The thing about dog Christmas present ideas no one talks about: are they for you or for the dog?
The longer I've had my dog, the more I've found my Christmas list revolving more and more around things I want for my dog. Things on my Christmas list are motivated by me giving them to her and then seeing her happy makes me happy... except for maybe a biothane leash.
My dog isn't actually asking for a biothane leash for Christmas. I am.
This year has been a year of evolution for my dog, Razz, and I. A few years ago we were wrestling with high prey drive and high energy. I didn't understand what she needed as a dog. I felt like I was trying to take a loaded gun on a walk, but didn't know how to use it. And I just wanted her to LISTEN.
Once we started working on our communication, making training fun and investing in some education (for both of us), both of our lives started to improve.
I'm sure I'm not the only dog owner that looks for new dog beds, toys, jackets and collars and leashes for my dog around Christmas time. I think about a new treat bag or a car seat cover. My dog doesn't really care about some of these things though.
She'll get in the car with or without the seat cover.
She'll go on a walk no matter what color or material her leash is.
She'll lay in her dog bed no matter what material it's made of.. well sort of.. She does care about her comfort.
She'll even play with pretty much whatever new toy I get her.
But I think those things would come second to quite a few other things. This year more than ever I am thinking about what might actually on my dog's Christmas list. What would her letter to Santa actually say?
Sure there would be a couple jolly pets toys and maybe another cozy dog bed. She'd probably also ask for something tasty, like more bones, treats and snacks.
However, the list my dog would make would ask for things that fulfill her as a dog.
After some thought, I've compiled a list of things that my dog actually wants- and surprisingly got a little emotional about it.
Some of these are in humor (but would still most definitely, 100% make it on her list). However, some of them are more personal and more honest because I wanted to be truthful to her list.
Leave a comment with your thoughts! What do you think your dog would ask for!?
Dog Christmas Present Ideas
1. Unlimited outside time
Razz knows her ancestors were wolves. Rarely does Razz prefer to be inside if she has the option to be outside. She'd much rather prefer to lay out in the dirt listening for woodchucks and birds than to lay on the couch with the tv playing in the background.
Perhaps a doggy door and a fenced in yard would suffice as a realistic option for unlimited outside time. We'll have to mention that to Santa.
2. To never have her nails clipped again
In all honesty this might be at the top of her list. I am a dog trainer.. I've worked at vet clinics.. I've clipped a lot a nails and know all the tricks to help a dog through this process. I should know how to train her to tolerate her nails to be clipped.
Believe me, I have tried everything short of full sedation, but that does not stop her from screaming like a velociraptor when a nail gets cut and fighting like a pig going to slaughter. It's quite stressful for everyone.
At this point we've resigned to clipping 1-4 at a time, no restraint, and shoving peanut butter in her face. It still takes 10 minutes and we fight the whole time, but it's what works best. I'm sure she'd just prefer to have self-clipping nails.
Come to think of this.. this one might also be on my Christmas list too.
3. A cat
I really debated putting this one on here, but for the sake of being honest and truly thinking about what she would ask for, Razz would want a cat for Christmas. And not one to cuddle with. I'll leave it at that.
4. An owner who knows more
Here's where it hits home. Of course I have done the best that I know how to do for my dog with what I have. She has her basic needs meet and then some.
We go hiking, camping, and out to the farm sometimes to run around. She has many toys, gets to travel and show-off her zoomies regularly. Veterinary care is maintained and in an emergency, we're prepared. She gets regular interaction with other dogs and regular walks.
But I know there are many ways I'm letting her down, I just don't know them yet. If I could go back three years ago I'd correct many of the decisions I made for her to set her up for more freedom and success today.
I gave her too much freedom too soon, which set her up for failure later. I didn't advocate for her, so she learned to advocate for herself. I'm sure I'm allowing things to happen know that I'll kick myself for later. However, I know I'm doing the best that I can right now with the knowledge and strength I have now.
And in 10-20 years I'm sure I'll look back at now and shake my head at some of my decisions.
So perhaps the realistic version of this item on the Christmas list would be more dog training lessons for me.
Unpopular Dog Christmas Gift Ideas
5. Really good food
All dogs at some level are food motivated, Razz just happens to be in the top 10%. She loves food. Any kind of food. But she really loves really good, whole food. We've recently made the switch to half-kibble and half-whole food diet (which you can read about here). You can tell the level of excitement increases when she sees that we're adding a packet of Darwin's, JustFoodForDogs or just part of a rotisserie chicken.
I have no doubt in my mind she'd want to eat delicious whole or raw meals like her ancestors did for every meal if she had the choice. Isn't that a great christmas present?
6. For me to be a little more predictable
I often joke (but I'm serious), my dogs are the hardest dogs to train. As a dog trainer, I can pretty easily look at other people's relationships with dogs and tell them exactly what needs to improve.
However, when it comes to my own dogs, specifically Razz, I cannot look at her as objectively. I end up giving too many treats because she is so cute, or I end up pushing her too hard because "she should know better."
This ultimately ends up frustrating me, and it's not fair to her when I move the goal posts. If I could give her more consistency, I'm sure our training success would increase exponentially.
So two points for more dog training lessons for me on Razz's Christmas wish list.
7. More off-leash freedom
Seems obvious. What dog isn't fulfilled when they're running free in a field or in the snow chasing whatever scent they can find. This is truly when most dogs feel the most alive. While we're working up to that, I'm sure this day just can't come soon enough for Razz.
8. Two walks a day
Okay, if it were up to her she'd want unlimited walks a day (except on rainy days). Realistically, I could be better about taking her on two walks a day. Even if they are short walks.
9. That I could be a more fun owner
I'm pretty sure dogs don't understand "tired", "burnt out", or "just not in the mood" the way we do.
When I come home after a day of training dogs, sometimes I just want to pet my own dogs and snuggle them and not play tug of war or fetch. I feel badly turning down an invitation to play, but sometimes I'm just not interested.
I'm sure that Razz wonders why I don't want to play tug nearly as much as she does. I'm sure she wonders why I walk so slow on our walks or don't have the energy to do a longer walk. Come to think of it, she's so patient and graceful with me even when she's frustrated.
More energy is probably something I should write on my Christmas list.
What do you think of this list? Do you agree or disagree? What would your dog wish for? Leave a comment below!
