20 Sanity Saving Gifts For People Who Want To Train Their Dogs

Find a gift for an exasperated dog owner here that can help transform their unruly pup into an obedient companion.

Having a loving and loyal dog is a wonderful thing for any family.

However, as much as we love them dearly they can be little terrors at times, especially when younger.

Whether that's taking an age to become house trained and leaving you little unwanted presents to discover on a daily basis.

Becoming over excited and jumping all over your furniture and beds, and chewing up things they shouldn't.

Or constantly pulling and straining at the leash when you're taking them for a walk, and running off into the distance whenever you take them off it.

These things can be a cause of real frustration for even the most ardent of dog lovers.

So, the earlier you train your dog to behave the better it will be for all concerned.

Because as much as they may annoy you, they don't like being yelled at either (especially as without training they usually haven't a clue what they've done wrong!).

And the good news is that there are tons of things you can buy that will make house training your dog a breeze.

So, if you know a dog owner who has an unruly pup, any of the following dog training gift ideas will help them learn to behave in the right way.

1. A Book To Guide Them On Dog Training

Before you begin training your dog or puppy you'll need to know what you're doing.

Because simply pointing at things and shouting at them when they do things wrong just isn't going to work.

So, the first gift idea on this list is to buy a dog owner a dog training book that guides them through the whole process.

And one that does this really well is Zak George's 'Dog Training Revolution'.

As this goes through tips and techniques for house training, stopping them biting, being aggressive and excessively chewing, what to do if they leash pull, and much more.

So, giving them this book will help them to raise their dog the right way, and create a more harmonious owner/pet relationship.  

And Zak George also has a YouTube channel full of great videos on how to train and treat your dog too, which is another really helpful resource.

2. A Dog Crate To Help With House Training

Dog crates may look a bit harsh given their cage-like appearance, but most dogs actually love them.

As it gives them a private space where they can create a den to retreat to whenever they are feeling anxious or frightened.

And a dog crate is also a god send when training a dog or a puppy.

As putting your dog in their crate when you leave them home alone can help them to relax and feel more comfortable.

While also stopping them from roaming the house, chewing up things, and causing havoc!

Plus they're great for house training too, as dogs will be reluctant to soil in their den.

And they'll come to realise when and where they are allowed to do their business, and this knowledge will save your carpet from destruction in future!

So, buying a dog owner a crate for their pup or unruly dog is a great help when they're beginning to train them.

And a top choice is the Midwest Life Stages dog crate.

As this one comes in a variety of sizes, is spacious, and has 2 doors for the dog to use which will make them feel more at home once you get to the stage where you can leave the crate open.

3. An Exercise Pen That Lets Them To Roam Safely

Another gift idea for a dog to keep them confined to a certain area as you train them is an exercise pen.

As these pens give them more space and freedom than a crate, but also stop them from having access to the whole house while you're away.

So, they can explore and play in their own area without you having to worry about their safety, or the safety of your shoes and sofa cushions!

They also work well to keep a dog enclosed if you have guests over or young children that they are still getting used to.

And you can also use them in the yard too to stop a young pup from digging up your flower beds!

So, getting a dog owner an exercise pen as a gift can work well, and a top choice is this one from North States MyPet.

As this pen is sturdy, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and has 8 connecting panels that you lock together, giving their dog plenty of space inside.

4. Wee Wee Pads To Save Their Carpets

House training young pups can be a really frustrating process.

As no matter how much you try to get them to only pee and poop outside, sometimes they get a favourite spot on your carpet that they return to again and again.

This is because they get a scent of where to do their business, and this attracts them back when they need to go again.

But it's tiring constantly wiping and clearing up after them, not to mention the bad odors that seem to hang heavy in the air even after the mess has been cleaned up.

So, a gift idea that can provide a solution when house training a dog is the Four Paws Wee Wee pads.

As these are large, absorbent, quilted pads that will soak up your dogs urine while protecting the floor underneath.

And they contain natural pheromones which attracts the dog to use them rather than your carpet.

5. A Spray To Get Rid Of Nasty Stains And Odors

No matter how diligent you are when house training your dog, or how quick of a learner they are, accidents will happen frequently during the training process.

So, this next gift idea is a life saver for any dog owner.

As getting them the Nature's Miracle stain and odor eliminator will help them clean up the mess.

Because this contains an enzymatic formula that will keep their homes, carpet and furniture from being ruined.

And as it removes the odor so well, it will discourage the dog from soiling the same area again.

So, while this is not the most exciting gift on the list, it may just be the most useful! 

6. A Clicker And Target Stick

Getting your dog to understand when they've done what you want them to do is half the battle when it comes to training them.

As this makes them want to do it again, reinforcing the behaviour and over time making it a natural thing for them to do.

But to do this correctly you need to let them know instantly when they've done something right so it doesn't confuse them.

As a split second later and they won't associate the behaviour they've just performed with the praise you're giving them.

So, you need to be on the ball when training your dog, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by using a clicker tool.

As this will give them an instantaneous signal that they'll come to associate with doing things that please you.

And as it's quick and consistent, it's far more reliable than using your voice, which means you can train them more quickly and effectively.

While another great dog training tool is using a target stick, as these are sticks with something attached to the end for the dog to learn to touch and follow.

And once your dog learns to follow the stick you have a tool that can guide them where you want them to go.

Which is useful when walking them without a leash, or getting them into and out of cars.

So the Karen Pryor Clik Stik is a top gift choice for anyone who wants to train their dog, as it combines a clicker tool and a target stick in one.

7. A Few Packs Of Doggy Treats

When training your dog, words of praise are not going to be enough to get them to follow your commands.

So you're just going to have to bribe them with some tasty treats instead!

As gaining a reward like this encourages them to keep learning, and positively reinforces good behaviour in them.

So, a pack of their favourite doggy treats will be a welcome gift for any dog owner who is training their pup.

And you have so many options to choose from here, including meat treats, veggie treats, plant-based treats, and dog biscuits.

But one pack of treats that comes highly recommended are the Zuke's mini-naturals doggy treats.

As these are healthy, soft, and chewy, and are the perfect size for a quick treat for their dog. 

8. A Treat Pouch To Carry Their Goodies In

Once you've got your dog treats all ready for training, you'll need a handy place to keep them.

As loading them up in your trouser or coat pockets isn't a very hygienic idea.

So, a nice pouch made specifically for dog treats can be a handy little gift for a dog owner, and one I'd recommend is the Doggone Goods rapid rewards pouch.

As this has an inner lining that means you can store even the most moist or oily dog treats safely and easily.

And the magnetic fastener makes it easy to close or open with one hand, so they can keep their other hand free for clickers, target sticks, or leashes.

Plus they can clip it onto their belt or use the adjustable waist strap so it stays by their side without having to carry it.

9. A Rubber Dog Tug Toy For Playtimes

Most dogs love to play a game of tug with their owners.

As it stimulates and challenges them both physically and mentally, burns off some of their excess energy, and builds up their confidence.

So, treating your dog to a game of tug can be a good way to end dog training sessions and let them know they've done well. 

And it can also be used to help them develop self-control and restraint.

As training your dog to release the tug toy on your command shows their growing obedience and that you are in control.

So, buying a tug toy for a dog owner is a gift that both they and their dog will enjoy and get plenty of use from.

And a really good choice is the SodaPup rubber dog tug toy.

As this one is strong enough to have an enjoyable tug of war with your mutt, but also remains safe and easy going on their teeth.

And the handles on both ends allow you both to get a really good grip too.

10. A Toy To Satisfy Their Chewing Urges

Dogs and especially young pups naturally love to chew on things.

As this is their way of exploring the world around them, calms them when they are feeling anxious, and helps them when they are having teething pain.

However, it can drive their owners around the bend when their chewing exploits end up ruining their furniture, pillows and shoes!

So, a good way to train a dog to leave your stuff alone is to give them things that they can chew on such as a chewy dog toy.

As this can occupy them for hours at a time and stop them from getting bored and restless when you are away.

And a good one to get as a gift that is strong enough to suit even the most aggressive of chewers is the Nylabone Power Chew.

As dogs love the X-shape design and the variety of the 4 different textured ends, as well as the beef flavour it gives off.

While their owners will love the peace and quiet it brings to their home!

11. A Leash That's Ideal For Dog Training

Training your dog to follow orders and not strain or pull when you are taking them out on walks can be a challenge at first.

And the leash you use when trying to do this is all important.

As it needs to be short enough so the dog can learn to walk by your side with a relaxed leash and no pulling.

And it needs to be non-retractable, as this can confuse the dog by keeping pressure on them rather than the feeling of freedom they get with a loose leash.

So, getting a leash that is between 4 and 6 feet long when training is ideal as this gives you control and keeps your dog close.

And one that is ideal for walkies training and is a good gift is the Hurtta Dazzle rope leash.

As you can get this one in both 4 foot and 6 foot lengths depending on how closely you want to keep your dog to you.

It's also sturdy, durable and long lasting, and has a padded handle that is comfortable on your hands too.

Plus the rope has a reflector attached that will make sure you are visible when walking your dog at night or early morning. 

12. A Martingdale Collar They Won't Escape From

When you're training your dog to get used to being taken out for walks, it can be a real struggle at first.

As they may strain and pull against the leash and also not like having a collar around their necks.

So, it's not unusual for a dog to try to wriggle out of their collar and make their escape.

And this can be super dangerous when they're inexperienced and you're walking them in an area with passing traffic, larger dogs, or small children.

So, a gift of a collar that they won't be able to escape from is a thoughtful gift idea for a new dog owner.

And one that scores high in this department is the If It Barks nylon martingdale collar, as the martingdale style collar means it's super hard for the dog to wriggle free from.

And it has a no-choke, anti-pull design that makes it ideal for teaching a dog how to behave during walkies.

13. A Dog Body Harness Rather Than A Collar

If you have a dog that really can't stand wearing a neck collar, then it may be a good idea to use a body harness when walking them instead.

As these harnesses are great for training dogs that are liable to pull and strain at the leash.

Because this will take a lot of strain away from the dog's neck, and they'll have absolutely no chance of wriggling out of it.

And using a harness with a front clip also gives the dog owner much more control over their dog, especially if the dog is a big and strong.

So, buying a front clip dog body harness for a dog owner as a gift can really help them to train their dogs to stop pulling when being taken for a walk.

And one that both they and their dog will love is the Ruffwear Front Range dog harness.

As this one has a padded body and straps to make it comfortable for the dog to wear, as well as being adjustable so you can get it to fit them like a glove.

And it has reinforced webbing in the chest area to guard against pulling, putting the dog walker firmly in control.

14. A Dog Trainer's Vest To Wear

If you know a dog owner who is serious about training their mutt, then the final few gift ideas are for them.

And first up is to get them a dedicated dog training vest to wear.

As most of the time they'll have your hands full having to carry all the different equipment when training their dog outside.

Which isn't ideal to say the least, so wearing a vest where they can store all your stuff and keep their hands free is priceless.

And one that covers plenty of bases for dog trainers is the Hurtta dog trainer's vest.

As this has 4 zipper pockets on the front where they can store things like treats, toys, training tools, leashes and poop bags separately.

And there is one big pocket that runs across the back where they can put larger tools and items.

The vest is also comfortable to wear, being lightweight, breathable and water repellent, and can be adjusted at the waist and collar for a nice fit.

And there's a hood hidden in the collar that they can use if the rain hits unexpectedly.

So, they'll both look and feel the part with one of these dog training vests.

15. A Dog Training Platform

Using a dog training platform when training your dog or puppy can bring them many benefits.

As being on a small platform rather than the floor helps them to focus better on what you're trying to teach them.

So, it encourages them to learn both faster and more efficiently.

And platform training is great for basic obedience like teaching them how to stay.

As learning that they get rewarded for staying on the platform helps them to develop self-control and cut out bad habits like rushing to the door when there's a knock or following you from room to room. 

So, buying a dog owner a platform for training their dog is a top gift idea, and one I'd recommend is the Klimb dog training platform.

As this one is easy to assemble, safe to use, has a good grip to stop the dog from slipping off, and is an ideal size so they can't move around or lay down when sitting on it.

16. Dog Agility Training Equipment

To some dog owners, teaching their dog not to poop indoors or strain at the leash is child's play.

As what they really want to do is get them to jump over hurdles and through loops, or run in between obstacles and through tunnels on their command.

So, if you know someone who fits this description, why not gift them training equipment that will help them to increase their dog's agility.

As this way they can train their precious pooch to fly around any obstacle course with impressive grace and speed.

And one kit that has everything they need to get started is the Affordable Agility dog obstacle course.

As it comes with adjustable bar and hoop jumps, weave poles for slalom runs, a 9ft tunnel to run through, and a pause box.

So, you can help them to potentially train their dog up for shows by gifting them a set like this.

17. A Book About Dog Agility Training

Ok, so you have the obstacle course all set up in the yard ready to go, but the dog may still be looking at it thinking 'yeah right!' when you try and get them to use it.

After all, jumping through hoops and hurdles for your entertainment is hard work.

So, you need to know how to train them up and motivate them correctly, and for that you need a good dog agility training book.

And as my final gift recommendation here, I'd suggest getting them 'The Beginner's Guide To Dog Agility' by Laurie Leach.

As this book is packed full of great information and tips on how to get your dog to start participating in agility training.

And how you can gradually progress it as they improve over time.

So, it's perfect for getting full use out of your expensive obstacle course!

18. A Baseball Cap To Keep The Sun Off Their Heads

When out training their dogs in the summer a dog trainer will need a baseball cap to stay cool and keep the sun out of their eyes.

So if you are buying a gift for a dog trainer who lives in sunnier climes, how about the Life Is Good cap.

As this cap looks great to wear and has a subtle image of a dog on the front too.

19. A Funny Dog Trainer T-Shirt

T-shirts are great gifts to give to a loved one and there are plenty that are aimed at dog trainers too.

Which feature both funny slogans and images that depict the travails of training a dog.

With one I like being the Dog Trainer I Make Sit Happen t-shirt above.

20. A Much Needed Morning Coffee Mug

Coffee mugs also make for good gifts and especially for dog trainers as they are usually up early and need their morning coffee before the first dog walk.

So why not get them a coffee mug with a slogan or message that relates to dog training in some way.

With one example being the Best Trainer Ever coffee mug above.

Rounding Up

Dogs are wonderful, but cleaning up their mess and trail of destruction isn't.

So, help a dog owner to train their unruly dog or pup to behave better with a thoughtful dog training gift.

As this will strengthen their bond and create a more harmonious relationship between them.

And with a wealth of useful things to choose from among our gift ideas for people who want to train their dogs, you should have plenty of ideas of what you can get them.