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Our editors have selected the best dog gear of 2025.

Whole Dog Journal’s Gear of the Year 2025

Here at WDJ, we’re always on the lookout for products that improve life with our dogs in any way. Every year, we talk with our experts and determine the toys, training and care tools, and treats that provide the biggest lift to them and their canine companions. These are their top picks for 2024!
Flirt poles for dogs are a great play toy that engages and exercises your dog.

Flirt Pole Fun for Dogs

Flirt poles allow for erratic, prey-like movement of the lure or toy at the end that’s fantastically fun for pets to chase. Though they’re often used for cats, there are flirt poles big and sturdy enough for dogs of all sizes, too.
A dog recovery suit can

When to Choose a Dog Recovery Suit

That plastic Elizabethan cone that has been traditionally used to stop dogs from licking, biting, or scratching at wounds, surgical stitches, and skin irritations works, but it’s not comfortable. A dog recovery suit is not only less cumbersome for your dog, it is also a more effective option than a cone.
Dog ear muffs protect against more than cold weather. They also

Dog Ear Muffs Provide Hearing Protection

Dog ear muffs provide more than protection against the cold. They are also dog ear protection that can muffle fireworks and protect hearing.
Dog scratch pads provide an alternative to clippers for keeping dog nails trimmed.

The Best Dog Scratch Pads for Fear-Free Nail Trims

A dog scratch board or scratch pad is usually a wooden or plastic board with an abrasive material like sandpaper adhered to one side. They can be used to train dogs to file down their own nails, without the anxiety that may come from using a nail tool. They make great cooperative care options for dogs who don’t like having their feet touched.
Indestructible dog beds don't really exist, but there are very tough dog beds available.

The 4 Best Chew-Proof Dog Beds

There are a ton of dog beds on the market that claim to be indestructible but can still be destroyed by a persistent pup. Not all have what it takes to stand up to persistent chewers. Here are the ones we found to be the best.
Martingale collars are designed to prevent dogs from slipping out of them.

The 5 Best Dog Martingale Collars for Escape Artist Pups

If you’ve ever had a dog slip their collar and run off into the sunset, a martingale collar might be a good pick for...
Dog talking buttons can enable dogs to communicate simple needs to their owners.

Talking Buttons for Dogs

Not every dog is a good match for talking buttons. Older dogs or those that have never shown interest in solving puzzles may not get much benefit from the device.
Cooling vests for dogs can help to keep your pup comfortable on hot days or long hikes.

Cooling Vests for Dogs

The best cooling vests, or coats, for dogs are lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting, and light in color. Anything heavy, tight, or dark will result in more heat absorption and retention.
Dog tracking devices are a desired device, but rarely work as desired.

Dog Tracking Devices for Newbies

GPS technology to track your dog is fairly new, but the number of dog tracking device options has grown. The effectiveness of those tracking devices has also substantially improved.
Urine stains can be a challenge to remove from carpet without the appropriate cleaners.

How to Get Dog Urine Smell Out of a Carpet

Canine urine combines ammonia, bacteria, hormones, and uric acid. As it breaks down, urine’s ammonia becomes more concentrated and releases mercaptan, a putrid-smelling gas. This is why it can be difficult to completely get dog urine smell out of carp
Bully stick holders prevent dogs from swallowing the last few inches of a bully stick.

Bully-Stick Holders Reviewed

There are two types of bully stick holder types: a vice type that clamps the bully stick in place, and a friction type that uses a rubbery material.

Latest Blog

Informing? Or Selling?

A couple of days ago, I received a text from a dog-training client, wondering about a video she had just watched—and which she linked in the text. “Is meat meal bad for dogs?” she asked. She followed that message with, “I get that she’s selling her own pet food, but is it (meat meal) that bad?”