The Perfect Gift Basket for the Puppy That Needs Everything & the Dog That Has Everything
By Kathleen Hunter, Freelance writer (as first appeared in FETCH Magazine Winter 2015)

If you’ve never had a puppy you might not be as well versed in the needs of a young, small, rambunctious canine. And if you’re like me and it’s been a few years, you might need a refresher in exactly what puppies need and want.

As a trainer of dogs one of the first things I think about is socialization and comfort with handling by humans. So, along those lines, one option is a gift certificate to Community Bark, a dog washing and grooming facility with both do-it-yourself and full service bathing and grooming options. They also provide nail trims and teeth brushing. All of this is great exposure for times when your pup absolutely needs to be handled like when he sees his veterinarian for well puppy checks.

Now, about that training. A well-behaved pup starts with consistent positive reinforcement training. But, if you have a schedule that does not allow you to do the training as often throughout the day as you’d like, then Central Bark is a good place to start. They provide day care for your pup as well as training while he’s there.

Aside from being the cat’s meow when it comes to cuteness, puppies also love to chew, chew, chew. This is why you’ll want a plethora of chew toys to help your puppy learn proper chewing etiquette. So he knows chewing on furniture and shoes is not okay. At the larger chain pet stores you can find stuffies on sale in the bargain bins. Or Mac’s Pet Depot Barkery in Bay View has a wonderful assortment of toys and chewing apparatuses for everyday use and each deserving pup. Also, basic tennis balls are great for chewing on, especially if you are not fond of the squeaky noise. However, keep an eye on your pup so he does not digest any toy parts. Otherwise, you might be making a visit to the vet sooner than anticipated. For training you’ll want high value treats that are soft and chewy and in small pieces like Zuke’s Mini Naturals Pumpkin Patch. The baby chew toys that you can freeze are perfect for when your puppy is teething. Those can be found in the baby aisle at your local grocery store for example.

Don't forget the tag and collar you’ll need for that new addition to your pack. WowieGoods makes a beautiful hand-stamped personalized tag and Shine For Dogs has collars that light up so you’ll never lose that curious creature in your yard at night (not to mention - part of the proceeds for this shining purchase will go to a rescue).

Now, on both ends of the spectrum, what to get for that brand new pup or your beloved companion entering into his golden years. If he’s a senior, he’s probably chewed every toy imaginable and is tired of the entire fetch game. Perhaps, the owner of the senior dog in your life has always wanted a professional photo. In-Focus Photography in St. Francis is a great place to capture those endearing moments.

The more senior dog is more likely to have limited mobility and range of motion and a little more fragile in general. A Kuranda bed is great for a variety of reasons namely it provides orthopedic support. It is also great for a dog that might have developed allergies over the years because allergens do not harbor in the materials, the cover is washable and all parts are easy to clean.

Just because your pup is in the senior category does not mean he wants to be a couch potato. There are many unique toys that will allow him to feel like a puppy again. A few of my favorites are the Eco Owl Buddy from Honest Pet Buddy. An added bonus is that by purchasing from Honest Pet you are also helping individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities in Green Bay who make other wool dog toys. Another favorite of mine is the Bird Ball. This toy has a whistle that blows when you throw it which gives a dog with poor eyesight the opportunity to still enjoy playing fetch.

A third favorite is the Hurley Dog Bone. It’s made of a sturdy rubber which is easier on senior teeth that are more prone to chips and breaks but allows your dog the satisfaction of chew, chew, chewing, just like when he was a youngun’.
Happy Shopping!

        


    

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