One might think immediately of puppy food and a dog bed when you first get a puppy. Of course, we did bring home a puppy bed and food. However, we immediately realized he needed teething toys. We started with one that we knew would be a wonderful toy since our adult dogs have always loved them. But, let me tell you, one is not enough! He currently has 8 teething toys that he has in various locations. The one he prefers apparently depends on his mood.
For training, we also needed Milk-Bone biscuits, Mini Pure Bits (liver) and Quaker Apple Cinnamon Rice Crisps. Our vet recommended the rice crisps years ago because of their lower calories. A lot of treats are required for training!
A fleece blanket also makes a great gift! My mother purchased our little puppy a Christmas fleece blanket that he received immediately. He loves that blanket! Most often, he lays on it on our leather couch, but he can drag it down to the floor when desired to make a impromptu bed.
We already had a ramp, which the puppy will use as an adult to "walk" himself up into the back our our SUV. It is extremely important to start that training early by placing the ramp against a couch and letting them naturally climb it to get onto a couch. We discovered the hard way that an adult dog may be afraid to climb a ramp regardless of offered treats.
A doorway gate may not "feel" like a great gift idea. However, I assure you, not only are you protecting your furniture and home decor, you are protecting the puppy from cords or falling items after he runs into an end table. I'm sure you get the idea. We can't watch them constantly, therefore, they should not run free through an entire home heedless of potential dangers. Puppies are full of energy and running is exactly what they prefer to walking.
Believe it or not, I would also suggest Johnson's Baby Shampoo for a puppy's gift. Again, that was also recommended by our vet for a puppy.
A few weeks home and these are the "gifts" for puppy that we have found essential. With Christmas upon us, it seemed like the best time to recommend gifts for puppies (or dogs) if they happen to be on your gift list too.
All of the above mentioned gifts are featured below and linked to either a previous review or to a store for purchase.
Puppy Chew Toys Make Great Gifts
As I said, these toys will most likely become what you want to get first and continue to add to the collection over time. You realize quickly that your furniture, bedding, beloved stuffed animals, and even your skin need to be protected from puppy chewing and teething. The best way to prevent damage is to offer a chew toy that is made for that purpose.
35 years ago, our first puppy turned our kitchen chair legs into gnawing posts. While it is funny to recall now when my husband refers to the puppy "toothpicks", it was definitely not funny when it happened.
Of course, you still must train yourself to say "no" since puppies, like any baby, will continue to test your patience and tolerance. Having a desirable option is in everyone's best interest.
With human babies in mind, I bought a few teething toys that can go in the freezer to make a cold chew toy for our puppy.
We have always been familiar with the Kong products and know from experience that they are fabulous. However, my cousin brought Watson (our puppy) a Outward Hound bone. He loves that bone! Therefore, I would highly recommend it too.
Previously Reviewed ~ Kong Wubba for PuppiesClick to Read the ReviewOutward Hound by Dogwood Jack Durable Dog Chew Toy, Bacon Scent, LargeCheck PricePetstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs - for Teething Puppies - Freezable for Added ReliefCheck PriceKONG Puppy Goodie Bone - Stuffable Toy for Small Puppy - Natural Rubber Chew for Puppies - Toy for TeethingCheck Price
Treats for Puppies
We all like special treats for the holidays. Puppies may not recognize special days of the year, but we do and we like gifting our baby dogs with special treats for special occasions. Milk-Bone brand recognizes our desire for special treats and they make fun shaped dog biscuits just for the holidays. Plus, a Christmas fleece blanket always makes a puppy happy and we appreciate the added Christmas "decor" in our home.
Our adult dogs have always appreciated their annual fleece blankets from their granny. We use them year round in the cars, on hardwood floors, or wherever that little bit of comfort for our puppy is needed. After all, we don't mind a touch of Christmas spirit throughout the year.
Previously Reviewed ~ Milk-Bone Holiday Biscuits Treats for Dogs and PuppiesClick to Read the ReviewPureBites Beef Liver for Dogs, 8.8oz / 250g - Value SizeCheck PriceChristmas Blanket Holiday Fleece Throw Blanket for Couch/SofaCheck PriceQuaker Rice Crisps, Apple Cinnamon, 3.52 Ounce, Pack of 6 (Packaging May Vary)Check Price
More Gifts for Puppies
I mentioned the necessities like the gate, the ramp and the shampoo for puppies. For Puppy parents who do not have these items, they would be greatly appreciated. The parents, themselves, may not recognize their importance until they start using them, but time will prove out how much they are truly needed.
Previously Reviewed ~ Indoor Dog GatesRead the ReviewComfort Expression Orthopedic Dog Bed for Extra Large Dogs 45x35 Inch, Waterproof Egg Crate FoamCheck PriceHerCcreta wigge Dog Ramp for Car 63Check PriceJohnson's Head-to-Toe Gentle Tear-Free Baby & Newborn Wash & Shampoo, Sulfate-, Paraben- Phthalate- & Dye-Free, HypoallergenicCheck Price
Read More Product Reviews On
ReviewThisProducts.com
Or
These are all terrific gifts for households with new puppies. It looks like Watson is getting a good start in his Forever Home with lots of chew toys for teething, plus yummy treats for training rewards. The shampoo and bed and blanket are perfect for puppies' comfort. I can see your puppy is going to be happy with his new family. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredibly thoughtful and thorough list of new puppy gifts, Ms. Mouse! I will definitely bookmark this for future puppy gift giving.
ReplyDelete