Gifts for Dog Lovers

Dog people organize their days around walks, so the best gifts make those walks, car rides and muddy returns easier. Toys get destroyed and replaced constantly, which makes a sturdy one a safe pick. For the owner, books by people who study dogs land better than another paw-print mug.

Under $25 8 ideas

  1. KONG Classic Dog Toy

    The red rubber toy that bounces unpredictably and can be stuffed with peanut butter or kibble. Freeze it stuffed and it keeps a dog busy for a long while.

    KONGStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. Chuckit! Ultra Ball, 2 Pack

    Thick rubber balls that bounce high, float, and outlast tennis balls, which dogs shred and which wear down teeth. Fetch-obsessed dogs go through them quickly.

    Chuckit!Stocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher

    A long-handled thrower that sends a ball much farther than an arm can and picks it up without touching slobber. Fetch dogs and their owners both approve.

    Chuckit!

    See it on Amazon

  4. Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags, Refill Rolls

    Thick, leakproof bags on refill rolls that fit standard dispensers. Not glamorous, but every dog owner uses them every day.

    Earth RatedGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  5. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy

    A plush tree trunk with squeaky squirrels for the dog to pull out. Good for dogs who like to dissect toys, and owners can stuff the squirrels back in.

    Outward HoundStocking stufferWhite elephant

    See it on Amazon

  6. Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    A cup with soft silicone bristles: add water, twist a paw in it, and the mud stays out of the house. Owners in rainy places use it daily.

    Dexas

    See it on Amazon

  7. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

    A cognitive scientist explains how dogs perceive the world, mostly through their noses. It changes how owners think about walks and sniffing.

    Alexandra HorowitzBook

    See it on Amazon

  8. The Other End of the Leash

    An animal behaviorist explains how our own body language confuses dogs. Practical, easy to read, and often recommended by trainers.

    Patricia B. McConnellBook

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

    A padded harness with two leash points, including a front clip that discourages pulling. Hiking owners swear by Ruffwear, and the sizing chart is easy to use.

    Ruffwear

    See it on Amazon

  2. Ruffwear Flat Out Dog Leash

    A leash that can be held in the hand or worn around the waist for running and hiking. Owners who jog with their dog get both hands back.

    Ruffwear

    See it on Amazon

  3. FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs

    Pulls the loose undercoat that ends up in drifts on the floor of a house with a shedding breed. Comes in sizes for short and long coats.

    FURminator

    See it on Amazon

  4. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy

    A plush puppy with a battery heartbeat insert and a warming pack. A gift for someone bringing home a new puppy that cries at night in the crate.

    SmartPetLove

    See it on Amazon

  5. ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover

    A reusable roller that pulls dog hair off couches, car seats and beds. Nothing to refill, and it works far better on fabric than a lint roller.

    ChomChom

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 2 ideas

  1. Kurgo Wander Dog Car Hammock

    A water-resistant hammock that covers the back seat and stops the dog sliding into the footwell. Saves the upholstery from mud and hair after every park trip.

    Kurgo

    See it on Amazon

  2. Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed

    A foam bed with bolsters on three sides for dogs who like to lean. Older dogs in particular prefer it to a thin cushion, and the cover comes off for washing.

    Furhaven

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Furbo 360° Dog Camera

    A rotating pet camera that tosses treats and alerts the owner when the dog barks. For people who wonder what their dog does all day while they are at work.

    Furbo

    See it on Amazon

  2. Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test

    A cheek-swab kit that breaks down a mixed-breed dog's ancestry and finds relatives in the database. Rescue owners love finally getting an answer to what their dog is.

    EmbarkAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  3. Big Barker 7-Inch Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

    A thick foam bed built for large and giant breeds, which flatten ordinary beds in months. The splurge for a big dog's owner.

    Big Barker

    See it on Amazon