Dog Lovers Gift Ideas 2014- Splurge Worthy Ideas

November 26, 2014 by Fanna Easter

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

November 25, 2014 by Fanna Easter

Christmas Dog Gift Ideas 2014: 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

November 24, 2014 by Fanna Easter

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?

Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Your Pet

November 20, 2014 by Fanna Easter

How to Choose a Dog Crate

With so many dog crate options, which one should you choose? Before choosing a dog crate, understand the pros, cons and best uses for different types of crates.

Dog Crates

Wire Crates

Wire crates — ah, the SUV of dog crates. They’re extremely versatile for many different situations.

Pros:

Allows plenty of ventilation, especially useful in warmer climates.
Easy to clean.
Folds down easily for quick storage.

Cons:

Heavier than plastic or fabric crates.
Determined dogs can bend small wire cage. Choose a larger cage crate to prevent dog from chewing.
Dog is exposed. Use visual barriers, such as blankets or towels that provide security, especially around distractions, such as dog shows.
Can easily collapse and break apart during a vehicle collision.

Best Use:

At home use for potty training and confinement.
Bring along on road trips.

Plastic Crates

Plastic crates are the workhorses of dog crates. They’re sturdy, dependable and a safe option for traveling.

Pros:

Easy to clean.
Plastic provides den-like feeling (limited visibility).
Most are airline-approved.
Lighter weight than wire crates.

Cons:

When not in use, plastic top and bottom take up valuable storage space.
Limited ventilation, especially in warmer climates.

Best Use:

When tied down, they’re a safe option for car rides.
Airline-approved: Not all plastic crates are airline-approved, so contact airlines before purchasing plane tickets to ensure you’re investing in the right one.
Potty training or everyday containment.

Fabric Crates

Fabric crates are the newcomer of the dog crate world and are becoming very popular quickly!

Pros:

Ultra light! Easily the lightest crate version.
Easy to set up and break down.
Easily storable (folds down).

Cons:

Limited ventilation due to small holes in fabric.
Structure is not very secure. Dog can easily flip crate sideways.
Dogs can easily chew and destroy fabric.
Same cost as wire and plastic crates, which I consider a con due to this crate’s limitations.
Not suitable for vehicle restraint, as they will rip and tear during collisions.
Dog is exposed. Use visual barriers, such as blankets or towels, to cover sides of fabric crate

Best Use:

For dogs with solid crate training skills.
Always supervise dogs while restrained in a fabric crate.

READ NEXT: Crate Training

Which dog crate is your favorite?

Healthy Dog Treats

November 14, 2014 by Fanna Easter

Healthy Dog Treat Recipes

Let’s think outside of the conventional treat bag, as I’m always searching for the best treats out there. First, understand I’m not a good cook. Actually, I’m terrible. But I still want to provide healthy dog treats that dogs love! If dogs don’t love them, then they will not work for them. It’s that simple. Will you work for a piece of string bean? I won’t.

Hence, my quest for finding the perfect healthy dog treats that require no cooking begins!

Dried Fruits for Dogs

Dogs love dried fruit, but not all dried fruits are the same. 🙂 As a dog trainer, I was pretty shocked at the results of using dried fruit as treats. Think of dog treats as your dog’s currency. The better you pay, the faster your dog will learn. Would I classify dried fruit as a high value reward around major distractions (during a group class)? Probably not, but they will improve behaviors around your home, such as your dog’s recall (coming when called from the backyard), which is pretty darn important to me. 🙂

Dried fruit winners, listed in order of doggie deliciousness, are:

Banana Chips
Pineapple
Apricots (Yes, I was pretty shocked too!)

Why Dried Fruit?

As with teaching or improving any behavior, rewards are pretty important. If you don’t believe me, try teaching your dog to sit using a piece of kibble or chunk of tuna fish! I tried all types of fruit, even a few veggies, such as dried green beans and sweet potato, but my dogs did not respond as fast as I would have liked. Yes, they came when called, responded to cues, but not quickly or enthusiastically until they tasted dried bananas, pineapple and apricots. They were hooked!

If you’re sprinkling additives to your dog’s daily meals, take a peek at the ingredients. Supplements add additional vitamins to your dog’s diet, right? Well, daily dried fruits will do this for you too! Let’s take a deeper look into the dried fruit winners.

Banana Chips

Banana chips are a great example of a low glycemic fruit that provides a unique mix of vitamins and minerals. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, biotin, copper and much needed fiber. Plus, bananas provide plenty of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which feed friendly bacteria in your dog’s gut.

Pineapple

Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, folate, manganese, copper and lots of fiber. This is a sensitive topic, but does your dog eat poop? Well, pineapple can help! Bromelain, found abundantly in pineapple, produces a bitter taste to stools. This prevents your dog from eating, well, you know. 🙂

Apricots

Even while dried, apricots maintain their chewiness, which dogs love! Apricots are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, carotenoids (protects eyesight when aging) and polyphenolic antioxidants like flavonoids, which prevent heart disease and many other illnesses. If you’re still not convinced, apricots contain large amounts of catechins (also found in green tea) and reduce inflammation in the body.

But Dried?

Fresh fruit is best, as a small percent of vitamins are lost during the dehydration process. You still can’t beat the convenience of dried fruit though. Plus, supplements contain dried fruit too so you’re still providing much needed vitamins while rewarding good behavior!

Experiment. Which dried fruits (excluding raisins) drive your dogs crazy?