8 Tips on Choosing the Best Gifts for Dogs
A man’s best friend is a friend worth spoiling with a gift here or there. These days there is a spectacular bounty of gifts for dogs out there. Each year brilliant new designs and ideas are available that will make those furry bottoms wiggle with delight.
Seasonal holidays and special occasions are becoming normality to include the animals of the household, more than ever before. Upcoming events in the calendar force us to think ahead of what gifts we are going to buy. When it comes to your dog’s gift, time to think ahead is not a bad thing.
Before parting with money for your four-legged friend here are 8 great tips to think about it. These tips can help you get the best gift for your budget and your dog.
1. Gifts for Dogs and the Family?
First, you need to decide who the gift is really for. That may seem a strange statement but taking time to think about it will definitely make a difference to your gift-giving experience.
Decide if you want the dog gift to be fun for the dog, fun for you, or both. If you want the gift for your dog’s own enjoyment then you can’t fail with the edible choice. Your dog will drool with excitement.
Bones, biscuits, and doggie chocolate go down wonders with nearly all canine, and these days can be custom made for any occasion. If you want both the family and the dog to enjoy the gift, then things from tennis ball launchers to dog puzzle games are going to be fun for everybody.
2. The Size of Your Budget
Don’t be fooled, dog presents can be more expensive than you think. A Versace Barocco pet bowl can be yours for $754. You can spend as little or as much on your dog as you like. If you are on a tight budget then think about sales and promotions online.
You could even make some of your own! Country shows often have good quality gifts on promotion for a fraction of the regular price. If you want to splash out on something a little special and you’re not set to a limit, then think about luxury items that will offer durability, comfort, or that wow factor.
3. The Size of Your Dog
Take into account the size of your pooches. Not all dog gifts are practical for smaller breeds and vice versa. The last thing you want to do is make your dog poorly from a badly judged gift.
Be careful that small toys will not get stuck in the dog's throat, and a tennis launcher might not be the best choice for your Pekingese.
4. Get Them to Work for Their Reward
Dog gifts are not always designed just for fun. There are some amazingly well thought out designs to get your dog working for his reward.
Dogs that exercise are much happier pets. Not only physical exercise but mental also. There are many toys out there which your dog will love, that don’t just stimulate his body but the mind also.
Toys that are filled with delicious treats will provide hours of this. On a budget? Buy a cheaper gift and devise a hide and seek game just for that toy and they will love you for it.
5. The Weather and Environment
When buying a gift for your dog or someone else's, you need to think about the weather and environment the dog lives in.
If it is Urban and sunny all year round, he probably doesn’t need those cute winter boots in red. A cooling mat or portable pool will be much more appreciated.
If the dog is a working dog, then it's best to put down the gem-studded collar and princess costume. A durable dumbbell would most likely do the trick.
Cute toys, fluffy balls, and fun walking accessories are more likely going to go down a treat with an active family household. However, if it is a dog gift for a family with small children please take care to buy gifts that are both safe for the dog and the children.
6. Gucci or Creature Comforts?
Luxury Dog clothes and collars are a personal choice but it is not your dog that will know whether it is wearing Gucci or not.
If you want a gift that will really benefit your dog think about investing in something that it can enjoy long term like a quality bed. Chosen well, not only will it look good in your home but it will be comforting and enjoyable for your dog.
Time is important to consider. If you know your dog has limited time with you or for exercise think of a gift that will help them feel secure or entertain him when you are not there.
7. Music to Their Ears
Did you know that dogs can appreciate the finer things of life such as Mozart and other classical composers? Kennels have long been playing classical music to promote more sleeping and less howling. This might be an idea for the perfect doggy gift.
Calming classical and ambient piano playlists are at your fingertips with an easy online purchase. You can enjoy the classic greats together, or leave your pooch to listen when you are out.
8. Don't Go Crazy
Dogs are often compared to children. If we indulge children too much, appreciation for gifts can quickly wane. You don't want to shower your pet with gifts so that they get bored too quickly.
Don't buy too many edible treats for one occasion. It will be hard not to give them all to your pet in one afternoon, and you know what happens when a child eats too much party cake.
Follow These Tips for the Best Dog Gifts
In this article, you have read about 8 great tips for finding gifts for dogs. If you follow these tips your dog will love you forever. They will be super excited every time you come through the door.
All the gifts in the world will never replace the most important gift you can give your dog. It is what they long for the most, your time and affection. You can find more inspiration for gifts here.