What are the top five items you have purchased for your dog that you would recommend to others? What makes them great?
Top 5 items for what? Training? Basic living?
crate/xpen
collar(s)
leash(es)
ID tags and microchip
obedience classes
They all keep my dog safe and me sane.
For basic living I would say:
1. Collars/leashes. I would recommend biothane collars, such as Gun Dog Supply Tufflex biothane collars with the free brass nameplate as they are cheap, won't absorb odors, waterproof, and easy to clean with a wet rag.
2. ID tags- I would recommend Boomerang tags for people on a budget or those who hate the dingling noise of tags (they have slide on ones) and I believe they have a lifetime guarantee. For those that want cute/funny tags I would suggest fetching tags or aggies anvil tags.
3. Kongs- excellent if your dog is being annoying and you are too busy or lazy to go do something with them, you can freeze things in them and let your dog have one and you get a break, it's good mental stimulation for them.
4. Clickers- I just love clickers and think they make training easier.
5. Small high value treats, such as zukes minis- although I wish the ingredients were a little better, for getting behaviors.
But then there are other things I would always recommend, like crates, stainless steel food and water dishes, etc.
I recommend different more specific things depending on what the person wants to do with the dog (hiking, serious training, sports, etc). But the things listed above are just basic things I think most could use.