A few Must-Haves for the PNW Dog!

In honor of my lovable rescue dog Nala turning 6 this year, here are some dog-related things we absolutely love!

• Wonder Walker Body Halter — This harness is truly great if your dog tends to pull on the leash. The genius trick is to attach the leash at the the chest rather than up between their shoulder blades. that way, if they pull too hard it will pull them to one side or the other and be counter-productive to forward movement. I cannot (read: will not!) take Nala for a day hike without this harness, and if I forget to bring it to the park with us I really regret it! I even bought a second one for my parents to use when they watch her. These Wonder Walkers come in many sizes and colors. I’d suggest stopping by a pet store like Mud Bay to pick one up with your dog, as they will get you fitted and out the door!
• West Paw Quizl Treat Toy — Nala got this treat toy for Christmas last year and I have to say it’s one of the most well-made dog toys I’ve ever come across. It turns a 2-second treat into a 10 or 15 minute treat. Might as well keep them occupied for as long as possible, right? What I love to do is slide a long skinny treat (such as Blue Wilderness Stix) through the middle so that Nala really has to work for it. I’ve also put very thin bully stick in there that have lasted her days (meaning I have to take it away when I think she’s had too much)! The toys are made in Bozeman, MT and come with a “Love It Guarantee” so if you’re unhappy for any reason, they replace or refund your purchase. Check them out!
• Back Seat Protector from Orvis — This backseat cover has lasted 5 years and counting. It’s really well-made and secures to the entire back row of seats so there’s no sliding or getting out of place when dogs jump in and out. Orvis has many different options when it comes to car-travel with your dog so see what works best for you (hammock style, front seat style, etc). We also have a dog “seatbelt” of sorts (similar to this one) to hook her in just in case she’s tempted to jump out the window!
• Water Bottle with Built-In Drinking Cup — This water bottle is FANTASTIC for day hikes with your pup. It seems every time I use it someone sees and points out “Wow, that thing’s great”! And it’s true. The flexible bowl hugs right against the bottle (so it’s easy to fit in your day pack) and then you just unfold the bowl and squirt water into it for your pup to drink! It works out way better than trying to squirt water directly into your dog’s mouth, trust me!
• Personalized Dog Collar — There are tons of these on Etsy. My favorite store is Mimi Green. Lately Nala has been sporting a light pink collar with reflective tape (makes me feel better about walking at night!). They etch her name and number on the buckle, which I love so much better than a metal tag clanking around her neck. Plus it’s unique just for her.