Swap That For This: 5 Dog Products We’d Ditch Tomorrow (And What We’d Choose Instead)

Honest Pickles opinions incoming…

At Pickles Pet Pantry we spend a lot of time talking about dog welfare, behaviour, nutrition and movement.

And honestly?

Sometimes the biggest changes come from the simplest swaps.

The pet industry is full of products that are:

• outdated

• over-marketed

• poorly designed

• or simply not built with canine welfare in mind

So here’s our honest Pickles take on 5 things we personally wouldn’t choose for our own dogs… and what we’d swap them for instead.

No judgement.No fearmongering.Just better options and the science behind them.

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1. Swap Retractable Leads ➜ For Long Lines

❌ Swap That:

Retractable / extendable leads.

We know they’re popular.We know they feel convenient.

But from a training and safety perspective, they often create more problems than solutions.

Retractable leads can:

• maintain constant leash tension

• encourage pulling

• reduce handler control

• create sudden jolting force

• increase injury risk

Veterinary clinics regularly report injuries associated with retractable leads including:

• rope burns

• hand injuries

• finger fractures

• dogs running into roads

• impact injuries from sudden stops

For many dogs, they also accidentally teach:“Pressure means keep moving forward.”

✅ Swap For This:

A well-fitted long line.

Long lines allow:

• safer freedom

• decompression

• sniffing opportunities

• recall practice

• controlled exploration

Especially useful for:

• puppies

• rescues

• nervous dogs

• reactive dogs

• adolescent chaos goblins

Freedom without losing communication.

Our personal Favourite: NonStop Dogwear Long lines!

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2. Swap Running In A Collar ➜ For A Proper Harness

❌ Swap That:

Running or Canicross attached to a collar.

During sport and pulling activities, force through the neck increases dramatically.

The canine neck contains:

• the trachea

• cervical spine

• major nerves

• blood vessels

• delicate soft tissues

Research has linked repeated neck pressure with:

• tracheal irritation

• cervical strain

• coughing

• increased intraocular pressure

This becomes even more important in:

• brachycephalic dogs

• strong pullers

• sporting dogs

• excitable dogs

✅ Swap For This:

A properly fitted Y-shaped or sport-specific harness.

A good harness distributes force across:

• chest

• sternum

• torso

• larger muscle groups

Helping support:

• movement

• comfort

• safer pulling mechanics

• airway protection

Not all harnesses are good harnesses though — fit matters hugely.

Our Personal Favourite: NonStop FreeMotion or the Rush harness

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3. Swap Step-In Harnesses ➜ For Y-Front Harnesses

❌ Swap That:

Restrictive step-in harnesses.

Many sit directly across the shoulder joint and can:

• reduce shoulder extension

• alter gait

• rotate during movement

• increase escape risk

• provide poor adjustability

Canine gait studies have shown some restrictive harnesses may interfere with natural movement patterns.

That matters more than people think — especially in active or growing dogs.

✅ Swap For This:

A well-fitted Y-front harness.

We love harnesses that:

• sit clear of the shoulder

• allow free movement

• distribute pressure evenly

• move naturally with the dog

Because harnesses should support movement — not restrict it.

Not to sound repetitive but for us its a NonStop product again - The Ramble, Rockl & Line harnesses win for us!

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4. Swap Cooked Bones ➜ For Safer Natural Chews

❌ Swap That:

Cooked bones.

Especially:

• cooked chicken bones

• roast dinner leftovers

• brittle smoked bones

Cooking changes bone structure, making bones:

• harder

• more brittle

• more likely to splinter

This increases the risk of:

• choking

• dental fractures

• intestinal obstruction

• gastrointestinal injury

And yes — vets genuinely see these injuries regularly.

✅ Swap For This:

Appropriately selected natural chews.

Depending on the dog, safer alternatives may include:

• collagen chews

• rabbit ears

• buffalo skin

• air-dried natural chews

• supervised recreational raw bones where appropriate

The important thing is choosing chews based on:

• dog size

• chewing style

• digestive tolerance

• supervision

One chew never suits every dog.

We love Camel for the heavy chewers, touch, digestible & long lasting without tooth damage risk!

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5. Swap Tiny Fashion Equipment ➜ For Functional Gear

❌ Swap That:

Equipment designed purely for aesthetics.

If the clip feels flimsy…If the harness twists constantly…If the collar rubs fur away…

…it probably isn’t designed with function in mind.

A lot of low-quality pet equipment prioritises:

• trends

• colours

• aesthetics

• low production cost

Over:

• comfort

• movement

• durability

• biomechanics

• safety

✅ Swap For This:

Functional, properly fitted equipment.

At Pickles, we always prioritise:

• fit

• movement

• durability

• comfort

• safety

• adjustability

Because the best dog equipment should make life easier — not harder.

Personal favourite Trinkety Paws Hand made collars and leads.

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The Pickles Take

Dog ownership has become very trend-driven.

But dogs don’t care whether something is fashionable.

They care whether:

• it feels comfortable

• allows natural movement

• keeps them safe

• supports their wellbeing

Sometimes the best upgrade we can make for our dogs isn’t expensive.

It’s simply making a better-informed choice. This is why we LOVE it when you ask us why, when and how!!!!!