George
Woof Woof! I hear as yet another excitable pup runs up to greet me in the park. I smile and give them a bit of a fuss before continuing with my walk. I have always loved dogs, but have never yet had one of my own. We always had dogs going up in my house, Boxers to be precise. Boxers are the large normally brindle-coloured dogs that are very, let's say, energetic. They are also very appropriately names, as if you have ever seen one throwing their paws around you will understand why. Having Boxers (and their friends) consistently throughout my life means that I have attended a lot of dog birthday celebrations and brought a lot of Christmas doggy stockings, so can tell you exactly what dog lovers like.
The Long Chew
Obviously, pet owners absolutely adore their pets, but there are times when the dog does need to assume themself for a while. Maybe Mum is working out or just needs an hour for a bath to relax. This means that the dog needs something to amuse themselves with that isn't chewing the new coffee table. Therefore, the perfect solution for this situation is a chewy treat that lasts a long time. There are relatively inexpensive (budget friendly) and are normally the size of a courgette, but of course made of food that dogs really enjoy (think bone with meat in the middle). Giving a dog one of these, yes even a large dog, will normally keep them busy for an hour or so. You can even get dental ones, so they have health benefits too. That way Mum can get the relaxing bath or workout that she needs!
The Toy
We have to be careful with this one, as depending on the dog owner depends on the toy you can buy. For example, if they work from home a squeaker toy is probably not the best choice, as Mark from accounts won't appreciate that at the budget review. Also if they have children, anything the child may see as a toy is also probably not a good decision. The other factor is the temperament of the actual dog. My tip here would be to avoid breed stereotypes too, as we have had some Boxers who loved playing fetch and others who would just stare at the ball as if to say 'what is this idiot human doing.' The two best toys that I have found are either a launcher for tennis balls (it let's you through them further) or a rope to play tug and pull with. Generally, dogs will be receptive to one or the other. Do not and I repeat do not buy them a fluffy toy with stuffing in because it looks cute. Within an hour the stuffing will be out and all over the floor. Bonus points if the poor creature gets destroyed by the dog too.
(Doggy) Chocolate
Let's start off by saying of course I am not advising you to gift actual chocolate to a dog owner for their dog. Researchers generally suggests that this is very bad for dogs. What I am suggesting is that all humans generally like chocolate for their birthdays and dogs are the same, just with doggy chocolate. This is now found quite easily in a pet food isle and called doggy chocolate or something similar. You'll have to check what it is made out of but normally some kind of meat. Dogs seem to accept it as a great treat, like us humans and chocolate. Proving once again that chocolate is the real winner.
So what should you buy a dog for a Christmas or Birthday present or just a general treat? Similar to humans chocolate, other nice food and fun items. If in doubt just think, what could I buy my friend, and convert it into dog items? The above should give you a good enough start on ideas to pamper and celebrate those little pooches.
