A Trainer’s Guide to the Best Dog Christmas Gifts
As a trainer, I always encourage gift-giving with purpose. The best dog presents aren’t just cute or fun; they help build skills, support emotional wellbeing, and strengthen the connection between you and your dog.
Here’s a trainer-approved guide to choosing Christmas gifts your dog will truly benefit from.
🎁 Enrichment Toys: The Gift of Mental Stimulation
Enrichment toys are one of the most valuable categories of dog gifts because they work the brain, not just the body. Mental stimulation helps reduce boredom, prevents unwanted behaviours, and encourages relaxation.
Puzzle Feeders & Food Toys
Slow down fast eaters
Encourage natural foraging instincts
Provide focused, calming activity
Snuffle mats, puzzle bowls, and treat-dispensing toys all turn mealtimes into a stimulating game that satisfies dogs on a deeper level.
Lick Mats
Licking is a soothing, repetitive action that lowers stress and promotes relaxation. Spreading yoghurt, pate, or peanut butter onto a lick mat can help your dog settle during busy festive moments.
Stuffable Toys
Toys like KONGs or similar stuffable items can be filled with wet food or layered fillings and frozen to create a long-lasting, satisfying challenge. They’re perfect for keeping your dog occupied while guests are arriving or the roast dinner is cooking.
🐕 Tug Toys & Balls: For Training AND Play
Physical toys aren’t just for exercise—they can be powerful training tools.
Using Tug Toys for Impulse Control
Tug isn’t just fun; it’s structured engagement. When used correctly, it teaches:
Self-control (waiting to start the game)
Rules and boundaries (release cues like “out” or “drop”)
Confidence building through interactive play
It’s one of the best ways to channel excitement into a cooperative, positive activity.
Balls & Fetch Toys
Fetch can be used to develop:
Strong recall
Start/stop control
Focus under distraction
Asking your dog to sit and wait before you throw the ball builds patience and strengthens your communication.
🦴 Long-Lasting Treats & Chews: Chewing for Calm
Chewing is a natural behaviour that helps dogs relax. Choosing the right chews can encourage independence, reduce anxiety, and keep them content during holiday chaos.
Great Examples of Long-Lasting Chews
Beef tendons
Natural dried ears
Fish skins
Yak chews
Natural antlers or wood chews
Why Rawhide Is Extremely Dangerous
Rawhide is commonly sold, especially at Christmas, but it poses serious risks:
It is not digestible, meaning large swallowed pieces can cause dangerous blockages
It becomes slippery when chewed and can quickly become a choking hazard
Manufacturing often involves chemicals, bleaching agents, and glue
Many dogs experience digestive upset or illness after eating it
There are so many safer, natural alternatives—rawhide simply isn’t worth the risk.
❤️ The Best Gift of All: Quality Time
No matter how many toys or treats your dog unwraps, what they value most is you. Time spent training, walking, playing, and bonding is the most meaningful gift you can give.
And if you’d love to deepen that bond this festive season…
🎄 Join my Christmas Class — this Sunday at 10am!
It’s the perfect way for you and your dog to learn, play, and connect together this Christmas. It’s just £10/dog and we’ll be working on lots of useful skills with a fun festive twist.
