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Under $20 Dog Gift Ideas

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Holiday Gift Ideas

Holiday Dog Gifts
Dog gift ideas under $20

Tis the season! Are you looking for stocking stuffers or gifts for a friend’s dog, or wanting to spoil your dog rotten? Look no further. Find the best dog gift ideas under $20 right here! While I’ve listed a few name brands, which are made from non-toxic products in the U.S., continue looking for products following these requirements.

Kong

My favorite dog toy ever! Fill with peanut butter, freeze, and watch your dog enjoy the fun for hours. The classic red Kong is perfect for mild to moderate chewers. If your dog is a power chewer, choose the Kong Extreme. This is the only toy I leave with my dogs when they’re alone. Hint, just like shoes, you can never have too many Kongs. 🙂 Learn more about stuffing a Kong here. Costs vary between $8-$15, depending on size.

Wobbler

My second favorite toy for dogs! This product provides mental and physical stimulation by increasing meals from 3 seconds to 20 minutes, which is exhausting to your dog! Fill a Kong Wobbler with your dog’s daily meals. If your dog is still bored, fill with low-calorie treats, such as Charlie Bear Treats. Learn how to fill a Kong Wobbler here. With two sizes to choose from, there’s always a perfect size for any pooch on your holiday list. 🙂 Click here to watch a video demonstrating how to fill and introduce to your dog. Costs vary between $12-$15, depending on size.

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are probably the best chew for most dogs, as they’re easily digestible and dogs love them. When in doubt, choose a larger size. Click here for details on choosing the perfect Bully Stick size for gift giving. Costs vary between $4-$10, depending on size of bully stick.

Tug Toys

Dogs love to tug. It’s a great game for rewarding good behavior or rainy day activity. Tug games will not cause aggression. This is a myth so have a blast playing with your dog. Personally, I recommend a cloth tug toy, as he will not harm a dog’s teeth or gums plus it keeps your hand comfy. 🙂 To capture the holiday spirit, try making your own tug toys. This way, you can personalize with favorite collars and size. I’m sure his pet parent will shed a tear at your thoughtfulness. 🙂

Dog Lovers Gift Ideas 2014- Splurge Worthy Ideas

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Dog Lovers Gift Ideas 2014- Splurge Worthy Ideas

Splurge Worthy Gifts for Dog Lovers. Note: Dog not included :)
Splurge Worthy Gifts for Dog Lovers.  Note:  Dog not included 🙂

Want to surprise a special dog loving spouse or friend, pick from our splurge worthy dog gifts, they will love you all year long!  Choose from our Dog Lovers Gift Ideas for 2014!

Pet Tutor (Standard or Programable)

Oh this is, by far,  my favorite “splurge” gift idea EVER!  Pet Tutors are have taken treat dispensers to the next level!   With two varieties to choose from, it depends on your specific needs.  The “standard” Pet Tutor comes with a remote control, is able to dispense different types of treats (including chopped up hot dogs), is ultra quiet, can be triggered by sound or movement, programable to automatically reward dog when quiet (even when you’re away!) and will reward dog when prompted by your voice or sound of a clicker.  The “programable” Pet Tutor includes all the wonderful features of the standard model however includes a downloadable program which changes standard settings and the ability to log online and deliver treats to your dogs.

So what’s not to love?  The price tag is a bit hefty, and I’m sure as technology advances, the price will lower.  But still, this is pretty advanced system and a must have for hardcore dog people!

Cost:  Standard version:  $379, Programable version: $449.  Options include Crate mounts and more!

Bark Box Monthly Gift

Instead of purchasing a”steak of the month” gift for a dog loving friend, choose a monthly gift for both humans and dogs will love! Bark Box sends a monthly box filled with dog toys, treats, chews and occaisonal “hygiene” products, what’s not to love!  Why will a friend love it?  Because their dog is content and quiet with new toys and treats each month.  The Bark Box company takes pride in choosing and researching the very best items, and how does not like a surprise!  Have friends with St. Bernards and Yorkies?  No problem,  you can choose between small or big dog options, which provides a nice personal touch.

Cost:  Begins at $19 per month

 

Manners Minder

If your looking for a treat dispensing toy with a bargain like price, I recommend the Manners Minder.  The first of it’s kind, the Manner’s Minder provides remote training using a remote control, plus programable intervals for rewarding good behavior.  Now, this product has some limitations, as only small/hard treats can be used.  Again, this product delivers great results with a low price, we love ours!!!

Cost: $110 not including shipping

Which splurge worthy product did I forget, let’s hear from you!

 

 

 

Christmas Dog Gift Ideas Under $50

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Christmas Dog Gift Ideas 2014: Under $50

Dog Gifts
Dog gift ideas under $50.

Games and soothing music as gifts?  You betcha!  Find the best Christmas dog gift ideas for 2014, tested and approved by me, and all are under $50!

Jolly Ball

If you’re looking for a large durable ball which floats, the Jolly Ball is a perfect gift for small and large dogs alike.  The original Jolly Ball has a handle to easy pick up for you and your dog.  Choose from many colors, and some are scented too, the pink Jolly Ball smells like bubblegum 🙂  While the Jolly Ball is durable, always supervise with a strong chewer, as my dogs have chewed chunks off the handle.  If this happens often, try the Push and Play Jolly Ball, same great features minus the handle.

Costs between $20-35 depending on size

Flirt Pole

What’s a flirt pole? It’s a long stick or pole with a line attached to one end, and a soft toy attached to the other end of the line. The purpose it to fling the toy end around widely, while a dog chases, stalks and tugs the toy. For larger or feisty dogs, I recommend a stronger version, especially if your dog has destroyed a cheaper version.  You can make your own flirt pole or purchase a Flirt Pole V2, which is pretty sturdy, even for the strongest tuggers.

Cost between $29-50 depending on construction.

Puzzle Toys

2014 is the year of doggie puzzle toys!  With so many choices, it depends on your budget.  Kong toy and Wobblers are great puzzle toys, but if your dog already has these, try Nina Ottosson’s products.  I’ve tested many of her puzzles and the Dog Treat Maze, Dog Treat Brick and Dog Pyramid vary in difficultly, especially for novice puzzle solving dogs.  After solving a puzzles, your dog will solve them faster, then move up to Level 3 games (view toys by difficulty).  Some toys are made of wood, however I like the plastic versions, they are easier to clean.

Costs vary between $15-45 depending on toy size.

Through a Dog’s Ear:

This is a GREAT gift for new puppy parents or any pet parent really!  Through a Dog’s Ear is classical music which is proven to calm and soothe anxious dogs and puppies.  Studies have shown classical music, with minimal instruments, is incredibility soothing, event for people 🙂  Choose from Puppy to Senior CDs or downloads, and they even a Driver’s Edition too for dogs stressed during car rides.  I highly recommend leaving Through a Dog’s Ear music playing when leaving your dog’s alone, if they’re afraid of loud noises, thunderstorms or when traveling to a new place.  Personally, the Driver’s Edition calms me when trapped in 5 0’clock traffic!

Cost: $20-40 depending on amount downloaded.

Gifts for Dog Lovers: Gift Giving Ideas

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Gifts for Dog Lovers: Gift Giving Ideas

Gifts for Dog Owners
Give the perfect gift to a dog lover.

Looking for a special gift for a dog lover?  We’ve got you covered, each gift idea has been researched and tested by a professional dog trainer!  Take a peek at our Dog Lovers Gift Giving Ideas.

Magazine Subscriptions:

The gift that keeps giving month after month!

  • Dogs Naturally:  Bi-monthly magazine focusing on natural and holistic for dogs and cats.  Vaccinations, homemade diets, health, dog training and so much more articles will keep a dog lover informed and fulfilled.  This is my first choice for dog people looking for something new and exciting.
  • Bark: Perfect monthly magazine for a dog enthusiast.  Articles explore dog pop culture, training and basic everyday living with dogs.
  • Whole Dog Journal:  This monthly magazine has been around for a long time, and has an excellent reputation on providing up to date articles and topics for pet owners.  By far, their most popular topic is the yearly Top Ten Dog Food List, which lists dog food brands which have passed their strict guidelines.  Articles focus on health, training, diet and so much more.

Books

If your dog loving friend is a bookworm, try choosing a topic they’ve probably not read yet.  With so many dog books to chose from, it can be daunting.

My favorite “go to” book is Through a Dog’s Ear by Joshua Leeds and Dr. Susan Wagner.  This book explains how “using sound therapy to improve the health and behavior of your canine companion” works plus really interesting facts on music effects with different types of animals.  Plus, a free 45 minute sample CD is provided, so this is a win for a dog lover and their dogs!

Inside Of A Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, And Know by Alexandra Horowitz is another fabulous book which describes dogs point of view in great detail.  Most dog lovers are not dog trainers, however want to understand their dogs at a deeper level, and this book will certainly fill that need.  Dr. Horowitz does a fantastic job explaining what it’s like to be a dog!

Still need book ideas? Take a peek at my favorite dog training book recommendations:  New Puppy Owners, Bully Breeds, and Pet Owner.

Jewelry

By far, this is my favorite gift, as most of my friends are hardcore dog lovers, and you can’t go wrong with jewelry!  When narrowing down the right pendent or earrings, it’s best to describe your friend’s personal style, are they colorful and crafty or minimal and tailored.  Allow me to introduce you to my favorite jewelry sites, enjoy!

Colorful and Crafty Dog Lovers

For Love of a Dog has the perfect gifts for outgoing, colorful and crafty dog folks!  You can choose from earrings, bracelets, pendents and necklaces with paw prints or breed specific ideas.  Hint- if someone shares their home with a specific breed, you can’t go wrong choosing “breed specific” jewelry, they will love you for it!  If a dog loving friend shares their home with lots of different dogs, choose a paw print, bone, “I HEART Rescue Dogs” or angel wings to memorialize a special dog that crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  They even have tennis ball earrings!!!  Plus you can choose from gemstones or beads, it depends on your budget.    Prices begin around $20

Minimal and Tailored Dog Lovers

14K9 Jewelry is perfect for minimal and tailored dog lovers, their designs are simple yet gorgeous!  Don’t let the fancy name fool you, they offer plenty of options with different price points to fit your budget.  Now, does your friend wear gold or silver?  You can’t go wrong with either!  They offer beautifully crafted breed specific jewelry (very popular with dog show peeps), paw prints, bones and one of a kind memorials for remembering that special furry baby.  Personally, I have a pair of Rottweiler earrings and wear them often!  Prices begin around $30.  

Still looking for the perfect gift?

After clicking on links, browsing on line, you still can’t find the perfect gift for a dog lover in your life?  Take a gander at Anything Dogs, they have TONS of ideas!  Choose from clothing, garden accessories, home decor, dinnerware, personalized gifts and so much more!  They offer breed specific items, plus cat and horse  themed gifts too!

Still not convinced, take a peak at my personally recommended dog training equipment: leashes and treat pouches.

As a dog lover, what was your favorite gift?

Holiday Food Safety for Pets

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Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Safety Tips
It’s not worth it. Give your dog a food stuffed Kong instead.

While we’re enjoying luscious holiday meals with family, it’s not worth letting your dog indulge too. Learn holiday food pet safety tips before guests arrive.

Toxic Foods

We’re all aware that chocolate, onions, xylitol (artificial sweetener) and grapes are toxic for dogs, but so are fatty foods! We’re indulging, so why can’t dogs partake in the enjoyment too? Fatty foods can cause painful and deadly pancreatitis, meaning fatty foods cause inflammation of the pancreas. Fatty foods include gravy, buttered veggies, desserts, dark meat turkey, ham (even the bone!), casseroles (even a spoonful), buttered rolls and so on.

But can they have a little bit?

What is a “little bit”? It depends on your dog, and this is probably not the time to experiment. When I worked as a vet tech, a sweet Chihuahua passed away from pancreatitis after eating one slice of veggie pizza.

Instead of sneaking tidbits under the table, give your dog a holiday stuffed Kong in his crate. He’ll happily munch along with everyone else and remain safe at the same time.

Pumpkin Spice Food Stuffing

1 can of 100% pumpkin (not pie filling, way too much sugar and other stuff)
2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Will fill 2 medium Kongs or 1 large Kong

In a medium bowl, add pumpkin and cinnamon. Drizzle molasses over mixture and stir slightly. Using a butter knife, push ingredients into toy until completely filled. To avoid pumpkin mixture from oozing out, cover holes with peanut butter.

If your dog empties his food stuffed toys easily, freeze for 4 hours.

Filling variations:

Add ½ coarsely chopped apples at the bottom of the Kong and spoon Bark-kin Spice Filling until filled.
Substitute canned yams in place of pumpkin.
Use 100% maple syrup instead of blackstrap molasses.
Add chunks of baked turkey or chicken at the bottom and spoon Bark-in Spice Filling until filled.

Prevention

  • Before guest arrive, ask them to not feed the dogs, not even a tidbit. Some people don’t know and fall for those pitiful begging eyes.
  • Discard scrapes (turkey carcass, ham bones, etc.) in a trash can outside, placed outside of your dog’s fenced-in yard. Make sure your dog can not knock over the trash can, as this is a common “holiday scavenger meal,” which sends many dogs to the ER.
  • It’s worth repeating: Confine your dog away from the holiday table with a wonderful food stuffed Kong. I promise he’s having fun too!

Medicine for Stomach Pain

If your dog ate something poisonous:

  • Contact the Poison Control Hotline ASAP at (888) 426-4435 while rushing your dog to the nearest veterinary emergency center.
  • If you’re traveling, I highly recommend downloading a Pet First Aid app, which locates a vet hospital closest to you.

If it’s a minor upset tummy, meaning your dog is eating, drinking and acting normal, but has loose stool, then feed a bland diet for a few days.

Bland Diet

Baked boneless chicken breast (skin removed)
Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling because this has way too much sugar and other stuff)

Mix equal parts. Once your dog feels better, feed 75% bland diet to 25% regular diet. Slowly add more of your dog’s regular diet to the bland diet. It usually takes 7 days to fully transition him over. If your dog worsens, refuses to eat, vomits or diarrhea worsens, get to your vet ASAP.

Happy Holidays!

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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