What Is a Good Gift for a New Puppy?

Whether you need a gift for a friend who just got a new puppy or a gift for your own pup, there are many great gifts to consider. New puppy gifts help the puppy's development, entertain him and add to the excitement about having a new furry family member. When choosing a new puppy gift, it's always good to consider how you could make a gift more personal or unique, as dog bowls and leashes are quite cliche, and frankly, boring. You want something more personal and exciting to commemorate the occasion.

  1. Puppy Toys

    • All puppies love playing, and just like children, playing with toys helps their development and construction of their surroundings. Rope toys knotted at both ends make good gifts because the puppy can chew and shake it, which are both natural movements for dogs. Squeaky toys also make good gifts, but be careful not to buy one that is too high pitched or loud.

    Training

    • Proper training is an important part of getting a new puppy. The earlier you begin training your dog, the more it will be able to learn and internalize instructions and commands. You could purchase a book on do-it-yourself training, or enroll yourself or your friend in a training class with a teacher who will guide you through training your puppy. If you or your friend is too busy, purchase a weekend "boot camp" for the puppy. In this case, search for a boot camp with a good reputation and ask for references.

    Homemade Dog Treats

    • Find a recipe for homemade dog treats and make them. Check to see if you have a dog bakery nearby. Store-bought dog treats are made with machines and questionable ingredients, while homemade treats are handmade and baked with ingredients you wouldn't mind having in your kitchen. Moreover, you can personalize homemade treats using cookie cutters or even icing, depending on the recipe.

    Paw Print Kit

    • A paw print kit allows you to print a new puppy's paws as a keepsake. You can paint the print if you'd like and write the puppy's name on it, and even put it on your wall. When the puppy is older, you can reminisce on the tininess of its paws when it was a pup and reflect on how much it's grown.

    Breed Book

    • A breed book is an informative book that describes the breed's habits, possible allergies and ailments, temperament, what to expect as the dog grows and instructions for proper care. Instructions for proper care may include anything from recommended walking schedules to methods and schedules for bathing the dog. It will not only excite the puppy owner, but also be a useful resource she will need for caring for the puppy, and it will reduce the stress looking after a new dog. Breed books have pictures of dogs that celebrate the breed and give the dog owner a sense of pride in her dog's breed.