Practical gifts for dog lovers are welcome any time of year. The holidays provide the ideal time to spread joy to everyone, including you, your friends, and their pets. Fortunately, there is no shortage of top-quality dog gear and canine-themed accessories that are must-haves for new pet owners.
The holidays are also a popular time of year to introduce a new furry friend into the household. There is nothing more exciting than introducing a new puppy into the home. Owning a pet melts your heart with future thoughts of nothing more than love, fun, and playtime. They provide a welcome incentive to exercise, give companionship, and offer a focus for family affection. Nonetheless, just like a toddler, taking care of a puppy demands patience as they need guidance, maintenance, and attention as they grow.
Best Practical Gift Ideas For New Pet Owners
New pet owners are required to teach how to behave while inside or outside the house. Having said that, why not treat yourself or a new dog owner friend or family member to a gift that will make things much more comfortable? Well, besides appreciating the present, they will find it extremely useful.
When it comes to buying gifts for canines, it’s essential to be extra cautious. As a precaution, make sure the gift you purchase is safe for the pup or older dog alike to use and will not lead to any dangers. Now, to assist, we’ve come up with a detailed gift guide with what you need for a puppy. Read on to find out more!
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days
Yes, if it’s the first time bringing a new dog home or raising a puppy, they will undoubtedly require some guidance. Provided you do it correctly, training a pup to behave in the desired way is pretty straightforward. Training is essential for a puppy and its owner.
Just like humans, a pup can get irritated or confused during that time of early essential learning. A book that explains what to do when you get a new dog is a perfect gift for new puppy owners. Perfect Puppy in 7 Days incorporates a complimentary reinforcement program that rewards the best behavior and inspires them to repeat.
Furrybaby Premium Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket
It’s lovely to receive a fluffy fleece dog blanket for a puppy to sleep on. The blanket not only keeps it warm but also helps it feel secure, comfortable, and safe. Additionally, to make your dog crate more inviting and appealing, consider placing the fluffy blanket inside.
Also, you can lay the blanket over your furniture to protect it against dog hairs and chewing. Therefore, having this dog blanket at your disposal will do wonders since it’s super soft, and the puppy will love how fluffy, cozy, and warm it feels.
Life Stages LS-1648DD Double Door Folding Crate
For you to welcome a new dog in the best way possible, it’s essential to eliminate the potential fear, stress, and anxiety that comes with a different setting. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a private and safe space for the dog to get peace and much-needed comfort.
You can achieve this harmony by acquiring a dog crate. Most puppies will grow to love this crate, mainly when you include a soft blanket for them to lay on. Additionally, these crates come in handy when it comes to in-house dog training.
Since they’ll be hesitant to poop and pee in the den where they sleep, you’ll have an easy time teaching them when and where they’re permitted to go. The best thing about these crates is that they’re available in many sizes to suit the size of your canine.
Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate with Small Pet Door
Another fantastic gift to give new dog owners is a pet gate. It quickly stops pets from accessing a restricted part of the house. For example, you can place them on specific doorways to prevent the dogs from accessing particular rooms. Well, this is very beneficial, especially if you’ve to leave the puppy at home alone.
Compared to a closed door, a pet dog is much better as it offers the dog more natural light and a feeling of freedom. With this, the pet will not feel isolated. Besides, you can place them on stairways to prevent the dog from going up and down. At the end of the day, you prevent potential accidents.
The North States Mypet Petyard Passage
Dog crates are ideal for training them not to litter the house and offer them a comfy and safe place to retreat. Nonetheless, as they grow, you need to provide them with a prominent and safe place to play in and explore.
It’s dangerous to give your puppies access to the entire house. Besides causing damage to your valuables, they may hurt themselves. Therefore, getting a Petyard Passage for a new puppy owner as a gift is fantastic.
With this, it will be easy for them to design a restricted space for dogs to explore and play safely without harming themselves or even valuables. One thing you’ll love about this item is that it comes with eight interlocking gates to make it easy for you to design a sufficiently large play area.
Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator
If you’re preparing to bring home a puppy, it’s worth noting that keeping it in your house may lead to stinky odors that stay even after a thorough cleaning. Therefore, a practically useful gift idea for a new puppy owner is giving them an advanced stain and odor eliminator such as this one from Nature Miracle.
Well, this odor eliminator incorporates enzymatic formula that, besides eliminating the stains, clears the odors. Even with their sharp senses, the dogs will not smell the aromas.
KONG Natural Teething Rubber
It’s quite common for puppies to chew on things as a natural way of exploring a new setting. Generally, this chewing keeps them occupied and helps them relax and eliminate feelings of boredom, fear, and anxiety.
Also, it’s an ideal tool for their teething pains. Chewing is what a new puppy does best! By buying a teething rubber, you’ll end up reducing the chances of the puppy chewing the furniture, shoes, and pillows. So, consider getting this gift for all pet lovers.
RUFFWEAR – Slackline Leash
After you get your puppy, it’s essential to help it learn how to behave whenever you take it outdoors for walks. Since the outdoor world has potential threats like traffic, bigger dogs, and wander potential, keeping him on a leash is essential.
It would be wise to practice the art of walking beside you. Also, it would help if you teach against reacting to all things that might provoke a reaction. For this to happen, consider getting a short, strongly made, and non-retractable leash. The benefit of having a short leash is that it offers you great control and trains your pup not to strain or pull but walk side by side.
ZippyPaws – Woodland Friends Burrow
As puppies grow and develop, they need a lot of mental stimulation. Thus, another critical gift is to give them an interactive puzzle toy. With this toy, your canine will be busy and engaged, and in the process, develop its mental health.
The only drawback is that puppies have minimal attention spans. To help mitigate, try a puzzle toy that appeals to them and keeps them attentive. Generally, this toy has proved to be beneficial. ZippyPaws dog toy comes with three squirrel toys that screech when chewed.
Aspen Pet Self Warming Beds
It’s recommended for the puppies to stay healthy and warm to feel safe. Now, if you’ve separated him from his mother and siblings at a young age, ensure you create a perfect setting where he can stay warm. You can achieve this by blocking out all the drafts and keep the room at the ideal temperature.
Currently, one of the best ways to keep it warm is buying a warm bed or blanket to lie on. Now, a gift that will keep your friend’s dogs warm is Aspen pet self-warming beds. It’s merely a comfy and soft faux lambswool dog bed that keeps your puppy warm and cozy.
Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Dog Treats
When training a dog, it’s essential to let him recognize when he’s doing it appropriately. Now, the best way to let him know is to reward him with a small treat every time it follows or behaves accordingly. Keep in mind that you strengthen the rewarded behavior in their minds, and you will need to repeat directions firmly.
Thus, all dog owners training their puppies will need to have treats to motivate them. Zuke’s puppy naturals dog treats are soft, healthy, chewy, and tasty. Also, they’re ideal for puppies to be able to digest, handle, and enjoy.
All of you want a puppy to be comfy and safe as you drive around in town. Since accidents can occur and you don’t want the puppy to get hurt, you need to make sure it travels in a pet crate or bed.
Besides, consider strapping the bed or crate into the car’s seat belts to keep it attached in case of an unforeseen accident. Here is where Sleepypod mobile pet bed comes in handy as you can easily strap it to seat belts.
Things to Prepare for a Puppy Arrival
I got a puppy now what next? Well, it’s advisable to know how to prepare for a puppy before bringing it to your home. The first day is vital, and it needs to be seamless for the entire family. It’s common for the new puppy to be both excitable and nervous, and you’ll need to assure it some comfort.
There’re several things to do before you get a puppy to your house. In this section, we’ve summarized a comprehensive dog to-do list regarding the things you need to do before arrival.
Prepare Your Family About their New Tasks
Before introducing a pet, it’s essential to decide who’s in charge of the new puppy. Besides the puppy needing someone to feed, walk, or even play with, he’ll require acceptance and love from all the family members. So, it’s vital to ensure that everybody is on board with your ideas.
Buy all the Needed Stuff
What you buy before bringing a new dog home determines how safe, secure, and comfy he feels during his first few days. Thus, shop for the few things that your dog might need initially. Some of these items include food, treats, bowls, leash & collar, a bed, toys, etc.
Look for a new Veterinarian.
Look for a vet in your locality to make it easy for you to take the puppy for vaccines and annual check-ups. Also, it’s essential to find the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital. Yes, that’s how to be ready for a puppy arrival.
Get the Dog Certifications
It cannot be easy to get as many vet certifications as possible for the dog if you’re getting it from a shelter. However, it would be wise for you to check the vaccines administered and the ones yet to be issued. So, try to evaluate the last time the dog received heartworm or flea treatment.
Puppy-proof the House
All dogs react differently to new settings. So, there’re a couple of things you need to do to prepare the house and make it safe for the dog’s arrival. For instance, make sure there’re no loose electricals, transfer chemicals to unreachable shelves and make sure there’s nothing on the floor that can easily choke the dog.
Bringing A New Dog Home
Ensure the Dog is Comfy and has Time to Adjust
It’s essential to bring a new dog during the weekends or on another day when you’re not destined to leave the house for an extended period. When transporting a new dog home, ensure it’s safely secured in a doggy crate or seatbelt.
Show the Dog the Potty’s Location
Almost immediately after bringing the dog home, take it to the place where it will be peeing and pooping. So, if it’s in a garden, let it sniff around and become comfortable with the environment.
Balance Love and Space
The worst thing you can do to a puppy on the first day is to overwhelm him. Although you can’t ignore him completely, make sure you balance the cuddles with some space. For instance, if you have young children, remind them to be slow and gentle with the puppy.
What to Expect When You Bring Home a Puppy for The First Time
The Puppy Will be Timid, Scared, and Quiet
Taking the puppy from his usual environment, siblings or mother is a distressing event. So, expect your puppy to be nervous, cuddly, and quiet when you get home. It’s thus essential to let him adjust to the new home and pack leader first.
He May Not Want To Eat Right Away
Whether you acquired the puppy from a breeder or pet store, ensure you inquire about the type of food it has been taking. Reputable breeders and shelters will give you food suggestions. This way, he’ll receive familiar foods. As a precaution, you should avoid feeding your preferred choice right away.
A Puppy Doesn’t Automatically Recognize What’s Expected of Him.
As a puppy owner, you perhaps recognize that you want it to go to the destined bathroom, avoid barking unnecessarily, walk appropriately on a leash, do what you want it to do, and avoid biting people or other dogs.
On the other hand, the puppies aren’t aware of these things unless you show or tell them. Also, it would help if you strengthened their good behavior as you correct the undesirable behavior.
Remember He Can’t Learn Overnight.
Training a dog is an arduous and long journey. When it comes to learning success, your siblings, parents, and other people in the home becomes handy. Yes, a dog will not just get it at the first attempt, and you shouldn’t expect it.
So, for the most pleasing results, ensure you are patient with his requirements. Also, be calm and consistent with your corrections and be constant with your praises. This way, your puppy will grow into a respectful and well-behaved dog.
Final Words
Although pups are loveable, raising, and training them as they grow can be quite tricky. Anyone will highly appreciate any form of gift that reduces the burden for new puppy owners. The gift ideas described above go a long way in making a new pet’s life plus their owners much more manageable.
