Birthdays, “Gotcha” days, and any other holidays – you don’t want to forget your furry best friend! According to a recent survey, 94% of pet parents said they plan to holiday shop for their pets. 58% of participants said they plan to buy their pets two or three gifts for the holiday season. 65% of pet parents who purchase gifts for their pets said they even shop for their pets before they shop for anyone else.
You likely have a list of gift ideas for your spouse, your kids, your parents, and your friends, and just as important are dog present ideas, too! Haven’t started your list yet? A few ideas to get you started include:
A Sturdy New Crate
A great crate is a necessity for any dog. No matter the size, no matter the types of adventures you go on, and no matter the type of dog you have, the crate serves as a calming and soothing space your dog will naturally take to enjoy. According to American Humane, dogs are natural den animals, and have an instinct to seek out cozy spaces for rest, relaxation, and safety. That’s exactly what the crate is for them; that space they can instinctually turn to soothe themselves and recharge their batteries.
Not all crates are created equal, and it’s important when looking for the perfect dog gift, to choose a safe and sturdy crate your dog can rely on. First and foremost, the crate should be escape-proof, it should be durable, and it should be sized to suit your dog’s needs.
A stationary crate is perfect for families who plan to crate their dogs primarily at home. While these crates are transportable, they’re a bit less-so when compared to collapsible crates, but they’re strong, sturdy, and comfortable for dogs who are crated at nighttime or when they’re home alone.
For families who love to take their dogs on adventures, a collapsible crate may be your best bet. These crates break down to be easy to store and easy to carry, making it simple to bring the crate along during road trips, camping adventures, and to store at home when not in use. These crates are sturdy and crash-tests to ensure safe adventures for a lifetime.
For dogs with separation or any other sort of anxieties, you might need a little more out of your dog crate. These crates should prioritize being escape-proof, safe, and soothing for dogs who may be stressed during their crate time. A separation anxiety crate will prioritize reinforced locks and doors, and it’ll be a bit more “closed” when compared to other crates in order to limit stressful outside stimuli.
Once you find the perfect type of crate, you’ll then need to make sure you have the right size for your dog. When looking for the right dog crate size, grab a tape measurer and have your dog stand up straight. First measure from the bottom of their paws to the top of their head, adding 2 to 3 inches to this measurement to get your ideal crate height. Once you have this measurement, then measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Once again, add 2 to 3 inches to this number and you have your ideal crate length.
When choosing a crate, it’s okay if you don’t find a perfect size match. It’s always better to size up a bit than to choose a crate that is too small, and therefore uncomfortable, for your dog. The best crate should allow your dog to walk inside, turn around, and lay down in a cozy and comfortable fashion.
Crate Pad
If you prefer laying down on a soft couch or bed, compared to a hard floor, chances are – your dog does, too! When brainstorming dog present ideas, make sure to add a crate pad to your list. A durable crate pad gives your dog a soft and comfortable space to lie down while in their crate, and this is particularly appreciated by older dogs or dogs who deal with musculoskeletal pain or discomfort.
For dogs who are heavy chewers or have more intense destructive tendencies, they should only have time with their crate pad in their crate while supervised. While crate pads can be highly durable, they may not be able to withstand strong dogs with an urge or instinct to shred or chew when stressed.
Interactive Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys really immerse dogs into the play experience. They’re completely interactive, working them both mentally and physically while they play. These toys may look like puzzles or balls with hidden treats, making the dog figure out how to get to the goodies hidden inside. For dogs who take to “boredom barking”, pacing, or destructive tendencies when under stimulated, a puzzle toy is an excellent way to take up this energy.
Even more relaxed dogs can benefit from puzzle toys. When the weather is not the best for walks or outdoor play, and you find your normally relaxed dog with a bit more pent-up energy than usual, a good puzzle session can help to work this energy off in a healthy and constructive way. For rainy days and the cold weather season, it’s the toy you’re going to reach for more than you think.
Great Quality Dog Treats
Every dog needs a great treat, and like their food – quality always matters. Treats aren’t just for “treating”, they’re also excellent training tools, and a necessity when training new puppies. When seeking out high quality dog treats, look at ingredients first. Choose a treat that is low in carbohydrates and fats, high in protein, and uses as many natural ingredients as possible. Fruit and vegetable treats are great for dogs with a “sweet tooth”, and they’re full of vitamins and minerals. Grain-free treats are out there for dogs with grain intolerances. High quality meat-based treats are both tasty and high in protein while being guilt-free and low calorie. Dental treats taste great while taking care of your dog’s oral hygiene.
Your dog doesn’t have to have just one single go-to treat. With all of the high quality treats out there, there’s always new flavors and textures to keep these experiences exciting for your dog.
Sweaters
While sweaters may be a mainstay on your family’s gift list, it’s less likely it’s a gift you consider for your dog. However, if you go outside and you’re feeling cold, your dog likely is as well. While some arctic breeds, like Huskies for instance, may be less inclined to need a jacket or a sweater in winter, all dogs should be protected when enjoying the outdoors for longer periods of time when temperatures get low enough.
For rainy days, a sweater simply may not cut it. In instances like these, an all-weather jacket for dogs can be stylish and comfortable while keeping your dog amply protected.
Adventure Gear
Most dogs can’t get enough of a great adventure, and in order to keep them happy, safe, and comfortable, they’ll need gear just like you do. For the adventure pup, a few dog present ideas might include a collapsible travel water bowl, dog boots for taking to rugged trails, reflective harnesses or leashes, or cooling towels to keep your best friend comfortable on the warmest adventure days.
Crate Fan
Whether you adventure with your dog and their crate, or you simply use the crate as a safe space at home, it’s important that it remains a comfortable and desirable place for them. A crate fan helps to create just that sort of ideal environment. The fan adheres to the front door of the crate, keeping it out of reach of chewers, but right where it needs to be to maximize airflow.
Crate fans are perfect for camping trips, the airflow may help to alleviate some feelings of motion sickness if your dog tends to get sick when crated in the car, and they ensure ideal comfort when your dog is cozying up at home.
Training Sessions
Many pet owners stop training sessions once their dog learns the basics. They’ll seek out these professionally run classes during puppyhood, give their dogs a good foundation, and then simply cease to continue. While housebreaking, sit, stay, and heel are all excellent and essential commands to know, your dog has a lot more potential than just that. Training sessions are fun for your dog and they help to strengthen your bond during any time in life. Dogs feel good when they please their owners, they get social interaction during classes, and they enjoy putting their minds and bodies to work.
For energetic dogs, agility classes might be a favorite. For brainy dogs, a tricks class might be preferred. For sociable and friendly dogs, a good citizen class will allow them to maximize their bubbly potential. There is a class to suit every personality, so every dog can benefit from a little extended learning at any stage in life.
The Perfect Gifts For The Perfect Dogs
Every dog is the perfect dog, and every dog deserves the perfect gift. When thinking up dog present ideas, consider the individual dog first and what kind of personality they have. Gifts should enrich your dog’s life, strengthen your bond, and be a catalyst for creating many more years of happy memories.
With essentials like a great crate, goodies like high-quality treats, and some fun stuff like great puzzle toys, you can gift your dog with everything they could possibly ask for!