We asked WDJ’s contributors for their recommendations for “things they can’t imagine living without” in their dog-care kits – their favorite dog toys, training tools, and treats. Here are some of the products that made their lists of things that they must have for their dogs.
Toys From Clean Run
I tried, but I just can’t choose only one of the fantastic training toys offered by Clean Run to feature here; I have half a dozen of them, and I use them as super-special, high-value rewards when I am training my dog to perform new or difficult tasks.
Clean Run is an online store that specializes in unique, well-made products for people who are active in canine performance sports – things that you cannot find in chain pet supply stores. Toys made of synthetic fleece, plastic, or rubber will engage most dogs to a point. But when you want to capture the attention of a distracted or unmotivated dog, and engage his interest in – nay, passion for – playing a training game, you need a toy that is sturdily made with sheepskin, rabbit fur, or buffalo leather.
Clean Run offers dozens of such toys, in designs that can do whatever you need them to do: contain hidden bits of aromatic food treats (like the leather TugAway Tuff Pouch Tug, $13), provide you with a strong handle for a vigorous and rewarding game of tug with your dog (like the TugAway 2-Handled Buffalo Tuff Tug, made with buffalo leather, $16), fly through the air (like the TugAway Fur Flinger, made with leather and rabbit fur, $19), or supply the singularly enjoyable (to a dog) mouth-feel of a wooly sheep (like the Ram-Tuff Wooly Chaser, made with real sheepskin, $13).
Keep in mind that these toys are not intended to be given to a dog to entertain himself for hours; they are meant to be doled out as a high-value reward for short bits of interactive play and then taken away again. The less your dog has them in his possession, the more he will want them. And because they are made with natural materials, he will want them a lot, from the very first moment he smells them.
Go to the Clean Run website, then click on toys (under dog supplies). And just see if you can buy just one or two toys; it’s so hard to choose when there are so many great products to choose from.
– Nancy Kerns
Clean Run Toys – $13 to $19
Clean Run
South Hadley, MA
(800) 311-6503
Dr. Shawn’s Itch Relief Organic Shampoo
I don’t wash my dogs that often, perhaps once a month. So I want a shampoo that will make Otto’s coat clean, soft, and smelling good, without drying his skin (and making him itch) or conditioning Tito’s fur to the point of greasiness. Also, I expect my dogs to continue to look and smell clean for at least a few weeks after their baths.
Maybe that’s asking too much- because a lot of the dog shampoos I’ve tried fail at some important part of my wish list. For example, one product cleans them well, but leaves their coats full of static electricity, so that their loose hair flies around and magnetically sticks to everything. Another one is difficult to rinse out completely, giving my dogs an oily look and feel after just a few days.
My quest for a superior dog shampoo leads me to try each and every shampoo that comes into my office unsolicited and every new natural product I see in pet supply stores. But in recent months, I’ve found myself reaching for the same bottle again and again; my quest may have ended with this product, which was formulated by holistic veterinarian Shawn Messonier. It doesn’t over-lather, yet gets the dogs really clean, and because it’s made with organic coconut oil, it’s gentle on Otto’s often-irritated skin (he suffers from environmental allergies in the spring and fall). The product contains lemongrass and lavender, so it smells divine, and it contains no artificial colors or fragrances, or sulfates.
– Nancy Kerns
Dr. Shawn’s Itch Relief Organic Shampoo, 16 OZ. – $13
Dr. Shawn’s Naturals
Plano, TX
(972) 867-8800
Karate Belt Leashes
Reduce, reuse, recycle – and now, re-leash. Georgia-based Upcycled Hound transforms karate belts into enviably thick and long dog leashes. Super-soft on your hands and correspondingly strong, the leashes come in all traditional martial-arts colors, from beginner white to the proverbial black belt, and a rainbow in between. Best of all, they’re machine washable. You can purchase the leashes as a set with a matching martingale-style collar, and embellish them with embroidery and ribbon trim.
In addition to color and embroidery, options include an O-ring slip lead or snap (if you choose a model with a snap, you also may choose the size and material of the snap – brass or nickel); length (from two to eight feet); and whether you want a single or double handle (the double handle has a second loop sewn in near the leash snap for increased control when you need to restrain a dog right at your side). The Karate Belt Leashes are made from recycled martial-arts belts, so sizes, widths, colors, and wear patterns vary; some even have original labels from their former lives. An Upcycled Hound label is stitched to all leashes, and all work on the leashes is done locally, never outsourced outside the country.
– Denise Flaim
Starting at $20.
Upcycled Hound
Atlanta, GA
(770) 969-4572
“Dog Sport Skills” Book Series
When you are as into dog training as I am, it’s easy to build a vast library of training-related books. The first two books in the developing “Dog Sports Skills” series by Denise Fenzi and Deborah Jones, PhD, can easily replace a whole shelf full of lesser-quality books in order to clearly and rationally explain the how our dogs learn, and how to use that information to teach our dogs specific behaviors.
At the core of the series is the authors’ desire to help people create meaningful, rewarding relationships with their dogs, whether or not they aspire to set foot in a competition ring, or simply wish to enjoy basic “manners” training at a deeper level. Developing Engagement & Relationship does an excellent job of explaining the true value and importance of building solid dog-handler relationships as a means of fostering willing engagement, while Motivation thoroughly explores how to build on your relationship with your dog by not only understanding what motivates him, but also, how to humanely and respectfully leverage that motivation to support your desired performance.
Adding to the books’ value is the use of a variety of photos and case studies depicting dogs of all shapes, sizes, and skill sets. The inclusiveness of such a variety of dogs is refreshing and supports the idea that success is possible whether or not you train one of the so-called “performance breeds.”
The forthcoming third book will address the nuts and bolts of play. Having built a foundation based on relationship, motivation, and play, readers will then be ready for future books, said to offer a systematic approach to training the various skills required for AKC obedience and rally. In the meantime, those wanting to know more about Fenzi and Jones, both highly accomplished competition exhibitors, can check out the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, an online training school for a variety of competition dog sports.
– Stephanie Colman
Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Woodside, CA
RuffWear’s Front Range Harness
Because of my Border Collie Duncan’s senior age and arthritis, I decided to seek out a different kind of harness for him. I was thrilled to find RuffWear’s new Front Range Harness. I was immediately drawn to it for its design: instead of straps wrapping around shoulders and torso, the Front Range Harness uses padded chest and belly panels that help to distribute any tension that can occur when using a leash. Even better, it does not inhibit a dog’s range of motion and thus avoids the dog having to compromise his gait – making it an ideal harness for off-leash runs and hikes, as well as leisurely walks, with no rubbing straps!
The harness is super easy to put on: it slips over the head and then fastens with two buckles along the back. Not only are there four points for adjustment (two at the neck and two around the belly), there’s this nifty little stretch mechanism sewn into the belly portion that provides a little give when you’re buckling up. Dog is in the details! There’s a pouch on the back piece for identification tags; a secured inner loop easily attaches to tags and the pouch closes tightly with Velcro. There is even an additional ID spot on the inside of the belly panel with space to write your dog’s “trail” name and your phone number. The harness comes in five sizes and four attractive colors.
With two leash attachment points – reinforced webbing at the chest and an aluminum ring on the back – the harness is versatile for dogs of varying activity levels. The harness can even act as a no-pull device when the leash is attached to the front point. This point is also a perfect spot to attach a safety light; that, combined with the reflective trim, makes it a good option for nighttime outings.
– Barbara Dobbins
RuffWear
Bend, OR
(888)783-3932
Aromis Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oils are one of my go-to modalities: When I hear that telltale kennel-cough hack, out come my bottles of eucalyptus oil; if there’s doggie anxiety afoot, it’s lavender essential oil to the rescue. (I use Young Living oils; be sure any oil you use is labeled “therapeutic grade.”) Diffusing these potent aromatics into the air is a wonderful way to unlock their healing powers – not to mention, make the house smell great. Since I keep my diffusers on tabletops, they can’t look frumpy, and on that score Aromis satisfies my aesthetic imperative. The company’s diffusion units have sleek wooden bases and stylish glass diffuser bottles, as well as a built-in timer feature (choose from one, four, or eight-hour run times, or continuous). Since the diffuser bottles are delicate (and the least expensive part of the unit), I always order a spare, just in case.
– Denise Flaim
Aromis Diffusers, $99
Aromis, Ltd.
Longmont, CO
(720) 341-6376
Note: The Aromis website has terrific information on why diffusers are the ideal way to dispense therapeutic essential oils in your home, and how to use and maintain them.
WoofTrax
How about a free piece of “gear” that benefits you, your dog, and your favorite city shelter or rescue organization? WoofTrax is a fitness tracker app that motivates you to walk (or run or bike with) your dogs, while raising money for a shelter or rescue group of your choice.
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The WoofTrax app is available for free in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. After you create a profile, it allows you to upload pictures and information for each dog you walk, as well as designate a shelter or rescue as beneficiary.
An easy-to-follow interface has users select which dogs will join them for the activity and start the GPS tracker. Like any fitness app that uses GPS, the tracking requires data for the duration of the activity, so it’s important to be mindful of your mobile phone’s data limits and potential overage charges, especially if tracking lengthy daily treks. At the end of a walk, run, or ride, a setting allows the app to auto-save information, and users have the option to promote their activity using Twitter or Facebook. The app also saves the user’s history, and offers updated information about the number of users, number of walks, and total mileage logged on behalf of your designated shelter or rescue. Since WoofTrax’s revenue is ad-based, the amount donated to each shelter depends more on the number of people walking on behalf of an organization and the number of walks taken than the distance traveled per walk. According to CEO Doug Hexter, more than 100,000 users have downloaded the app, helping the company donate roughly $65,000 to its more than 4,500 registered shelters and rescues since its inception in fall 2013. City shelters and registered 501(c)(3) rescues can apply to become beneficiaries through the website.
January is National Walk Your Dog Month! Lace up your shoes, leash up your dog, and hit the road to better health and fitness while supporting your local shelter or rescue.
– Stephanie Colman
WoofTrax – free!
WoofTrax
Baltimore, MD
(607) 216-9757
wooftrax.com
Teddy the Dog
I’m a t-shirt and jeans kind of woman, and I love a cute and clever dog t-shirt. Teddy the Dog hits the mark. The handsome and cool Teddy – he’s always wearing sunglasses – can be seen tracking muddy paw prints across a shirt that reads, “Dirty Dogs Have More Fun,” and hanging with a pig on the limited-edition “Don’t Go Bacon My Heart” t-shirt. Fan of the Hunger Games? There’s even “Dogniss: Tribute from District K9.”
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The tag-free t-shirts are 100 percent garment-dyed cotton. Most of the designs are printed on men’s t-shirts. Fewer are available in women’s sizes/styles, hoodies, and youth sizes. A word about sizing: The men’s shirts run big and long. I actually took scissors to one of mine after mistakenly ordering a men’s XL. Just because I want my shirt to be big around, doesn’t mean I want to wear it as a dress. Teddy the Dog also offers throw blankets, beach towels, and a few accessories.
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In addition to the clever designs, Teddy the Dog leads the pack in customer appreciation. Part of what makes Teddy the Dog so fun is the frequency with which new designs appear. The company regularly solicits customer input about new designs through opportunities to vote via Facebook or online surveys, and emails announcing new designs (usually with a discount code) seem to come with just the right frequency to keep me feeling up to date, but not feeling spammed. Two thumbs and four paws up.
– Stephanie Colman
T-shirts starting at $24
Teddy the Dog
Needham, MA
(800) 628-9065 x108
Aromis Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oils are one of my go-to modalities: When I hear that telltale kennel-cough hack, out come my bottles of eucalyptus oil; if theres doggie anxiety afoot, its lavender essential oil to the rescue. (I use Young Living oils; be sure any oil you use is labeled therapeutic grade.) Diffusing these potent aromatics into the air is a wonderful way to unlock their healing powers not to mention, make the house smell great. Since I keep my diffusers on tabletops, they cant look frumpy, and on that score Aromis satisfies my aesthetic imperative. The companys diffusion units have sleek wooden bases and stylish glass diffuser bottles, as well as a built-in timer feature (choose from one, four, or eight-hour run times, or continuous). Since the diffuser bottles are delicate (and the least expensive part of the unit), I always order a spare, just in case.
Denise Flaim
Aromis Diffusers, $99
Aromis, Ltd.
Longmont, CO
(720) 341-6376
aromis.co
Note: The Aromis website has terrific information on why diffusers are the ideal way to dispense therapeutic essential oils in your home, and how to use and maintain them.
WoofTrax
How about a free piece of gear that benefits you, your dog, and your favorite city shelter or rescue organization? WoofTrax is a fitness tracker app that motivates you to walk (or run or bike with) your dogs, while raising money for a shelter or rescue group of your choice.
The WoofTrax app is available for free in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. After you create a profile, it allows you to upload pictures and information for each dog you walk, as well as designate a shelter or rescue as beneficiary.
An easy-to-follow interface has users select which dogs will join them for the activity and start the GPS tracker. Like any fitness app that uses GPS, the tracking requires data for the duration of the activity, so its important to be mindful of your mobile phones data limits and potential overage charges, especially if tracking lengthy daily treks. At the end of a walk, run, or ride, a setting allows the app to auto-save information, and users have the option to promote their activity using Twitter or Facebook. The app also saves the users history, and offers updated information about the number of users, number of walks, and total mileage logged on behalf of your designated shelter or rescue. Since WoofTraxs revenue is ad-based, the amount donated to each shelter depends more on the number of people walking on behalf of an organization and the number of walks taken than the distance traveled per walk. According to CEO Doug Hexter, more than 100,000 users have downloaded the app, helping the company donate roughly $65,000 to its more than 4,500 registered shelters and rescues since its inception in fall 2013. City shelters and registered 501(c)(3) rescues can apply to become beneficiaries through the website.
January is National Walk Your Dog Month! Lace up your shoes, leash up your dog, and hit the road to better health and fitness while supporting your local shelter or rescue.
Stephanie Colman
WoofTrax free!
WoofTrax
Baltimore, MD
(607) 216-9757
wooftrax.com
Teddy the Dog
Im a t-shirt and jeans kind of woman, and I love a cute and clever dog t-shirt. Teddy the Dog hits the mark. The handsome and cool Teddy hes always wearing sunglasses can be seen tracking muddy paw prints across a shirt that reads, Dirty Dogs Have More Fun, and hanging with a pig on the limited-edition Dont Go Bacon My Heart t-shirt. Fan of the Hunger Games? Theres even Dogniss: Tribute from District K9.
The tag-free t-shirts are 100 percent garment-dyed cotton. Most of the designs are printed on mens t-shirts. Fewer are available in womens sizes/styles, hoodies, and youth sizes. A word about sizing: The mens shirts run big and long. I actually took scissors to one of mine after mistakenly ordering a mens XL. Just because I want my shirt to be big around, doesnt mean I want to wear it as a dress. Teddy the Dog also offers throw blankets, beach towels, and a few accessories.
In addition to the clever designs, Teddy the Dog leads the pack in customer appreciation. Part of what makes Teddy the Dog so fun is the frequency with which new designs appear. The company regularly solicits customer input about new designs through opportunities to vote via Facebook or online surveys, and emails announcing new designs (usually with a discount code) seem to come with just the right frequency to keep me feeling up to date, but not feeling spammed. Two thumbs and four paws up.
Stephanie Colman
T-shirts starting at $24
Teddy the Dog
Needham, MA
(800) 628-9065 x108
teddythedog.com
