Ten things your dog wants For christmas

A big part of pet ownership is figuring out what IS important to spend money on for your pet, and what is NOT important to spend money on. Rarely is this more evident than at Christmas time. The pet stores are all full of Christmas chew bones and stuffed toys to go in your dog's new stocking... but is he going to enjoy his gifts? 

No companies sponsored this blog (yet?), but I want to pass along some experience I've gained after twenty years of working with tens of thousands of dogs.

Forget all the marketing and fancy packaging. Here are ten things that dogs ACTUALLY want at Christmas: 

$15.99 at www.chewy.com

1.  KONG Bamboo Feeder Ball
You really can't go wrong with the KONG brand. Their toys are incredibly well-designed and well-made, and they also donate a lot to local dog charities. Most dog owners are familiar with the little round pyramid rubber toys, but this feeder ball is the one that's most popular around my house. I put dogs' full meal inside the ball and they get to do what comes most naturally to dogs - kick the ball and sniff to find all the food that comes out. It's also dishwasher safe.

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$6.49 at Hollywood Feed

2.  Beef Knuckle Bone
​It may not look appetizing to humans, but to dogs it's irresistable! Beef knuckle bones are cooked but safe from splintering. They are very long-lasting and even small dogs love gnawing on bones the size of their head. Be sure you're getting beef knuckle bones; pork bones, chicken bones, shin bones, rib bones, kneecaps, etc. are likely to splinter and are more dangerous. 

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$6.29-$24.49 at www.happyhowies.com

3. Happy Howie's Meat Rolls
These have been the dog trainer's secret go-to treat for years, but they're not sold in many stores, so most dog owners have never heard of them. Personally, literally every dog I've offered Happy Howie's to LOVES them and I can't say that about any other treat. They're grain free and come in three different varieties so they're good for dogs with allergies too. Pro tip: buy a large roll, invest 15 minutes to dice the whole thing and bag it in a freezer bag, and then store it in the freezer, grabbing a handful or two whenever you need it.

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$18-$68 at www.boldleaddesigns.com

4. Leather Leash
Professional trainers collect leashes, and if you ask any of us we probably have at least half a dozen that we like. But the go-to leash for everyday use is almost always a high-quality leather (or vegan leather) leash. A good leather leash will last through several dogs' lifetimes. Most importantly, though, leather is easy to grip and hold. The quality of leather and brahma leashes at Bold Lead Designs is the best in the industry. I recommend no thicker than 1/2" even for large dogs, as thinner leather leashes are easier to grip. Get leather conditioner too to help it soften up faster. 

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4-pack $24.99-$37.18 at Amazon

5. Benebone Chews
Dogs love variety in their chews, and Benebone delivers that plus a great taste and texture for chewing. They may look and feel like other chews on the market, but there's something special about Benebones that dogs love. Be sure to rotate chews for your dog so that they seem special and new every time you give him one. 

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Boar Bristle Brush, Shedding Blade, and Undercoat Rake.

6. The Right Brush for Your Dog's Coat
​It can be difficult to figure out what brush is best for your dog, but here's one clue: it's probably not a slicker brush. If you can, take your dog to the pet store and try out a few different brushes to figure out what works best. If your dog is a heavy shedder with short hair, try a round shedding blade. If your dog has long hair that sheds or tangles, try an undercoat rake. If your dog has a very smooth short coat, try a boar bristle brush. 

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$49.99-$119.99 at Amazon

7. Calming Dog Bed
Usually in dog products, the word "calming" is a gimmick. But in this case, "calming" is unusually accurate. If your dog likes curling up in a cozy blanket, she'll love this bed. Sizes run from 23" to 45" long, but it does seem to be designed mainly with small dogs in mind. 

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$69.95-$274.95 at Amazon

8. Orthopedic Dog Bed
If the Calming Dog Bed is designed for small dogs, the Orthopedic Dog Bed is designed for the large dogs. This is perfect for older dogs who might be starting to get stiff joints and need a supportive place to lay. The PetFusion bed also features a waterproof liner and cool fabric for the dogs who love the cold weather. My 60-pound collie used this bed every day for his last six years, and in the end it still showed barely any wear. 

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Find on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts

9. Dog Training Podcasts
​Anybody can call themselves a Dog Trainer, and anybody can produce a dog training podcast. These are my favorite ones to listen to on my way to and from lessons:
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• Madcap Radio
• Drinking From the Toilet
• The Bitey End of the Dog
• Shaped By Dog​

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10. Dog Training Lessons
When training is done right, there's nothing that makes a dog happier, healthier, and more joyful to be around. Training not only teaches dogs a vocabulary of behaviors that make life with humans easier, but it enhances the relationship you have with your dog as well. While you're here on my website, please check out the training that I offer as well as the other blog posts. If you're interested in training but looking for something I don't offer, please read this blog to learn how to identify a reputable trainer for you and your dog:
www.alabamadogacademy.com/training-blog/may-11th-2022

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