Another plush toy lasts a day. A toy he has to work at lasts all winter. Start with the KONG, then pick by the dog you have.
Small dog? Small-dog giftsBig dog? Big-dog gifts
Best forDogs who need a job: stuff it, freeze it, hand it over.
Why this one: His dinner goes inside, and he works for it every day.
The catch: Wet food fillings can stain a light carpet. Hand it over on a mat.
He has a basket of toys. Give him a puzzle instead.
Best forDogs ready to move up from beginner puzzles.
Best forSqueaky-toy fans who could use a puzzle too.
Best forNose work: hide kibble in the strips and let him sniff it out.
Best forDogs who eat too fast: dinner becomes a game.
Snow days and dark evenings mean more fetch indoors.
Best forFetch in the apartment, with a soft bounce that spares the lamps.
Best forDogs who like to chase, when your arm is done.
Best forModerate chewers who love a squeaky ball.
Gifts sized for a small mouth and short legs.
Best forSmall to medium dogs who fetch on hardwood and tile.
Best forToy and small breeds: a dental chew in their size.
Best forSmall dogs who come along on hikes and city walks.
Big dog, big gift. Check the size on each one.
Best forHigh-energy dogs and a yard: it throws standard tennis balls up to 30 feet.
Best forDogs 30 lbs and up who dodge the toothbrush.
Best forLarge dogs who want a fleece top and three sides to lean on.
Something he has to work at: a stuffable toy like the KONG Classic, a puzzle or a snuffle mat. A plain plush toy is fun for a day; a toy that holds food keeps paying off.
A puzzle he has not solved yet. The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is the step up from beginner puzzles, and the Hide-A-Squirrel suits squeaky-toy fans.
Check the size first. The Large Ark Naturals brushless chew is for dogs 30 lbs and up, the PetSafe launcher is made for yards, and the EHEYCIGA bed is 44 in.
Soft balls for indoor fetch, a toy-size dental chew like Greenies Teenie, or a carrier backpack for dogs up to about 15 to 18 lbs.
Christmas gifts for puppies: start with what they're chewing · Gifts for senior dogs: a softer bed and an easier way up · Dog stocking stuffers he will actually use · Christmas gifts for cats: give them something to hunt · All Christmas gifts for dogs and cats
Shopping for the dog person? Gifts for dog owners and dog lovers
