The Ultimate Gift Guide for Dogs

As a trainer and behaviourist, I can assure you that there is no better recipient for gifts than
a dog. Regardless of what you buy them, they will be grateful for it! I find it incredibly
rewarding to buy gifts for my furry friends, and Im excited to share some of my favourite
gift ideas with you. The best part? Some of them are completely free!

TOP PICK: Enrichment toys- Licki Mats

Licki mats are an excellent gift for dogs and cats!
Enrichment toys such as the licki mat provide a fun and engaging way for dogs to eat their
food. Try spreading their normal food, some peanut butter or banana onto a licki mat for
your dog to enjoy. Not only do our pets love the taste, a licki mat can help to stimulate their
senses and keep them entertained for longer periods (great for keeping them busy whilst
you’re eating your own dinner!).

Have you got a food guzzler like me? Enrichment toys can be used to replace food bowls to
help promote healthy eating habits by slowing down dogs; eating speed and preventing
them from gulping down their food too quickly. This can help to reduce the risk of digestive
problems such as bloating and indigestion.

Lastly, lick mats and kongs can also provide a calming effect on dogs, especially those who
may suffer from anxiety or stress. The repetitive licking motion can help to soothe and relax
dogs, in fact, science shows that licking and chewing help release dopamine in the dogs
brain! Overall, a lick mat is a great gift idea for any dog owner looking to provide their furry
friend with a fun and healthy way to eat their food or treats.

Looking for some free gifting ideas? Check the list below:

1. Homemade dog treats: You can make your own dog treats using ingredients such as flour,
peanut butter, berries, pumpkin and eggs. There are plenty of recipes available online that
you can follow! Or, try our mixed letterbox treat box.

2. Tug toy: Lots of dogs love to play tug-of-war, and you can make your own tug toy using
old t-shirts or rope. You can add some knots or braids to make it more interesting, or if you
have a high prey drive dog try adding in some sheepskin.
Note: If you cant be bothered to make your own, try this ANCOL rice bone tug.

3. Agility course: If you have some extra space in your backyard, you can create an agility
course for your dog using simple materials such as PVC pipes and cones. Its a great way to exercise your dog and keep them entertained.

4. Dog bandana: You can make a bandana or bow for your dog using leftover fabric pieces or
old clothes. Its a fun way to dress up your dog and show them off to your friends!

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but ultimately your dog will just love anything
you can give/ make them. If you’re not feeling creative but still would like a free gift idea
then you’re in luck- I think one of the best gifts you can give your dog is the gift of training.
Spending time with your dog and teaching them new skills not only helps to improve their
behaviour but also strengthens the bond between you both. Training can also provide
mental stimulation for your dog, which is essential for their overall well-being.

Training doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even a few minutes of daily
training can make a difference in your dogs behaviour. You can teach your dog basic
commands such as sit, stay, and come, or you can work on more advanced skills like agility
or detection training. There are tons of YouTube videos covering the basics and showing you
how to get started! Ultimately, dogs thrive on human interaction and love nothing more
than spending time with their owners.

I believe that the best gift you can give your dog is your time and attention. By investing in
training and spending time with your pets, you can strengthen your bond and provide them
with everything they need.