Looking for the perfect gift for a dog or dog owner on your holiday gift list? Take a look at these suggestions from local Silicon Valley trainers and pet care providers!
ZiwiPeak lamb dog food
ZiwiPeak lamb dog food is my go-to for high-value training treats. I have yet to meet a dog who doesn't love it instantly, and each piece breaks nicely into four smaller pieces that are the perfect size for training (the lamb recipe is my favorite because the pieces are thin and easy to break neatly). The best part is that it's a high-value treat that can compete with tough distractions outdoors while still meeting the dog's nutritional needs. Because it's actually a high-quality dog food, there's no concern about feeding the dog too many treats while training. You're just replacing part of their diet with a portion of different dog food. As an extra bonus, it's ethically sourced.
Tough Tags IDs
I absolutely love these tags for adventuring. I stumbled upon them on Etsy while looking for hardy walker tags to clip onto my charges maybe two years ago, and I have since purchased about 24. They have put up with sand, dirt, saltwater, tons of poop and slobber, nibbles, you name it, they have been in it.
These tags are great for dogs who go out hiking, to the beach, or are just plain rough and tumble pups.
The tags come with a plastic silencer that encompasses the outside of the tag as well as the backside, giving it extra support. The keyring it comes with is easy to put into dog collars and sturdy. Mert is super speedy with his turnover rate, which is unbelievable being in California and him being located in the UK!
You can order directly from the Tough Tags website or from their Etsy store.
Snuffle Mat
I'd highly recommend a snuffle mat. When I got mine, I left it in the box and sprinkled a handful of small kibbles into it, and let my dog go at it! He persisted for about 8 minutes, making sure he found every last piece!
This is a great activity for dogs who eat too fast, get bored too easily, or just need a quiet activity to do while you’re on that Zoom call.
Coastal USB Light-Up Neck Ring Dog Collar
Whether your dog is doing a Nose Work search in the dark, walking city streets after sundown, or camping out with you in the wilderness, you'll want your dog to be visible both to you and to others. This Light-Up Neck Ring Collar is the perfect seasonal gift, since the days are so short, this time of year. Just slip this light-collar over your dog's head, and your dog is clearly visible! Cars will be able to see your dog from a long way off. Added bonus this year: for walks, it will be easier for people to social-distance if they can see you, well, from a distance. Highly recommended for our Nose Work students -- and for all dogs!
"Inside of a Dog"
Ever wondered what your beloved dog was thinking as she looked longingly into your eyes? "Inside of a Dog" sheds light on what we know scientifically about how our dogs think, problem-solve, and use their keen senses to live in our domesticated world. The book is entertaining and thought-provoking. It would make a fabulous stocking stuffer for any dog professional or dog lover alike.
Agility For Fun Gift Certificate
In these 4 week classes, handlers and their dogs will be introduced to all the different agility equipment and learn how to properly perform each. There are three different classes in this series:
Jumps and Tunnels- 60-minute classes, 4 Weeks
Contacts and Weaves Part 1- 60 minute classes, 4 Week
Contacts and Weaves Part 2-60 minute classes, 4 Weeks
Gift certificates make a great gift! Get yours here.
Adventure Bundles - Leash, Long Line + Collar for all Sizes of Dogs
Here's a perfect holiday gift for the puppy/dog owner or canine professional in your life! Check out these great adventure bundles from High Tail Hikes, an Oakland-based dog walking business that now offers custom biothane collars and leashes! Biothane is an amazing material for leashes as it's waterproof, antimicrobial, mold-proof, stink-proof, and really easy to clean and sanitize.
Pick the bundle that works best for your dog in the color that makes you happy. Three bundles in three sizes to choose from. Not only do you get a great product, but you are also supporting a locally-owned, woman-owned small business!
Tracey Lee Davis is a former CPDT-KA, a graduate with honors of the Academy for Dog Trainers, and a Certified Kennel Operator. For close to a decade, she ran one of the most well-respected dog daycares in the Silicon Valley. She is passionate about helping dogs and their humans lead happy and fun lives together.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you! ♥