Hungary is one of the most dog-friendly places in Europe, according to Gigi of The Ramble. So it isn’t surprising that a lot of dog owners are showering their pets with toys. With the holidays coming up soon, it’s time to consider what sort of presents are ideal. To that end, how do you figure out what sort of gift is best for your dog?

 

Dog’s Preferences

Much like humans, dogs have their own preferences. A dog’s eating and playing preferences stem from their personality, according to Jenna Stregowski, RVT. So figuring out what your dog is into is an important first step to understanding what a good gift would be. If you simply cannot decide, it pays to explore all the possibilities by signing up for a subscription box. When you have a variety of options, you’ll be able to test out which ones are popular with your dog so you’ll know what to get them in the future.

 

Practical Learning

Presents shouldn’t just be a source of entertainment: they should offer your dog a good opportunity to learn. Enrichment toys and rewarding snacks help reinforce the learning of important skills, according to the RSPCA. So interactive toys like a tug toy or food puzzle help to give your pet a chance to learn cognitive skills while emphasizing that good and proper behaviour gets rewarded. One of the most popular enrichment/food dispensing toys out there is the Kong, which can provide your dog with hours of stimulation.

 

 

Pet/Owner Bonding

Lastly, when looking at what to get your dog as a present, it’s important to ask yourself if it’s something that will allow effective bonding. Much like a child, surrounding a dog with loads of toys but little attention is a recipe for bad behaviour, so it’s smart to get a present that will promote interaction between you and your pet. Disc and other retrieve-type toys are ideal to keep your dog active, while spending more time with you. The additional quality time should also enhance your understanding of your dog’s personality, so you can adjust any future plans accordingly.

Dogs aren’t all that different from humans in the sense that they love getting presents. If you’re still wondering if your dog would benefit from a holiday gift, the answer is a resounding yes. Take your time and observe your dog well to see what sort of gift fits them to maximize learning and enjoyment.

Karoline Gore (USA)