TreatStik
I have a very smart, high energy dog that I take on hour long walks every day. This leads to me being exhausted - not him. Physically tiring him out is not enough and I needed help.
My trainer suggested the TreatStik as a way for the dog to earn his food and work his mind. Her dog never eats out of a bowl - only this. She said it’s great for nervous dogs, too, as a way for them to work out all that extra energy.
When I gave it to my dog, he was instantly taken with it because he could smell his kibble inside. And then away he went - rolling, pushing, and picking it up - anything to get at the food inside which was dispensed bit by bit when he’d solve the puzzle of getting it out.
And after a few days I noticed that between walking and using the TreatStik, his access energy was fading and we both were finally getting some rest.
BUY AT: TreatStik
Granite Gear Ruff Rider Dog Pack
I have a very large dog that had spent the first 12 month of his life in a shelter. So needless to say his walking skills lacked. With the help of a good harness he seemed to walk better but still, he tugged. And when we got home he wasn’t tired out.
I watched a couple of the Dog Whisperer DVD’s and he kept saying how a dog needs a purpose. I’m a Netflix girl which means I get a lot of DVD’s that that I have to return to the post - about a mile away. I hate carrying them, plus keys plus everything else when I walk the dog so I thought, why not give that job to the dog? Make netflix his purpose!
I bought the Granite Gear pack for several reasons; it was tough, quick drying (we were going through a rainey season and I needed the contents protected), adjustable, soft so it wouldn’t rub the dog, hold a lot but be balanced as to not throw off the dog, and it had reflective piping since I tended to walk him to the post at night.
Within moments of putting it on, he was a different dog - he was a dog with a purpose. When we walked he no longer stopped to smell and talk to everything - it was as though he was saying to the world, “I’m a dog, I have a purpose. I have to deliver Netflix to the Post Office. Can’t stop!”
It’s handy because he also carries his own dog bags, keys, water and anything else I can think of. He seems to love it and best of all, the extra weight helps to tire him out. It’s worked so well I’ve up’ed my Netflix account just to keep up with him!
BUY AT: REI
Easy Walk Harness Medium Black
A couple of months ago I got a 10 month old puppy from a shelter where he had lived his entire life. They told me he was a low energy dog, wouldn’t get more than 35lbs or so and walked well on a leash.
They lied.
He is now a very energetic 13month old pup who is around 50lbs and, despite knowing sit and come, doesn’t seem to walk very well on a leash. This is a problem since he is almost half my body weight and likes to chase other dogs. I’ve tried watching The Dog Whisperer, I’ve tried treats, I’ve tried it all and nothing was working. That is, until I got this harness.
When I first put it on he fussed but then quickly got over it. And all of a sudden I was walking a brand-new dog. No pulling! No arm coming out of socket! We were in harmony. He even looked to me every few minutes like a good dog should! The real trick came when we passed by other dogs. A little tug but then he pulled back. It worked! I’d become afraid to walk my dog and so the bonding between us wasn’t really happening. Nor did he have a way to get rid of all his energy (except for chewing up everything). Thanks to this leash, we’re bonding and my dog no longer has to fear being turned into glue.
BUY AT: Amazon
FURminator
BUY VIA: Amazon
I promise you, never has a pet product been more fun - to do or say. Oh there’s balls, bells, trinkets and toys but this, this is where you pull out your best Arnold impression and get to say over and over “I am dah furmahnator. I have come to furmahnate.”
Ok, if you’re not into that, this product is still the best hair product ever for pets. I have got it for my cat who suffered so badly from hair balls that she’d often have to have surgery to remove clumps. That bad. But this, this takes away hair like you will not believe. It doesn’t just remove the outer layer like most brushes, it gets the old, dead, thick hair out so easily and quickly, you’re pet won’t know what’s going on.
I literally removed about a foot of hair from my cat in about 5 minutes. It’s incredible. I tell everyone on the street about this. I’m obsessed! And thanks to QVC, if you don’t like it (but you will), you have 30 days to return.
Shell out for this brush and save costs on a professional groomer for sure.
Mysterious Purr Pad
I thought it funny that it was called a “cat magnet” until my cat went everywhere that this pad went - literally. I could sit it up top on a table, she’d be on it. On a couch, she’d be on it. In her carrier (for a 3 day trip), she loved it.
I’ve purchased a few sets to have on hand because, since they’re not washable, I tend to replace them ever few months since they can accumulate pet hair since your pet will never leave it. And they’re perfect to keep kitties off things you don’t want them on because, they won’t get off this. Did I mention that they won’t get off this?
Inexpensive lovin’ for your cat. It will thank you.
Fold Away Pet Carriers
BUY AT: PetSmart
I am so very, very thankful for this carrier. After having those sad, cardboard ones that frightened the bejesus out of my cat ( and made it very difficult to get her in), this one feels like a miracle.
You can load the pet from top or side, there is ample room for the pet to see out which calms the pet like nothing else and the best part? It’s completely foldable! But don’t worry - that doesn’t make it any less sturdy. I’ve used it for my 12lb (don’t laugh) cat for both trips to trips to the vet and three day drives without any issues.
This makes any kind of trip so much easier for both you and your pet.
