Toys and games don’t just entertain our dogs, but they keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit too. There are plenty of dog toys and other doggy paraphernalia that you can use to keep your dog happy and occupied.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Homemade Dog Toys

If you like to make your own dog toys, try these DIY dog toy projects.

5 Easy DIY Dog Toys To Make From Rubbish!

How To Make A Snuffle Mat For Your Dog

Make a dishwasher-washable, silicone snuffle mat for your dog

Best Dog Toys

A Complete Guide to KONGS for Dogs: Sizes, Types, Fillings

New Ways With KONGS: What to Put on a KONG!

Best Gadgets And Products For Dogs Left At Home

Best Holiday Gifts For Dogs And Dog Moms

Games for Dogs

Rainy Day Activities And Indoor Games For Dogs

Canine Enrichment: Easy Nosework For Dogs Activities

Go Find! Easy Scent Game To Play With Your Dog

How To Do Free Work Enrichment For Dogs

Calmness Games to Play with Your Dog and keep dog calm

Dog Training

Dog Training Tips: 6 Easy Ways To Improve Results

The post Dog Toys and Games for Dogs appeared first on Canine Compilation.

A KONG is such a versatile dog toy. Most of us use it for fetch games, stuff it with food, or freeze it for great summer refreshing treats for our pups. Have you ever considered using it as the base for a celebration ‘cake’ though?

To make this cute snowman ‘cake’ for my dog, I used her classic KONG and covered and decorated it. It was quick and easy to prepare, and more importantly, I only used healthy, human-grade food.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

• something white for the ‘snow’ frosting: read on for more info
• an egg yolk (for the head)
• a slice of something like cheese or carrot for the hat
• dried fish or carrot sticks for the arms
• chopped up pieces of dried liver, cranberry or pumpkin seeds for eyes and buttons

To create a white frosting, I have two recommendations.

• I used a mix of cooked egg whites and low-fat cream cheese. 2 hard-boiled egg whites and 1 tbsp low-fat cream cheese were enough to cover my large classic KONG. You might find that a thick Greek yogurt works just as well as cream cheese. You don’t want the mix to be too sloppy though. The cream cheese/yogurt is just to bind the eggs and stick to the KONG
• Alternatively, you could use mashed potato, but I don’t feed my pup potato. I do like her to get plenty of eggs in her diet though, as they are such a powerhouse of nutrients.

As well as the frosting, you’ll need some bits and pieces to give the snowman some buttons, facial features, arms and a hat – or whatever you choose to dress him in. Check out this snowman cake I baked (not a KONG, but a real cake) for ideas as to how to dress your snowman with a scarf too.

Here are some things you might use to decorate the snowman:

• thinly chopped carrots make good arms (I used bits of dried sprats)
• a slice of carrot or cheese can be cut into a circle for a hat
• chopped up pieces of dried liver, cranberry or pumpkin seeds make good eyes and buttons

As well as food, you will of course need a KONG!

KONG CLASSIC

Suitable for average chewers

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KONG EXTREME

Suitable for aggressive, power chewers

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KONG PUPPY

Suitable for teething puppies

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KONG SENIOR

Suitable for older teeth and gums

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook two hard-boiled eggs. Shell them and cut them in half.
2. Separate the egg yolk from the egg white – make sure you keep it whole, you need one for the head!
3. Put the cooked egg whites and the low-fat cream cheese in a food processor and blend til smooth.
4. If you’re planning to make this ‘cake’ last as long as possible, stuff it with food now, before you cover it. Here are lots of ideas for filling a KONG.
5. Spread the white mix over the KONG. Don’t worry about making a perfect snowman, or whether little patches of KONG show through the snow. By the time you finish adding the decorations, he will look super cute.
6. Carefully stick the 2 egg yolk halves together with ‘snow’ to recreate a ball. Cover it with snow and pop it on the KONG – be sure to put the join horizontally so the 2 halves don’t come apart.
7. Pop a slice of carrot or cheese on his head for a hat.
8. Lightly press a piece of dried fish or carrot sticks in place for arms, and other bits of food for eyes and buttons. Of course, add more features if you wish!

If you have leftover ‘snow’ you can use it on a lickimat. Get more lickimat topping ideas here.

CONCLUSION

It’s easy to turn your KONG into a fantastic Christmas dog treat. While you’re tucking into turkey and cranberry sauce, your pup can happily slurp away at his or her snowman KONG. If you stuff the KONG first, it will give your dog even more entertainment – maybe even long enough for you to get started on your Christmas pud!

The post New Ways With KONGS – What to Put on a KONG! appeared first on Canine Compilation.

Does your dog get frustrated and rip stuff up? Or perhaps your dog is tired of the same old food all the time? Or do you maybe already have a KONG but you get bored of filling it with the same food and you need some new ideas?

KONGs are fantastic boredom-busters!

Read on for an overview of the different KONGs available (yes, there are more than just the classic red KONG), which KONGs are best for different kinds of dogs, and what to stuff them with.

If your dog doesn’t already have a KONG, I’m going to give you scores of reasons why it’s worth adding it to your dog’s toy basket.

There are just a couple of warnings for us pet parents: don’t give your pup their KONG on your favourite rug or sofa. KONGs are fantastic fun for dogs but can make a mess, depending on what you fill them with.

And as with any toy, there are a couple of safety issues to be aware of – read on for more details.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

WHAT IS A KONG?

A KONG is a hollow toy that is made of dog-safe, toxic-free rubber – all made in the USA. The KONG shape resembles a ridged cone and it bounces and rolls unpredictably. Some dogs like to play with it as if it was a ball, but the real benefit comes from stuffing a KONG with food.

They are often filled with peanut butter, giving your pup hours of fun and entertainment in licking it clean. Although peanut butter might be the most common stuffing for Kongs, it’s certainly not the healthiest and there are lots of other more interesting and exciting Kong fillings for your fur baby.

WHY IS A KONG POPULAR?

A KONG toy is incredibly versatile. So what are the benefits of KONGs?

KONG FOR ENRICHMENT

KONGS are a great way to add to your dog’s enrichment and keep your pup entertained.

By combining meal times with gentle play, you’re essentially making your pup work for their food – something dogs love to do.

Eating from a bowl isn’t an enriching experience and does nothing to engage a dog’s brain. Stuffing food into a KONG is a practical way to encourage physical play as well as mental stimulation for dogs. This combination really helps satisfy a dog’s natural instincts.

Combine a stuffed KONG with other enrichment elements in Free Work for your dog and get maximum benefits from it.

KONG TO BEAT BOREDOM

When dogs are bored, they get up to no good. If your dog tends to pull apart things they shouldn’t, giving them a kong might save your slippers, table legs, or cushions from being destroyed!

KONG AS A FETCH TOY

Because of its irregular, unpredictable bouncing pattern, the KONG makes a challenging and fun toy for your pup to fetch.

KONG AS A SLOW FEEDER

You can smear food on the outside of a KONG (messy for you, fantastic for your pup), or, you can stuff it. Putting food on the inside of a KONG means your dog’s eating is slowed down – no more wolfing down their food!

Stuffing a KONG with your dog’s normal dinner effectively replaces using a bowl.

If you freeze the KONG and its contents, it will make mealtime even slower.

KONG AS A CHEW TOY

Made of dog-safe rubber, a KONG is a durable chew toy.

Unlike bones or some other chew toys, the rubber KONG is hard enough to be durable but soft enough so it won’t break your dog’s teeth.

KONG FOR DENTAL HEALTH

Dog toothpaste, dog oral gel or spray, or a small amount of coconut oil can be smeared on the outside or inside of the KONG. This, in addition to the soft scraping of your dog’s teeth on the rubber when they chew, helps to keep their teeth clean.

KONG FOR CRATE TRAINING

Use a filled KONG as a high-value treat when training your dog to enjoy spending time in their crate.

Fill the KONG and let your dog check it out before you pop it in the back of the crate. Encourage your dog to investigate the crate in their own time. Don’t shut the door on them once they’re inside.

Instead, let your dog enjoy their KONG in the crate so they associate the crate with positive experiences.

KONG FILLINGS CAN ADD VARIETY TO YOUR DOG’S LIFE

Can you imagine having to eat the same thing for every meal? That’s exactly what life is like for lots of dogs.

Dogs love variety and get bored just like us though. By stuffing the KONG with different food, you can give your dog the variety they crave from their dinner.

KONG FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

One of the main differences between feeding in a KONG and feeding in a bowl is that your dog has to move much more when they eat from a KONG. The erratic movement of the KONG can provide a dog with a good 15-20 minutes play and chase time.

KONG AS A STRESS RELIEVER

Many dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone. If you need to leave your dog at home when you go out, a KONG can help to relieve your dog’s stress at being left alone.

However, although many pet parents do this with a KONG that has been fully stuffed or even frozen, I personally would not. I’m a paranoid dog-mom who doesn’t like to leave her pup alone with toys that might potentially have safety risks. Read on to see what those are concerning KONGs and some potential solutions.

TYPES OF KONGS

The KONG company produces lots of different toys, not just the hollow, rubber bouncing shape we all know and love. We’re not concerned with the other KONG toys here though – instead, we’ll focus on the 4 types of original KONG.

Each of the 4 types comes in a variety of sizes. Each of the 4 types has its own signature colour.

CLASSIC KONG

The classic, red KONG is probably the most well-known dog enrichment toy on the market. It’s suitable for a ‘normal’ adult dog.

What do I mean by normal? One that doesn’t destroy everything in their sight in 2 seconds flat, and isn’t a puppy or an older dog.

If your dog’s aim in life is to destroy everything he can get his teeth on, the KONG Extreme is more suitable. Made of super-tough rubber, it’s much harder to chew up.

EXTREME KONG

Of course, any dog parent knows there is no such thing as indestructible when it comes to dogs, but the black, Extreme KONG was created with power chewers in mind. It’s made of tougher rubber than the other KONGs. If you’re looking for the best KONG for heavy chewers, this is the boy for you.

SENIOR KONG

Since many older dogs tend to suffer from oral health issues, the Senior KONG is made from softer, purple rubber. It encourages chewing but is kinder on your dog’s teeth and gums.

PUPPY KONG

The Puppy KONG is the only variation that comes in 2 colours – pink or blue. Both are made of soft, chewy rubber that won’t be too challenging for your puppy’s teeth.

As your puppy’s 28 baby teeth come through, it can make their gums sore. Chewing on a Puppy KONG can help relieve some of the teething pain that puppies go through.

Their adult teeth are set at around 9 months old – they can then move on to either a KONG Classic or KONG Extreme.

KONG PUPPY

Suitable for teething puppies

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KONG SENIOR

Suitable for older teeth and gums

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT KONG FOR YOUR DOG

It’s essential that you get the correct type of KONG, and the right size of KONG, for your dog.

One-size-fits-all does not work when it comes to KONGs.

WHAT SIZES DO KONGS COME IN?

KONGs come in 6 sizes, though you can’t get all 6 sizes in every type of KONG.

This table shows you a summary of KONG type and the sizes of KONG that are available.

WHAT SIZE KONG DOES MY DOG NEED?

To choose the right type and size KONG for your dog, answer these questions:

1. What age is your dog? – choose from Puppy, Adult (Classic/Extreme), or Senior.
2. If your dog is an adult, are they a normal chewer or an aggressive chewer? Choose a Classic KONG for normal, an Extreme KONG for aggressive chewers.
3. What does your dog weigh? Use the table below to identify the right size based on your dog’s weight.

If your dog’s weight is on the cusp between 2 different sizes, KONG recommends that you size up and go for the larger model.

When giving any toy to dogs, bigger is better to prevent them from swallowing small pieces of the toy.

The manufacturer recommends sizing up if you’re unsure which size to buy. Here are recommended Kong sizes for common breeds of dogs.

WHAT SIZE KONG WORKS BEST FOR DIFFERENT BREEDS?

KONG produced a chart with suggested sizes for different breeds. Use this along with the table above listing the weight of your dog to find the right size for your dog’s breed.

My girl is a small dobermann (27kg) and she’s enjoying a large KONG Classic in this picture.

HOW TO CLEAN AND SANITISE KONGS

Once your pup has licked the KONG clean, it will be delightfully slobbery! I find it easier to clean it straight away, otherwise, food gets dry and crusty inside and it’s harder to clean it properly.

KONGs are dishwasher safe, so if you have a dishwasher, pop the KONG in on the top rack. If you don’t, here’s how to clean a KONG by hand.

1. Rinse it under the hot water tap to remove any lumps of food
2. In case of stubborn treats, soak the KONG in warm water until dried up food has softened
3. Scrub the inside of the KONG using an old toothbrush or bottle brush
4. Rinse thoroughly with tap water after washing to remove any soap suds.

HOW LONG DOES A KONG LAST?

Provided your dog is not an expert destroyer (in which case, get the Kong Extreme) a Kong will last for years. Check the KONG regularly for cracks, separations or missing pieces and dispose of the KONG if you find any (or use the KONG pieces in nose work!).

Some pet parents report that after 7 or 8 years of regular use, the KONG starts to break down, with the rubber becoming a little sticky and oil leaching from it. Clearly, you should replace any KONG as soon as this happens.

Still, 7 or 8 years regular use before it degrades makes this incredibly good value for money!

KONG STUFFING TIPS

Some dogs understand how to use a filled KONG immediately. Others need a little help though.

TOTAL BEGINNER For a dog that’s never had a filled KONG before, start simple. You want it to be an enriching challenge, but not frustrating.

If your dog seems really confused about what to do with it, start with a filling that’s super easy for your dog to get to. The simplest way to use a KONG is as a treat dispenser. Pop some treats in there and let your dog paw at it, rolling it around to get the treats to fall out.

Once they are happy nudging the KONG around to get to the food, raise the challenge level a bit – time to mix in some sticky stuff and/or plug the holes up.

INTERMEDIATE If necessary, plug the small bottom hole with something sticky or paste-like (such as cream cheese or nut butter). This is if you’re using really small treats or kibble pieces that would fall out otherwise. Add treats to kibble, then plug up the large hole with more sticky stuff. This stops all the food immediately spilling out of the KONG as soon as you put it down.

Increase the difficulty over time by packing it a little more each time. Mix the food with a binding base such as some yogurt, pureed / canned pumpkin, cream cheese, or wet dog food such as raw ground meat or canned dog food, healthy nut butter, or pate and just let your dog lick at it.

If your dog seems confused by what to do with it, don’t stuff the KONG so it’s jam-packed. Leave some loose food such as bits of meat (or kibble, if you feed it) in the top of it so they fall out easily.

ADVANCED Fill the KONG fully. Maybe add in and layer elements that are harder to get out, such as chunks of ice-cubes.

If you haven’t already, try your hand at making frozen KONGs by filling them with food and liquid.

HOW TO STUFF A KONG

KONG stuffing can get a little messy, depending on what you fill it with.

Some fillings can simply be spooned in – this is what I do with my dog’s raw mince.

For some fillings though, the easiest method is to prop the KONG straight up in a jug or glass, with the small hole to the bottom.

If necessary, plug up the small hole with something sticky: common options for this are peanut butter, cream cheese, a piece of cheese, a slice of carrot, mashed banana, wet dog food or a chewy treat. It can be any dog-safe food that will plug the hole so that the rest of the food doesn’t come out.

Begin pushing or spooning in the rest of the filling. The large hole can be made oblong shape by squeezing the top of the KONG which will let you push larger items into the KONG. This works well when you want to include ice cubes, for instance.

Once you’ve filled the KONG, plug up the large hole with some more sticky food if necessary.

MIX IT UP

Mix wet and dry ingredients to make it more interesting and challenging for your dog to get to the food.

Vary the ingredients so there’s always a surprise for your pup as they progress through the contents of their KONG.

HOW TO STUFF A KONG FOR PUPPIES

We need to be careful when we introduce new food types to any dog, but especially so with a puppy because of the risk of them vomiting or having diarrhea.

To begin, stuff the KONG mainly with your puppy’s regular food, and add a small amount of new food that has been chopped up tiny so there’s no choking risk. Options include small bits of fruit and veg like banana, apple, carrot or broccoli.

Use small amounts of low-fat cream cheese or cottage cheese as glue to bind the food together, and to ‘plug’ the opening once you’ve filled the KONG.

Alternatively, try KONG’s own range of fillers for puppies.

KONG READY-MADE FILLINGS

Just in case you don’t want to prepare food to fill your dog’s KONG, KONG makes a full range of their own squeezy fillings and treats too.

Choose from squirty fillings for puppies, or for adults in various flavours including: liver, sweet potato, peanut butter, or bacon and cheese.

KONG Snacks and Bites are also available for puppies or adults – these are solid treats designed to go inside a KONG.

SIMPLE KONG FILLINGS

If you’re a beginner, or maybe even just short of time, go for a couple of simple KONG fillings.The best KONG fillers are usually whatever your pup goes nuts for.

Two things to bear in mind: All food types should be chopped up small enough so they don’t pose a choking hazard, and don’t add too many high-calorie foods or your poor pup will end up looking like a KONG.

Mashed banana or yogurt make a good binding base for the filling. Binding the filling together will stop it from falling out of the KONG too easily. What else you put in there is up to you; it could be pieces of fruit, chopped vegetables, pieces of meat or even your dog’s kibble if he’s kibble fed.

Here are some other ideas of things to stuff a KONG with.

The easiest option for filling a KONG? YOUR DOG’S DINNER! It might seem like a cop-out, but it really isn’t. Your dog needs to eat and you can make mealtime much more interesting for them by offering them their food in a more enriching format.

If you usually feed kibble, mix the kibble with some other dog-safe ingredients from the list above and pack them into the KONG. Plug the opening with something sticky and your dog’s dinner just got a lot more interesting for them.

Tap twice to load then open Video...

FROZEN KONGS

A frozen KONG lasts longer than a standard KONG. It also makes an excellent refreshing treat for your dog in warmer weather.

Freezing the KONG opens up a whole host of new filling options. Because it will be frozen, you can use liquid fillings as well as solid food.

How long does a frozen KONG last? That depends on your dog, but my girl takes an hour to finish a loosely packed frozen KONG. Not bad for 5 minutes of my time!

For the best frozen KONG recipes for dogs and puppies, add liquid to a solid food filling to create a more challenging stuffed KONG.

Liquid base options:

• Bone broth – homemade is best. If you use a bought one, check it’s not full of salt and doesn’t contain onions.
• kefir
• yogurt

Solid food options:

• pieces of chopped up meat
• pieces of chopped up fruit or veg
• pieces of kibble if you feed kibble
• canned dog food

Sticky food to plug the holes:

• cream cheese
• nut butter

FROZEN KONG RECIPE

This recipe combines liquid and solids, with a fish leaping out of the large hole!

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (low fat preferably)
• ground meat (raw or cooked)
• bone broth
• dehydrated / fresh small fish (I used sprats)

Instructions:

Given that we’re going to put bone broth in the KONG, you might be wondering, how do you fill a KONG with liquid? Read the instructions, or watch the video.

• Start by plugging up the smaller hole with cream cheese or nut butter. I use a knife and force cream cheese into the hole from the outside. I put around a teaspoon amount in there to plug the hole well.
• Put the KONG, plugged hole to the bottom, in a jug or small bowl. Ideally, the KONG will not have room to fall over, so don’t use a jug/bowl that is much bigger than the KONG.
• Spoon in the ground meat and a few fish.
• Pour in some broth.
• Plug the top hole with cream cheese and poke a fish or 2 into it.
• Freeze.
• It’s not necessary to completely pack and fill the KONG, especially if your dog isn’t used to eating from a KONG. Over time you can gradually fill it more and more until it is completely full of food.
• Once it’s completely set, it’s ready for your dog!

USE THE KONG AS A BASE FOR A CAKE!

As well as stuffing the KONG with food, why not use it as a quick and convenient base for a celebration cake? In this project I covered the KONG to make a snowman. See how to do it in this article.

KONG WARNINGS AND ADVICE

Make sure that you’re not precious about the area where your pup will be playing with the KONG. Drooling dogs and sticky, wet KONGs are guaranteed to make a mess, so keep the KONG away from your sofa or carpets.

My girl enjoys her KONG on her bed or the floor in the kitchen. Her bed topper is machine washable so I just throw it in the wash if it gets covered in food. The rug in the kitchen is washable too so I leave her to enjoy her KONG freely, without worrying about any slobbering.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING KONG TOYS

Risk is rare, but it does happen. I know many pet parents that rely on a stuffed KONG to entertain their dog when they go out and leave the dog alone. It seems like a fantastic way to occupy them, especially in the case of separation anxiety, but I would never leave my dog with a filled KONG unsupervised. Let’s look at the potential risks of leaving your dog alone with a KONG – to be honest, most of these points are true of ANY dog toys.

DURABILITY

Is your dog a destructive chewer? If so, go for a KONG Extreme. It’s made of tougher rubber and will be harder for an aggressive chewer to shred it up. For dogs that destroy their toys, it’s better not to allow access to any toys, including KONG toys, while unattended. Otherwise, there is a risk your dog will end up eating fragments of rubber.

WRONG SIZE KONG

Consider the size and shape of your KONG toy. If a large dog is given a KONG toy designed for small dogs, risks go up significantly. An appropriately-sized KONG toy will be hard to swallow. A general rule of thumb is to get a KONG that is almost the size of your dog’s head.

However, bear in mind that your dog’s bottom jaw could get stuck in the larger hole if the hole is too big. It’s not usually difficult to get it off, but I recommend that you supervise KONG playtime in case that happens.

OLD KONGS

Look for cracks in the rubber or signs of aging. Any toy that is beginning to break down increases the risk of your dog swallowing it.

DIETARY ISSUES

Calories count, even when delivered in a KONG toy!

VACUUM/SUCTION RISK

There have been a handful of cases reported where the action of the dog licking inside the KONG creates a vacuum and the dog’s tongue gets stuck in the KONG. In theory, the second, smaller hole in the KONG is designed to stop that happening but if the KONG is packed full of food or frozen, there won’t be any air getting into the KONG through that smaller hole.

One solution to this that lots of pet parents do is to push a straw through the KONG – in one hole and out the other – before they freeze it. They remove the straw before giving the KONG to their dog.

I think it’s a little pointless though, as the hole is likely to close up while your dog is licking away at the contents of the KONG. The food/liquid can potentially defrost and block the hole anyway.

Instead, I prefer to be around when my girl is enjoying her KONG. I would also avoid packing it too densely for dogs that go nuts and try to devour their KONGs.

Does your dog have separation anxiety? Many pet parents leave their pups with a stuffed or frozen KONG to keep them occupied when they’re alone. I personally would not do this. I’m a paranoid dog-mom who doesn’t like to leave her pup alone with toys that might potentially have safety risks.

One solution, instead of leaving your dog with a stuffed or frozen KONG when you go out, is to just smear food on the inner walls of the KONG, leaving a hole through the middle so air can still get in. Yes, your dog will finish it much sooner, but you won’t be worrying about them all the time you’re out.

ALTERNATIVE TO A KONG

Other manufacturers’ versions of KONGS are cheaper, but they’re not as durable so they’re not really cost-efficient in the long run. They’re more likely to break apart and cause a choking hazard or lead to your dog inadvertently eating bits of rubber.

CONCLUSION

KONGs make excellent enrichment toys. They also give us a simple way to make mealtimes more fun and stimulating for our dogs. They’re so versatile and can be used as a fetch toy, a replacement for a food bowl, a refreshing treat in the summer, and as a simple play toy.

KONGs can be filled with any kind of dog-safe food.

It’s important to get the right KONG for your dog though, based on different criteria such as size, durability, and the age of your dog.

So what type of KONG does your dog need, if you don’t already have one? What’s your favourite stuffing for a KONG? Let us know what drives your dog crazy!

I am not a veterinarian: this information is not intended to replace medical advice, but rather, to help you make informed decisions to improve your dog’s health and wellbeing. Please, always seek your vet’s opinion, especially in the case of your dog being ill. 

The post A Complete Guide to KONGS for Dogs: Sizes, Types, Fillings appeared first on Canine Compilation.

We all want to have a balanced, happy and well behaved dog, don’t we? We can take different routes to achieve that, using different techniques, but these 6 dog training tips will help you make your training so much more successful. Read on for these simple adjustments that will enable you to improve your dog training and have more fun at the same time!

This article may contain affiliate links. As an Associate with Amazon and other companies, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you!

MARK GOOD RESULTS PROPERLY

Set your dog up for success (and you too!) by correctly marking your dog when she does something you want. Some people use a clicker. I don’t personally. I find the word ‘YES!’ works perfectly well and doesn’t depend on me remembering to have a clicker on me at all times.

Each time your dog gives you the behaviour you want, say ‘YES!’ happily, and reward her. For instance, let’s suppose you’re trying to train your dog not to jump up when you come home. As soon as you see a behaviour you want – for instance, she sits or stands or settles, but doesn’t jump – say ‘YES!” in your cheeriest voice and give her a reward.

This one word – YES – will quickly become music to your dog’s ears, as she knows she’s about to get a treat. She will quickly learn that any behaviour she offers that gets her a YES! and a treat, is worth repeating.

Different dogs are motivated by different rewards. In the example above, your dog is pleased to see you, and is probably looking for some love. You could reward her with a treat, or, give her a hug once she is calmer and not jumping up.

By marking good behaviour with the same marker (a clicker, or a work like YES), you are more likely to get your dog repeating the good behaviour. What we don’t want to do is punish her, or say ‘NO!’ if she doesn’t do the behaviour you’re looking for.

STOP SAYING NO!

This is a hard habit to break! Most of us are so accustomed to saying NO to our dogs. However, training is much more enjoyable for us and our dogs if we focus on the behaviour we DO want, NOT the behaviour we DON’T want.

Many of us pet parents think that dog training is for the dog. In fact, it’s for us too! We need to learn how to be better at communicating with our dogs, and how to stop sending confusing signals to them.

Instead of marking the bad behaviour that you don’t want to see by saying ‘NO!’, try to focus on positive reinforcement by marking and rewarding the good behaviour that you DO want, with a happy ‘YES!’.

Not only will your dog be happier and less stressed, you will too!

HIGH VALUE TREATS

For behaviour change to occur, we need something that our dogs will find super rewarding. For most dogs this will be high value food.

This varies from dog to dog; some go nuts for cheese, others adore chicken.

What does your dog really love? Use that for training sessions when you’re trying to teach your dog something new, or something challenging and difficult. If your dog is already doing well with an aspect of training, you can use ‘normal’ treats for that.

For instance, my girl is reactive to other dogs. When we’re out on a walk, I will often do little training sessions with her such as recall, loose leash walking, and various tricks. These are things she can manage pretty well, so I use normal, medium value treats.

However, when another dog comes into view, I switch to high value treats.

You can get through lots of treats when training. If you feed your dog kibble, you can just use the kibble as the treats. You will probably need something more enticing as a high value treat though. Try to keep the high value treats just for training.

Here are some homemade dog treat recipes that my girl loves, and she is a very picky eater. Each dog is different so try different treats to see what your dog goes nuts for!

MANAGE THE ENVIRONMENT BETTER

We can manage our surroundings to help us with our dogs’ behaviour.

Let’s say one problem you are trying to resolve is poor recall. If your dog runs off each time you take him on a walk, just don’t let him off the lead!

Get a long line so that he can still have a degree of freedom but it won’t end in you running round the park after him, screaming and shouting. Apart from anything else, chasing your dog like this is super fun for your dog and will simply make him want to do it all the more!

There are so many things we can do to make our lives easier and manage our dog’s environment better.

Your dog eats your shoes? Put them in a cupboard! Your dog barks at people he sees walking by? Put a screen or curtain over the window so he can’t see out.

These management changes don’t have to be permanent; they are useful at helping reduce the problem while we work on the behaviourial side with appropriate training.

For instance, my dog runs to the gate and barks at other dogs walking by. To manage this, I put a tarp up over the gate, so she can no longer see out to the road. This stopped her barking.

At the same time, we are working on her reactivity to stop her barking at other dogs. If she barks, she gets worked up (as do I), and none of us learn well when we are worked up and stressed. Covering the gate is a great management technique to support my end goal of her no longer barking at passing dogs.

How can you change your environment so that your dog’s unwelcome behaviour is less likely to occur?

PRACTISE IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS

Whatever you are trying to teach your dog, it is of course best to begin the training in a place where there are few distractions and your dog is most comfortable – remember, we learn best when we are relaxed and happy.

Once your dog can perform the desired behaviour that you are teaching, and he can do it consistently, it’s time to practise it in different places.

Start with a place that has a few more distractions, but not too many – you don’t want to throw your dog in the deep end and ruin all your good work!

The idea is to make the training a little more challenging each time until your dog can do the desired behaviour in a range of settings.

Once your dog has learned the desired behaviour well, don’t forget to practise it from time to time in the future. Just like learning a new language, we lose what we don’t use.

KEEP TRAINING SESSIONS SHORT

If training is fun, it will be more effective. if your dog gets bored, stop training and continue at another time. By keeping the sessions short, you will progress faster and it will be more enjoyable.

What’s more, quick 2 to 3 minute training sessions can be easily slotted in to your daily life – for instance, while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, do some quick training!

PROFESSIONAL HELP

Sometimes, we need outside assistance. As well as our dogs learning new things, we need help learning too.

For those tricky situations or difficulties that you feel you’re not able to resolve, get some professional help. I know this almost always means spending money, but isn’t your dog worth it?

I highly recommend Grisha Stewart’s Dog Training School. I think it represents the best value for money, good quality training on the market. With hundreds of hours of training videos and live classes, it’s an absolute gem for training your dog.

Grisha Stewart’s Dog Training And Behaviour School

DOG BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS?
NEED TO UP YOUR DOG TRAINING?

Get access to 100s of hours of video classes, eBooks, special events and live sessions, covering most aspects of dog training and behaviour:

• puppy training
• dog reactivity, aggression, resource guarding
• dog confidence, fearful dogs
• loose leash walking

GET ONLINE DOG TRAINING!

CONCLUSION

Dog training can be challenging at times. These 6 dog training tips can be applied to teaching any new behaviour and result in more success in your dog training.

The post Dog Training Tips: 6 Easy Ways To Improve Results appeared first on Canine Compilation.

Now that lockdown restrictions are easing up, many people are returning to their places of work. During the months when we were all working from home, our dogs have been blissfully happy with 24/7 company and care. You might be concerned about how your dog will manage, being left at home alone, when you go back to work.

This article may contain affiliate links. As an Associate with Amazon and other companies, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you!

Whether you got your dog as a puppy during the pandemic, or whether you had your dog pre-COVID, the last few months of lockdown mean that your pup is most likely not used to being left on his own much at all, let alone for several hours at a time.

Consequently, the end of lockdown restrictions also marks the end of a happy period for many dogs who will now have to face long hours on their own at home. Some will manage this OK, but sadly others won’t. Some dogs will be very bored, which could lead to destruction and restlessness, and others might really suffer separation anxiety.

In an ideal world, to try to avoid your dog suffering as a result of being left alone, you might consider doggy daycare, getting in a dog walker, or working with a dog behaviourist to assist your dog.

You might also be wondering what gadgets you can buy that will help your dog and in turn, let you know that all is OK back at home.

From things to calm or entertain, to things that monitor, here’s a round up of the best bits of kit to keep an eye on and look after your dog while you’re out at work.

ACTIVITY TRACKERS

The Tractive GPS is the best selling activity tracker, and with reason. It has an impressive array of functions.

For the stay-at-home dog, you might use an activity tracker to see whether your dog is at rest or running zoomies around the house all day. Perhaps your dog has access to your garden during the day? If so, you can use the virtual fence feature so that you know if your dog is in the house or outside.

It can be used throughout the USA, Canada and in 150 other countries. All the features can be managed via the free Tractive GPS app for iOS and Android, or in any browser.

MOST POPULAR ACTIVITY TRACKER

• LIVE TRACKING & LOCATION HISTORY – Follow your furry friend’s every step in real-time on your phone. See where your dog has been and what they’ve been up to.
• VIRTUAL FENCE – Mark safe spaces, like your garden, and know the moment your dog leaves one – and when they come back safely.
• ALL-DAY ACTIVITY MONITORING – Track active time, rest and calories burned. Set fitness goals.
• SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT & 100% WATERPROOF – Running through the forest, rolling in the mud or a dip in the lake? No problem!
• SUBSCRIPTION PLAN NEEDED

GET A TRACTIVE GPS TRACKER FOR DOGS

PET CAMERAS

Installing cameras at home is a great idea, for lots of reasons.

HOME SECURITY CAMERAS

With all the dog thefts these days, I installed cameras around my home for peace of mind. I installed Blink cameras as they were super easy to install and set up, and they include audio. I can check them on my phone if I’m out of the house, and I can add to the system with more cameras at a later date if I wish.

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The Blink system allows you to include interior cameras, but even better than having a camera, how about a camera that has the ability to dispense treats?

CAMERAS WITH TREAT DISPENSER

That’s exactly what the Furbo does. Be careful you don’t dish out treats for naughty behaviour though!

FURBO CAMERA AND TREAT DISPENSER

Livestream video and night vision lets you check on your pet on your phone, day or night
Easy set up
2 way audio
Barking alert
Toss treats via the app

GET THE PRICE ON AMAZON

CALMING BEDS

There are so many ‘calming beds’ on the market right now. Making sure that your dog has a comfy, safe and secure place to rest while you’re out will encourage her to sleep and relax in her bed.

If you’re in the UK, I highly recommend the Topology range of dog beds. The bed base has a “premium memory foam mattress that moulds around your dog’s body and gives unparalleled support for a deep, dreamy sleep”. The hard-wearing fabric around the mattress can be removed and washed.

There are 5 different toppers to choose from, so there’s sure to be something suitable for your dog. The toppers are detachable and machine washable.

You can also choose from a range of stylish feet, allowing you to raise the bed. This avoids drafts so your pup is cosier and more comfortable.

SEE THE RANGE

TOPOLOGY – BEST DOG BEDS UK

• Various machine-washable toppers to choose from
• Toppers zip on/off easily
• Choose from a range of different feet
• Memory foam mattress to mould around your dog’s body to encourage deep sleep

If you’re not fortunate enough to get a Topology bed for your pooch, these calming beds are widely available:

BEST CIRCULAR CALMING DOG BED

This round dog bed gets top ratings from other pet parents and offers all the main features of an excellent calming dog bed

• Super comfy
• Reduces anxiety
• Encourages deeper sleep
• 4cm vegan fur cover
• Removable, machine washable cover
• Superior body support

GET THIS CALMING DOG BED

BEST RECTANGULAR CALMING DOG BED

A rectangular calming dog bed offers many of the same features as a round bed, though they don’t tend to be covered with fake fur

• Super comfy
• Reduces anxiety
• Encourages deeper sleep
• Removable, machine washable cover
• Superior body support on memory foam base

GET A RECTANGULAR CALMING DOG BED

PUZZLES AND ENRICHMENT TOYS

Puzzles for dogs are fantastic things to offer your dog, but NOT when you leave them home alone, unsupervised.

I’ve heard countless stories of dogs that are determined chewers and rip their toys apart. The last thing you want is to rush your beloved dog to the vet as soon as you get home one night, because he ate parts of a toy. I love these enrichment activities for my dogs, but I don’t leave them unsupervised.

Many pet parents swear by filled kongs to keep their dogs entertained when they’re left alone. I give my girl kongs too, and she loves them. However, although you can get a super tough kong for more aggressive chewers, I would still exercise caution.

There have been rare cases reported of accidents with kongs: as the dog licks out the kong, a vacuum can be formed if the air hole in the tip is blocked. Consequently the tongue gets stuck in the toy. Whilst there have been less than a handful of these cases, and thousands of pets enjoy kongs every day (including mine), I would NEVER leave my girl with her kong if I’m not there.

If your dog likes to play with toys, but doesn’t destroy everything in sight, a tough, rugged toy could be one solution.

When it comes to toys, think of your dog as if she were a small toddler: would you leave your toddler (dog) alone with a particular toy? Could she swallow part of it, choke on it, or get any body part stuck in it?

AUTOMATIC FEEDERS

An alternative to leaving your dog with a filled kong is an automatic feeder. You can program an automatic feeder to come on while you are out.

Most automatic pet feeders are designed to handle dry food such as kibble. However, if you get a revolving auto feeder like this one, you can also put moist food in it, such as raw food or canned dog food.

MOST PRACTICAL AUTOMATIC PET FEEDER

• Suitable for wet or dry food
• 5 compartments for meals or treats
• Timer for 4 meals
• Food tray is dishwasher safe
• Each compartment holds up to 1 cup of food
• Recess beneath food bowl for ice pack, to keep food cool

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However, if having flexibility over exactly when to feed your dog is important, a smart pet feeder that you can control from an app on your phone might be just the ticket. The downside of this is that it only handles dry food. However, you can make up hundreds of tiny training treats, that are suitable for feeders, using this recipe.

SMART PET FEEDER

• Suitable for dry food
• Programmable timer for planned meal times, or use the app for manual food release
• Holds up to 4L of food
• Triangular shape fits neatly into a corner
• Easy to clean food bowl

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ANTI-CHEW DISTRACTIONS

Does your dog treat your sofa as if it were just an oversized chew toy?

Whilst there are many anti-chew sprays on the market, I question just how useful they are. Do you really want to go around the house spraying everything, just in case your dog chews it? Also, from the comments some pet parents have made, it’s clear that the sprays are not super effective against determined chewers.

Clearly, it would be better to provide your dog with something that she wants to chew MORE than your furniture or shoes.

Some chews are very long lasting and can keep dogs occupied and entertained for some time. These include antlers and yak bars. With both these items, once there is very little left of them, remove them so your dog doesn’t swallow the last little bit whole. If you don’t want to buy yak bars, you could have a go at making you own – follow this step-by-step tutorial.

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DOG TREATS

A great, versatile treat, especially for warmer months, are frozen treats. You can prepare a large frozen block treat to leave in your dog’s bowl when you go out. Your dog will be kept busy for a while licking at the treat.

The beauty of frozen treats is that you can use just about anything that’s dog-safe as ingredients, and they can be really simple and quick to prepare. Here are some frozen treat ideas – just make them up in molds or even tupperwares. Once frozen, they can be popped out and dropped into your dog’s bowl.

MUSIC AND TV

Some dogs love to watch TV. If yours does, consider leaving her with the TV on while you’re out. There are even special TV programs made just for dogs!

Take a look at Relax My Dog, for instance, which provides “virtual walks”for dogs along with a calming soundtrack.

DogTV features dogs doing different things, accompanied by soothing music.

I am one of the few people in the world who doesn’t have a TV, and even if I did, my girl doesn’t watch TV either! However, she does respond well to calming music and I often turn to calming music for her fear of fireworks. I put Spotify’s iCalmDog playlist on for her and she snuggles up.

She used to be gripped by fear, but we’ve worked hard at helping her with this and she is now much more relaxed – see how you can help a dog with fear of fireworks in this article.

ADAPTIL

Many pet parents turn to Adaptil for help in the run up to celebrations that usually involve fireworks. Adaptil products help to calm dogs, and so could be useful as part of your approach to keeping your dog less stressed when she’s on her own.

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TRAINING

It has to be said that training is not going to provide the fastest relief, but it will offer a better long term option for you and your dog. If you can, find a local trainer to work with, who can help you and your dog through any separation anxiety struggles you might be having.

If face-to-face training isn’t the best option for you, how about online courses? Grisha Stewart has an impressive collection of classes, with a variety of well-known and respected dog training professionals.

Grisha Stewart’s Dog Training And Behaviour School

DOG BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS?
NEED TO UP YOUR DOG TRAINING?

Get access to 100s of hours of video classes, eBooks, special events and live sessions, covering most aspects of dog training and behaviour:

• puppy training
• dog reactivity, aggression, resource guarding
• dog confidence, fearful dogs
• loose leash walking

GET ONLINE DOG TRAINING!

CONCLUSION

If you’re no longer able to be at home with your dog most days, there are things you can do to help him manage the longer periods of being on his own. This can include doggy daycare or a dog walker. In addition, there are lots of gadgets and products you can get that will help your dog, or help you monitor what’s happening back at home.

The post Best Gadgets And Products For Dogs Left At Home appeared first on Canine Compilation.

DOG CARE IN THE HOLIDAYS

First up… how can we best look after our fur-babies at this time of year? We need to take special care in the Holidays, as there are additional risks and concerns. These 2 articles address very real issues that face us all, and help us plan ahead to navigate potential holiday problems.

Top tips to keep your dog and cat safe during the holidays by The Pets Digest

This next article helps us understand the stress of the Holidays from a dog’s point of view, and to see how we can make it as enjoyable as possible for our dogs too.

Tips to reduce your dog’s stress this Christmas by Vet After Hours

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR DOGS AND DOG MOMS

We hoomans love to give our dogs – and each other – gifts at Christmas. Here are a few fantastic things to buy or make for your loved ones for the Holidays.

Make a reverse advent calendar for your dog by Go Dog Nashville

Make a DIY Holiday Snuffle Mat by Wear Wag Repeat

Not-so-typical Holiday gift ideas for dogs and dog moms by Canine Compilation

Sometimes, people think about getting a puppy as a present at Christmas. This might be the perfect gift, and the perfect time to give it: this article helps you think through your options.

What to Consider Before Getting a Puppy for Christmas by Spoiled Hounds

Once you’ve bought your gifts, why not finish them off pawfectly with some printable gift tags? Within the gift tag article you’ll also find an option to get a cute, pet-themed printable wrapping paper.

Gift tag printable by The Emerald Hound

HEALTHY CHRISTMAS CAKE FOR DOGS

These mini snowmen cakes for dogs will look great on any dinner table. They’re really not that hard to make, and your pup will love them.

Healthy Christmas Cakes For Dogs Recipe by Canine Compilation

Whatever, and however, you choose to celebrate the holidays this year, may you and your dog have a safe and wonderful time

Thanks to all the fantastic dog bloggers who took part in this round up!

The post Dog Parent Guide To Happy Holidays appeared first on Canine Compilation.

BEST GIFT FOR YOUR DOG’S HEALTH THIS CHRISTMAS

Oral health problems are one of the main reasons for a visit to the vet. Improve your dog’s teeth with this simple toy. Honestly, when I got it for my dogs, I never imagined they’d love it so much, but they just can’t put it down.

TOOTHBRUSH CHEW TOY

• Cleans your dog’s teeth while he plays
• Has ‘reservoir’ for dog toothpaste, pate or cream cheese
• Has ‘feet’ so your dog can hold it between his paws

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BEST DOG TECH GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Do you worry about keeping your dog safe? I know I do. Taking action to put in place certain systems helps me relax, knowing I’ve protected my dogs as much as I can. There are so many fantastic gadgets we can get now to make sure that our pups are as safe as possible.

BEST GPS FOR DOGS

Have you ever been unlucky enough to have your beloved pooch run off? Those terrifying moments looking for him, wondering where he is, if he will run into a road… GPS trackers are the perfect solution to knowing exactly where your dog is. They are small and light, fitting neatly onto a collar. The Tractive GPS Dog Tracker is the best-selling option, with good reason.

MOST POPULAR ACTIVITY TRACKER

• LIVE TRACKING & LOCATION HISTORY – Follow your furry friend’s every step in real-time on your phone. See where your dog has been and what they’ve been up to.
• VIRTUAL FENCE – Mark safe spaces, like your garden, and know the moment your dog leaves one – and when they come back safely.
• ALL-DAY ACTIVITY MONITORING – Track active time, rest and calories burned. Set fitness goals.
• SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT & 100% WATERPROOF – Running through the forest, rolling in the mud or a dip in the lake? No problem!
• SUBSCRIPTION PLAN NEEDED

GET A TRACTIVE GPS TRACKER FOR DOGS

This next one isn’t hi-tech by any means, but it is a fantastic tool for helping to keep your dog safe. I’ve bought loads of light-up collars in the past, but they’re really not worth it unless you get a rechargeable one, like this one.

LED COLLAR FOR DOGS

• Flashing or steady light
• Lifetime guarantee!!
• Adjustable
• USB Rechargeable, cable included

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SMART SMOKE DETECTOR ALARM

After an accidental house fire at home, I immediately bought a smart smoke detector alarm. Someone was at home when the fire happened, so it was quickly put it out, but if no one had been home… it doesn’t bear thinking about. A smart smoke detector connects to the wifi and in the event of fire, it will send you an instant alert to your phone.

GOOGLE NEST PROTECT

• Alerts you to smoke and carbon monoxide
• Voice alarm in the presence of smoke or CO
• Sends phone alerts
• Low battery alert – no annoying beeps
• Easy to install

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FURBO DOG CAMERA

This has to be the best gift for a dog AND for a dog parent – you get piece of mind, knowing what your little beastie is up to when he’s home alone, and he gets treats for his good behaviour.

FURBO CAMERA AND TREAT DISPENSER

Livestream video and night vision lets you check on your pet on your phone, day or night
Easy set up
2 way audio
Barking alert
Toss treats via the app

GET THE PRICE ON AMAZON

BEST TOYS AND GAMES FOR DOGS THIS CHRISTMAS

These toys might not be as technologically advanced as the Furbo camera / treat dispenser, but your dogs will love them just as much. Keep your dog mentally stimulated with any of these fantastic dog toys.

SNUFFLE MAT

• Encourages dogs to sniff, which is good for their health
• Folds up so you can take it with you when visiting other people
• Suitable for hiding lots of kinds of treats

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TORNADO PUZZLE

• Encourages dogs to sniff, which is good for their health
• Stimulating, interactive game
• Suitable for hiding lots of kinds of treats
• Easy to clean
• Mentally stimulating

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KONG TOY

• Durable, natural rubber
• Satisfies dogs’ instinctual needs
• Unpredictable bounce action makes play more interesting
• Easy to clean
• Great for stuffing with food
• Can be stuffed frozen

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BEST DOG TREATS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

These days, I like anything that I give my dog to be functional as well as fun. These dog treats are not only natural and nutritious, they also encourage better oral health.

DEHYDRATED RABBIT EARS

• 100% natural – no chemicals
• Great source of fibre
• Nutritious
• Helps clean teeth
• Helps reduce internal parasites by cleaning out digestive tract

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DEHYDRATED FISH

• 100% natural – no chemicals
• Crunchy texture helps descale teeth and keep them clean
• Nutritious

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DEER ANTLERS

• 100% natural – no chemicals
• Helps strengthen and clean teeth
• Nutritious

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THE BEST AFFORDABLE DOG GIFT

If I had less than $10 to spend on a dog gift, I would, without a doubt, buy one of these. My two dogs get food on their lickimats every day. You can also prepare then freeze them so they entertain your dog for even longer. If you’re not sure what to do with a lickimat, check out our lickimat toppings ideas.

LICKIMAT

• Endless food topping possibilities
• Helps slow fast eaters
• Easy to clean
• Helps to calm dogs
• Great for daily use

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BEST GIFTS FOR DOG MOMS

DOG TREAT BAG / POUCH

• Compact design but with space for keys / phone / cash/ hankies, poop bags AND dog treats!
• Includes strong belt clip
• 3 compartments – one for poop bag dispenser

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UMBRELLA WITH DOG PRINT

• Transparent dome
• Auto open
• Wind resistent

SHOP NOW

DOG BOOKEND

• Perfect for dog mom book lovers!
• Antique bronze patina finish
• Felt base to protect furniture
• Beautiful way to organise books

SHOP NOW

DEHYDRATORS

Are you the kind of dog mom who likes to make treats for her dog? If so, an essential piece of kit is a dehydrator. I use mine for most of my dog treat recipes – it makes the treats last much longer and it’s much more effective than using the oven, not to mention more economic.

ENTRY-LEVEL DEHYDRATOR

• Small unit – can be stored away easily after use
• Trays are easy to clean
• Variable temperature

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AIR-FRYER DEHYDRATOR

• Can cook lots of different things, not just dog treats
• Healthier cooking option
• Programmable
• Air fry, roast and dehydrate
• Easy to clean

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BEST GIFT FOR DOG MOMS WHO DON’T WANT A GIFT

Whaaat? Yep, some of us dog moms would rather give than receive. If this sounds like the special dog mom in your life, how about ‘gifting’ money to one of the many hardworking animal rescues on her behalf? Here are a couple of options:

In the USA, Best Friends Animal Society rescues dogs and cats and runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals

In the UK, Dogs Trust is the largest dog welfare charity, rehoming and rescuing dogs, as well as offering training and free resources to dog parents.

BEST GIFTS FOR HOMES WITH DOGS

I have dobermanns – a short-haired breed – and I still have to vacuum and wash everything constantly. Goodness only knows what it would be like to have a longer-haired dog.

Whatever dog you have, a powerful vacuum cleaner is essential. I did a poll earlier this year of over a hundred pet parents and this vacuum cleaner was a clear winner:

SHARK LIFT AWAY VACUUM CLEANER

• Really powerful suction
• Great for reaching difficult places
• Easy to empty
• Easy to keep rollers clear of hair

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Once you’ve got the place clean, the other thing to consider is the ‘aroma’ Even the cleanest dogs can leave a doggy smell in a house occasionally. These nebulising diffusers are an excellent addition to any house – dog or not. They’re far more efficient as dispersing essential oils in the home environment than normal oil burners. Just be sure to only burn dog-safe essential oils.

MODERN, COMPACT NEBULISER DIFFUSER

• Timer setting
• Compact, sleek design
• Programmable
• Easy to use
• Includes bottle

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CERAMIC NEBULISER DIFFUSER

• Timer setting
• Ambient LED light
• Different functions
• Easy to use
• Includes 2 glass reservoirs

SHOP NOW

The post Best Holiday Gifts For Dogs And Dog Moms 2020 appeared first on Canine Compilation.