The best dog dad gifts are the ones that make daily walks easier, because that's where most of the time with the dog is spent. A hands-free lead, a matching harness set, a crossbody walking bag, a personalised bottle with the dog's photo on it, or a few useful stocking fillers will all get used long after Christmas. Here are our favourite ideas, sorted by what kind of dog dad you're buying for.
Dog dad gift ideas at a glance
| If they... | Gift idea | Need a size? |
|---|---|---|
| Like their hands free on walks | Hands-Free Double Ended Lead | No |
| Walk on busy streets | Traffic Handle Add-On | No |
| Like a smart, matching look | Oxford Tweed harness bundle set | Yes, the dog's harness size |
| Carry keys, phone and treats | Crossbody walking bag | No |
| Love a photo of their dog | Personalised bottle or phone case | Phone model for the case |
| Need a stocking filler | Poop Pocket or laundry bag | No |
For the dog dad who likes hands-free walking
Our Hands-Free Double Ended Dog Lead in Jet Black is 210cm long and can be worn across the body, around the waist or held as a normal lead. It has three integrated D-rings for changing the setup and lockable gold safety clips, and it can be used double ended by clipping to the front and back D-rings of a harness. It's made from waterproof coated webbing that wipes clean.
It's handy for anyone juggling a coffee, a phone or a gate latch on the morning walk. If the dog is still learning to walk nicely, our guide to double ended dog leads explains how the two clips work.
For town walks and busy crossings
The Traffic Handle Add-On is a 30cm handle with a lockable gold swivel carabiner. It clips onto the hands-free lead when you want the dog close, or straight onto the back D-ring of a harness as a grab handle. It makes a nice add-on gift alongside the lead.
For a smart, matching look
The Trail & Glow Oxford Tweed Bundle Set gives the dog a whole outfit in a warm brown tweed: a harness, an adjustable collar, a 5ft lead, a bow tie and a poo bag holder. The harness comes in XXS to XL, so you'll need the dog's neck and chest measurements; our harness size chart shows each size.
Prefer something plainer? The Jet Black One is a classic black Trail & Glow harness in XS to XL. Like all our Trail & Glow harnesses, it has front and back D-rings, a back handle, a lockable neck clasp so it doesn't go over the dog's head, and reflective strips along the front and back, which helps on dark winter walks. Our guide to walking your dog in the dark has more on that.
For carrying the essentials
A walking bag keeps keys, phone, treats and poo bags in one place. The Crossbody Dog Walking Bag in Oxford Tan is made from vegan leather, measures 20cm x 8.5cm x 15cm and comes with a matching skinny strap, with the option of adding a patterned strap too. For more styles, our hands-free walking bag guide compares crossbody and bum bag setups.
For the dog dad who loves a photo of their dog
Personalised gifts are made from a photo you upload of their dog:
- Your Dog on a Bottle, a 500ml stainless steel bottle printed with their dog.
- Your Dog on a Phone Case, made for the phone model you choose.
Personalised items are made to order, so they take a little longer and can't be returned unless faulty. Order early for Christmas and pick a bright, sharp photo where the dog's face is clear.
Stocking fillers
- The Poop Pocket. It holds a used, knotted poo bag on a carabiner clip, so nobody has to carry it to the next bin.
- Our laundry bag. A 30cm x 40cm mesh bag for washing harnesses, leads and collars. Wash on a cool wash, ideally inside the bag.
Tips for buying a dog dad gift
- Think about their walks. Town pavements, muddy fields and dark evenings all point to different gifts.
- Get the dog's size quietly. For a harness, you need the dog's neck and chest measurements. If that's tricky, pick a gift that doesn't need a size.
- Check stock and sizes on the product page before you order, as not every colourway stocks every size.
Buying for more than one dog lover? See our gifts for dog lovers, dog mum gifts and gifts for dog walkers guides.
Quick questions
What do you get a dog dad for Christmas?
Something they'll use on every walk: a hands-free lead, a walking bag, a matching harness set for the dog, or a personalised bottle or phone case with the dog's photo on it.
What's a good dog dad gift that doesn't need a size?
The hands-free lead, the traffic handle, a walking bag, the Poop Pocket and the laundry bag all work without knowing the dog's measurements.
Can I return a personalised gift?
Personalised items are made to order and can't be returned unless faulty, so double-check the photo and details before you order.
