Small dog starter pack
From one dog lover to another
One thing about me: I love dogs. Honestly, I love all animals. It probably has something to do with being an only child, but growing up, I had almost every pet you can think of: hamsters, mice, bunnies, goats, birds, turtles, a ferret, even an ant farm. But dogs? Dogs were always the favorite.
So when I graduated college and found myself in my second year of investment banking, it was only a matter of time before I got Rosie, my sweet Maltese puppy. It was February 2020, just weeks before the world shut down. I had no idea then that everyone else was about to get a dog too. Call me a trendsetter.
Not long after, I became the first hire and Chief of Staff at Antelope, a pet-focused platform that had just acquired Bocce’s Bakery. We went on to acquire other pet brands like Doggo, Diggin’ Your Dog / Super Snouts, and Ark Naturals while I was there. It truly was my dream job, working alongside fellow dog lovers, with Rosie by my side getting free treats and nonstop belly rubs.
All that to say, I’m so glad I got Rosie when I did. Getting a dog in your early 20s can be one of the best decisions you make. I don’t have kids yet, but having Rosie taught me what it means to care for another living thing. She’s been with me through every twist and turn of my 20s, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So if you're thinking about getting a dog (or already have one), here’s a roundup of my favorite small dog essentials and travel tips.
What every dog needs:
1) A good harness, leash, and dog tag
A good place to start is Wild One’s Harness Walk Kit. It comes in the best colors and just makes every walk feel a little more elevated.
For something lighter, I often reach for this Amazon brand, which comes in the cutest prints. It’s what I use the most with Rosie!
And when I want something a little more special, I go to Foggy Dog. They always have the best seasonal items, from harnesses to leashes to bows to collar charms. Rosie’s dog tag (with the BFF Hearts Collar Charm Set we share) is from Foggy Dog! What I’m loving right now: Sundae Funday Collar Walk Set, Hot Diggity Dog Collar, Red Gingham Dog Bandana, and Flamingo Collar Charm.
2) Springer Water Bottle
This is a must-have for walks, errands, or travel. It’s lightweight, spill-proof, and super easy to use. I never want Rosie to get thirsty when we’re out and about, and this has been a game changer!
It comes in both the Classic size and the Mini.
3) Bocce’s Bakery Treats
Okay, I may be biased because I worked at Antelope, but I stand by this: Bocce’s makes the best clean treats for dogs. They’re made with simple ingredients, and they always have the most fun flavors (think: Burgers & Fries, Pumpk'n Spice, and Bac'n Nutty). Rosie’s a fan, and so am I!
4) Ark Naturals Dental Chews
Dental care is a big deal, especially for small dogs. Rosie gets a Brushless Toothpaste treat every day, followed by a Protection+ treat. It’s the easiest (and most effective) oral hygiene routine I’ve found, and Rosie thinks it’s just another treat.
5) Stella & Chewy Chicken Biscuits
Hot take: I don’t love The Farmer’s Dog. I want to (and I’ve tried) but it just doesn’t work for Rosie. She’s more of a grazer than a scheduled eater, and raw food isn’t something you want to leave out all day.
Instead, what works for Rosie is a combo of Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Biscuits with a solid kibble. I’m not one of those people that's anti-kibble because I actually like that it gives her a harder texture to help with dental health. Best of both worlds!
6) Donut Dog Bed
This bed is designed to calm anxiety, and I fully believe it. Rosie sinks right into hers like it’s a hug. Highly recommend for any dog that likes to curl up or feel cozy.
Rosie also has this Royal Crown Dog Bed because she’s a princess, after all.
If you plan to travel with your dog, start here:
1) Wild One Carrier
Rosie’s around 10 lbs, so she’s small enough to fly with me. I promise this isn’t sponsored by Wild One (I wish), but Wild One’s carrier is the best one I’ve found. It’s chic, functional, and most importantly, Rosie lovesss it. It’s sold out on their site, but it’s still in stock on Chewy.
If you have a small dog and plan to travel with them, start early. And choose the right airlines: I’ve had the best experiences with Delta, Alaska, and United (in that order). Avoid JetBlue and American if you can (I have had terrible experiences on both). Neutral on Southwest.
2) Calming Chews
When Rosie was getting used to flying, these Chill + Out Calming Hemp Chews were a lifesaver. They take the edge off without totally knocking her out. Because they contain CBD, you have to order them directly from the Super Snouts site, but trust me, it’s worth it. And if Rosie won’t take it (or any other pill), camouflaging in peanut butter never fails.
While you’re at it, they also have great Hemp + Joint Mobility Support Hemp Chews that I give Rosie.
3) Portable Bowl
These Maxbone Portable Bowls fold up flat and pop out when you need them. So perfect for travel or long walks. Plus, they’re cute enough that you won’t mind having them in your bag or in your hotel.
4) Collapsible Playpen
This is how I create a home base for Rosie anytime we travel. Honestly, I never used a crate, so she’s always had a playpen at home too. It gave her her own space without feeling confined, and it helped with transitions in new environments. These days, she’s earned her right to roam free, but the playpen era was key when she was younger.
I’ve collected a bunch over the years, but I always just order from Amazon (like this one).
Before I wrap up, a quick disclaimer: every dog is different. My family’s Frenchies, for example, need slow feeder interactive dog bowls because they inhale their food, and they’re allergic to chicken, which means they can’t have Rosie’s beloved biscuits. So, it’s all about figuring out what works best for your dog and your lifestyle. But this is what works for Rosie, and hopefully it serves as a good starting point!
Dog parents, did I miss any of the products your pup swears by? Let me know in the comments!
Until Sunday,
Taylor