As all pet owners know, a pet is as much a part of the family as any of the two-legged members so we like to treat them that way. But choosing the perfect gifts for our lovable little ones is not always easy. There seem to be so many toys and other gifts to choose from! The best way to shop for your pet is to follow the patterns you have noticed in the dog’s behavior.
Larger dogs or dogs that are very active ironically tend to require less expensive or intricate toys and gifts. Most water dogs are happy with tennis balls or sticks to chase after. However, when those get too droll for your pup there are other options. Most pet stores carry generic and inexpensive squeaky balls that float and are available in a variety of colors, making them easy to see in water. Floatable footballs, buoys, and frisbees are also available in a variety of sizes.
Smaller dogs and inside dogs tend toward smaller toys but are usually a bit more picky. A great gift for this kind of dog is a plush toy with a squeaky ball inside if it. These are available at any major pet store and are safe gifts for smaller dogs. While these are long-lasting gifts for a small dog, be sure to replace or wash them regularly as they can hold on to germs that may make you or your dog sick.
Toys are a great place to start when shopping for a dog, but there other things your pup wants as well. Around the holidays, he wants to be included, so Christmas stockings and Halloween costumes are getting more popular every year. Additionally, the ever-growing popularity of dog-friendly bakeries make cakes and pies delicious gift ideas as well.
As with any gift-giving experience, the best way to make the perfect choice is to keep in mind the person (or pet) you are shopping for. Below are more of the most popular gifts to purchase for dogs and dog-lovers.
Ten Perfect Gifts for your Pooch:
1. Wiggly Giggly Dog Toys: (Durable and fun with an unusual sound effect when they move)
2. Pet Sherpa Totes: (For transporting a smaller dog in style)
3. Nylabone Snack bones: (Completely edible and flavored twist on traditional rawhide)
4. Greenies Dog Treats (Natural and good for your puppy’s teeth!)
5. Food and water bowl stands: (These can help stop damage to your dog’s neck, back, and digestive system.)
6. Plush dog toys
7. Raw hide bones and pigs feet (Be sure to monitor your dog while he enjoys either of these items because smaller pieces can be choking hazards.)
8. Kong Rubber dog toys
9. Floatable toys and Frisbees
10. Travel dog bowls: (Collapsible so they fit in your purse or backpack.)
Ten Gifts for the Pooch-loving Person
1. Gentle leader training dog collar: (This is the most effective gift for owners with rambunctious dogs- completely humane.)
2. Vehicle seat covers: (Yes! It sounds pretentious but makes cleaning dog hair a breeze!)
3. Doggie-theme picture frame
4. Breed-theme calendar
5. Breed-theme bookend, statue, or plaque
6. Training books: (For the new puppy owner, these can be invaluable).
7. Breed- theme Christmas ornament
8. Framed art print
9. Dog first aid kit (Yes, it is different the one for the rest of the family)
10. Marley and Me, a novel by John Grogan: (This one will touch the heart of any dog-lover!)
For Some really cool Doggy Toys, go to
http://www.topdogclub.com/dogtoys/about/
