When I first started training Mack, my German Shepherd, I thought I’d done my research.
I wanted to teach him recall and give him more freedom. So I bought a 5-metre long line made from nylon.
It looked strong and the reviews seemed good.
But on our very first outing with it, Mack spotted something and bolted.
I grabbed the line to stop him — and instantly regretted it.
The nylon ripped through my hand so fast I didn’t have time to react. I ended up with third degree burns across my fingers.
BIG DOGS NEED DIFFERENT GEAR:
That’s when I realised just how much of the dog gear on the market wasn’t really made for big dogs.
That long line might have been fine for a little spaniel — but it was dangerous for a 35kg shepherd at full speed.
And it wasn’t just the long line.
I quickly found that a lot of so-called “durable” toys didn’t last either.
Mack would shred them in minutes, and I was left worrying about him swallowing bits of plastic or fabric.
STARTING BIG DOG THINGS:
After enough trial and error (and more than a few ruined toys), I decided there had to be a better way.
That’s why I created Big Dog Things.
I wanted to build a store where:
- Every product is something Mack and I have used ourselves, or
- It’s something I’ve designed and manufactured because I know it will stand up to strong, powerful dogs.
And I wanted to save other big dog owners the frustration — and the injuries — that I’d experienced.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BIG DOG THINGS?
TRAINING GEAR -
- I designed our Big Dog Long Lines to be soft on your hands and strong enough for serious training.
- Our Traffic Lead gives you close control when you need it — perfect for city walks or managing an excitable dog.
TOYS -
- The Red Ball on Rope is one of Mack’s favourites — tough enough for tug and retrieve games.
- We also stock durable tug toys and dog frisbees designed for big jaws and serious play.
ADVENTURE GEAR -
- Our Dog Backpacks let your big dog carry their own gear safely on walks and hikes — Mack loves his!
If a product doesn’t pass Mack’s test, it doesn’t go on the site.
OUR MISSION:
My goal is simple.
I want to help big dog owners enjoy life with their dogs — using gear they can rely on.
Because buying toys for your big dog shouldn’t feel like throwing money away.
Thanks for being here — and I hope you and your big friend love the gear as much as we do.