10 Christmas Gifts Every Dog Will Love, All Behaviourist Approved

Choosing Christmas gifts for your dog often feels more personal than choosing presents for people. You want something special, something fun and something that supports your dog’s wellbeing long after the decorations come down. The trouble is that festive pet products can be a mixed bag. Some are cute but not safe. Some are safe but not useful. Others look exciting but do little for your dog’s behaviour or daily routine.

This guide focuses on ten behaviourist approved Christmas gifts. Each one encourages healthy habits, supports natural instincts and offers positive outlets for energy or stress. Whether your dog is lively, sensitive, confident or still learning, these gifts support behaviour in a thoughtful and practical way.

Christmas can be overwhelming for dogs. There are visitors, changes to routine, unusual scents and more noise than usual. A behaviourist approved gift adds structure, comfort or mental focus, which can help your dog feel secure. The aim is not to spoil your dog but to choose presents that genuinely support daily life.

Below you will find ten carefully chosen ideas, each explained so you know exactly how they help and why a behaviourist would approve of them.

1. A Safe Chew for Relaxation and Soothing Behaviour

Chewing is a natural behaviour. It can reduce tension, settle excitement and support calmer habits. Behaviourists often use safe chews as part of relaxation routines because they encourage rhythmic, soothing activity. The key is choosing something safe, not too hard and not likely to splinter.

Choose a chew that is soft enough to dent with a thumbnail. If it bends slightly rather than staying rigid, it is usually safer. Make sure you choose the right size so your dog cannot swallow large pieces. Single protein options work well for dogs with sensitive digestion.

Chewing can help dogs settle during busy festive moments, especially when guests arrive. A safe chew offers a constructive outlet rather than overexcitement or barking. This makes it one of the most behaviour-friendly gifts you can give.

2. An Enrichment Puzzle to Support Natural Problem Solving

Mental stimulation is one of the strongest tools behaviourists use. It channels energy into something positive, encourages thinking and prevents boredom. Enrichment puzzles do this beautifully. They are engaging, entertaining and incredibly helpful for behaviour.

A good puzzle requires your dog to move pieces, flip lids or slide compartments to reach their food. Start with something simple if your dog has never used puzzles before. Dogs who are already confident can move on to more advanced designs.

Choose a puzzle made from sturdy materials without small parts. Use part of your dog’s normal food rather than endless treats so you maintain a balanced diet. Enrichment games support calmer household behaviour by giving dogs meaningful activities rather than simply burning off energy through play alone.

3. An Orthopaedic Dog Bed That Encourages Restful Sleep

Sleep affects behaviour. Dogs who sleep comfortably tend to cope better with daily challenges and show more settled behaviour throughout the day. A comfortable orthopaedic bed supports joints, reduces pressure points and helps dogs rest properly.

Look for memory foam or dense supportive foam with a removable cover. Beds with raised edges suit dogs who enjoy curling up, while a flat mattress is better for dogs with mobility issues. Make sure the bed is large enough for your dog to stretch out fully.

A bed may not seem exciting at first, but behaviourists often highlight the value of a safe resting space. During Christmas gatherings, a comfortable bed gives your dog a place to escape noise and activity. A dog who can retreat and rest is far less likely to become overwhelmed.

4. A Behaviourist Approved Treat Selection for Low Stress Rewards

Using treats is a key part of training and behaviour shaping, but festive foods can be risky or too rich. A behaviourist approved treat selection includes simple ingredients, low fat content and an appropriate size. These treats support training without overstimulation.

Choose treats made with limited ingredients. Avoid strong artificial flavours that can make some dogs overly excited. If your dog has food sensitivities, stick to single protein treats. Cut larger treats into smaller pieces so your dog does not become too excited during training.

Behaviourists often encourage calm, predictable treat routines. A Christmas treat tin filled with safe options allows you to reward good behaviour when guests arrive or when your dog settles quietly on their bed.

5. A Durable Tug or Fetch Toy for Healthy Interactive Play

Interactive play strengthens communication and provides a structured outlet for energy. Behaviourists favour toys that encourage cooperation rather than frantic excitement. Tug toys and fetch toys are excellent, provided they are safe and durable.

Pick toys made from sturdy rubber or reinforced fabric. Avoid long strings or loose attachments. Choose a toy sized appropriately for your dog’s mouth. For fetch, a dog safe rubber ball or frisbee is better than a tennis ball, which has abrasive fibres.

Tug can be a brilliant game when played with simple rules like “start” and “drop”. It teaches impulse control and boosts confidence. Fetch provides physical exercise in a controlled, predictable way. Both support positive behaviour when used thoughtfully.

6. A Snuffle Mat for Calm Foraging and Relaxed Activity

Sniffing is one of the most natural and calming behaviours for dogs. Behaviourists frequently incorporate sniffing activities into routines to reduce stress and support emotional balance. A snuffle mat is an easy way to encourage this.

Choose a mat with thick, securely stitched fleece and a non slip base. Scatter a small amount of your dog’s normal food in the folds. Most dogs understand the idea quickly and begin sniffing and searching with delight.

Snuffle mats are perfect for Christmas morning. They offer a slow, soothing activity while the household opens presents or prepares food. They also help dogs who become overstimulated, as sniffing promotes calm focus.

7. A Well Fitted Winter Coat for Comfortable Outdoor Behaviour

Not all dogs need a coat, but many benefit from one. Short coated dogs, older dogs and those with health issues often struggle with cold or damp weather. When a dog is physically uncomfortable, behaviour often becomes tense or hesitant. A well fitted coat supports confidence and comfort outdoors.

Choose a lightweight, breathable and water resistant coat. It should allow free movement without slipping or rubbing. Avoid chunky designs that restrict shoulders or chest movement. Measure your dog properly before buying.

A comfortable dog walks more confidently, sniffs more freely and engages more positively with the environment. Winter walks become far more enjoyable when your dog feels warm enough to move naturally.

8. A Behaviourist Approved Calm Supplement or Chew

Calm supplements are widely used by behaviourists as part of a supportive plan. They will not change behaviour on their own, but they can help dogs feel more settled. This is particularly helpful during Christmas when routine changes can increase sensitivity.

Look for supplements containing ingredients commonly recommended by professionals, such as L-theanine or calming herbal blends. Always choose reputable brands that test their products. If your dog has medical conditions, check with your vet before starting anything new.

These products support relaxation without sedation. They work best alongside enrichment, training and predictable routines. While not exciting in a traditional sense, they can make a genuine difference to your dog’s comfort during busy periods.

9. A Grooming Kit That Supports Calm Handling Skills

Grooming is more than coat care. It is a major part of teaching a dog to accept gentle handling. Behaviourists often build handling exercises into daily routines because they reduce sensitivity and help dogs feel more confident during vet visits or grooming appointments.

A Christmas grooming kit might include a gentle shampoo, a brush suited to your dog’s coat type and a soft towel or drying mitt. Long coated dogs may benefit from a detangling spray. Short coated dogs may prefer a soft rubber brush that stimulates the skin gently.

Use grooming sessions as calm bonding time. Work slowly, reward frequently and keep sessions short. Over time, grooming becomes a predictable, positive experience rather than something your dog feels unsure about.

10. A Behaviourist Approved Enrichment Subscription Box

Subscription boxes work well when they are designed with behaviour in mind. Some companies create boxes filled with durable toys, gentle treats and enrichment items that support natural instincts. These boxes add variety and prevent boredom.

Choose a company with transparent ingredients and a strong reputation for safety. Avoid boxes full of novelty toys that might break or overstimulate. Instead look for ones that offer puzzles, safe chews and practical enrichment. Many boxes let you customise based on size or preferences.

A subscription box gives your dog something fresh to explore each month. This supports mental stimulation long after Christmas and adds excitement without overwhelming your dog.

How to Choose the Best Behaviourist Approved Gift

Every dog is different. Behaviourists place great emphasis on understanding the individual dog rather than assuming a single approach suits all. When choosing gifts, think about what your dog genuinely needs.

If your dog becomes easily excited, choose calming activities like snuffle mats, chew sessions or simple puzzles. If your dog is energetic, look for toys that support controlled play. If your dog is sensitive around noise or visitors, choose gifts that encourage relaxation and provide a safe space.

Always focus on quality rather than novelty. Festive products can be eye catching but may not be safe or behaviour friendly. Sticking to trusted, practical options ensures Christmas stays enjoyable for your dog from start to finish.

Conclusion

Christmas is a chance to enjoy time with your dog and create positive experiences. With shelves full of bright toys and tempting treats it can be difficult to know what is genuinely helpful. Behaviourist approved gifts take the guesswork out of it. They support natural behaviours, encourage calmness and help dogs handle the excitement of the season.

The ten ideas in this guide are thoughtful, safe and genuinely useful. They make daily life richer, calmer and more enjoyable for your dog. From enrichment puzzles to grooming kits and comfortable beds, each gift brings something meaningful to your dog’s routine.

Choosing a gift that supports wellbeing is one of the kindest things you can do. It keeps your dog safe, engaged and content, not just at Christmas but well into the new year.