Dog Gear - Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and Dog Lovers

Find the perfect Christmas gift for your dog or a special dog lover on your holiday shopping list in our Dog Gear Holiday Gift Guide.  Collars, coats, boots, beds - we've got you covered with suggestions of products that the Talking Dogs use and love.  In fact, that's our own Talking Dog, Rudy, modeling.  Jeffie and Rosie, too. 

goDog / Quaker Pet Group
I'd been shopping for a new dog bed when Quaker Pet Group offered to send us one.  Talk about perfect!  It's exactly what I was looking for:  low profile, extra large to accommodate at least two of my dogs, high quality and good looking.

The GoDog BedZzz features Chew Guard Tchnology and is soft, yet strong enough to give your dog a sound night's sleep while standing up to scratching, nesting and chewing.

This bed is available in six sizes and will fit most common crates.  Machine washable, the goDog BedZzz is made of soft plush with a tough backing.

Even though no dog bed is indestructible, the goDog BedZzz are tougher and last longer than standard soft plush beds and they guarantee it.

We received an XXLarge in Cocoa which measures 49" x 30" x 4.5".  Retail price on Amazon: $85

I love this dog bed!  It's a perfect bed for lounging in front of our floor to ceiling windows.  Though plenty big enough for two large snuggling dogs, it's low profile and good looks look great.  Safe to say, the dogs love it, too!

Jeffie lounges in comfort on our new goDog BedZzz from Quaker Pet Group.

Rudy tests the goDog BedZzz Chew Guard Technology!

Alcott Adventures

That's our own Rudy modeling his very cool Alcott Adventures dog collar.  Actually, all three of the Talking Dogs have dog collars from Alcott and we love them.  They're very well made, sturdy, padded, reflective and they come in barking good colors.

Of course, Alcott Adventures is not just about dog collars. Alcott's tag line is "Turn your walks into adventures" and it's easy to see how with their dog gear:  dog collars, harnesses, leashes; dog beds and blankets; dog toys and apparel, and just wait until you see their dog sleeping bags and pup tents. 

Fetch Alcott Adventures for some howling good canine accoutrements and necessities, so you'll be ready for your next adventure. Retail prices vary per product, but dog collars are $11.99-$13.99 depending on size.

  
Comfy Dog Boots

We like supporting small boutique businesses, especially those with handmade items.  That's one reason we love Comfy Dog Boots.

Jeffie is shown at left modeling his custom made Comfy Dog Boots.  Yes, they were made to match his winter coat and they look terrific.

Comfy Dog Boots offers several varieties of dog boot and shoes, as well as dog coats, parkas and jackets.   Choose from warm weather indoor, cold weather outdoor, lace up with velcro, and high top boots.  Some styles are perfect for those slippery tile or hardwood floors!  They even create custom dog boots to fit pets with paws that need extra protection due to allergies, dragging, deformities, and for disabled dogs.

Prices vary according to the type and size of boot selected.  Jeffie's boots retail at $22 plus $3 shipping
 

EzyDog

That's Rudy shown at left in his very snazzy EzyDog Element Dog Jacket.  He and I both love it!
This dog coat has a wind and water proof shell with an inner lining of non-pilling fleece.  They feature a Quick-Fit Neo-Xpand necklace for easy on and off.  Plus there are cam lock slider release buckles for quick adjustment for fit.  

Attaching a dog leash to a harness or collar is easy with a waterproof access zipper. A great safety feature are the side panels of the jacket.  They have light reflective piping for those in-the-dark walks.

EzyDog makes a line of products aimed for dogs with an outdoor lifestyle including:  backpacks, bowls, coats, collars, harnesses, car restraints, leashes, life jackets, toys and pet carriers.  They manufacture the Original Shock Absorbing Leash designed for control, comforts and safety of dogs that pull or are in training. 

Element Dog Jackets are available in two colors:  Sky (blue) and Scarlet (red.)  These jackets are available in a range of sizes from XXS to XXL.  Prices range from $40 to $75.


Mutts-N-Bones

Here's another small handmade business I absolutely love:  Mutts-N-Bones dog collars.

I discovered them when I was looking for a Duke Blue Devils dog collar for Rosie.  Mutts-N-Bones offers beautiful handmade college  and professional sports team dog collars.  If you don't see your team listed, ask the artisan, Aida, and I'm pretty sure she'll custom make one for you.

Mutts-N-Bones dog collars are all handmade to order with a turnaround time of 1-2 weeks.  Rosie's Duke Blue Devils collar includes black nylon webbing, Duke printed ribbon, black buckles and glide, with a nickel D ring.  It is very well made and beautiful. Priced at $18 - 24 depending on size.

Mutts-N-Bones offers a wide variety of dog collars, leashes, bow ties, and pooh bags in many styles and sizes.  They also support no kill animal shelters / rescues and donate a portion of their profits accordingly. 

Rosie models her Duke Blue Devils dog collar from Mutts-N-Bones

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Be sure to enter our Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway!

Talking Dogs has reviewed lots of dog gear and you can find our recommendations in our product reviews. 

* Though we may have received dog gear samples from these companies in the past, only Quaker Pet Group sent us a product for this article (1 goDog BedZzz.)   Talking Dogs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers and the companies mentioned here are not responsible for the content of this article.

Sugar Lips, Hoarding and Dog Coats | Follow-up Friday

I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a Dog and co-hosted today by Donna at Donna and the Dogs.

Did you realize that Sunday was National Black Cat Day?  I remembered in time to feature The Black Cat Song on Dog Song Saturday.  If you love cats (Skeeter insists I do) check out this purrfect feline video.

I referenced Henry's sugar lips when I featured him as my adoptable dog this week.  Though all our senior dogs eventually sported sugar lips, the black ones really showed.  Why "sugar lips?"  Because senior dogs are so sweet, I reckon.
 

Tucker and his sugar lips.

Hundreds of applications were submitted to the Humane Society of Missouri to adopt Trooper.  It will probably take them some time to decide who will be the lucky new family for this pup.

The running joke around our house is about how easily I could become a hoarder.  Of course, real life hoarding is no laughing matter, as the recent rescue of over 250 animals by the HSMO makes very clear in their rescue video.  These animals were removed from a property where the owner was prosecuted in 2010.  At that time she agreed not to acquire more animals for 2 years.  You can do the math.   Linda asks: "So what is to prevent this person from acquiring more animals in the future?"   Hopefully, when this case goes to court, the court will stipulate that she can acquire no more animals in the future.  Totally agree, Emma, that there probably are many more cases like this we never hear about.  Dawn, I'm so glad your mom's dog was rescued!  

Rudy wearing one of his hand-me-down dog coats.

Rudy wearing another hand-me-down coat. 

I have to tell you, we really are liking Rudy's new EzyDog Element Jacket.   As I prepared to write the review and surfed the company web site, I recognized other EzyDog products I've seen other bloggers review with high marks.  Emma tested the EzyDog leash and loved it.  Oz just reviewed the EzyDog shock absorbing leash. Jen has an EzyDog backpack and loves it.  In fact, I saw photos of Leroy wearing it just the other day.   Bren, I'm looking forward to your review of the EzyDog chest plate harness.

Caren is getting ready to review this jacket and mentioned that Dakota's is a little too big.   I think their jackets do run a bit large.  That said, I'm quite sure that the next size smaller would have been too small for Rudy.  Since the review I've managed to better adjust it.  Jan K - this is a lightweight water proof coat and would (in my opinion) be terrific for walking in the snow or rain.  The thing I really liked best is the cut of the coat.  As JoAnn noted, he can move really well even when he's flying.  (big smile here).

Rudy can really fly in his very own new EzyDog Elements Dog Jacket!

Pup Fan, my caramel chocolate pecan "crack pie" IS amazing!  SlimDoggy, you can substitute walnuts or another favorite nut.  Hazelnuts would be devine.  Just saying...   Tubby3pug, you're killing me!  You simply must share that oat crust caramel crack pie recipe!  

I've still got rainy day dogs since it is still raining here.  Rudy is sad about the rain and Rosie is sad nobody will go outside and play in the rain with her!   In fact, when Rudy heard the zip of the camera bag and the little ding of the camera, he was too depressed to jump up with joy (thinking that it was time for a dog treat review.)  Rosie would love to splash in some puddles, Misaki!  Deanna, my dogs do the same thing - beg to go out then Jeffie and Rudy want right back in again (having never left the roofed porch.)  Jodi, you are so right - Rudy does absolutely adore his sister, Rosie!

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

EzyDog Element Dog Jacket Product Review

The last couple of winters when I posted photos of my dogs in their coats, a number of people suggested Rudy be a dog model for doggie outer wear.  

Though I'm biased, I do think he looks dog-gone good in his two hand-me-down dog coats.  However, his coat is one that he "inherited" and, though he seems to be pretty confident in his masculinity, the lavender or pink colors are certainly more than a bit feminine.

So when I was offered a new dog coat from EzyDog in exchange for a review, I jumped at the chance.

EzyDog Elements Dog Jacket in Scarlet

 Rudy's new coat, a new EzyDog Element Jacket in Scarlet  arrived within a couple of days and it sure is good looking!

Rudy wearing EzyDog Elements Jacket

EzyDog's newly designed Element Dog Jackets have a wind and water proof shell with an inner lining of non-pilling fleece.  They feature a Quick-Fit Neo-Xpand necklace for easy on and off.  Plus there are cam lock slider release buckles for quick adjustment for fit.

Attaching a dog leash to a harness or collar is easy with a waterproof access zipper.

A great safety feature are the side panels of the jacket.  They have light reflective piping for those in-the-dark walks.

Element Dog Jackets are available in two colors:  Sky (blue) and Scarlet (red.)  These jackets are available in a range of sizes from XXS to XXL.  Rudy is wearing an XL and, though I could fit it to be tighter, it still is quite roomy.  I'd say the sizes run a wee bit large.  Prices range from $40 to $75.

I like the sporty look of the EzyDog Element Dog Jacket, plus it is light weight and very easy to put on.  Rudy didn't mind waiting the minute or two it took me to adjust the fit.  Not only is this going to be a terrific coat for winter wear, I think it will come in very handy for those rainy days.

Plus, Rudy seemed very comfortable wearing this dog coat. He's a very active dog and it didn't seem to get in his way at all. 

I'm pleased to give my highest recommendation to EzyDog's Element Dog Jacket:

• Good size selection
• Competitively priced
• Comfortable design for an active dog - light weight and not bulky
• Good looking
• Easy to navigate web site
• Super fast shipping

EzyDog makes a line of products aimed for dogs with an outdoor lifestyle including:  backpacks, bowls, coats, collars, harnesses, car restraints, leashes, life jackets, toys and pet carriers.  They manufacture the Original Shock Absorbing Leash designed for control, comforts and safety of dogs that pull or are in training.

* We received one (1) EzyDog Elements Jacket in exchange for our honest review of their product.  We received no other compensation - financial or otherwise.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.