• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Get Rover
    • Boarding
    • House Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • Drop-In Visits
    • Dog Training through Good Pup
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

Need a Gift Idea for a Dog Dad? We’ve Got You Covered with 20 of Our Favorites

Share830Pin It17
Man plays with dog, who licks his chin
Nazar Rybak via iStock

Need a Gift Idea for a Dog Dad? We’ve Got You Covered with 20 of Our Favorites

For Dog People
By Margeaux Baulch Klein
Updated by Nia Martin, Katie Nowak

Share830Tweet0Pin It17
  • This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

Shopping for the men in your life can be hard, right? But if the man in question happens to have a dog, you’re in luck, because we’ve dug up some great dog dad gifts for the holidays, Father’s Day, birthdays, and beyond. From subscription boxes to sports gear and gadgets—with a few classic dad jokes thrown in—this list has a gift for every “dogfather” on your list.

  • Best for New Dog Dads: KONG Club
  • Best for Coffee Lovers: Hugo Coffee Ground Dog Daze Cold Brew
  • Best for Rescue Dog Dads: Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test
  • Best for Muddy Dog Dads: Dexas Mudbuster Paw Cleaner
  • Best for Adventure Dog Dads: K9 Sport Sack
  • Best Novelty Gift for Dog Dads: “The Dogfather” Whiskey Glass
  • Best Dog Toy to Gift: Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Toy
  • Best Book for Dog Dads: Dog Shaming, by Pascale Lemire
  • Best Safety Device for Dog Dads: Whistle GO Explore
  • Best for Car Trips: IOKHEIRA Dog Seat Belt Harness
  • Best Pet Cam for Gifting: Furbo Dog Camera
  • Best Dog Hack To Gift: Aqua Paw Dog Bath Brush
  • Best Ball Launcher: Chuckit!
  • Best Tumbler: Dog Lover Coffee Lover Insulated Tumbler
  • Best Dog Tech: Wickedbone Smart Bone
  • Best for Camping Dog Dads: Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog First Aid
  • Best for Sports Lovers: NFL Dog Leash
  • Best for Hiking Dog Dads: Best Hikes with Dogs 
  • Best for Dog Dads On the Go: OllyDog Water Bottle
  • Best for Lazy Dog Dads: iFetch Interactive Dog Ball Launcher

Best for New Dog Dads: KONG Club Subscription

Dog sniffs Kong box

Maple the Rover test pup inspects a KONG box.

We think KONG’s subscription box is a smart gift for any dog dad, but especially a new one. Each month’s box comes with a mixture of impressively durable toys, treats, tips, accessories, and recipes. Our test pup’s first box contained a standard KONG (plus brush cleaner), a spreadable liver treat, KONG bites, a floatable ball, a plush moose toy, a bandana, a recipe card, and some tips.

What we like best, though, is that it comes with a subscription to AskVet, which offers free pet coaching, live unlimited chat support from veterinarians via their app, and even an emergency fund (which grows the longer you’re a member, to a maximum of $1K). With the vet shortage, we’ve found it a big help—and we think other dog dads will too.

Key Features:

  • Monthly boxes contain KONG toys, treats, tips, accessories, and recipes
  • KONG toys are famously durable, making this a good choice for chewers
  • Subscription to AskVet included
Find on KONG

Best for Coffee Lovers: Hugo Coffee Ground Dog Daze Cold Brew

bag of Hugo Coffee Roasters beans

Is the dog lover in your life also a serious caffeine fiend? The best part about this responsibly sourced small-batch coffee roaster is its mission to support dog rescue. Proceeds from each bag go to Best Friends Animal Society and Nuzzles and Co. If cold brew isn’t his thing, gift your dog dad one of Hugo’s other flavorful blends.

Key Features:

  • Proceeds support dog rescue organizations
  • Hugo is committed to fair trade
  • Organic beans
Find on Amazon

Best for Rescue Dog Dads: Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test

box of Wisdom Panel dog DNA test kit for dog dad gift

A dog DNA kit can be a meaningful gift for a lot of dog parents with rescues. People often ask about a pup’s breed, but many rescue parents don’t know—it’s a mystery! A DNA test can identify not only a dog’s breed makeup but also some breed-based behavioral tendencies and even genetic health issues.

Wisdom Panel’s dog DNA lab analyzes over 350 breeds and varieties. Just like with human kits, you simply swab your dog’s cheek, activate the kit online, and mail it to the lab. We’ve tried it ourselves and thought it was pretty cool—so maybe your dog dad will too. Embark is another good dog DNA test option.

Key Features:

  • Tests for over 350 breeds and varieties
  • Screens for over 25 medical conditions and over 35 trait tests
  • Results in 2 to 4 weeks

Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Best for Muddy Dog Dads: Dexas Mudbuster Paw Cleaner

Mudbuster Paw Cleaner

This dog paw cleaner is a great gift for any dog dad who lives in a rainy climate. It’s a quick and easy way to clean up muddy paws and protect floors and carpets. Soft silicon bristles scrub paws clean with a gentle twisting motion to keep your dog Dad happy and his hardwoods paw-print free.

Key Features:

  • Soft silicon bristles clean mud and dirt from paws
  • Easy and quick to use: just add water and twist to clean
  • Comes in multiple sizes, from petite to large
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Best for Adventure Dog Dads: K9 Sport Sack

K9 Sport Sack

That’s right—this is a backpack that carries dogs. Dog dads (and everyone else!) can hit the road, trails, and more with their dogs in tow with this backpack by K9 Sport Sack. The largest size, the Kolossus, can hold dogs up to 80 pounds and is outfitted with an attachable sun/rain hood and zippered vents as well as a removable storage bag. It’s also made from temperature-regulating material.

K9 Sport Sack has several other versions of backpack-carriers as well, all designed to fit different dogs of different sizes.

Key Features:

  • Removable lap belt with hip pockets for waste bag dispenser
  • Adjustable torso and shoulder straps
  • Side cooling zipper vents
  • Designed for large dogs, and comes in L-XXL sizes (up to 80 pounds)
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Best Novelty Gift for Dog Dads: “The Dogfather” Whiskey Glass

whiskey tumbler etched with the words "the dogfather"

This whiskey glass is perfect for a dog dad who enjoys a little nightcap next to their curled-up pup before hitting the hay. The design is hand-etched, so it won’t wash off, and the glass is dishwasher-safe.

Key Features:

  • 10.25 ounce capacity
  • Glass with etching
  • Has a heavy base for stability
Find on Amazon

Best Dog Toy to Gift: Nina Ottosson Brick Puzzle Toy

Dog puzzle toy with sliding and removable bricks

If the dog dad in your life takes pride in his pup’s cleverness, we bet he’ll like this popular interactive puzzle toy. Each brick hides a cavity where treats or kibble can be deposited, and not every brick moves the same way. Some need to be slid, some need to be flipped, and others need to be lifted away. It’s a challenging toy—but in our experience, a food-motivated pup will find a way!

Key Features:

  • 12.75 x 9.25 x 2 inch board
  • Clean with warm water and soap
  • Plastic is durable and free of BPA, PVC, and phthalate

Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Best Book for Dog Dads: Dog Shaming by Pascale Lemire

cover of dog dad gift book, "Dog Shaming," by Pascale Lemire.

For the dog dad who regularly has to laugh at his pup’s behavior, we like this book full of dogs misbehaving, sneaking, or doing something gross—but always being hilarious. After all, even when dogs are at their worst, they’re still the best. And the dog dad in your life will know he’s in good company.

Key Features:

  • Available in Kindle, Hardcover, or Paperback
  • A NYT Bestseller
Find on Amazon

Best Safety Device for Dog Dads: Whistle GO Explore

Whistle GO Explore

For a lot of dog parents with a rambunctious pup, a dog GPS device like the Whistle can be a really thoughtful gift. If your dog dad’s pup has ever hopped a fence or slipped a leash, a GPS device can make it a lot easier to get them back. The Whistle is an especially fun pick because it’s also a health tracker—a fitbit for dogs.

Our product tester had a blast with the Whistle, but if the dog dad in your life doesn’t go for bells and whistles (no pun intended), the Tractive is also a great safety pick with a little less emphasis on fitness tracking.

Key Features:

  • Subscription includes GPS tracker, health updates, on-demand vet advice, and fitness monitoring
  • 20-day battery (we tested it, and it lasts!)
  • Uses AT&T nationwide network and Google Maps

To Consider:

  • Tracking features require monthly subscription, starting at $8.25/month when purchased for 12 months
Find on Amazon Find on Walmart Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Best for Car Trips: IOKHEIRA Dog Seat Belt Harness

Dog Car Seat Latch

Does the dog dad in your life love a good road trip? This multi-function latch has two types of clips and fits most cars. It can either buckle into a seat belt fastener or into the child car seat hook. Made of nylon and aluminum, it safely secures a pup in the car. Pair it with a car seat cover for neater rides.

Key Features:

  • Three-in-one latch can fit into a seat belt fastener or child car seat hook
  • Made from sturdy nylon and aluminum
  • Comes in many colors
  • Can safely latch a dog in the front or back seat
Find on Amazon

Best Pet Cam for Gifting: Furbo Dog Camera

white Furbo dog camera dispensing a treat

Gadget-happy dog dads will love this cool pet camera. They can use it to check up on, talk to, and even toss a treat for their dog buddy when they’re away from home. Plus, it has night vision for full-on spy mode. It’s one of our favorite gifts for a pet parent who’s going back to the office or feeling anxious about leaving their buddy home alone. We also give it two thumbs up for puppy monitoring.

Key Features:

  • Compatible with Alexa
  • Tosses treats to your dog
  • Easy three-step setup
  • Two-way audio with barking alert

To Consider:

  • Requires stable WiFi / internet connection
Find on Amazon

Best Dog Hack To Gift: Aqua Paw Dog Bath Brush

Aqua Paw Brush

Dog bath time can be way easier (and more fun) with this Aqua Paw Dog Brush. The Aqua Paw bath tool attaches to your shower or to your outdoor hose, and water flow is controlled by a button on the side. It has an ergonomic design to fit hands and rubber nubs to make scrubbing easy. We’re wiling to bet that the dog dad in your life doesn’t have one of these (yet).

Key Features:

  • Comes with an eight-foot adaptable hose
  • Brush and rinse your dog simultaneously
  • Ergonomic design
  • Made with 100% FDA approved silicon

Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on Petco

Best Ball Launcher: Chuckit!

Chuck It ball launcher

This one is for both dad and dog! The Chuckit! makes it a lot easier to launch your dog’s ball a lot farther—improving the odds that your dog will get tired before your shoulder gives out. It’s great for dog dads with pups who like to fetch. Or if the dog dad in your life could use a break, try an automatic ball launcher—we’ve reviewed and rated some of the best.

Key Features:

  • 26-inch throwing arm for longest Chuckit! launches
  • Compatible with any medium-sized Chuckit! ball and most standard tennis balls
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Walmart Find on Petco

Best Tumbler: Dog Lover Coffee Lover Insulated Tumbler

Dog Lover Coffee Lover Insulated Tumbler

For the dog dad who’s always got a leash in one hand and a cup of to-go joe in the other, this insulated 20-ounce engraved stainless steel tumbler, available in four color combos, is definitely handy. It’ll keep drinks hot or cold and comes with a stainless steel straw and straw brush. Consider this the perfect dog dad mug.

Key Features:

  • Made from stainless steel with laser etching
  • 20-ounce capacity
  • Thermal insulated

To Consider:

  • Hand wash only
Find on Amazon

Best Dog Tech: Wickedbone Smart Bone

Wickedbone interactive dog toy

Is your dog dad a fan of tech gear? This robotic dog toy is designed to keep your dog (and his dog dad!) busy. It has multiple modes for different play styles and can be controlled via an app on your phone (but can also be fully automated). We’ve tested it on our own hyperactive pups and had a blast.

Key Features:

  • Has interactive and auto-play modes
  • Safe and durable: made from FDA-approved materials and designed to withstand rough treatment
  • Easy to clean / comes apart to clean
  • Long battery life
Find on Amazon

Best for Camping Dog Dads: Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog First Aid

Adventure dog series medical kit

This medical kit is a practical dog dad gift for the outdoorsy dad who loves to take his pup with him on hiking and camping adventures. Made in the U.S., the kit contains dog-appropriate bandages, dressings, and tools—a good idea for any dog emergency kit. We think it’s a smart pick for any pet parent who regularly spends time in the wild.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight and easy to pack for day trips
  • Contains both human and dog emergency essentials: cold compress, emergency blanket, fabric bandages, butterfly closure bandages, sterile dressing, conforming gauze, elastic bandages, irrigation syringe, nitrile glove, moleskin, safety pin, shears, tick remover, emergency manual, leash, aspirin, antihistamine, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipe, alcohol swab, hydrogen peroxide, saline wound and eye wash
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy

Best for Sports Lovers: NFL Dog Leash

NFL dog leash with "Seattle Seahawks" text and logo

Have your dog dad rock his favorite team’s logo and colors on his next dog walk with this durable leash made from nylon webbing. It’s classy, functional, and comes in several sizes.

Key Features:

  • Comes in small (4′ long, 3/8″ wide), medium (4′ long, 5/8″ wide), and large (6′ long, 1″ wide)
  • Logo sewn onto heavy-duty nylon
  • Includes durable spring hook
Find on Chewy

Best for Hiking Dog Dads: Best Hikes with Dogs 

cover of Best Hikes with Dogs book

Know an outdoorsy dog dad who likes to hit the trails with his best friend on the weekends? Mountaineers Books has published hiking guides for several regions, with hiking experts choosing trails for a variety of good-for-your-dog reasons, from paths with fewer children and hikers to terrain that’s less damaging to your pooch’s paws.

Key Features:

  • Includes 85 hiking trails, with trails for all abilities
  • Embraces “leave no trace” ethos
Find on Amazon

Best for Dog Dads On the Go: OllyDog Water Bottle

OllyDog water bottle for people and pups

If you’re often on the move with your dog, you’ll want to bring water for them—but human water bottles are messy at best and disastrous at worst. That’s why we like the OllyDog water bottle, which lets you hygienically share water with your pup with no contact between the mouth of the bottle and your pup’s bowl. It’s a great pick for hikes and car rides, and it was our test pups’ favorite out of all the dog water bottles they tried.

Key Features:

  • Made from BPA-free plastic
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Available in five colors and two sizes: one liter and 600 milliliter
Find on Amazon

Best for Lazy Dog Dads: iFetch Interactive Dog Ball Launcher

iFetch interactive ball launcher

As lazy dog parents ourselves, we think this one is just downright cool. This toy is made especially for smaller dogs, and comes with three mini tennis balls that it will launch around your dog dad’s house on demand. Fun for everyone! (If you are looking for a larger version, check out this Launcher, also from iFetch.)

Key Features:

  • Comes with three mini tennis balls
  • Physical and mental exercise for your dog
  • Launches balls 10, 20, or 30 feet

To Consider:

  • Balls that are too wet or dirty could damage launcher

Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Further Reading

  • 15 Dads Who Said They Didn’t Want a Dog But Then Immediately Fell in Love
  • Share a Beer With Your Dog With These Special Brews
  • Need a Gift for a Dog Mom? We’ve Got You Covered with Our 23 Favorites
Share830Tweet0Pin It17

sidebar

By Margeaux Baulch Klein

Updated by Nia Martin, Katie Nowak

Share This Article

Share830Tweet0Pin It17

Popular Posts

  • 5 Frighteningly Common Reasons Dogs Run Away
  • 5 Reasons Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws — And How to Help
  • Meet Tater Tot, the Internet’s Favorite Foster Kitty
  • The ‘Catluminati’ Magically Makes Friends With Every Cat He Meets
  • The Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs (Plus Recipes)
  • Peggy the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Molly the Magpie Make the Cutest, Unlikely BFFs
  • Do Cats Know Their Names—Or Are They Ignoring You On Purpose?
  • Rover’s Holiday Food Safety Guide for Pets
  • Kids and Pets: What You Need to Know For Safe Interactions
  • Mary the Tabby Cat Can’t Stop Bringing Huge Piles of Leaves Home to Her Family
Advertisement
Advertisement

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy
Advertisement
Your privacy choices
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.