Top Gifts for Dogs

Every Holiday season dogs everywhere are sensing the excitement, anticipation and closeness right along with their family. Don't let your pup feel disappointed when they have to watch amorously and hopeful as you open all of your gifts. Splurge on them a little; make them feel special this holiday season!

1. Dog Training Course-Group Class
Even if your pup doesn't really need it. A dog training course sounds like a chore, for you and your dog. While I can't vouch for all animal training classes, I can say that my experience with it was extremely fun, fulfilling and a great way to spend time with my dog. The group classes offer you and your dog many benefits.

Benefits for your dog:

Social interaction and play with the other dogs

Attention from you, the trainer and the other individuals during the course

Excitement of leaving the house and experiencing something new

The treats he/she receives while the training is taking place

They get pleasure from pleasing you by learning how to behave properly, performing new tricks and actively exercising their mind

Benefits for you:

Social interaction with other dog owners

Time to talk about your dog and get answers for all of your dog questions

A more properly trained pet

Training tools, free treats, coupons and more!

There are many classes you could sign up for, I personally participated in the PetSmart 8 week training class, and had a great experience. The link for the PetSmart class is in the resources portion of this article.

2. Time consuming doggy treats.
There are many different types of dog bones and treats. But, there are a few in particular that ,although a bit pricier, are thoroughly enjoyed by all dogs and will also occupy a lot of their time: Busy Bones or Dingo Bones. Busy Bones advertise that they will last your dog a specified period of time no matter what, and the dogs really enjoy them as they have the consistency of a very dense doggy treat, instead of a raw hide or hard bone. The Dingo bone is shaped like a dog bone, but is not as difficult to get through for dogs as normal bones. It also has a flavored treat wrapped through the middle of it; I live with three dogs and the Dingo bone is by far their favorite treat! You can get them at your local pet store. Publix also carries busy bones.

3. Pre-made stocking from your pet store.
The pre-made stocking comes with lots of interesting treats and toys. If you always get your pup the same thing, because you know they like it, go for a stocking and let them try something new while keeping with the holiday spirit!

4. Commitment to long walks.
All dogs love to go for long walks and explore the world with their favorite person in the world: You! Commit to take them on at least one, or two, walks per day depending on your current situation. This sounds like a pretty bad gift, but to your dog this is perhaps the best gift you could give them. If you have a dog that you think doesn't enjoy walks because they seem scared, timid or awkward while walking, it probably means you just haven't been walking them often enough. Dogs enjoy leaving the house; it will build their trust in you, provide them with exercise (and you with exercise!) and will also help them to become more comfortable with other people, other dogs, cars and the world around them.

5. Gourmet doggy treat buffet.
Pet Co has a buffet of unique and appetizing doggy treats that they sell by the pound. If you've hesitated due to time constraints or price to go over and pick out a variety of tasty treats for your pup, now is the time to go for it! It is not only fun to pick out the treats you think your dog will love the most, but they are unique and a fun change for pet.

6. New, improved and special doggy collar.
There are many stores in almost any city that have doggy boutiques with lots of customizable, quality doggy accessories. Don't go and spend a fortune on all new accessories for your pup, well, most of us can't afford to do that anyway! But, go in and ask the associate to help you pick out a collar that matches your dog's breed, coloring and sex. From my experience, they were very helpful and knowledgeable on the appropriate collars for specific breeds and colors and it was a lot of fun to go through all of the collars and pick out the one I thought was perfect for my favorite doggy! They aren't going to be very cheap, but if you can afford it, it's a great way to splurge for the holidays, on a gift that will last a very long time. The price range is approx. $16-35 per collar.

7. New Doggy Cage.
If your dog already has a great, functional doggy cage then it would be pointless to go out and get another. But, if yours is starting to smell or looks run down and shabby, why not get a new one? Your dog will appreciate the new, clean and very personal gift, and you can enjoy a nice new addition to your living space. If your dog doesn't have a cage, you should definitely think about purchasing one as all dogs feel safe and at home in this very appropriate dwelling device. My dog LOVES her cage; she spends all of her time in there when she is tired, bored or scared. I never close it or lock it up, she goes in there on her own when I'm not home. TIP: Don't use the cage as a punishing device, it should be a place they enjoy and like to spend time in. It recreates a cave like dwelling that most dogs inherently yearn for, and it helps them feel safe when you're not around.

8. Water re-filling dog bowl.
The water refilling dog bowl automatically refills the water bowl when it starts to run low. While dogs should have their food intake monitored, it is imperative that all dogs (especially puppies!) have access to fresh water almost all the time. Save yourself some time, and let your dog enjoy having fresh water without having to beg you for it.

9. Doggy blanket.
This sounds like a silly thing to get for your dog, but dogs are comforted by consistent, soft toys or items. I've caught my dog snuggling with my sweatshirts, towels and some very nice shirts! Get their own small, soft, somewhat durable blanket and make sure they realize it's theirs. It will help prevent them from messing with your things as often, and also give them another token of comfort when you can't be there. I purchased a very cheap, soft and cute baby blanket from target, and my dog brings it with her wherever she decides to sleep.

10. Water-Filled dog ball.
The water-filled dog ball is a great toy for you and your pup to play with during hot days, or cold ones! It is a very, very durable rubber shell and fills with water that seeps out from the sides only when squeezed very hard (the water can be frozen or straight from the tap.) My dog has fun with this toy all by herself, as she is refreshed by the water and entertained by how bouncy the ball is. You can find these toys at your local pet store.

Splurge just a little and give your pup something special this holiday; let them be a part of your family's holiday celebration!