An eye-popping $50 billion is spent on pet care every year, with the lion's share going to the dogs, literally. But even though thousands of dog-care supplies are on the market now with thousands more introduced all the time, I think there are but a handful that have been game-changers.

Here are my top five:

Crates

Shipping crates for animals have been around forever. But the original Vari Kennel line of high- impact plastic crates forever altered the way we raise and train our dogs. Most notably, crates are now used routinely for housebreaking – working with a puppy's natural desire to keep the area around him clean to help him learn to "hold it" until he can be taken outside and praised for going in the right place.

Crate training also helps to teach growing puppies which items are OK for chewing and which are off-limits, based on what's inside the crate and what's not.

A crate also provides a safe place for a dog to ride in a vehicle, teaches him to be more relaxed when confined at the veterinarian's office, and even provides him a safe, secure place to be when evacuated during a disaster.

Kong

Formed from durable rubber, the Kong is arguably the best dog toy ever invented. Kongs now come in a wide range of sizes and chew strengths. But it's the hollow center of most Kongs (the floatable Kool Kongs are the exception) that gives this toy superstar status.

Dog trainers recommend keeping crated dogs busy with Kongs stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as kibble, cheese, peanut butter and rawhide sticks.

There's no telling how many happy dogs have been distracted from destruction by the mighty Kong.

Snap buckles

Early dog collars were made of metal to protect the necks of war dogs; later ones were made of leather to identify owners and allow for controlling animals with leashes or keeping them from roaming with chains. But fashionable collars weren't available for the ordinary dog until the invention of the snap-together clasp.

The plastic clasps also help make collars so affordable that many dogs have more than one, and not a few have collars for every occasion.

The Chuckit

I throw like a girl. But even if I didn't, I know that no one with the possible exception of a major league outfielder could throw a ball far enough to keep my two retrievers happy.

Since I like my retrievers to be happy – not to mention exhausted, so they don't drive me crazy – I own a Chuckit. Actually, I own three. Maybe four. Simply put: I can't live without them.

Seemingly based on the cesta used to fling the pelota in jai alai, the Chuckit gives even the wimpiest dog owner a rocket launcher for an arm. With little effort you can fling to the point of your dog's happy exhaustion without working up a sweat yourself.

Head halters

Legendary veterinary behaviorist Dr. R.K. Anderson had a simple idea: Why wouldn't something that has worked with horses for countless years control a dog just as painlessly?

Head halters for dogs are simply modified versions of horse halters, and they work on the same principal: Guide and control where the head goes and the rest of the body will follow.

How many shoulder joints has the head halter saved? Hard to say, but the ability to take an unruly dog for a walk benefits both pet and owner, helping lessen behavior problems caused by inactivity and health problems caused by excess weight.

Next week, I'll have my five cat-care products that have changed the world.

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Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best- selling pet-care books. Email them at petconnection@gmail.com or visit www.petconnection.com. Back columns: www.sacbee.com/spadafori.

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