Roscoe n Stella

The post Is Kodah Depressed? Cracking the Kodah Code by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

When we adopted Kodah at 11 weeks old, we were expecting a German Shepherd. That meant that we were expecting a loyal, intelligent, loving dog, who would occasionally scream the house down and keep a watchful eye on the neighbors, delivery drivers, and windblown leaves.

What we didn’t expect was that he would turn out to be more than just a little bit Malinois. We later found out that the people he came from also bred working Belgian Malinois dogs, and we have to assume that there had been an opportunistic male leaping fences at some stage. And leaping is definitely something these athletic dogs are built for.

So, in addition to meeting our German Shepherd expectations, Kodah was a tightly wound ball of energy in constant need of stimulation, and raising him has been a massive learning curve.

More Than We Could Chew

The first six months with Kodah were a dream. As expected, he was a quick learner, easy to please, and I don’t remember him toileting in the house even once (unlike two Chihuahuas I know, who shall remain nameless). Then, when he was around 9 months old, dreaded adolescence struck, and Kodah went from being a dog we could take anywhere to one who was overstimulated by everything and screamed at everyone. The screaming was enthusiasm, but try telling that to other dog owners! Kodah’s excitement levels were so intense that nothing we did or said seemed to get through to him, and it got to the point that we started to dread taking him anywhere. Fortunately, there is a dog field nearby that we could hire for an hour to let him and the others have off-leash adventures without disturbing anyone else.

Kodah wasn’t aggressive; he was aggressively friendly, and didn’t seem to understand why other dogs weren’t overjoyed by his loud and boisterous advances. Having been raised around Chihuahuas, he could be amazingly gentle when he needed to be, but he just wasn’t great at introductions; he wanted to launch straight into playtime.

By the time he was 18 months old, we decided that castration might help him feel less distracted by hormones and allow him to focus a little better on his training.

It did not.

As a vet who had helped countless dog owners through their dogs’ behavioral issues, I can’t tell you how frustrating and soul-destroying it was to feel like I was failing my own dog, and I wondered, more than just a few times, if perhaps we weren’t the right home for him. Not that I would rehome him or take him to a shelter, but I did consider exploring police or military work for him.

A Little Help From Our Friends

After doing a lot of reading and research, I started to explore different diets and supplements to see if I could find the right balance for a dog of Kodah’s temperament. Frustratingly, I found that he would likely benefit from the type of protein found in chicken and eggs, and he had developed an allergy to both! I finally found an insect protein diet that has been great for his skin allergies, which also seemed to help bring about a bit more ‘calm.’ I can’t be sure whether it was the nutrient balance in the food or the alleviation of his itching that helped him feel more settled, but either way, I was happy with the results.

The addition of a calming supplement that provided the L-Tryptophan levels that a poultry diet may have provided has also helped, and it is noticeable if he misses out on a few doses (ie. when Husband is in charge of feeding!).

Despite the improvements, we still couldn’t get out the door without a ridiculous level of jumping, screaming, and barking. Ordinarily, I would advise owners to ignore the behavior and wait for the dog to settle before taking the next step. However, after 10 minutes straight, Kodah was out of breath, but still jumping and screaming. The problem was that I could not reward calm behavior if he could not display it, and nothing I did or said would get through to him.

Although I knew better, I had yelled, screamed, and even cried in my frustration, but nothing would penetrate his excitement. It was time to swallow my pride and get some help.

After much searching, I found a dog trainer with loads of experience, great reviews, and an approach to dog behavior that seemed both practical and sensible. Enter Gary from Dog Behaviour Cornwall.

A Different Approach

Kodah warmed to Gary immediately, and the feeling genuinely seemed mutual. Gary agreed that the things I had been doing to date should usually have been successful…if it weren’t for Kodah’s Malinois temperament.

You see, when dogs like Kodah are used for police or military work, much of their training relies on their hyperexcitable nature rather than trying to fight against it, which is what I had been trying to do. Rather than waiting for Kodah to calm down, I needed to meet him at his level before I could bring his focus back to me, and we did that using his favorite squeaky ball.

To me, that seemed like I was rewarding his crazy behavior, but it was clear within a few minutes of employing this technique that it was the perfect way to reach my overstimulated dog. The squeaky ball broke through his excitement, allowing me to give him the ‘sit’ command and reward his calm response. It was a total game-changer.

We have also changed how he dresses to go out. Kodah had learned to associate his Halti head collar and tactical harness with going out, which resulted in his excitement level being 10/10 before we even got to the front door. He is sporting a new Halti harness that he has not yet worn outside. I put it on him at various times of the day and night (saying “put your bra on” – I’ve gotta get my kicks where I can!), after which nothing happens. So for now, his ‘bra’ is not linked to anything exciting, not even a treat. It is just something he wears sometimes, making it a completely neutral piece of kit.

We still have a lot of work to do, but we are getting there, gradually.

Is Kodah Depressed?

Over the past few months, I started to become concerned that Kodah was depressed. Had I broken his spirit? He was spending more time sleeping on the sofa or taking himself off to his crate to chill out with a toy. He wasn’t leaping up to follow me every time I moved (just 99% of the time). And then I noticed something else – he had started dreaming.

When Kodah slept in the past, I had never witnessed any ear twitching, teeth chattering, paw waving, or vocalizing that I saw with the others, and he would go from sleeping to standing in 0.5 seconds flat. He wasn’t depressed – he was relaxed!

Kodah turned 3 in August, which, for a German Shepherd x Malinois, is around the age that males do start to settle down. Females tend to mature much earlier…obviously.

I hadn’t broken our dog. After seeking help, using a different approach to training, and reaching maturity, we finally cracked the Kodah code. I am hoping that we will soon be able to take him to the beach without fear of embarrassment!

The post Is Kodah Depressed? Cracking the Kodah Code by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (December 12, 2024) by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

This Week’s Winner

Cutest

Most Expressive

Sleepiest

Silliest

Most Dignified

Enter Your Dog

Submit your doggie for a chance to be featured! Click here

The post Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (December 12, 2024) by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Roeckl Sports Winter Glove Review 2024: Keeping Your Dog-Walking Hands Fashionably Warm by Lisa Lee appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Winter has come – at least, in some parts of the world! Bitter chills and snow quickly replaced hot summer days in many places. I work a lot with my hands, especially where my dog and horse are concerned, and the years of abuse to my hands result in my tendons hurting a lot the moment it starts to get cold. Wearing gloves has become a necessity for me, but unfortunately, most gloves aren’t designed for work around animals.

That’s where Roeckl comes in and takes the gold prize – long beloved in the equestrian world, Roeckl’s winter collection is specially designed and built for all of us animal people! From durable materials to clever features, there is a reason that name strikes a note with so many. I had the chance to test out both the Nagoya and Nordheim gloves and see how well these two offerings stand up to the Roeckl promise of quality.

At a Glance: What We Reviewed

Rating	Image	Product	Details
		Roeckl NAGOYA Mittens	Very warm mittens Durable and weatherproof Thumb and fingers easily slip out	CHECK PRICE
		Roeckl NORDHEIM Gloves	Cold-resistant gloves Touch-screen compatible Grip for holding dog leashes	CHECK PRICE

About Roeckl

Roeckl began its journey in 1839 in Munich, Germany, specializing exclusively in gloves. Named after its founder Jakob Roeckl, Jacob was a master glovemaker and leather worker. To this day, Roeckl remains family-owned and manufactured at its roots.

Although the glove market isn’t one that many think of as having a lot of innovation, it indeed is – Roeckl did lead in designing and manufacturing products to keep hands warm and safe during hard work. Roeckl’s philosophy reads as “Being innovative by tradition. Preserving what is tried and tested. Improving what is good!” which stands the test of time, as the company still follows this motto today.

Roeckl focuses predominantly on outdoor sports and creating gloves that fit these needs, with the professional equestrian world at the forefront. “Follow the champions and feel the difference” says Roeckl. Horses and dogs tend to go together, and the same products that excel around the barn also work very well for our four-legged tail-waggers. Many of the glove descriptions even state that their warm products are usable for dog walking and training. The goal is longevity, with each product built to last many years of changing seasons.

Key Features

Roeckl gloves are a household name in equine and dog training, and for a good reason: their features put them at the top.

Quality and Durability

The mittens and gloves resist wear and tear, and the construction materials are free of harmful per- and polyfluorinated substances. Both products are water-proof, snow-proof, dirt, and sand-proof. They are also designed to not wear from consistent use of leashes, ropes, and the “burn” that comes with their use that tends to rip gloves apart over time.

Variety

Some consider Roeckl to be lacking in variety within each product—the Nagoya mittens only come in two colors (black and green), and the Nordheim only comes in black. However, the brand itself has a wide variety of different types of gloves that would work very well for everyday activities with your dog.

Size

Both the Nagoya mittens and Nordheim gloves come in the hand sizes 6.0 – 11.0.

Warmth

The most important aspect of these winter gloves is warmth. Both the Nagoya mittens and Nordheim gloves are masters at keeping hands toasty. Both gloves have thick fleece insulation inside to generate heat and keep it in. The velcro fastener on the Nordheim especially helps keep that heat in, as you can tighten it to prevent warmth from escaping.

Touch Screen Compatability

The Nordheim glove is entirely touch-screen capable, so you won’t need to remove it to use your smartphone or tablet.

Quick Finger Release

The difficulty with mittens and work is that your fingers are covered. The Nagoya mitten resolves this problem with a slip-out design that allows you to “slip” your thumb and other fingers out when needed.

Strong Grips

Both the Nagoya and Nordheim are built for work, so their design tries to make the work easier for you. On the Nagoya mittens, the palm is made from Roeckl’s patented Eco-Sense, which makes it very grippy and tactile. The Nordheim has a layer of Eco-Sense on the palm, with additional silicone and reinforcements on the thumb and index finger to help grip leashes, ropes, and more!

Eco-Conscious

Both products are made of recycled materials, and eco-consciousness is a part of their clever design. The polyester used in the bulk of both products’ designs is 60% recycled polyester, which breathes new life into it. The gloves are made up of 85% recycled polyester, and the inside fleece is also recycled. Because of the reused material, both are part of Roeckl’s Eco-Series.

Reviews of Roeckl Products

1. NAGOYA Mitten

The Nagoya is a mitten by Roeckl, which means that your fingers are totally covered – best used in the snow! Often described as very snuggly, the Nagoya does improve upon traditional mitten design by offering a finger slip so you can pull fingers out as needed rather than traditionally needing to remove the entire mitt. Made of durable and eco-friendly materials, the Nagoya is meant to last years of winter seasons. The entire palm lining is also quite grippy, so lead ropes and objects won’t slip out of your hands just because you are wearing mittens.

2. NORDHEIM Glove

The Nordheim gloves look a lot like Roeckl’s other gorgeous equestrian gloves, which bring an air of professionalism and sophistication to the design. Built for substantial winter work, the Nordheim gloves feature wear-resistant material that won’t chafe or start to rip with rope burn or leash burn. Reinforced at a glove’s weakest points, you can throw your worst at this glove, and it’ll be fine! The silicone padding on the palm helps grip dog leashes, ropes or horse reigns with ease, and the adjustable velcro strap helps keep the glove secure on the hand.

FAQ

How Do I Know What Glove Size I Am?

To find your glove size, measure the circumference of your hand in centimeters. Start around your knuckles, but do not include your thumb. Glove sizes are measured in “old inches” called pouces. One pouce is approx. 2.7 centimeters.

How Do I Clean My Nagoya or Nordheim?

Because neither glove contains leather, both are machine-washable. Be sure to wash in water that is ideally 86° F (30° C). Both products should be washed regularly, especially to remove dirt, sweat, oils, and other contaminants.

Before putting in the machine, make sure to fasten and close all hooks and loops. Place the glove in a laundry bag. Do not turn the glove inside out nor use a fabric softener! Use a gentle cycle and a sports laundry detergent. Hang to dry or leave flat to dry, do not use a dryer.

Is There a Warranty?

Please review the warranty terms from the dealer from which you choose to purchase the gloves or mittens. However, Roeckl is happy to help with any problems, so feel welcome to reach out to them at Roeckl.de.

Our Experience With Roeckl

As I mentioned in my introduction, I have trouble with my hands when it gets cold. Gloves have become an essential part of my everyday routine in the winter, so I have tried many different types. Before I even get into my review, I can tell you that the Roeckl gloves and mittens are a game-changer.

Both arrived in open plastic bags (for air) and neatly packaged in Roeckl branding. There was no odd smell to them; they looked perfect! Aesthetically, I found them both stunning – the design was clean but very professional in appearance. I remember watching pro-riders wearing Roeckl gloves, granted, not the winter ones, but the design carries through both types.

One of the first things I noticed was how lightweight the gloves and mittens were. It may seem weird to mention, but a lot of my winter handwear is heavy after many hours of wear… you feel it in your hands. The Nagoya and the Nordheim don’t feel like they have any weight on them, so I can wear them for a long time without fuss.

The construction was also very impressive, with every stitch being of high quality. My mother taught me a lot about seamstressing and the importance of a durable stitch, and I can tell you for a fact that both the gloves and mitts are going to last you for a long time. They are something beautiful.

The Nagoya mittens felt like a cloud, you could feel how fluffy that lining was! The moment I put my hand inside, it was so comfortable – like your favorite pillow. The slit to slip your fingers out was very conveniently placed and easy to use, I could keep my hands warm when my fingers were not in use and then quickly pull them out! I enjoyed the matte black as well,it makes everything look very elegant. I could walk my pup with mittens, which I never thought I’d be able to say before! But it was easy to just slip out the fingers I needed to hold her leash and keep the rest tucked in the warmth.

The Nordheim was probably my favorite, mainly in the appearance on my hands and the many built-in features to make these gloves into workhorses. The silicone strips on the palm and thumb really made holding leashing or grabbing items so much easier, and I understand why equestrian riders love this – helps hold the reigns well! The little fabric patch on the index and thumb let me use my phone without taking the gloves off, and I liked being able to adjust the fit on my wrist with the velcro. My hands also tend to swell and contract (another problem from years of abusing them with work), and being able to adjust the velcro is a huge help. The Roeckl logo is also reflective, which is nice for walking my pup at night.

I am very impressed with both – and cannot wait to use them for years to come!

Conclusion

Roeckl’s Norheim and Nagoya have fully lived up to the Roeckl legacy, offering a great design with practical use while being stylish and comfortable. I feel like there are no compromises with either design, and that both the mittens and the gloves will last me a long time. Whether I am walking my dog or hanging out in the barn with my barrel horse, Roeckl is a dear friend in the colder months – and I would happily recommend them both to my loved ones.

The post Roeckl Sports Winter Glove Review 2024: Keeping Your Dog-Walking Hands Fashionably Warm by Lisa Lee appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Would You Like to Psychically Communicate With Your Dog? Renowned Animal Communicator Danielle MacKinnon Launches New Masterclass by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Have you ever wanted to communicate on a deeper level with your dog? Or have you wished to understand your dog’s behaviors, emotions, or even their unspoken messages better? If so, Danielle MacKinnon’s new course might be exactly what you’re looking for. A globally recognized soul-level animal communicator, MacKinnon is launching a groundbreaking online program, Soul Level Animal Communication 101 + PLUS, in January 2025, designed to help animal lovers unlock their intuitive connection with animals.

The team at Dogster has not yet taken this course so we cannot confirm the proposed learning outcomes, but we are always interested in animal communication in all its forms.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or already familiar with psychic concepts, this immersive program claims to offer tools to receive and interpret messages from animals—both living and those that have crossed over the rainbow bridge. MacKinnon’s innovative teaching methods are the result of over 20 years of experience in transforming how humans understand and bond with their animal companions.

A Unique Learning Journey

Launching on January 24, 2025, Soul Level Animal Communication 101 + PLUS combines on-demand video lessons and training, live virtual Q&A sessions with MacKinnon herself, access to other certified animal communicators, and weekly practices to create a comprehensive learning experience for students of all learning types.

Students will practice energy management, body mapping, and MacKinnon’s proprietary techniques like ‘the white room,’ question asking, the other side, and The Soul Level® method. These lessons empower participants to confidently trust and interpret the intuitive information they receive and unlock their natural abilities to receive and understand psychic messages from their pets (living or crossed over).

For those worried they lack a “special gift,” MacKinnon’s course emphasizes that no prior psychic training is required. Her course offers practical tools to uncover and strengthen these abilities, making the experience accessible to all animal lovers.

Beyond the Basics

In addition to the foundational course, MacKinnon will host a special two-hour masterclass in mid-January, Animals and the Other Side. This session explores profound topics such as reincarnation, signs from departed pets, and the unique perspectives animals have on death and dying. It’s a heartfelt exploration for anyone seeking closure or deeper understanding after losing a beloved pet.

MacKinnon’s courses also provide a sense of community, with access to a network of fellow students. Participants can share experiences, ask questions, and refine their skills with study partners and practice labs.

Transformative Insights

Students who have taken MacKinnon’s courses rave about the life-changing results. Kimberly, a past participant, shares, “I learned that I loved animal communication! What surprised me was the deep soul connections animals have with us. Practicing my skills gave me confidence that, ‘yes, I too can do this!’”

About Danielle MacKinnon

A former corporate professional turned intuitive guide, MacKinnon has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between humans and animals. Having taught her proprietary methods at esteemed institutions like the Omega Institute and Kripalu Center, she’s helped thousands of people in over 60 countries nurture their intuitive abilities and build thriving practices. Her warm, engaging teaching style inspires students to view themselves and their pets through a soulful lens, fostering calmness and clarity in their lives.

Whether you’re seeking to resolve behavioral challenges, deepen your bond with your pet, or connect with animals on the other side, Danielle MacKinnon’s courses offer a pathway to profound transformation. Enrollment opens at the end of November, so don’t miss this chance to unlock the secrets of animal communication.

To learn more, visit DanielleMacKinnon.com or follow her on Instagram.

Source: https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/get-featured/renowned-animal-communicator-danielle-mackinnon-1518734803.html#ixzz8txXeznRC

The post Would You Like to Psychically Communicate With Your Dog? Renowned Animal Communicator Danielle MacKinnon Launches New Masterclass by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 13 Hanukkah Gifts for Dogs & Dog Lovers In 2024 by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Hanukkah may not be a time to traditionally give gifts to your dog. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t pamper your pooch on this special day. That said, you will need to get a bit creative, as there aren’t that many dog-themed Hanukkah gifts out there!

Luckily, you aren’t confined to only purchasing Hanukkah-themed gifts. Anything that your dog would like, like a fresh bag of treats or a new toy, is a great option.

Dog lovers in your life may also love for you to purchase fun gifts for them and their dog. If you’re purchasing for someone else’s dog, we recommend picking something that they and their dog can do together (after all, they probably have enough dog-themed T-shirts).

We’ve provided a huge list of options below!

The 13 Hanukkah Gifts for Dogs

Treats

1. Chews & Bones

Chewing is an absolute need for dogs. While there are a range of chews and bones available, many dogs go through them quite fast. Therefore, Hanukkah can be a special time for you to replenish your dog’s bone collection.

We recommend the Bones & Chews Roasted Marrow Bone. There are several sizes available, so you can pick the best option for your pooch. These chews are all-natural and roasted until they’re completely cooked, so you don’t have to worry about potential diseases. Plus, they’re real bones, so they tend to last a very long time.

Once my dog is done eating all the marrow out of it, I stuff it with peanut butter (his favorite snack) when I need to keep him distracted.

2. Dental Chews

Give your dog the gift of clean teeth for Hanukkah. Many canines have gum disease, which is mostly caused by poor dental hygiene. There are many ways to help keep your canine’s teeth clean, but one of our favorite ways is through dental chews.

Greenies are one of the first dental chews, and they’re still very popular today. They have a unique, chewy texture that helps clean around the gumline, exactly where your dog needs it. They’re also tasty and easy to digest, despite how they might look.

3. Dehydrated Treats

If you want only the best for your pooch, we highly recommend a bag of freeze-dried dog treats. Often, these dog treats have only one or two ingredients. Because of how they’re made, these treats don’t require the same preservatives and added ingredients that other treats do.

We love the PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, particularly. I used these to train my very stubborn Husky. They’re only chicken breast, and they must be tasty considering how well my dog listened when I held one!

Dog Toys

4. Chew Toys

You can’t go wrong with the Kong Classic Dog Toy. It is a quintessential chew toy for dogs. You can stuff it full of yummy treats to encourage chewing, or just let your dog have at it. Some dogs even like playing with it like a ball, especially due to the unusual bounce it produces.

Just like the bone we recommended above; I also stuff my dog’s Kong with peanut butter. There is no need to purchase the pastes and snacks designed specifically for the Kong. There are tons of fillings you probably have around your home, like Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and even cheese.

5. Plush Toys

For dogs that aren’t really into chewing, you may want to consider a soft, plush dog toy instead. These toys aren’t suitable for very strong chewers (or even moderate chewers, depending on the exact toy). They often aren’t very durable and tend to get torn apart easily. However, if your dog isn’t very rough on toys, they can be a great option.

The Kong Cozie Baily the Blue Dog Toy is a great option. We love that it is made with an extra layer of material for extra durability. But, even if your dog does manage to rip it apart, it is stuffed with minimal filling for less mess around the house. It even squeaks!

 6. Fetch Toys

Fetch toys are a great option for active dogs. The vast majority of dogs love to chase after things, even if they aren’t technically retrievers. If you’re purchasing a present for a dog lover, an interactive toy like this can help them bond with their dog, and it’s a bit more practical than another piece of dog-themed jewelry.

The Chuckit! Balls are basically extreme tennis balls. They’re very bouncy and more durable, so you don’t have to worry about your dog getting pieces off of it. The ball floats and comes in a very high-visibility orange, so you don’t have to worry about losing it in the grass.

Accessories

7. Collar

All dogs need a collar, so you might as well get something nice! Having a quality collar not only looks nice on your dog, but it’s also less likely to irritate your dog’s neck. Countless dogs have felt the pain of an irritating collar that rubs their skin raw.

While collars may seem like something that’s only about aesthetics, a quality collar is really important.

We recommend these collars by Blueberry Pet. They’re made of quality polyester webbing, making them very comfortable for your canine. They also have reflective stripes, which is important at night when your dog needs some extra visibility. Of course, it also has hardware to hold your dog’s ID tag.

8. Harness

While every dog needs a collar, many canines find harnesses more comfortable. They put the pressure more so on their shoulders than their neck, which is much more comfortable (as you might imagine). However, harnesses can also be more expensive than collars. Therefore, they may be a good splurge to pick up on Hanukkah.

We particularly recommend the Best Pet Supplies Voyager Dog Harness. This dog harness is specifically designed to make your dog comfortable. It’s made with breathable mesh that works well in warmer climates, though your dog can absolutely wear it when it’s colder, too. For safety reasons, the harness is also reflective.

Beds

9. Orthopedic Dog Bed

Orthopedic dog beds can be especially comfortable for your canine. If your dog is older or just not very active, they may appreciate a bed more than a new toy. For dogs that use beds regularly, getting a new one can be a day to remember!

Beds are very expensive, though. You may want to use a special occasion like Hanukkah to purchase one.

There are many orthopedic dog beds available on the market. However, we particularly recommend the FurHaven Velvet Waves Dog Bed. It comes in many different sizes. It’s also made of high-quality foam that’s independently tested through the CertiPUR-US program. Just be sure to allow for 48 hours for the bed to expand after it is shipped.

10. Pillow Bed

Not all dogs like bolsters. If you have a dog that likes to stretch out while they sleep, bolsters are typically not the way to go! Luckily, there are many beds out there without bolsters. These are typically called “pillow beds,” since they’re shaped primarily as a pillow!

There are many options out there, but we particularly recommend the Canine Creations Pillow Topper Dog bed. This is an insert that you put on your dog’s existing bed. It sits high off the ground to avoid drafts, and the tufted tacks help keep the fiber in place so it doesn’t become squished over time.

Feeders

11. Puzzle Feeder

When we say buy your dog a feeder for Hanukkah, we don’t mean a boring bowl! Slow feeders are traditionally designed to help your dog eat slower. They’re a bit harder to eat out of, and your dog has to pay more attention to get the kibble out. However, they’re also great fun for many dogs, turning mealtime into a game instead of a time when they scarf down food.

The Outward Hound Fun Feeder is a simple maze that requires a bit of thinking to solve. The non-slip base holds the bowl in place, preventing spills. It’s also dishwasher safe, so you can clean it between each use.

12. Lick Mat

Lick mats are a fun way for your dog to eat stuff like peanut butter. Simply slather your dog’s favorite treat onto one of these textured mats, and they’ll spend the next half hour licking it clean! It’s a straightforward proposition, but it’s one that many dogs love.

We highly recommend the Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mats. They’re inexpensive and you get two. Switch out each mat to help keep your dog interested. Otherwise, it can get a bit boring after a while. These mats are also dishwasher safe, which is absolutely necessary for these mats. They tend to get dirty very quickly, in our experience.

13. Snuffle Board

A snuffle feeder is another type of slow feeder that works great for scent-driven dogs, in our experience. My dad breeds Beagles, and he always has a few snuffle mats around. That just shows the exact type of dog these mats are good for!

They’re easy to use. You simply spread your dog’s kibble between the folds, and your dog has to sniff around and find them. Because the pieces will be somewhere different each time, your dog will stay interested for longer. You can often use the same snuffle mat for a long time, which isn’t necessarily true with other puzzle feeders.

We highly recommend the PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat. It is a bit more expensive, but it is made from organic cotton and machine washable, making it far more practical than other snuffle boards out there.

Conclusion

Buying your dog a present for Hanukkah doesn’t have to be complicated. Think about what your dog likes to do, or something that you think they’d like to try. Active dogs may like a fetch toy, while more laid back dogs may like a bed instead. Practically all dogs love treats, so that’s an easy place to stop if you’re unsure of what to buy!

There are some things your dog might not necessarily like that are still important. For instance, your dog might not get excited about a quality collar, but it can make them more comfortable.

Many of these gifts on this list are very inexpensive, so the vast majority of people will buy more than one. If you’re in this boat, we recommend buying very different things. Buy a treat and a toy, for instance, not two kinds of treats. If you buy a chew toy, purchase some soft treats instead. This way, your dog has more ways to stay entertained!

Featured Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

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