With the holidays coming up, you may be scrambling to find the perfect prezzie for your pooch. From cute stocking stuffers to more creative (…free!) gift ideas, dogs remind us that “gifts” don’t always have to be shiny, new, expensive things. Dogs teach us that gifts are also spending time together showing up for each other, and of course, indulging in the occasional treat! Here we go…
1. An actual stick
Yes, after DOG YEARS of research, this is still our favorite toy on the market. They are easy to find, reliable, eco-friendly, classic, and most dogs love them!! (Plus, did we mention they are free?) Wrap up a bundle and put em’ in your pup’s stocking. ***Be sure to let your dog know “game of fetch” is included.
2. A new plush toy
Giving your dog a new plush toy is like giving a human a bottle of wine. Some are nicer and more expensive than others, but the whole point is to eventually destroy them. These pesky squirrels, this squeaky camera (great for #influencer dogs), and this lovely eagle are a few faves that have had a little more mileage.
3. Truffle scent work kit
This one’s for the foodies! At Oregon truffle hunting school, I learned ALL dogs (I repeat: ALL Dogs!) could learn to sniff for truffles. I wasn’t sure I believed that trainer, but at the end of the 3-day course, sure enough, every single dog (senior pugs and puppies alike) successfully found a truffle… OUT IN THE WILD! This truffle scent work kit will help you get started.
4. A Gift Card for 5 “Unnecessary-Longer–than-Usual-Walks-With-Bonus-Sniff-Time-on-Up–to-3-Trees-4-Mailboxes-and- 5- Leaf Piles-Without-Being-Pulled-Away-By-Impatient-Human-Who-Does-Not-Understand-Smells”
5. New “head out the window” experiences
Like this one:
6. A 20-minute full body massage
Maybe even on the bed?! Oh, the luxury!
7. A new dog bed
This is Bette and Oscar’s favorite. This is Nala’s recommendation (but she is 16 and has very elevated taste). We do try to go for quality over quantity on the dog beds. But also: you can never go wrong with a Costco dog bed.
8. An Embark DNA test
It might seem like this gift is more for you, but knowing more about who your dog is can bring you closer together. You may even find your dog’s littermates and can arrange some quality canine family time. What a gift!
9. Dog books
Sure, this gift is also more human focused. And the holidays are supposed to be selfless. (I mean, I would never get my partner a present that I just wanted for myself! Never!) But dogs enjoy chewing on books. And our books will help you appreciate and learn more about your dog? May we suggest Adventure Dogs and Underwater Dogs?
10. A new ball
I mean, you could probably even wrap up the old ball? Just remember: you’re the battery that makes this toy come to life. ****Game of fetch included.*****
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We’ll have our first doggy advice column coming out next week! Thanks for all of your messages so far, we’ll be answering some of them here in the coming months. If you need advice about anything and everything within the canine world, send us an email at info@thecaninehotline.com.
Happy Holidays!
Fern & Seth