Shopping for a dog lover means shopping for two. The dog mainly wants comfort: a good place to sleep and a collar that fits properly. The owner likes to see that affection reflected at home, on the sofa, on the wall or by the door. Below are the pieces from our collection that work for both, with sizes, materials and a few practical tips to help you choose well.
At Decodeman we have a soft spot for long dogs. Omer, our shop dog, is a dachshund, and anyone browsing the collection will spot that silhouette in more than one place. Whether you live with a labrador, a terrier or a cheerful crossbreed, though, there is something here for you.
For the dog: a bed that stays firm
The dog bed (269 euros) is the most practical gift on this list. All covers are removable and machine washable at 40 degrees, which is no small thing when your dog comes home from a walk in the dunes with sand in its coat. The cushions are deliberately firm: they spring back and keep supporting, even with heavier dogs and after years of use. The fabrics are hard-wearing and lightfast, so the bed still looks smart after a season in the sun by the window.
How to choose the right size
- Measure your dog lying stretched out, from nose to the base of the tail, and add around ten centimetres.
- Watch how it sleeps. A dog that curls up needs a smaller bed than one that likes to sprawl.
- Place the bed somewhere free of draughts, but not right next to the radiator.
- Pick a spot where the dog can see its people. Most dogs would rather lie near the life of the house than in a far corner.
A dog collar with character
A dog collar (69.95 euros) is a gift that gets used every single day, on every walk. This fashionable collar is in the collection for owners who like the evening stroll to have a bit of style. A few tips:
- Measure your dog's neck with a soft tape measure, where the collar will sit.
- Leave about two fingers of space between collar and neck: not too tight, but not so loose that it slips over the head.
- Compare that measurement with the sizes on the product page before you order.
- Wash the collar by hand. Colour and shape will stay looking good for longer.
For the owner: the dog at home
For many dog people, the dog is simply part of the interior. A cushion, a throw or a print with a dog on it is then not a novelty but a piece that says something about the household. It works best when you keep it subtle: one or two dog pieces, combined with calm fabrics and materials.
Wool dachshund cushions
The dachshund cushions (45 euros each) are woven in a jacquard pattern with the silhouette of a dachshund. They are made of 100% virgin wool, measure 40 x 40 cm and come from Ireland. You can choose terracotta or beige. Pair them with plain cushions in a soft colour such as ecru, sand or camel, so the dachshund stays the accent. Two cushions in different colours on one sofa also work well: terracotta adds warmth, beige keeps things light.
A throw for cold evenings
The dachshund print throw (98 euros) goes nicely with the cushions and also comes in terracotta and beige. It measures 130 x 170 cm, is made of 100% virgin wool and can be washed on a 30 degree wool cycle. Wool breathes and stays warm, so the throw is just as at home on the sofa as at the foot of the bed. And yes, the dog will probably want to lie on it too.
A print for the wall
The Long Dog Art Print (99 euros) measures 60 x 80 cm and shows a dachshund in a minimalist style with a wink. It suits a living room, hallway or bedroom, and it is the kind of gift that stays on the wall for years. Hang it so the centre of the print is roughly at eye level, around 150 cm from the floor. Above a sofa or sideboard, leave 20 to 30 cm between the furniture and the bottom edge.
Dog-shaped door stops: practical and charming
A door stop does not sound like much of a present, until you notice how often it gets used. Especially in a house by the sea, where an open window can easily slam a door, a heavy door stop is handy. We have two dog designs:
- Dachshund door stop (29.95 euros): 42 x 13 x 23 cm, about 1.9 kg, in textile, available in brown and in a rust shade.
- Dog door stop (32.95 euros): 30 x 20 x 20 cm, 1.7 kg, in a teddy-like beige fabric with a little brown bow.
Both are heavy enough to hold an interior door open and soft enough not to scratch the floor or the door. In a child's room or hallway they are also simply a nice decorative detail.
Gift ideas for every budget
- Around 30 euros: a door stop shaped like a dachshund or a dog.
- Around 45 euros: a wool dachshund cushion in terracotta or beige.
- Around 70 euros: the collar, a gift that goes on a walk every day.
- Around 100 euros: the Long Dog Art Print or a dachshund throw.
- For a bigger gift: the dog bed, perhaps together with a cushion for the owner.
Would you rather let the recipient choose? A gift voucher is possible, but note that it can only be redeemed in the shop.
Delivery and returns
Everything in this article can be ordered online, with delivery anywhere in Belgium. We ship with bpost within 48 hours of your order. Shipping costs depend on size and weight and are shown at checkout. Collecting from the shop is free. If the gift is not quite right, let us know within 14 calendar days of receipt, for example at info@decodeman.be. You then have another 14 days to send it back, at your own cost.
All pieces for dogs and their owners are gathered in the dog accessories collection. Looking for ideas for other people on your list? Browse our gift ideas.
You can also see them in our shop in Koksijde: the address and opening hours are on our visit page.