Our Favorite Items for Christmas

Whether you are buying for your pooch or for your favorite pet parent, we have recommendations for you! You can also check out our Amazon list by following this link.

We love books and we think there are a few that every dog parent or professional should own. Below, you will find a list of our top 5 books for 2025!

• The Herbal Dog by Canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan

• Welcoming Your New Puppy From Planet Dog by Kathy Callahan

• Yin and Yang 2.0 Nutrition for Dogs by Dr. Judy Morgan

• The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell, PhD

Top Enrichment Items

Snuffle Mat: You can’t go wrong with a snuffle mat—unless you get one that’s too easy. Look for mats with a variety of hiding spots that challenge your dog and keep them engaged. The more intricate the mat, the longer the enrichment lasts.

Toppl: West Paw Design has been a favorite of mine since the early 2000s. Their products are made in the USA and are extremely durable. Their Toppl toy is my go-to for stuffing food and treats—it works well for dogs of all sizes. Personally, I prefer the Toppl over the Kong.

Tricky Treat Ball: I fell in love with this toy in the early 2000s. It’s a fantastic addition to your enrichment collection, especially for dogs that eat kibble. It’s quieter than most food-dispensing toys, and the difficulty increases as you put less food inside, keeping your dog mentally engaged.

Flirt Pole: Perfect for dogs with a high prey drive, the flirt pole works like an XL cat toy. It teaches your dog to chase, catch, and release while satisfying natural hunting instincts.

Remote-Controlled Car: This is ideal for herding breeds or terriers. Attach a stuffed toy to a remote-controlled car to mimic prey that you can control. Herding dogs, in particular, can practice directing the “prey” while engaging in stimulating, breed-appropriate play.

Dog Toys

Each dog has their own preferences when it comes to toys. However, we have found there are a few that most dogs enjoy.

Tug Toy:
Dogs love to tug—whether it’s with you or another dog. There are plenty of great tug toys that keep your hands safe, like two-handle tug toys. You can also choose an outdoor tug setup that attaches to a tree or a pole that stakes into the ground. These give your dog an outlet for physical play without involving your hands.

Balls:
Tennis balls used to be the go-to, but real tennis balls aren’t safe for dogs. Instead, I recommend the Chuckit! brand. Their balls are sturdy, durable, and come in sizes appropriate for all dogs.

Frisbees:
And I don’t mean the hard plastic kind. Look for a soft, flexible frisbee that hovers so your dog can easily get underneath it. Choose one that’s gentle on the mouth and designed more for float and control—not for long-distance throwing.

Textured Toys:
Many dogs end up with toy boxes full of the same type of toy, which can lead to boredom. Your dog needs a variety of textures. Include soft plush toys, but also add toys made of durable, BPA-free plastic, nylon, and natural rubber. A diverse mix keeps play interesting and mentally enriching.

Favorite Chews

You will want to keep these put away for special times. These are perfect if you are using the Off-duty hack.

Gift Yourself ONLINE Education!

Now, through Dec. 23rd, we are giving you 75% off ALL online courses and past webinars. Just use code “PUPPYLOVE” at checkout!

Do you have a special dog in your life that has an owner who needs more education? Why not get them a gift certificate? Even if they’re not local, we can work with them virtually. Email for more information!

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