We recently brought home a puppy and immediately started buying puppy
appropriate gifts for the little fellow.
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 Review Outward Hound by Dogwood Jack Durable Dog Chew Toy, Bacon Scent, LargeCheck Price Petstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs - for Teething Puppies - Freezable for Added ReliefCheck Price KONG 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 Review PureBites Beef Liver for Dogs, 8.8oz / 250g - Value SizeCheck Price Christmas Blanket Holiday Fleece Throw Blanket for Couch/SofaCheck Price Quaker 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 Review Comfort Expression Orthopedic Dog Bed for Extra Large Dogs 45x35 Inch, Waterproof Egg Crate FoamCheck Price HerCcreta wigge Dog Ramp for Car 63Check Price Johnson's Head-to-Toe Gentle Tear-Free Baby & Newborn Wash & Shampoo, Sulfate-, Paraben- Phthalate- & Dye-Free, HypoallergenicCheck Price
Or
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