks feel more relaxed.
Many dog trainers recommend leads around two metres long because they allow a little more movement without losing control.
This small change can help dogs walk more comfortably beside you.
A waterproof, easy-to-clean lead that I recommend for dog walking
Waterproof long line – amazon link
Real World Dog Walking in North London
Many of the recommendations on this page come from daily walks across North London.
Dogs I walk regularly spend time in places such as:
• Coldfall Woods
• Cherry Tree Wood
• Highgate Woods
• Parkland Walk
• Dollis Brook
Each location brings different challenges.
Busy paths, cyclists, wildlife and off-leash dogs all mean equipment needs to be safe and reliable.
Over time, you notice which tools actually help dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in those environments.
A Quick Note About Cheap Dog Gear
It is tempting to buy the cheapest option online.
But poorly made equipment often breaks or fits badly. That can make walks stressful or even dangerous.
It is usually better to buy simple, well-made equipment that fits your dog properly.
A good harness, a comfortable lead and some decent treats are often all you need.
Finally, It is worth checking your dog’s walking equipment regularly for signs of wear. Clips can weaken, stitching can start to come loose and leads can fray over time, especially if they are used every day in wet or muddy conditions. I always think it is better to replace a worn harness or lead early than risk it failing on a walk when you need it most.
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If You Need Help With Your Dog
Some dogs need extra time and patience when learning to enjoy walks.
This is especially common with rescue dogs or dogs who feel overwhelmed in busy areas.
If you live in Finchley or nearby parts of North London, I offer:
• calm one-to-one dog walks
• training walks
• rescue dog support
• house sitting
• cat sitting
• small animal care, such as Rabbits
The aim is always to help dogs feel safe, relaxed and able to enjoy their walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important piece of dog walking equipment?
A properly fitted harness is often the most helpful piece of equipment. It spreads pressure across the body and can make walks more comfortable for many dogs.
Are long lines safe for dogs?
Yes, when used correctly. Long lines allow dogs to explore while you still maintain control. They should be used in open areas and handled carefully to avoid tangling.
Do dogs need enrichment at home?
Yes. Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and can reduce unwanted behaviours. Puzzle feeders, lick mats and natural chews are simple ways to provide this.
Are harnesses better than collars for walks?
Many dogs are more comfortable walking on a harness, especially if they pull or are still learning to walk loose on a leash.
How many training treats should I use on a walk?
Small amounts delivered frequently tend to work best. Treats should be small so the dog can eat them quickly without interrupting the walk.
Updated March 2026
This page was expanded to include additional enrichment tools and practical gear recommendations based on equipment commonly used during daily dog walks in North London
About the author
Derek “Del” Chambers runs Finchley Dog Walker in North London. He provides calm one-to-one dog walks, training walks and support for rescue dogs. Many of the dogs he works with are nervous or sensitive and benefit from a slower, more patient approach. Years of walking dogs through places like Coldfall Woods, Cherry Tree Wood and Highgate Woods have shaped his practical understanding of what dogs need to feel safe and relaxed on walks.