Gear Up Your New Dog: The Essentials

So, you have a new member of the family: one with floppy ears and a wet-nose. You’ve thought about this moment over and over — your new dog bounding into your arms. But for some, this exhilaration comes with a dose of overwhelm. You might find yourself wondering, what do dogs need? We’re here to help.

We’ve rounded up our top picks for dog essentials — think of it as your starter kit. Our Pack Support experts share how this gear will start you off on the right paw.

1) Starter Collars

Why it’s essential: A collar stores ID tags and helps keep your dog close when attached to a leash.

Front Range™ Dog Collar

• Easy to start with - it goes with the matching Front Range™ set
• Great for everyday wear
• Easy-to-use side-release buckle
• Aluminum V-ring provides a secure leash attachment point

Hi & Light™ Collar

• Great for small pups — available for dogs with a neck size as small as 9 to 11 inches
• Light, strong webbing that's low profile
• Easy-to-use side-release buckle
• Aluminum D-ring for a secure leash attachment point

Crag™ Reflective Dog Collar

• Popular in the low-light conditions of wintertime
• Reflective material for high visibility
• Can add The Beacon™ Safety Light for extra visibility
• Comes in a wide variety of fun colors and prints

2) Starter Leashes

Why it’s essential: A leash creates a secure connection to your dog and allows you to explore new trails together.

Front Range™ Dog Leash

• Matches with the Front Range™ set
• Elegant design with a strong connection
• Padded handle for comfort
• Swiveling, lockable Crux Clip™

Crag™ Reflective Dog Leash

• Great visibility for low-light outings
• Adjustable length
• Can be used hand-held or waist-worn
• Convenient accessory loop for pick-up bags or small clip-on items
• Swiveling Talon Clip™ is easy to use with limited grip

Knot-a-Leash™ Rope Dog Leash

• Strong carabiner is ideal for larger dogs
• Reflective properties for low-light conditions
• Tri-action, auto-locking carabiner swivels for a twist- and tangle-free experience
• Padded tubular webbing handle is comfortable to hold

3) Starter Dog Harnesses

Why it’s essential: A harness can reduce strain on your dog’s neck and help you direct your dog more effectively.

One of the most common questions our Pack Support experts get is, “Is a harness necessary?”

“Many people know to grab a collar and leash, but they tend to shy away from a harness, especially when their dogs are puppies who will grow out of it. However, harnesses are a great way to keep dogs secure and reduce pulling on the neck. The sooner you adjust your dog to a harness, the better. Lastly, for those who eventually want their dogs to wear packs, adjusting a dog to a harness is a good first step.” - Pack Support expert

Front Range® Dog Harness

Best for everyday use & pullers.

“Its front leash attachment point can help redirect a dog from pulling. While the front attachment is not a complete fix-it for pullers, it is a great tool.” - Pack Support expert

• Durable, padded dog harness
• Four points of adjustment
• Two leash attachment points

Web Master™ Dog Harness

Best for staying secure & preventing escape.

"The Web Master™ Harness is my top pick for people who have welcomed new pups into the family. We often recommend our Web Master™ Harness for 'Houdini' dogs who manage to wriggle out of a regular harness. It features five points of adjustment, including a second belly strap, for a secure fit." - Pack Support expert

• Padded handle for lift-and-assist support
• Five points of adjustment for an optimal fit
• Two leash connection points
• Padded chest and belly straps

Flagline™ Dog Harness with Handle

Best for lightweight wilderness adventures.

• Lightweight design with high adjustability
• Handle to help lift and assist dogs over obstacles
• Front leash attachment point for redirecting pullers
• Three leash connection points

To learn more about our harnesses, check out our article: Choosing The Right Dog Harness.

4) Starter Dog Beds

Why it’s essential: A comfy bed is a must for your dog to relax after a long day of outdoor adventures.

Basecamp™ Dog Bed

• Fits most crates for those who are crate-training
• Has extra padding for comfort
• Packable and easy to clean
• Non-slip waterproof base

Mt. EverRest™ Dog Cot

• Light, strong, and stable elevated dog bed
• Quick and easy setup with a single shock-corded pole frame
• Reinforced topper has a soft, long-wearing microsuede sleeping surface
• Includes a storage bag with shoulder strap for easy transport

5) Car Gear For Dogs

Why it’s essential: Car gear keeps your dog comfortable and secure while on the road.

Dirtbag™ Seat Cover

“This is a must for me! People may be taking their puppies to various places such as vet checkups, puppy training classes, and activities to socialize their dogs. It’s a good idea to get your dog used to a car early on, especially if you plan to go on longer adventures eventually.” - Pack Support expert

• Keeps your dog comfortable and your car clean
• Tear-resistant, waterproof and comfortable fabric
• Fits many vehicles in bench and hammock configurations
• Grip coating on back surface keeps cover in place
• Mesh window for airflow and visibility in hammock mode

Load Up™ Dog Car Harness

• Strong, secure harness for car travel
• Seat belt loop attaches to existing seat belts
• Strength-rated metal hardware
• Padded construction is comfortable for extended wear

6) Dog Accessories

Why it’s essential: Accessories like treat carriers and pick-up bag dispensers keep all your dog’s essentials in one spot so you can reward and clean up after them on the go.

Treat Trader™

• Great to have when training your dog
• Simple and lightweight
• Can attach to an adjustable belt (included) or clip directly to your waist or personal backpack
• Pairs wonderfully when leash training with the Front Range® Harness

Home Trail™ Hip Pack

“I use this product as a training tool because it can carry dog treats as well as things like your car keys and cell phone.” - Pack Support expert

• Has room for your keys, cell phone, dog bags, treats, etc.
• Low-profile and ergonomic design can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder
• Collapsible mess pocket keeps treats or a small fetch toy separate from other items
• External stretch mesh pocket for pick-up bags

Stash Bag Mini™

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller that can hold pick-up bags and small treats in the stretch mesh pocket, try the Stash Bag Mini™.

• Pick-up bag storage and dispensing system includes Earth Rated® roll with 15 bags
• Stable attachment with two buckle straps that attach to the handle and leash
• Exterior stretch-mesh pocket to hold treats, keys, or other small items

7) Gear for Visibility

Why it’s essential: High-vis gear ensures your dog is easily seen in low-light conditions, such as early morning walks or wintertime hikes.

The Beacon™ Dog Safety Light

• Keeps your dog visible in low-light conditions
• Waterproof to a depth of 1m of water for 30 minutes
• Includes standard micro USB cable
• Three highly visible colors, three modes, and an operating time up to 20 hours

In addition to having a safety light, keep in mind that all of our leashes, collars, and harnesses have reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions.

While these make up our list of dog essentials, you’ll likely find that you need a lot more gear when introducing a new dog to your home. It’s a good idea to stock up on a wide range of dog toys to help them stay busy and provide enrichment opportunities. We also recommend grabbing some dog boots (check out our article Do Dogs Really Need Boots?), cold-weather apparel, and a pack for more rigorous outdoor pursuits.

Ready for the Next Step?

All set with your essential dog gear and ready to take it to the next level? Check out these Ruffwear stories for adventure inspiration to kick off outdoor excursions with your canine companion.