15 Best Dog Gadgets of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

The most exciting part about Christmas morning is waking up to see if Santa thought that your behavior over the past year merited presents. While that may be hit-or-miss for you, what about the one member of the household you know has been very good this year?

That’s right, we’re talking about your dog. If you’re looking for the perfect present to reward your dog for their good behavior over the past 12 months, we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog gadgets for your pup that you’ll find anywhere.

Your dog will be thrilled to find one of these items waiting for them under the tree. Then again, they’ll also be thrilled to find a cardboard box that they can tear up, so maybe their excitement level isn’t the best way to rate these things.

The 15 Best Dog Gadgets:

1. GoPro Fetch Harness

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like through your dog’s eyes? Now you can find out, thanks to our top dog gadget, the GoPro Fetch Harness.

It works just like a regular harness, so you can get plenty of use out of it even if you don’t have a GoPro. However, the main selling point is the fact that it has two locations for mounting a camera — the back and the chest.

This allows you to capture all sorts of incredible videos. You can take your dog to the beach and let them splash in the waves, or turn them loose in the forest to see what they track down. Regardless of where you take it, it should breathe new life into your walks.

It’s incredibly easy to attach the camera, as the harness has a quick-release base. It also boasts a tether to ensure that your recorder doesn’t get lost along the way.

Best of all, the GoPro Fetch is actually a good harness. It’s padded for comfort and fits dogs up to 120 pounds. It’s not a good idea for users with motion sickness, though, as much of the footage will (understandably) be a little shaky.

---

2. dogPACER Full-Size Treadmill

If your pup needs to drop a few pounds or if you simply can’t take them for as many walks as you’d like, then the dogPACER Treadmill can help fill in the gaps.

This machine won’t dominate your entire house, as it’s relatively small (42” long by 22” wide). It’s also foldable, so you can store it out of the way when your pooch is done with it.

Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it’s not powerful, though. This machine has plenty of “oomph” with which to put your dog through their paces, and it’s remarkably quiet even at its highest setting.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what kind of exercise program to give your dog. The machine comes with a variety of pre-set programs, so all you have to do is pick one and let your dog do the rest.

The dogPACER Treadmill is a great gift for anyone with mobility issues or safety concerns or who lives in an area that often suffers from extreme weather. It’s definitely pricey, but it will be worth every penny the first time that you realize you don’t have to take your dog for a walk in that raging blizzard outside.

Read also: 5 Best Dog Treadmills – Reviews & Top Picks

---

3. Illumiseen LED Dog Leash

Walking your dog at night can be nerve-wracking, especially if you live in a high-traffic area. If you have the Illumiseen LED Leash attached to your pup’s collar, though, you can rest assured that you’ll be seen by every passing motorist.

The entire leash is brightly illuminated with LEDs, making your dog impossible to miss even in the darkest alley. The lights are rechargeable using the included USB cable, and you’ll get about 5 hours of illumination per charge.

The leash itself is lightweight yet sturdy, and it’s more than capable of keeping your dog under control. It’s also comfortable to hold, so it’s a good leash even without the lights.

It’s available in six colors, allowing you to pick the one that best represents your dog’s personality. You can also pick between three different illumination modes: steady, slow flashing, or rapid flashing.

Be careful with this dog gadget, though, as the lights can break if you whack it into something. Then again, that’s a small price to pay for preventing cars from whacking into you, making the Illumiseen LED Leash a great gift for everyone involved.

---

4. SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash

While the SparklyPets Hands-Free Leash won’t keep you as safe as the one from Illumiseen, it’s one of the most convenient options that you’ll find anywhere.

The leash attaches to a belt, so you can control your dog with your waist while keeping your hands free to carry items, scroll on your phone, or do bicep curls.

It’s a bungee leash, so it has some give to it, which should soften the blow if you have a puller on your hands. Just be careful because if you’re standing rigid and your dog spots a squirrel, they could easily yank you to the ground during the chase.

The fact that you can resist your dog with your whole body while wearing this leash makes it good for stopping excessive pulling (provided that you’re paying attention, of course). It also gives your hands and arms a much-needed break.

The whole thing is remarkably secure, ensuring that your dog won’t break free at the worst possible time. It also comes with a rubber handle, so you can switch back to hands-on mode whenever you feel like it.

All in all, the SparklyPets Hands-Free is one of the most versatile leashes on the market and one that you and your dog will enjoy taking for a spin as often as possible.

---

5. Whistle Go Explore Pet Tracker

If you worry about losing your dog (and who doesn’t?), then the Whistle Go Explore is a great way to ensure that you always know where your pooch is.

The tracker is completely waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it going on the fritz if your dog decides to take an unexpected dip. It also uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular tech to pinpoint your dog’s location with stunning accuracy.

It won’t just help you locate your lost pet — it will also help you prevent them from getting too lost in the first place. The device will notify you if your dog leaves your home or yard, so you’ll have plenty of time to stop them from getting away.

This dog gadget is more than just a homing beacon for your pup, though. If you use the companion app, you can track your dog’s sleep patterns, check their activity, and even set daily goals, which is great if your pooch needs to drop a few pounds.

The only downside to the Whistle Go Explore is the fact that you have to pay for a monthly subscription to access all those features. However, your peace of mind is worth every penny.

---

6. Furbo Dog Camera

Keep an eye on your pup even when you’re not home with the Furbo. This camera allows you to spy on your pooch through the companion app, giving you a real-time look at what your dog gets up to when you’re gone.

You don’t just have to watch them, though. The Furbo also allows you to launch a treat at them if you feel inclined. This is a great way to reward them for behaving — or to bribe them to stop doing something they shouldn’t be doing.

It has two-way audio, so you can hear your dog and communicate with them, even from afar. It also has a barking alert feature that gives you a heads-up if your dog is agitated, so you can tell them to hush — or call the cops, whatever the case may be.

The picture is crisp and clear, thanks to the 1080p, full-HD camera. It even has night vision, so you can check up on your dog during a night on the town.

You will need a fairly good Wi-Fi connection for the Furbo to work, but as long as you have that, it will be the perfect watchdog for your watchdog.

• You might also like: Furbo vs. Petcube Bites 2: Pet Camera Comparison

---

7. SureFeed Microchip Feeder

If there’s one gadget that your dog will care about more than any other, it will be the one that gives them food. The SureFeed Microchip is a great way to keep your dog fit and trim.

It’s especially good for multi-dog households. You can program it to recognize each dog’s microchip, so it will only open up the appropriate food chamber for whichever dog is standing in front of it at the time. If you have a pup that steals food from its brothers and sisters, this machine will put a stop to it.

You can program it to recognize as many as 32 different microchips, so you (hopefully) won’t run out of space. It’s only for small breeds, though, so you’ll need to find something else to feed your Rottweiler.

This makes it easy to control portion sizes if your dog needs to lose weight. They’ll only get what the machine gives them — no more, no less. Best of all, the machine will deal with the resulting puppy dog eyes, not you.

You can put both wet and dry food inside it, and regardless of which type you use, it will keep it fresh and pest-free.

If you want to automate the chore of feeding your pup, the SureFeed Microchip is the easiest way to do that.

---

8. Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or other behavioral issues, the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy may be just what the doctor ordered.

The toy offers both heat and a pulsing heartbeat, mimicking the sensation that your dog would get snuggled up to their mother. This instinctively calms them, putting a stop to troublesome behaviors like barking and whining.

The heat pack is disposable, and there’s no need to microwave it or plug it in. It’s completely safe for your dog, even if you’re not around when they use it.

It has a long-lasting battery life, as you can get nearly 2 weeks out of each set with round-the-clock use. It’s also machine washable (but remove the heart first).

Unfortunately, some puppies are actually freaked out by it more than calm, but if you have a dog that takes to it, the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy will be your best friend’s new best friend.

---

9. iDogmate Smart Automatic Ball Launcher

 

Playing fetch with your pup is fun, but it can do a number on your arm and shoulder, especially if you own a tireless breed like a Labrador. With the iDogmate Smart, though, that strain is no longer a problem.

This machine will launch a tennis ball in the air for you, giving your dog a playmate that will never get bored or tired. It can rocket the balls out in distances of 10, 20, 30, and 35 feet, letting you customize it according to the amount of space that you have available.

It also has a variable setting designed to keep dogs on their toes, so your pup shouldn’t get bored with it anytime soon.

The motor has an anti-stuck feature that prevents slobbery balls from causing it to get bogged down, and it can run on either the included AC adapter or with its rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

The whole thing is remarkably quiet, so you can play for hours without ever disturbing your neighbor. It’s easily portable for trips to the park or beach as well.

You do have to use their special, felt-covered balls, though, so don’t just pop a canister of tennis balls in it. That’s a small price to pay for the freedom and fun that the iDogmate Smart gives you, however.

---

10. Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive

There’s something a little creepy about watching a disembodied tail wiggle, vibrate, and even bark, but fortunately, most dogs seem to love it. That’s why the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail makes such a great gift for your pup.

It looks like a generic plush squeaky toy, but once you turn it on, it starts flopping and gyrating around. This is sure to get — and hold — your dog’s attention, keeping them occupied for longer than a regular toy ever could.

This is a great way to reduce anxiety and boredom, ensuring that your dog spends their time doing something other than chewing up your shoes or gnawing on your furniture.

It’s fairly inexpensive too, so you don’t have to break the bank to keep your dog entertained. If you have a dog that’s a powerful chewer, though, they might make short work of it (good thing it’s cheap!).

The Hyper Pet Doggie Tail is a great way to stimulate your dog’s mind — and it’s sure to give you a few belly laughs along the way.

---

11. Bake-a-Bone Original Treat Maker

Every dog owner relishes giving their pup a tasty treat, but unfortunately, you don’t always know what goes into store-bought snacks. With the Bake-a-Bone Original, you can make your very own dog biscuits, giving you full control over the entire process.

The thing looks and works like a George Foreman Grill, except it has four little bone-shaped molds inside. You simply whip up a batter of your choice and pour it into the molds, then cook until everything solidifies.

This is fantastic for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and the company provides you with recipes for gluten-free, soy-free, and low-glucose treats, among others. The included recipe book is surprisingly in-depth, in fact.

It’s easy to make biscuits with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen, so there’s no need to make a trip to a specialty food store for your pup. The bones cook in just a few minutes, allowing you to whip up a snack for your pooch in no time at all.

The bones tend to be a little soft, making them ideal for senior dogs or those with dental issues. It can be a pain to clean, though, as the surface isn’t quite as non-stick as it claims.

Of course, your dog will thank you for your efforts, which makes using the Bake-a-Bone Original worth every bit of elbow grease you put into it.

---

12. Dog Gone Smart Pet Products Original Dirty Dog Doormat

It may look like a generic doormat, but the Original Dirty Dog Doormat is a great way to keep dirt and grime off your dog’s paws — not to mention out of your house.

The microfiber material quickly wicks away dirt and moisture, leaving your dog’s paws clean after just a few steps on the fabric. It’s an extremely low-effort way to keep your home as clean as possible.

You’ll find non-skid grippers on the bottom, ensuring that the mat doesn’t slide around whenever anyone steps on it. The fiber dries quickly too and is machine washable. You’ll need to wash it quite often, though, as it traps odors.

The mats come in four different sizes, including a long runner, and there are over a dozen colors to choose from. Each one should be quite durable, as they’re all stitched and double-basted.

If you’re pulling your hair out over all the dirty paw prints on your floors, the Original Dirty Dog Doormat will go a long way toward helping you regain your sanity.

---

13. IOEN Smart Dog Doorbell

Potty training a dog isn’t easy, and it’s even harder if you occasionally miss your pooch’s signal that they need to go outside. With the IOEN Smart Doorbell, though, that concern is a thing of the past.

The doorbells have sensors on them, so whenever your dog gets close, it will start to ring. This alerts you to the fact that your dog needs to go out. The noise also gives your dog something concrete to associate with the training, speeding up the entire process.

It’s incredibly easy to install, as you simply attach it with double-sided tape. Unfortunately, this means that it won’t stay in place if your dog gets too vigorous with it, but most dogs are content to leave it alone.

You don’t need to hook up a separate power source for it, as it just takes a single 12-volt battery. Each battery should last about a year, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. You will need to plug in the receiver, though.

Each bell is water- and dust-proof, so you should get quite a bit of use out of them before they kick the bucket. If they do break, they’re cheap enough to replace.

Housetraining a dog isn’t exactly fun, but the IOEN Smart Doorbell makes the process as quick and stress-free as possible.

---

14. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor

Having to get up every time your dog needs to go out gets old quickly, but regular dog doors can be safety hazards, not to mention the fact that they’ll let either cold/hot air in or out. The solution, then, is to invest in a PetSafe SmartDoor.

These contraptions stay closed until your dog gets close to them. Then, a sensor that you attach to your dog’s collar sends a signal to the door, causing it to open. Otherwise, the thing stays securely shut. You can set it to stay locked or unlocked too, if you desire.

If the device doesn’t sense the unit on your dog’s collar, it won’t open. That keeps other animals (including the human kind) out. You can pair it with five different sensors as well, making it a great choice for multi-dog households.

There are two sizes, large and small, so you should be able to use it regardless of what kind of dog you have. It can also be installed in either a door or a wall, giving you options in terms of placement.

Putting the thing in can be a bit of a pain, but given how much effort it will save you in the long run, the PetSafe SmartDoor is worth the trouble.

---

15. AWOOF Snuffle Mat

If your dog scarfs down their food in seconds, they could be susceptible to potentially fatal diseases like bloat. The AWOOF Snuffle Mat solves that problem in a way that won’t annoy your pup.

Designed to look like a large flower, it allows you to hide chunks of food inside the individual petals. This forces your dog to forage for their dinner, which taxes them mentally in addition to making them slow down.

The inside of the flower is made to hide large bits of food, while smaller bits of kibble can be put in the outside petals. This ensures that food is never lost, so you won’t have to deal with a smelly mat due to all the forgotten bits.

The mat is made of a durable Oxford fabric, so it’s unlike to rip and tear even if your dog is extremely enthusiastic about finding their dinner. The entire thing is machine washable as well.

It has four buckles on it that enable you to attach it to a piece of furniture, so your dog won’t be able to cheat and just tip it over.

The only issue with it is that loading it with food is a bit of a chore, but if it keeps your dog safe, we’re sure you won’t mind putting in a little effort to use the AWOOF Snuffle Mat.

Which Dog Gadget Is Best for Your Pup?

Shopping for your dog’s Christmas present can be extremely fun and rewarding. After all, unlike some members of your family, the dog’s always excited to see the presents that you bought for them. We hope you enjoyed exploring the best gadgets for dogs currently available.

The dog gadgets on this list will give you new and exciting ways to interact with your dog, helping to bring you both a little closer. You don’t have to buy any of them, of course, but each one will make your life a bit easier in some form or fashion.