It’s certainly not an age-old dilemma, but no doubt this question is caroming around in many a Central Oregonian’s brain right about now: What to get the dog who has everything?

Gone are the days when Rover skulked just outside the campfire’s glow, hoping against hope that someone would toss a bone his way.

These days, Bear and Shasta are probably parked directly beneath the family table, reaping the variegated rewards, and, come Christmas morning, can be found right in the thick of things, tails palpitating amid the ribbons and wrap. Shoot, they might even have their own stockings above the mantle, brimming with chew toys and breath-freshening doggy treats.

There’s nothing especially new about giving the family pet a gift for Christmas. Tennis balls and rawhide bones are staples around my place.

But times change, and the cliched, albeit utilitarian, tokens of the past are being supplemented by an array of new-age dog gear aimed at captivating both master and well-heeled pooch. Or are they? Many in Bend are opting for more traditional gifts. There are two shopping days left until Christmas; what’s under the tree for your dog?

Dog trainer Lori Nickeson, who operates Canine Country, a dog training business outside of Redmond, sticks mostly with the traditional this time of year.

She leans toward tug toys and others that help keep dogs active.

”One of the good toys out now is one with little holes in it that you fill with treats,” Nickeson said. ”They bat it around and treats fall out. And the puppy gets rewarded for playing.”

Nickeson, who raises German shepherds, also likes to give Frisbees and balls with rope attached to one side.

”Action toys are good,” she said. ”Toys that keep them occupied when they have to be home alone.”

Bend Police canine officer Buck Church keeps things simple. He usually gives his dog Kai ”a few extra Milk Bones” come Christmas morning.

”I’ll be working all night Christmas Eve and Christmas morning,” he said. ”He’ll get some extra vittles that shift. I’ll spoil him.”

John Hansen, of Bend, gave his German shepherd ”a bunch of rawhide” last year. And she may get a new ”Wubba” this year. It’s a large ball with a smaller ball sewn to it.

”She just goes nuts for them,” Hansen said. ”But she gets new toys every week, so Christmas is no different.”

Except for the fact that most dog owners include their pals in the Yuletide festivities.

”If the dog is a family dog, generally it’s included in the family Christmas scene,” Nickeson noted.

”I got a stocking and put it up with my husband’s and mine,” said Renee Lamoreaux, of Bend. ”And a long squeaky snake with the head sticking out. This is the sappiest I’ve been about it.”

For those who want to take canine gifts to the next level, the stuff is out there.

Ruff Wear, a dog gear manufacturing company in Bend, offers all manner of equipment for dogs on the go. From ”Bark’n Boots” with genuine Vibram soles (just like your Merrells), to coats, packs and collapsible food and water bowls, the Ruff Wear catalog has the typical Central Oregon dog and its outdoorsy owner covered.

”You’re really giving the gift of activity,” said David Madden, of Ruff Wear. ” … You’re giving them a nice long walk, a ride in a canoe, a walk on a trail, an afternoon getting outdoors and getting active … We fit perfectly with the Bend lifestyle. In 30 minutes you’re up on the mountain or hiking the River Trail.”

Predictably, people can take dog gifting to higher levels still.

The Internet is awash with cyber stores featuring personalized dog bandanas available in more than 200 fabric and color combinations, dog purses, coats, swimsuits and tennis ball launchers.

According to Barbara Denzer, vice president of Cardinal Laboratories, a dog grooming product manufacturer, nail polish for dogs ”is another big trend this year. Red is the No. 1 color choice for canines, but green and metallic polishes have become popular too.”

And cologne for dogs is hip (seriously, we’re not allowed to make things up).

”Cardinal Laboratories offers the Rodeo II Collection fragrances, which bear remarkable similarity to perfumes from top designers like Lauren and Dior,” according to Denzer. ”However, unlike human fragrances, which are oil-based, the Rodeo II colognes are alcohol-based so they won’t clog the pores of a dog’s delicate skin.”

Larry Hein, of Bend, put his thoughts on dog gifts into perspective.

”I’d like to buy her a Honda XR 650.”

But Hein will probably settle for a doggy backpack so his dog Malee can carry her share come summer.