Last weekend I was doing some regular shopping for my dogs, and decided to check out the available toys.
Most of the good ones were almost $10 USD each! Yikes!
It seems that everywhere we turn, we are bombarded by advertisements that tell us –
In order to be a good friend, parent, wife/husband, or dog owner we must buy, buy, buy, expensive stuff for our loved ones to show them that we care.
Ma! Look what I did! Aren't I a clever Shiba?!
Shiba Sephy and Siberian Shania having a fun flirt-pole play-session.
Well, times are tough, and love does not stem from expensive material gifts.
Bah Humbug! 
Dogs are really great because they will love a cardboard box more than the designer toy bone you put in it. And most of all, they love spending time with you.
What do dogs want for Christmas?
They want some quality time with their family. This does not mean sitting in front of the t.v. with a bag of chips, … although that does sound very tempting.
Before succumbing to the joys of Christmas television, first play with your dog and do what your dog likes to do best. Dogs are not very picky – after all they eat poop for fun – so almost anything will be great fun for them.
Shiba Sephy and Siberian Shania playing with a cardboard box.
My dogs really like opening presents, even if they have nothing in them. Ripping apart a cardboard box is great fun! Only do this when you are around to supervise and make sure your dog does not like eating cardboard. Make sure you remove anything sharp (staples etc.) or dangerous from the cardboard box.
Squeaky toy and Siberian Husky Shania singing.
Last weekend, the dogs also got some presents from their favorite aunt. One was a really squeaky toy. As I started squeaking the toy, my Siberian started singing. She has a great voice.
I think she should be on American Idol!
Then, everybody joined in including my Shiba who was really howling to the moon, or at least to the ceiling fan. He really got into it and had his head tilted up and neck stretched out for a good howl.
Shiba Inu Sephy howling to the ceiling fan.
It was a whole lot of fun!
Dogs can have a lot of fun playing with toys you pay $10 or more for,
Dogs can also have a lot of fun playing with toys you get for free,
But most of all, dogs have the most fun playing with you!
Here are some other things I do with my dogs during Christmas time.
Hugs, licks, and a very Merry Christmas to you!
You are NOT getting away with that pink thingy!
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Haha – lucky Shiba! I think he will have a great Christmas.
My Shiba loves running around off-leash especially when there are other dogs around. My old house didn’t have a backyard, so I would take him to my nearby SPCA to run around in their fully enclosed play area – he really loved that.
Sounds like a lot of fun! The only time I let my Shiba off leash is when I am with friends that have dogs with good recall. My Shiba would pretty much stick to their dogs, and when they get called, my Shiba would come along – lol.
Merry Christmas! Take lots of pictures and share them with us. I always love looking at Shibas
Looks like you all had a great time. I think you hit the nail on the head, the best thing you can give your dog is time. Our 5 month old Shiba will be the centre of attention at my family Xmas this year. We don’t have a big family but my grandma has a big yard for him and my father’s dog to run around in. My wife and I have been checking out dog parks and beaches to organise play dates with other dog owning friends over the holidays. JOY!!!