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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?

Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Your Pet

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How to Choose a Dog Crate

Dog Crate
Imfoto/Deposit Photos

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?

Road Trips With Your Dog: What to Pack?

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What to Pack for a Road Trip with Your Dog

Traveling With Your Dog
serrnovik/Deposit Photos

The holiday season is approaching fast. Learn several quick tips to make road trips with your dog easy as pie! If your dog is traveling with the family, let’s discuss essential items needed during road trips. Promise you’ll not be packing the kitchen sink!

 Tip: Pack all dog items in a carry-on size suitcase.

 This eliminates trying to locate multiple small items in the car when traveling and ensures all your dog’s items are unloaded upon arrival at your final destination.

Food

Calculate how many days you will be traveling, then multiple by daily food intake by cups. If you’re traveling 7 days and your dog eats 4 cups of kibble per day, you’ll need to pack 28 cups of food. As a general rule, I always add an extra 10% of kibble in case of emergency, such as when kibble is accidentally spilled or weather has forced you to travel longer.

For storing food while traveling, you can purchase an extra bag of kibble or store kibble in a container. Bringing an extra bag of food is probably the easiest, but can be the messiest, as luggage and crates can puncture the bag or your dog can chew a hole when no one is looking. 🙂 Personally, I use a container. It’s durable, easier to keep kibble dry and fresh, but it can take up valuable space in your car. Now that I feed a raw diet, I pack each dog’s daily meals into  plastic bags, freeze and pack in a larger cooler.

Don’t forget treats! Usually, I purchase several bags of dried fruit (pineapple, mango and apricots) to reward my dogs for not loading up in the car, not jumping on strangers at the rest area, not pottying on the leash and so forth.

Water

Pack several bottles of water, either purchased or refilled jugs, and a bowl.  When packing, place the water bowl and jug of water next to your dog’s crate, so it’s easy to locate during rest stops. Everyone becomes dehydrated while traveling, same goes for your dog. When you stop to potty your dog, offer him 2 to 8 ounces (amount depends on size of dog) of water in a small bowl. If he drinks all the water, offer him more. When leaving your destination, fill up your water bottles again for the ride home.

You can also leave a filled water bowl in his crate, but I’ve yet to find one that will not spill or easily be chewed. For seat belted dogs, I’ve heard the To Go Bowl works great, but I’ve not tried it yet. Basically, this is a small dog bowl that fits in a cup holder — pretty neat idea. I like giving water every 2 to 3 hours during “human” potty breaks, as I’m sure our pooches have to go too!

Vaccination Records

Print a copy of your dog’s vaccination records, especially his Rabies Certificate, as all states require up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Before a trip, I print each dog’s vaccination records, pet insurance forms, a current picture (in case something terrible happens) and medical history for dog’s with special needs, then place all this information in a pocket folder. This folder is kept on the outside zippered pocket of their suitcase.

Sound Machines (Yes, Really!)

A sound machine plugs into an outlet and plays soothing music, which drowns out unfamiliar noises and prevents dogs from barking. At night and when dogs are left alone, always confine your dog in a crate with soothing sounds from a sound machine and a food-stuffed toy. I recommend HoMedics Sound Machines and, if you choose one with an iPod dock, I HIGHLY recommend downloading Through a Dog’s Ear music, which is clinically demonstrated to calm most dogs. Personally, it’s very calming for me too, which is a nice advantage when traveling. 🙂 Don’t believe me. Try out their free music sample download!

Waterless Shampoo (You Just Never Know!)

Every time I forget waterless shampoo, I’ve regretted it! Waterless shampoo is easily sprayed and wiped off with a towel to spot clean a dog. Traveling with a pooch wet from rain is not fun so you and your car’s interior will thank me. 🙂 My fav is Nature’s Specialty Speedy Groom Waterless Shampoo.

Preventing Motion Sickness

Dogs can feel sick to their stomach while traveling in a car too! While vomiting is a tell-tale sign, dogs can drool, whine and pace back and forth and, yes, have dreaded diarrhea. To prevent this from happening, start bringing your dogs along on small trips around the city. This conditions them to car rides. If you notice any signs of motion sickness, you can prevent it with Dramamine or Bonine. You can purchase both at a pharmacy. However, ask your vet for correct dosage, as all dogs are different. I’ve had excellent luck with Bonine, not only does it prevent motion sickness, it’s also not as sedating as Dramamine. Provide a dose 20 minutes or so before everyone loads up and takes off for the trip.

While many recommend not feeding your dog before a trip, I disagree. You know how lousy you feel on an empty stomach, I usually feed them a couple of hours before a trip. Also, play soft music and keep the car cool. This will reduce nausea and anxiety, which are huge pluses to preventing motion sickness. 🙂

Toys/Chews

Bring lots of chews and a food-stuffed toy along on your trip. Just as children play with puzzles and watch DVDs while traveling, give your dog something to do also. I highly recommend food-stuffed puzzles. They’re easy to stuff, dogs can’t destroy the toy and you can stuff them a billion times! Pack a small jar of peanut butter, a food stuff-able toy and a few chews in your doggie suitcase. Not only are these awesome during car rides, they are wonderful to leave with your dog, while confined at your final destination and when left alone.

Collar/Leash with Tags (Poop Bags)

Your dog should wear a collar with updated ID tags at all times, even when riding in the car. Click here to learn the importance of ID tags and microchipping your dog. It could save his life! Bring a sturdy 6-foot leash and plenty of poop bags to pick up waste.

Crate/Seatbelt Harness

Buckle up! Dogs must be securely contained when riding in a vehicle. Click here for the safest ways to contain your dogs.

First Aid Bag

Pet first aid bags are a must, especially when traveling. Don’t forget to pack your dog’s dose of heart worm preventive if he’s scheduled for a monthly dose. Click here for a list of must-have supplies, including a Pet First Aid phone app and the best pre-packaged pet first aid bag review.

 Useful Tips:

  • Apply flea/tick preventive the day before traveling, especially during summer months or when you’re traveling through heavily infested areas.
  • Pack paper towels:  Useful for dogs and people.
  • Bring 2 large towels just in case:  Dry off a wet dog.
  • Bring a small bottle of enzymatic cleaning solution for cleaning accidents in the car or at your final destination.
  • Never leave your dog in a warm or hot car.
  • Don’t allow your dog to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Restrain him inside the vehicle instead.

ID Tags and Microchips: Are They Necessary?

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Save Your Dog with Identification

Microchipping Your Dog

We never plan for our dogs to get lost. My heart sinks when I think about it. So let’s be prepared! Before taking road trips with your dog, let’s discuss a couple tips that could save your dog’s life!

ID Tags: A Must Wear for All Dogs

If your dog should become lost, an ID tag will quickly identify and provide valuable information to his “founder.” ID tags are attached to your dog’s collar.

What information should you add to your dog’s ID tags?

My recommendations are: dog’s name, your last name, your cell number and your dog’s medical issues (example: Stella Smith, 212-211-2222, Has Seizures). While ID tags are getting smaller, it’s tough finding space to add your address. So, why not add several ID tags?

What type of tag should you choose?

With so many options, it’s up to your dog’s activity level and your personal preference:

  • Hanging ID Tag: Most popular, hangs from the D ring of a collar, can be noisy, more likely to fall off a dog’s collar.
  • Embroidered Collar: ID information is embroidered across a collar,  popular with owners wanting a “noiseless” version, less likely to fall off than a traditional hanging ID tag, larger lettering is easily seen.
  • Belt Buckle Type Tag: Metal “belt buckle” tag, which slides on a nylon or leather collar, tag is slightly bent to curve around dog’s neck, noiseless, less likely to fall off than a traditional hanging ID tag.

If traveling, I add a temporary ID tag with my final destination. This is very helpful if traveling through many states.  To draw attention to the traveling tag, I usually print in red font, cut to fit the width of my dog’s collar width, laminate and staple to the nylon part of the collar. All other ID tags remain in place. Example:  Traveling to 211 Johnson St, Nashville TN 37444.

Microchipping: Please Chip Your Dog

Your vet places a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. If your dog is found, a shelter or vet can scan the chip which provides your information. Microchips must be registered by the manufacturer so they can store your data. Plus there is usually a small yearly fee. When your vet inserts the microchip, she’ll provide you with details on registering the chip.

Yes, I highly recommend microchipping your dog too!

GPS Dog Collars?

With a surge in GPS devices and smart phones, we’re seeing GPS ID tags and collars enter the pet industry. You attach a water resistant device to your dog’s collar and it uses GPS and Google Maps to locate your runaway dog. Did I mention this device will track your dog’s activity level too!

There are a few to choose from, but from reviews, it seems bugs need to be worked out first. Devices are losing battery quickly (less than 24 hours), websites struggle to show a lost dog’s exact location, devices easily fall off a dog’s collar and disruptions in service are frequent. Alas, these devices are here to stay and manufacturers are updating their products constantly. I’m excited!

If this piques your interest, take a peek at Consumer Reports review of GPS Dog Collars. Another contender, WhistleGPS, is due out in 2015! They will unveil a smaller device, incorporating Wifi and Bluetooth capabilities, which extend battery life to over a week.

Have you tried a GPS Collar? What are your thoughts?

Packing a Pet First Aid Kit

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Pet First Aid Kit
Find out what should be in every pet first aid kit.

Dog Supplies

First aid kits for dogs are essential, especially if your dog needs daily medications. When heading out on road trips with your dog, toss his first aid kit in the car. You never know when you’ll need it!

Dog First Aid Kits Options

You can easily purchase a complete first aid kit or design your own. Both have benefits:

  • Purchasing a complete kit saves time and contains less. On the downside, most contain generic supplies in a limited space bag (smaller bag), preventing space for additional items.
  • Creating your own kit takes a bit more planning and time. However, you can add specific items for your dog’s needs.

Option 1: Purchasing a Complete First Aid Kit

With so many pet first aid kits out there, I’ve searched and searched and found the first best first aid kit for the price.

Pros:

  • All essential supplies included
  • Items are clearly labeled (huge plus!)
  • Great buy for price
  • Roomier bright-colored bag to add additional items

Cons:

  • Refrain from purchasing the optional stapler (no explanation needed, leave it to a vet)

Option 2: Creating Your Own Dog First Aid Kit

Print a list of contact phone numbers, laminate if possible, and place in first aid kit. Also, include an up-to-date phone number of your dog in case he gets lost. Include:

  • Animal Poison Control Center: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)
  • Your vet’s  phone number
  • Nearest ER vet’s address/phone number
  • Dog’s microchip number
  • Copy of rabies certificate
  • Health history for dogs with medical conditions (diabetes, Addison’s disease, etc.)

Essential First Aid Supplies:

  • Download and review Pet First Aid App on your phone
  • Sterile non-stick gauze pads (2×2 and 4×4)
  • Absorbable gauze pads
  • Gauze wrap (1 inch)
  • Sterile saline solution (for rinsing wounds, found at pharmacies)
  • Antiseptic wipes (such as Hibitane)
  • Tweezers
  • 2-inch wide vet wrap (use as a protector for bandages)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (small bottle to induce vomiting)
  • Instant ice packs (reduce swelling, pain or heat exhaustion)
  • Hot packs (keeps dog warm)
  • Blunt nose scissors
  • 1 pair sterile plastic gloves
  • Rectal thermometer (dog’s normal temperature is 100-103 degrees)
  • Petroleum jelly (small squeeze tube, use for inserting the rectal thermometer)
  • 1-inch wide adhesive tape (used to secure pads and wraps)
  • General purpose triple antibiotic ointment (can purchase at a pharmacy)
  • Muzzle (even the nicest dog can bite when in pain)
  • Phazyme (Simethicone) Ultra Strength Anti-Gas gel capsules (give immediately if you suspect Bloat -Gastric Dilation-Torsion)
  • Bright-colored durable bag with multiple zipper compartments

Extremely Useful Additions:

  • Pen light
  • Tick remover
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Immodium and Probiotics (ease diarrhea)
  • Wound spray (such as Vetericyn)
  • Wound cleaner (Nolvason 4 oz)
  • Large and small syringes (flushing wounds)
  • Rescue Remedy (give 2-4 drops on your dog’s tongue, helps to calm him)
  • Eye ointment (non-prescription)
  • Vet-prescribed pain medicine
  • 1 week supply of vet-prescribed medication needed for your dog
  • Paw protecter covers (keeps paw or toe wounds clean and dry). In a pinch, tape a plastic bag over the dog’s paw when bringing outside to potty. Remove afterwards so wound can breathe
  • Alcohol-free Bitter Apple (prevents dogs from chewing bandages)

 What’s in your dog’s first aid kit?

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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