A dog trainer’s Christmas gift guide for 2023
The festive season is upon us. And while your dog would be perfectly happy just spending some quality time with you doing the things they love, it’s nice to give them some extra treats every now and then. If you’re on the hunt for dog Christmas present ideas that they’ll well and truly love, look no further. After lots of trial and error with my own dog and testing things out to see what all the dogs I work with love, I’ve compiled a list of tail-waggingly delightful gifts that will make this Christmas unforgettable for your four-legged friend.
1. Natural dog chew box
Treat your pup to an ongoing supply of tasty chews with a dog chew subscription box. You can find curated boxes for dogs of all breeds and ages, whether you have a young puppy who needs a chew to help them settle down or an older dog who has some tough gnashers. My dog has a chew pretty much every day and these boxes are the thing he gets most excited by. There are lots of options available online but a couple of my favourites are Chomp & Chew and The Dog Chew Company.
2. A Tearribles dog toy
For dogs that love a good playtime challenge, Tearribles toys are a fantastic choice. These durable plush toys are perfect for dogs who love to destroy things. Designed with industrial strength velcro and detachable limbs, they can enjoy pulling the toy apart again and again and you can enjoy a toy that’ll last longer than five minutes! P.S. there are some cute festive editions available this year that’ll make for the ultimate dog Christmas present idea.
3. Snuffle mats
Let your dog show off their sniffing skills with a snuffle mat or two. Hide their food or treats and let them find it with their nose. These are a simple way to provide mental stimulation for your dog without having to put much effort in yourself. Plus, you can even make your own if you’re feeling crafty! If you want to pick out your own colours, take a look at Ruffle Snuffle.
4. An orthopaedic dog bed
Give the gift of comfort with an orthopaedic dog bed. My dog Winston has had arthritis from a relatively young age that has naturally deteriorated as he’s gotten older. So to help soothe any aches and pains in his later years, I bought him a bed from Silentnight. (Other brands are of course available.) It’s actually the only dog bed that he’s chosen to sleep on over the sofa!
5. Scentwork training sessions
Stimulate your dog’s mind even further (and tire them out without attempting super long walks each day) with scentwork training sessions. Despite what you may think, every single dog can excel at scentwork, including senior dogs who’ve never done it before and dogs with behavioural issues. And you don’t have to take it to competition level to participate – many people, including myself, do it with their dogs for fun. Find a scentwork trainer near you via Scentwork UK, UK Sniffer Dogs or The College of Scent Dogs.
6. Voucher for a private dog field
For dogs that need a secure area to be off-lead or those who find busier places a bit stressful, a private dog field is a godsend. So why not get them a voucher for a private dog walking field to enjoy in 2024 and beyond? I take Winston to private fields a couple of times a week as he can’t safely be off-lead in many other places. As well as giving him a chance to be free from a lead, they’re also the perfect places to practise lots of training or meet up with a friend. Find a private dog field near you here.
7. A K9 Connectables set
Does your dog need an extra challenge to work their brain or something to keep them occupied while you’re in a Zoom meeting? K9 Connectables’ interactive toys can be filled with food and treats, encouraging your dog to use their skills in order to get their grub. They come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different play styles and preferences. And you can connect multiple toys together to end up with the ultimate set. Tip: start off easy with your dog to see how they do. Nothing’s fun if it’s too difficult!
8. Festive lead and collar
Let your dog strut their stuff in style on walks with a Christmas-themed lead and collar set. The Muzzle Movement has released a biothane duo which are durable and great in wet, wintry weather. Take your pick from the Jolly Holly or Twinkling Lights theme. And if you need a muzzle for your dog, check out the company’s amazing range while you’re at it!
9. No Fuss Fill tools
Whether you work with dogs or are a dog owner who practises reward-based training, your biggest bugbear is probably having to cut up treats and fill enrichment toys. Save yourself plenty of time with No Fuss Fill’s ultra-practical creations. Fill Kongs and other enrichment toys with ease and no mess, thanks to the innovative filler. And chop up your training treats to the perfect size in one go with the treat chopper.
10. A dog training session with yours truly
Sorry, but I couldn’t resist! Whether you’re looking for fun things to do with your dog or want to resolve an issue that has been driving you mad, why not book a training session with me to help improve both your lives? I work with people all over the world so you don’t have to be local to me to get tips and tricks. And I offer lower cost options such as DIY training courses or 30-minute calls if needed. Find out which service is right for you here and get an exclusive discount if you mention this blog post.
