New Brand Partnerships & Recommended Training Gear

One of the most common questions we get—whether it’s during an evaluation or partway through a training program—is simple:

“What gear should I be using?”

It’s a fair question. There are a lot of options out there, and not all of them are helpful. Some make things easier, some make things harder, and some just create confusion.

So instead of leaving people to figure it out on their own, we’ve decided to make things a lot more straightforward.

New Brand Partnerships

We’re excited to be working with a group of companies whose products we trust and use regularly in training:

• Wonder Walker

• Blue-9

• FitPaws

• Bridgeport K9

• SleepyPod

• SodaPup

These aren’t random picks or trendy brands. Every one of these has been chosen based on real-world use—what actually holds up, what actually helps, and what consistently leads to better results for both dogs and owners.

Each brand plays a different role depending on what a dog needs:

Wonder Walker is our go-to for front-clip harnesses and long lines. Their harnesses are simple, effective, and help reduce pulling by gently turning the dog rather than allowing them to lean into pressure. Their long lines are a key part of how we safely build recall and give dogs more freedom without losing control.

Two dogs enjoying the view in their Wonder Walker harnesses—simple, comfortable, and designed to give you better control without getting in their way.

Blue-9 focuses on clean, functional training tools. Their gear is designed to improve communication between dog and owner without adding unnecessary complexity. We use their products for everyday structure and clarity, especially when working on foundational skills.

FitPaws specializes in canine fitness and conditioning equipment. This is especially useful for building body awareness, confidence, and stability. For certain dogs—especially high-energy or less coordinated ones—this kind of work can make a big difference in overall behavior.

Bridgeport K9 provides simple, reliable everyday gear. Things like standard leashes and basic handling tools that just work without overcomplicating things. This is the kind of equipment most owners need on a daily basis.

SleepyPod focuses on car safety. Most people don’t think about it, but unsecured dogs in vehicles are at risk in the event of an accident. Their products are designed to keep dogs properly restrained and protected during travel.

SodaPup creates durable enrichment toys and slow feeders. These are a big part of building independence, reducing excess energy, and improving focus. Proper enrichment isn’t “extra”—it plays a direct role in behavior and training progress.

Why the Right Gear Matters

Training isn’t just about teaching commands. It’s about communication, consistency, and setting both you and your dog up for success.

The right tools make that process clearer and easier:

• A well-designed harness can reduce pulling without causing discomfort

• A long line allows you to safely build recall and freedom at the same time

• Proper enrichment can improve focus, independence, and overall behavior

• Safe travel equipment protects your dog and gives you peace of mind

None of these replace training, but they support it in a meaningful way.

A tab leash gives you a built-in handle for quick, close control. It’s great for managing jumpers, preventing counter surfing, or keeping your dog right by your side when it matters.

A Simple Way to Get Started

To make things easier, we’ve put together a dedicated gear page with the products we recommend most often:

👉 https://www.updogwalkandtrain.com/recommended-dog-training-gear

This isn’t meant to be overwhelming or filled with unnecessary

options. It’s a curated selection based on what we actually use in sessions and recommend to clients every day.

If you’ve trained with us before, you’ll recognize a lot of what’s on there.

If you’re just getting started, it’s a solid place to begin.

Not Sure What You Need?

Every dog is different, and what works best can depend on things like

size, temperament, environment, and training goals.

If you’re not sure what’s right for your dog, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction and help you make a decision that actually makes sense for your situation.

What’s Next

We’ll be breaking down each of these brands in more detail over the next few weeks—how we use them, when we recommend them, and what makes them effective.

For now, this is a good starting point if you’ve been wondering what gear to use or where to begin.