Editor’s note: Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? This article appeared in our October/November issue. Subscribe to Dogster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home.
1. Romy + Jacob Oxford Shirts
Nothing says “Back to School” like these cute button down dress shirts by Romy + Jacob. Our furry professors of fun will keep everyone’s attention with these lined cotton tops that are both machine washable and have the all-important harness ring hole on the back. Comes in XXS (10 inches) to L (18 inches).
$39.99; romyandjacob.com
2. Paws N Claws Eyewear
I don’t know about you, but I love glasses. They make you look smart and classy. You can imagine my excitement as a dog lover and glasses lover to see the Paws N Claws eyewear line for humans. Designed for the animal lover, the brand offers eyeglasses, sunglasses, reading glasses, and eyewear accessories. So many styles — paw prints, anyone?! — and colors, plus part of the purchase price is donated to the ASPCA.
$90 to $150; pawsnclawseyewear.com
3. Kruuse’s Buster Activity Mat
Remember those cool activity centers you played with when you were younger? They were both fun and educational. Now our dogs can have their own activity mats, too. I spotted Kruuse’s Buster Activity Mat at a pet trade show earlier this year. It stood out in a sea of products with its fun colors and various tasks designed to keep your dog engaged at home or on the go. You can attach different tasks to the mat in varying degrees of difficulty. The starter kit comes with the mat, three activities, and a carrier bag. Dogs must be supervised during play.
$69.99; More Buster Activity Mat Puzzles are available sold separately for $9.99 to $14.99 each; kruuse247.com
4. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training by Teoti Anderson
Whether you’ve got a young dog, senior dog, or two adult dogs like mine, you can always benefit by hitting the books — training books that is. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training by dog trainer Teoti Anderson makes it easy to learn and do. Every training method is broken down into categories with goals, prep work, and step-by-step instructions. It covers basic and advanced training, positive training methods, socialization, manners, life skills, and tricks for puppies, seniors, rescues, dogs of all sizes, and special–needs dogs. Published by I-5 Press, the book is 240-pages long, with more than 150 photos.
Available wherever books are sold; Hardcover, $19.95 US; facebook.com/I-5 Press
5.Outward Hound Zip & Zoom Indoor Agility Kit
It’s no fun going back to school unless there’s recess! Recess can be a learning experience too, especially when it includes Outward Hound’s Zip & Zoom Indoor Agility Kit. Challenge your dog with this three-obstacle, seven-piece interactive kit. Your dog can use his problem-solving skills on the high jump, the square tunnel, and the weave poles. Includes setup instructions, training tips booklet, and a storage bag. Best yet, you don’t need to leave the house to use it, so it’s perfect for rainy and snowy day activities.
$39.99; outwardhound.com
6. Outward Hound Lucky Dog Slots
What are the odds of your dog learning and having fun while he’s doing it? You can bet on it with Outward Hounds’ Lucky Dog Slots. I spotted this fun toy earlier this year and wanted my dogs (especially my chow hound) to give it a spin. It’s a level one game, perfect for introducing puzzle toys to your pup. Use treats or make dinnertime more fun by using it instead of a dinner bowl. Place kibble in the slots, teach your dog how to use the paw press treat releaser, and presto — your dog works for his food.
$24.99; outwardhound.com
Read about more stuff we love:
- Obsessions: The YouTube Channel “Cone of Shame With Dr. Andy Roark”
- Obsessions: The Bear & The Rat Fro-Yo To Go Dog Treats
- Dogster Obsessions: Immortalize Your Dog With a Custom Pet Portrait
About the author: Melissa L. Kauffman often goes by Mel to friends and canines alike. She lives in North Carolina with her two forever puppies, Tampa Bay and Justice; two feisty parrots, Deacon and Carlisle; a betta fish named Edgar Allan; and her husband, Scott. Mel is the group editor of Dogster Magazine.
