Gifts for Dog-lovers for the Holidays, Books, Music, and Toys!

Check out these terrific educational and fun holiday gifts!

Order early and avoid the rush!

Books: Baby - Preschool	Books: Ages 4-8
Books: Ages 9-12	Books: 12 and up

T-Shirts and Sweatshirts	Games and Toys
Videos and DVDs	Toys for Your Dog
Music CD's - Great Dog Music	Miscellaneous Gifts

Ages Baby to Preschool

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Emma Kragen, Donald Fuller
This delightful take on the traditional song, The Twelve Days of Christmas is the funniest, furriest, freshest way for little ones to learn to count. Each day in the song now reflects a dog--replacing the Partridge in a pear tree with a Poodle in a doghouse! With original photography of snoring Sheepdogs, chomping Chihuahuas, and even dancing Dalmatians. Ages Baby to Preschool

Christmas Tails (Holiday Board Books), by Frank Berrios, From the Inside Flap: Join the pups of 102 Dalmatians as they get ready for Christmas! This festive board book features photographs of adorable Dalmatians decorating the tree, singing carols, and unwrapping their puppy presents!

Biscuit's Christmas: A Scratch and Sniff Book, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, From an Amazon.com reader: This holiday book follows the little girl, Biscuit's owner, as she shows Biscuit the sights and smells of Christmas--the young readers can take part in the festive sights and smells by scratch and sniff stickers found throughout the book. The little girl and her friend, who brings her dog, Puddles, helps out with the Christmas fun and both pooches get so curious about what the girls are doing that messes are sure to follow. My toddler loves this book. Biscuit's Christmas is a good story to teach young children about the activities of the Christmas season. Ages Baby-Preschool

Clifford's Peek-and-Seek Animal Riddles (Clifford the Big Red Dog (Board)), by Norman Bridwell
Young Clifford fans are invited to solve animal riddles by peeking through die-cut holes that are placed in scenes depicting Clifford, the small red puppy, playing in the park with his animal friends. Ages Baby-Preschool

More Riddle and Joke Books

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Ages 4-8

Note: This book is not about dogs, but makes a great gift.

The Polar Express, Gift set, by Chris Van Allsburg;
30% off! Set includes hard-cover book, CD, and magic bell. This book is Amazon.com's #2 selling book as of November, 2004. Ages 4-8 reading level, but a wonderful story for all.

Claude the Dog: A Christmas Story by Dick Gackenbach
an Amazon.com reader writes: My mom first read this book to me when I was three (25 years ago), and it has been my favorite Christmas story ever since. The message is simple and sweet, the illustrations are charming, and it appeals to all ages. Ages 4-8

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown! (Peanuts), by Charles Schultz, Little Simon; (October 1, 2004) It's Christmas time again! Lucy and Linus's younger brother Rerun really wants a dog of his own. He can't have Snoopy, so he asks Snoopy's brother Spike to come stay. They have a great time, but Rerun's mom thinks dogs are too much trouble! When Spike goes home to the desert, will Rerun's Christmas be ruined?
Ages 4-8. See the DVD version!

Carl's Christmas, by Alexandra Day
From Ingram
Readers of all ages will delight in the latest antics of the much-beloved Rottweiler, Carl, and his baby charge. The two wait up for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, but only Carl is awake when he finally comes--and that's when the real magic begins. Full color throughout. Very few words, mostly illustrations. Great for any age.

Clifford's Christmas, by Norman Bridwell
From Ingram:
Good intentions turn into a merry mess when Clifford helps Santa Claus. An IRA Children's Choice book. Ages 4-8.

Corgiville Christmas, by Tasha Tudor, 2003
Ages 4-8.

The Dog Who Found Christmas (Picture Puffins), When he is abandoned on Christmas Eve by the people who had taken him from his mother, Buster the dog tries to find a new home. From an Amazon.com reader: A wonderful book about an abandoned dog who eventually finds a home at Christmas time. It warms your heart and is a favorite of my 8 year old daughter's. It made my daughter think about how awful it would be to abandon a pet. It's a fairly easy read with a few challenging words. -- A nice happy ending to keep the Christmas spirit. Ages 4-8.

Dogs Rule, by Daniel Kirk, Book and CD included. From an Amazon.com reader: My daughter, a true dog lover at age 6, has read and listened to this book over and over and over and... My husband and I now also know all the words. The book and music are original, funny and entertaining. Highly recommended.

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters From Obedience School, by Mark Teague, Scholastic; 1st ed edition (September 1, 2002)
From an Amazon.com customer: This is a really fun book. Children will delight in the contrasting artwork. Adults will appreciate the little details of each illustration. The sarcastic comments of the dog will be humorous to all who read this story. I bought the book for my 5 year-old nephew. While awaiting his birthday, I read it three times. For kids, age 4-8

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Ages 9-12

North Country Christmas (Last Wilderness Adventure),by Shelley Gill and Shannon Cartwright
From a reader in fourth grade:This is a book about a different kind of Christmas story. The setting and characters are magical and fun. The illustrations are fantastic and bright. I think this book would be good to read or be read to for someone ages one to ninty years old. This book can be read by someone nine years old. I know because I'm nine and I read it. This book taught me a new way to look at St. Nick and how people celebrate Christmas in another part of the country. I really enjoyed this book and I think everyone should read it too. Ages 9-12

The Christmas Collie, by Ted Paul, Mary Kummer
The Christmas Collie is a beautiful story, using Suess-like poetry, of a child and his dog as they grow together. It is a story of friendship, love, and sharing through all stages of life. Beautiful, professional art work and hardcover. From and Amazon.com reader: This nostalgic story of the bond between a boy and his dog is a sensitive look at those things that make beautiful memories and strong family traditions. THE CHRISTMAS COLLIE will bring tears of joy to all readers, young and old. THE CHRISTMAS COLLIE should be read over and over again to savor the deep feelings that it brings to the heart and soul. SHARE IT WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS! A real treasure and my personal favorite. Ages 8 to adult

Santa Paws, by Nicholas Edwards. From an Amazon.com reader: Some of my favorite parts in the book Santa Paws are when he saves people, and goes through a lot to get his home. It is sad his mother accidentally left him when he was a puppy. There are other books published of Santa Paws. There is a series of them listed in the book.In all the books, he saves people wherever he goes. I greatly recommend that you read this adventurous book of an adventurous dog because it makes you feel how lucky you are to have what you have and to be safe and not starving to death. Ages 9-12

ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids: Puppy, by Mark Evans, Dorling Kindersley 1992
Puppy is one of an exciting series of pet care books designed to help young animal owners learn about and care for their pets. Illustrated on every page with full-color photography, Puppy is packed with practical information on every aspect of canine care. Published in association with the ASPCA, this series will engage and inform readers ages 7 and up.

Totally Fun Things to Do With Your Dog (Play With Your Pet) by Maxine A. Rock, 1998
Here's a book that gives ideas and step-by-step instructions for dozens of fun and safe games and activities to do with your dog: from playing basketball, Frisbee, and hide and seek, to jumping through hoops, taking photographs, creating unusual dog houses, and throwing dog theme parties. Written for kids ages 9-12

A Dog's Best Friend An Activity Book for Kids and Their Dogs, by Lisa Rosenthal, Chicago Review Press 1999
This book is for kids ages 9-12 who want to learn how to have fun with their dog and do it with gentleness and respect. It's clear, well-written, and well-organized.

Everything Dog, What Kids Really Want to Know About Dogs by Marty Crisp, 2003
From Publishers Weekly:
Organized by questions phrased the way a child might pose them, Everything Dog: What Kids Really Want to Know About Dogs by Marty Crisp answers a plethora of queries, from "Do dogs come from dinosaurs?" to "Do dogs cry?" (No, the author says, "They use body language [tail between legs, head down] or sounds [howls and whimpers]" to express grief). Photographs of adorable pups and adult dogs emphasize the author's answers. Ages 8-11.

Fun Stuff to Do with Your Best Friend: The Interactive Dog Book, by Nancy Furstinger, August 1, 2000
From an Amazon.com reader: My family and I thoroughly enjoyed Fun Stuff by Nancy Furstinger. It's easy and fun to read and has a lot of great activities for kids and their dogs (or is it "dogs and their kids"?). We haven't tried all of the activities, of course, and we only tried one of the recipes so far, but it's a book we continue to use and refer back to. We're still working our way through the web sites, which gave us even more information! The "K-911" first-aid kit was a great idea and we now have one safely under our sink. A great book! Highly recommended! Ages 8-12

Love That Dog, by Sharon Creech, Newbery Award Winner!
From a 10 yr. old Amazon.com Customer: Love that Dog is about a boy named Jack who had a dog that died, and now he is writing in his poem journal, but he believes that poetry is not for boys. This is a book of humor and poetry, similar to Amelia's Notebook and a Shel Silverstein book combined. The author writes this way because emotions are better expressed in poetry than in prose. It is for young readers who like poetry. This is a very good book by a very good author. Ages 9-12

How to Talk to Your Dog, by Jean Craighead George and Sue Truesdell, 2000
From Amazon.com
Dog talk is not merely whimpers, growls, sniffs, barks, and howls. According to award-winning author Jean Craighead George, it's in the tail ("the flag of feelings") and ear twists, too. In this irresistible picture book, you'll learn how to speak to your dog in his or her own language. Sue Truesdell's splendidly doggish illustrations interact with photos of Jean Craighead George herself--a woman who has been around dogs her whole life. Dog lovers of all ages will run in circles for this loving, funny celebration of the human-canine relationship. Ages 7 to 107

Give a Dog a Bone: Stories, Poems, Jokes, and Riddles about Dogs, By Joanna Cole, Stephanie Calmenson, Scholastic; Reprint edition, August 1, 1999
Popular children's book authors Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson bring together dog poems by Rudyard Kipling, Myra Cohn Livingston and others; a rebus story; canine facts and photos; jokes, riddles and stories. Ages 7-10

More Riddle and Joke Books

Everything Dog, by Marty Crisp, 2003
From Publishers Weekly:
Organized by questions phrased the way a child might pose them, Everything Dog: What Kids Really Want to Know About Dogs by Marty Crisp answers a plethora of queries, from "Do dogs come from dinosaurs?" to "Do dogs cry?" (No, the author says, "They use body language [tail between legs, head down] or sounds [howls and whimpers]" to express grief). Great photographs of adorable pups and adult dogs emphasize the author's answers. Ages 8-11.

How Smart is Your Dog?: 30 Fun Science Activities with Your Pet, by D. Caroline Coile; Sterling; (May 28, 2003)
Your dog will act "smarter" if you know more about how he "thinks." Enter the world of canine senses--how your dog sees, hears, smells, tastes, and touches differently from you, and how a dog's life and aging process differ from yours. You even learn to read your dog's mind-brain function, intelligence, memory, and learning abilities--based on its biological origins. The most fun part is the experiments to test your dog's health, reflexes, vision, and scent; or even trace its behavior back to the wolves that are its ancestors. Grades K-5

Careers with Animals: The Humane Society of the United States and Willow Ann Sirch, Fulcrum Pub; (April 2000)
Educators and parents won't want to miss this opportunity to turn a young person's passion about animals into a lifelong calling. This outstanding book features an overview of the animal care profession, including education requirements, in- depth interviews with members of specific professions, Day in the life narratives, self- examination questions, resources to research the profession, and tips on activities to do now, even in elementary school. (Ages 9-12)

Puppy Training for Kids This book has easy-to-understand instructions for children on puppy training and care. With an emphasis on fun. Learn what to feed puppies and how much to give them, and how to play games that are safe and enjoyable. They also learn basics of puppy handling, grooming, giving commands, teaching obedience, tricks, and much more. There are great full-color photos throughout the book. For ages 9-12, or 4-8 with parents' guidance.

The Complete Dog Book For Kids, AKC 1996
Here is the ultimate show-and-tell for children who love dogs! With its lush, four-color portraits of all of the AKC-recognized breeds, information on the history and character of the breeds, graphics showing where each breed originated and how big it is, and boxes containing a 'fun fact,Ó The Complete Dog Book for Kids is the ideal way to teach kids about the rich history of the sport of dogs and how their pets contribute to it.Ages 9-12.

The Trick is in the Training: 25 Fun Tricks to Teach Your Dog, by Stephanie J Taunton, Cheryl S. Smith
From an Amazon.com reader: This is a terrific book, escpecially for beginners. The book is very well illustrated with bright, clear, color photographs. The instruction is easy to follow and fun to read. There is a good variety of tricks in which to teach your dog. It is a very FUN book that makes you want to start training your dog right away! Note: This book is very simply done and should be readable by 4-6 graders.

Cool Careers for Girls, by Ceel Pasternak and Linda Thornburg, Impact Publications; Illustrated edition (April 1999)
Profiles ten women who work with animals, in such jobs as small animal veterinarian, pet sitter and exerciser, Assistance Dog trainer, horse farm owner, and exotic animal trainer, and explains their duties and how they prepared for and got their positions. (Grades 5-8)

A Dog's Gotta Do What a Dog's Gotta Do: Dogs at Work, by Marilyn Singer, October 2000
A fascinating look at the work that dogs do, from herding sheep to rescuing lost and injured people. Every dog is born with the ability to do a particular job. Centuries ago, people recognized these natural talents and began using dogs to help them with a variety of chores. Whether hunting and pulling sleds or performing before royalty, these beloved animals have been important workers as well as faithful friends. Best-selling author Marilyn Singer gives young readers an exciting introduction to the many kinds of work that dogs do. This is the ultimate dog book -- a thrilling combination of natural history and the true tales of canine heroes who were just doing their jobs. Ages 9-12

Dog Crafts (Kids Can Do It), by Linda Hendry and Frank Baldassarra, Kids Can Press; (April 2002)
Want your friends to howl with delight? Then surprise a pooch-loving pal or a canine companion with one of these creative crafts! All seventeen fun ideas, including a fuzzy puppy pillow and a doggie desktop organizer, use easy-to-find materials. With full-color photos, patterns and simple-to-follow directions, these unique projects will have your friends "hounding" you for more! Illustrated step-by-step instructions make it easy! Grades 4-6

Andrea Arden's Little Book of Dog Tricks, by Andrea Arden
Trick training is one of the best ways for you and your dog to have fun together. Learn how to play the training game the Andrea Arden way and let the good times roll (over)! With clearly written text and entertaining illustrations, Andrea Arden’s Little Book of Dog Tricks provides hours of fun for you and your dog. Andrea Arden’s Little Book of Dog Tricks is a must-have for every fun-loving dog owner! Grades 5 and up

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Ages 12 and up

Best Junior Handler, by Olejiczak 1997
A book written for Junior Handlers by a junior handler. Anne has been a highly successful Junior Handler competitor for eight years and has qualified six times to compete at Westminster. She and her mother wrote this book together. The lessons are so self-explanatory that even a junior located far away from help and with no access to handling classes could pick up the book and learn to show at a fairly competitive level. Reading level is Young Adult

The Cat and Dog-Lover's Idea Book, by Gail Green, Krause Publications; (August 2001)
With Gail Green’s newest book, cat and dog lovers will learn to create toys, collars, treats and wearables for their pets and unique items such as hats and jewelry for themselves! Easy to follow instructions cover a multitude of crafting techniques such as rubber stamping, counted cross-stitch, knitting, crochet, fabric appliqué, decorative painting, decoupage and basic sewing. The many patterns, templates and drawings included help crafters create dozens of lovely projects with ease. Most projects can be customized to fit a specific pet. Written for Adults

Pet Crafts: 28 Great Toys, Gifts, and Accessories for Your Favorite Dog or Cat, by Heidi Boyd, North Light Books; (January 2004)
This book offers fun projects for the whole family to celebrate and pamper their beloved family pets. Sure to delight both discerning canines and finicky felines, Pet Crafts features over 25 fun projects including toys, beds, costumes, picture frames and more! All projects use simple items easily found in crafts stores and are fun to make. For the whole family!

Dog-Lover's Crafts Book of Crafts, by Jennifer Quasha, Griffin Trade Paperback; (December 7, 2001) From the back cover:
Step-by-step directions take dog lovers and crafters through 50 easy-to-do projects starring your dog. No leashes or dog beds, this book shows you how to make high-end decorations for your dog-loving home. Using commonly found supplies that won't cost you a lot of money, Jennifer Quasha makes this book accessible to everyone. * Putting on the Pooch: dog tag earrings, dog-chase garden hat. Filled with "breedoids"--fun facts about your favorite breeds--and a three-bone difficulty rating system, this is the perfect gift for dog-loving crafters and craft-loving dog people. For the whole family!

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Music for All Ages

Dog Songs, (How Much Is) That Doggie In The Window - Patti Page 2. Puppy Song - Nilsson 3. Walkin' The Dog - Rufus Thomas 4. Everything Reminds Me Of My Dog - Jane Siberry 5. My Dog - Elvin Bishop 6. Bird Dog - The Everly Brothers 7. Block Dog - David Wilcox 8. Hound Dog - Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton 9. Dog Walk - Scott Henderson 10. Me And You And A Dog Named Boo - Lobo 11. I Love That Dog - Connie Kaldor 12. Dog - Adam Chester

Christmas Unleashed, by the Jingle Dogs, The Jingle Dogs album, Christmas Unleashed, was a hit with fans and they continue to be played on the radio every holiday season. Album Description The Jingle Dogs, Christmas Unleashed, includes the hit song Jingle Bells Boogie and is truly an all-time Christmas classic. This album features twelve holiday tunes sung by dogs.

The World's Best Dog Music CD...Ever ~ Pet Melodies Music , Motzart, Vivaldi, others. Audio CD, July 2, 2004, Original Release Date: July 2, 2004, Number of Discs: 1, Label: Pet Melodies
From and Amazon.com customer: As a dog trainer I thought your product was great. I have weekly classes and currently use it for all my sessions. The dogs seem to be more relaxed and pick things up quicker.

Doggone Country: Songs About Dogs, by various artists, country, Audio CD (November 1, 1994), Original Release Date: November 1, 1994, Number of Discs: 1, Label: Cmh Records
Check out the listening sample on Amazon.com's site! Just click on the buy button.

Animal Songs, by Heaven's Sake Kids, Audio CD (February 24, 1998), Original Release Date: February 24, 1998, Number of Discs: 1, Label: Pamplin Music
From an Amazon.com customer: I bought this cd when my son was 1, now he is 4 and he has a 2 yr old sister... They both LOVE this cd. I do too! All the songs are so cute & we all just sing along. My son's favorite song is God made all the animals, mine is Belly of a whale. I would really recommend this cd. I'm getting all our friends children one for christmas. You can listen to an excerpt from most of the songs on Amazon's website. Click on the Buy button.

Animal Alphabet Songs, by David S. Polansky, Audio CD (January 1, 1998), Original Release Date: January 1, 1998, Number of Discs: 1
Not your average animal songs and, definitely, not just for kids....26 songs whose styles range from Klezmer to Jazz to classical and offer an educational yet thoroughly entertaining look at everything from Alligator and Porcupine to Vicuna and Uakari. Outstanding Vocals, Instrumentals, and production. Winner of Artists' Foundation Fellowship award.

Baby's First: Animal Songs, by various artists, Audio CD (October 12, 1999), Label: St. Clair Records
From an Amazon.com customer: I am back at Amazon ordering 4 more copies of this CD for all homes and cars (including GrandMa's) Our 1 year old loves this. When the songs come on she sings, rocks, sits still and listens and yells if we try to talk over it! She's especially fond of Never Smile at a Crocodile and The Mouse in the Windmill. Everyone in the family knows all the words to these songs by heart and they are cute and catchy. We have lots of baby cd's around - this is her favorite - as well as her 10-year old brothers favorite! (He's forced to listen in the car and this one he likes)

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Games and Toys

Snubbies Doggie Mansion, Snubbie Deluxe Doggie Den The ultimate multi-level dog house with motorized "magic" feature. Each play set includes 3 mini dogs. 5 years and up.

Snubbies: Doggie Day Care with Molly the Lab Playset, Fun at the Vet! Each play set includes 2 mini dogs and 1 functioning playset with "magic" motion parts and electronic sounds. Play sets are hinged for opening and closing. Ages 5 and up

Breyer: Dog House Gift Set, Cute dog house set created by the famous Breyer horse people. 5 years and up

Breyer: Dog Agility Set, From an Amazon.com customer: I'm really pleased with this realistic set! If ya want to see Dog Agility but ya miss it on TV, you can bring the show ring right into your own house! I got this set for my eleventh birthday and BELIEVE me, it is truly a great set! The sheltie that comes with it is VERY realistic! Painted paw pads are on all of her paws that are tipped up! Her eyes are lovely, brown and black. Her tiny tounge is a delacite pink. The Agility Course looks surperb as well!
4 years and up.

Luv My Pet Grooming Kit Set: White & Red Carrier with Brown and White Puppy, Vet Kit comes with puppy, it's own carry cage with 11 accessories to care for your pet. Ages 4 years and up.

Puppies Kit, (Great art project!) Puppy Lovers? Design and paint your own litter of puppies! Use your artistic touch and imagination to bring these handcrafted figures to life. They make wonderful play companions, magnets or ornaments. Keep them for yourself or give to another puppy lover as a keepsake. Most importantly, have fun & be creative! This kit includes three hand-carved wooden puppies (approximately 3"- 4" each), 5 non-toxic acrylic paints, glossy varnish, 1 artist quality paintbrush, 3 self-stick magnets, 3 hanging ribbons, 3 suction cups for window hanging, 3 gift cards and an educational pamphlet. WINNER OF OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO BEST TOY AWARD. Ages 6 and up.

Polly Pocket Dazzlin' Pet Show Divine Dogs with DVD, by Mattel, Ages 4-10

Mystery Solving Crew Gift Set, Mystery Solving Crew Gift Set includes fully articulated figures. Set includes Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Fred and Daphne. Age 3 years and up.

19" Talking Hug Me Scooby-Doo, This smaller version of the original Hug Me Scooby has an added feature - when you squeeze his ear Scooby talks! Talking Hug Me Scooby is a soft plush character that kids can play with throughout the day and have as a bedtime buddy at night. Ages 3 and up.

Holiday Gifts for Family and Friends!

Holiday Gifts
for Family and Friends!