Dog gear that’s worth it – Looking for the perfect gifts for dog owners this holiday season? Whether it’s a reliable piece of training gear for hunting adventures or a high-quality accessory for everyday use, I’ve compiled a list of dog products that stand out for their durability, quality, and performance. Each item has been tested extensively—some for years—and has proven to hold up through every adventure. From rugged dog bowls to versatile vests, here are the top choices that any dog-loving friend or family member would appreciate
YETI Rambler & Boomer Bowl (click to buy)
Five years ago I got one YETI Boomer Dog Bowl. I was so impressed with how durable and easy it was to clean–along with how clean it stayed–that I got a bowl for my other dog. Today we have six Boomer Dog Bowls: one for each dog for feeding inside, one for water on the front and back porch, and two that stay in the truck year-round for training, hunting, drinking and eating. I’ve tried many dog bowls over the years and the Boomers are in a class by themselves. They’ve been through extreme conditions and held up great, even the rubber bottom is in perfect condition despite being covered in dust, used in gravel, dirt, snow, ice and mud many times over the years. The inside of the bowls are as slick and clean as when I first bought them.
A great fit with the Boomer Bowl is the YETI 1/2 Gallon Rambler. I simply got tired of plastic water jugs spilling in the back of my truck when driving through rough terrain. When a five gallon jug punctured and leaked all over my extra clothes, boots and backpack, I’d had enough. I got the Rambler and haven’t looked back. It holds more than enough water for me and my dogs for a day of hunting or training, and it’s rugged and stands up to my less-than-stellar driving on rough backroads.
Momarsh Versa-Vest (click to buy)
Honestly, I almost threw away this vest right after I got it. Then I took a deep breath, read the directions, watched a brief YouTube video on how to customize the Momarsh Versa-Vest and the rest is history. I got this vest for Kona, my big male pudelpointer who tips the scales to 65 lbs. He’s long-legged, deep-chested and narrow at the waist. He’s thin-skinned and muscular, too, which means it’s a challenge to find a dog vest that truly fits him and keeps him warm during duck season. With its six points of multi-directional velcro fastening points I was able to adjust the vest to securely fit Kona’s unique build. This is the second duck season he’s hunted in it and there’s been no rubbing under the legs, chest or neck. The rubberized chest panel is sturdy and does its job protecting against thick brush, submerged sticks, ice, and more. The paracord handle and metal leash loop are sturdy and well-placed. The 5mm rubberized Neoprene and water-repellent coated poly fabric keeps your dog warm and helps them float in water. The best thing is that it can be adjusted anytime to fit your dog’s body, even as it ages over the years. I liked it so much, I got one for my 45 lb. female pudelpointer, too.
NutriSource Freeze-Dried Treats (click to buy)
Used as a treat, topper, even a complete meal, this high-protein option is available in bite sizes or sliders. I’ve been a fan of NutriSource Pet Foods’ high protein line, which is ideal for my two lean and very active gun dogs. When NutriSource offered the formula in a freeze-dried option, I was excited. It’s so lean that animal ingredients provide at least 90% of the protein ingredients in the freeze-dried bites and sliders. High in nutrients and flavor, my dogs love all three options; beef & lamb, chicken & duck, turkey & venison. If providing the freeze-dried option as a complete meal, I like adding bone broth, goat milk or water to it to soften it up and add further health benefits. It’s supplemented with NVGEN, that is designed to optimize the microbiome necessary for full utilization of a high animal protein diet. No matter when I feed it to my dogs, they think it’s the best treat ever. And like all NutriSource dog foods I feed, it’s high protein, so you actually can feed less, which means meal for meal, and you save money.
Heyday Tagalong Food & Water Dog Stations (click to buy)
Earlier this year, Heyday Outdoor introduced their Tagalong Food 3G and Tagalong Water 3G stations for dogs. Each self-contained station stores 3 gallons, making them ideal for road trips or to keep in the truck and feed and water your dog after a day in the field. A creative, easy-to-stow, carry-and-use design makes the feeding and watering process quick, simple, and clean. During duck season, when we’re hunting four to five days a week, I just keep both the food and water bins in the trucks, refilling them when needed. This makes for easy planning and handling and saves time.
MTM’s Mule Mobile Gear Crate (click to buy)
I always seek the most sensible option to store and carry all my dog training gear. The MTM Mule is an affordable, mid-range gearbox that’s durable, functional, and easy to handle. The Mule is MTMs largest crate that handles everything from big bumpers to bird launchers, vests to first aid kits, and even water bottles, dog food bowls, and treats. Efficient handles and recessed wheels make maneuvering around the shop and in the back of the truck easy. The Mule is divided into three compartments of various sizes and heights. The roomy lift-out tray rides at either end of crate with additional space below for shallow items. Tie-down points, four no-break snap latches, padlock tabs and a water-resistant O-ring seal keep gear safe, dry and ready to go. High-impact, polypropylene construction. Outside Dimensions: 43.5” x 14.7” x 11.5” (tall); holds 75 lbs. of gear. Made in the U.S.A.
Note: To watch Scott Haugen’s series of puppy training videos, visit www.scotthaugen.com and Follow Scott on Instagram & Facebook.
