Dog Gear

Remote dog treat dispenser can reward a dog even when you can’t (or don’t want to be) directly next to them. Remote rewarding can be useful to teach a wide variety of behaviors where the handler isn’t physically close to the dog, from driving forward in dog agility to building duration sit and down stays at a distance, to helping with door manners.

Whether you have a nervous pup who needs lots of counter-conditioning or you just want to keep your dog’s recall sharp, carrying treats with you in a dog treat pouch is vital. You never know when a training opportunity will arise, and one of the best ways to positively reinforce your dog is with a tasty snack. We tested five popular options and came up with the best dog treat pouches and bags for hiking, training, and more. Read on for how we tested and our top picks:

You need to stay hydrated while hiking, and so does your dog! Giving your dog plenty of water while hitting the trails will ensure they stay cool and avoid heatstroke, especially in the hot summer months. That’s where portable dog water bottles come in. A dedicated dog water bottle will make it easy to carry your pup’s water and make it easier to offer them a drink more frequently.

Pet water fountains offer a steady supply of fresh water and encourage drinking by attracting a dog’s attention with their sights and sounds. Some fountains filter impurities, and constantly circulating water maintains a cool temperature, which dogs enjoy. Fountains are convenient for dog owners, too, because they don’t require the frequent refilling that water bowls do.

Dogs are natural foragers, the best snuffle mats can give your dog a good outlet to practice this instinctual behavior.

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a crate. A crate that is too small can cause stress and discomfort, while one that is too large may not feel secure and may make training more difficult.

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 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.

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 provide more than protection against the cold. They are also dog ear protection that can muffle fireworks and protect hearing.

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.

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.