Winter Survival Kit

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I love Minnesota, our state has so much to offer. But in January and February I start to get a little tired of the cold weather and the snow.   Our groomer Jessica helped me pick out a few things to help keep your pooch comfortable and healthy in these harsh winter months.

Winter can be very drying on our skin, and our dogs. Detanglers help moisturize their coat and ease brushing out snarls and keep static in check. Jessica's favorite is Pet Head's Fur Ball, I really like HappyTails Rough to Smooth and recommend FURminator's deTangling spray as well. To protect sensitive paw pads from ice, slush and salt use a foot protectant. Musher's Secret is an amazing product. It is all natural, dense wax that is also breathable. It is used by professional mushers in the most extreme conditions and does great for our city dogs paws! We also have a few other paw rubs made by Cain & Abel and HappyTails but all of them are safe if your dog decides to lick them off. FurButter is an intense coat conditioner for when your dog's coat gets very dry or damaged.

We have a huge selection of sweaters and jackets for dogs. RuffWear makes some of the warmest and sturdiest jackets. Their Climate Changer is made of the softest polar fleece to keep your dog warm in dry conditions but when it is raining, snowing or sleeting the K-9 Overcoat is the way to go. It is wind and water resistant with a fleece lining and tough polyester shell to keep body heat in and the weather out. All of RuffWear's jackets have hidden but easy to use buckles, snugly lined zippers and integrated reflective piping to increase visibility.

Here's wishing you and your best buddy a warm and safe winter!

Random Acts of Bubbly

Minneapolis dog groomer giving back

When we first opened our first Bubbly Paws location, we always wanted to be much more than just a business.  We wanted to give back to the pet community community in which we are located.  Over the years we have done this in various ways from donations, silent auction items, fundraisers, sponsorships and more!  I am happy to announce that in 2014 we donated over $10,000 in goods, services and money to local pet rescues and shelters in the Twin Cities!

We want to do even more good and help even more people in the community!  This year we are kicking off our "Random Acts of Bubbly" campaign.  Throughout the year we will be helping out local rescues and shelters!  If you have any ideas on how we can help, feel free to contact me!  Because we are a small business, we can't handle every request we get, but we will try!

As a small business owner, one of the greatest joys is giving back and helping those in need!  Make sure to keep an eye on our facebook page and our blog to see what we have been up to!

In addition to the Bubbly Paws crew giving back, we strongly encourage all of our customers to create their own "Random Acts of Bubbly".  Let us know what you have done to help out in the Twin Cities, use #bubblypaws or share it on our Facebook page!

Our first "Random acts of Bubbly" is going to take place this week!  I will give you all the details soon!

Keith

Holiday Hours

Happy Holidays from Bubbly Paws

Holiday Dog Wash Hours: Christmas Eve - 10am-5pm (last bath starts at 4pm) Christmas Day - Closed New Year's Eve - 10am-5pm (last bath starts at 4pm) New Year's Day - Closed

Have a safe and happy holiday season!  Thanks for all of your love and support in 2014!

Daylight Savings and the Joys of Fall

I took Nova on a walk to enjoy a lovely day on Lake Nokomis.

This fall has been one of the most enjoyable I can remember. The mild temperatures and stunning fall colors have made the Twin Cities a wonderful playground for pups and their people! We had an amazing turn out for Woof N Treat and raised so much money for Pet Project Rescue! The busy fall season is winding down but not before our Daylight Savings Spectacular and now is the perfect time to get ready for the inevitable arrival of winter.

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I hope you will join us Sunday November 2nd for our Trim-a-Palooza. Every year on the days after daylight savings begins and ends we do a walk-in trim event. We offer half-price nail treatments and $5 face, sani or foot trims. If your pup need a few areas trimmed or just a good nail grind it is the perfect time to get that taken care of. We have a ton of fun and stay very busy so there may be a short wait but we always are able to accommodate everyone who shows up. Stop in between 10am and 4pm at either Bubbly Paws location to take advantage of this awesome deal!

While we might like getting an extra hour of daylight in the morning next week it is important to remember to be safe for evening walks with your dog. It becomes increasingly difficult for drivers to see pedestrians during the dark after work and evening hours. Please be safe by wearing reflective gear or lights while you walk your dog and avoid using your phone so you can keep eyes out for drivers. If you need reflective gear for your dog ask a staff member at Bubbly Paws: we have a wide variety of reflective collars and leads to help keep you and your buddy safe and visible.

Here is a tick found just this week by one of our groomers.

I have loved this mild weather but there is one concern I need to share: pests! Because of the warmer temperatures ticks and fleas are still active. Please use flea and tick preventative for the months of October and November, some vets recommend using it year round. Our groomers have found a few ticks in the last two weeks so protect yourself and your dog!

I hope to see a ton of my bubbly friends Sunday for our special! Get prepared for winter with a nice trim and new reflective gear to keep comfortable and safe. All our best from our pups to you and yours!

Trim-a-Palooza

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Help celebrate the time change this Sunday at both Bubbly Paws locations from 10am-4pm with 1/2 price savings on the following services: $5 Nail Trims $5 Face Trims $5 Foot Trims $5 Sani Trims $7.50 Nail Grinds

Appointments are first come, first served. We get pretty busy, please plan to wait a few minutes. Paw points are NOT given out for discounted services.

Mallory's Pumpkin Spice Latte Ratings

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It's no secret that Bubbly Paws employees LOVE their coffee!  This week, we gave Mallory, our dog groomer at our Saint Paul store the tough task of finding the "Best Pumpkin Spice Latte" on Grand Ave.  We know there are lots of coffee options on Grand Ave, so we tried the locations within 3 blocks of our store.  Here are Mallory's results...  

Starbucks - It was ok, a little too spicy and not enough pumpkin flavor.

Caribou - Good pumpkin flavor but a little too sweet.

Chez Arnoud - It was just right... The perfect mix of pumpkin and spice... Just like a pumpkin pie!

Bread and Chocolate - Does not have a Pumpkin Spice Latte ;(

As the Pumpkin Spice Latte season continues, we will update this list as Mallory gets her coffee fixxxxxxxxxx!!

Paws on Grand / FOX 9

Todd Walker from FOX 9 stopped out to our Saint Paul dog wash to promote Paws on Grand.  

Paws on Grand / Bubbly Paws/ FOX 9 - 9am from keithppp on Vimeo.

Flexi Leash Dangers

Flexi Leash law in Minneapolis

Every now and then we have a customer ask "Why don't you carry Flexi or retractable leashes at Bubbly Paws?".  We don't carry these types of leashes for many reasons; one of which is that I have seen too many injuries and incidents related to these types of leashes.

If you do use a Flexi Leash, please make sure to lock the leash at about 3 feet long when stopping into Bubbly Paws or other businesses to make sure your dog is easily controlled.  Most cities including Minneapolis, Edina, Saint Paul, and Bloomington all have regulations saying the leash can't be longer than 6 feet.  Just because your dog is friendly to other dogs and loves to run up and greet them, does not all dogs enjoy dogs running up to them.  Always ask dog owners first before the dog runs up.  Also, be very careful of getting burned by the Flexi Leash, I have a leash burn on my leg from a dog that was running into our doggy daycare on an unlocked leash.  If you are looking for some great alternatives to flexi leashes, we have some great selections at Bubbly Paws.  Do a quick image search on Google for "Flexi Leash Injury" and you will see the possible harm that can come to humans and dogs from these leashes.  Below is a great article from the Dogginton Post about the Dangers of Flexi Leashes and how to use them responsibly.

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Flexi Leash Dangers

One of the most popular devices used to restrain dogs when taking them out for a walk is the retractable leash. Many owners, however, wonder if such a leash is appropriate or even safe to use. Well, the answer generally depends on a person’s reason for using the device. While there are several ways to utilize the retractable leash properly, it is important to remember that they also pose some danger to you and your dog if not used correctly.

Before using a retractable leash, make certain you’ve got one that’s strong enough to handle your dog. Dogs that have a tendency to bolt or take off running after perceived prey should never be restrained with a retractable leash. Aside from those dangers, there are other things to keep in mind when using one of these popular leashes.

What You Need to Watch Out For

· Prickling leash burns. Retractable leashes, especially the thin string variety, can very easily cause leash burns. This could happen when you let your pooch race past you with the retractable line zipped up across your bare skin. Unwarranted injuries, however, can be prevented if you try the flat, tape style retractable leash. · Entanglement or strangulation. Not only can retractable leashes burn us, they can also get twisted around a dog’s neck or legs. Worse, if your pooch panics and jerks the moment they get hog-tied; it could cause the leash to pull even tighter. Although you can loosen the cords that have wrapped around his neck, the situation could quickly become life-threatening. · Fatal accidents. There are times when our dogs dart away all of a sudden, and with a retractable leash on him, your dog might dart even farther, faster. Nevertheless, it’s the reeling that’s a serious issue here. It is possible that Fido may spot a squirrel or anything interesting across the street, and suddenly take off after it. If you’re not alert enough, his abrupt behavior and an un-sturdy retractable leash could put him smack on the road, right in front of a speeding car.

Other Things You Would Never Want to Happen

· The leash drops. Because these leashes rarely have a wrist strap and are sometimes heavy and bulky, dropping them is a regular occurrence. What’s worse, if you drop the handle, the lack of tension can send the heavy handle hurdling toward your dog. Not only could the heavy leash handle smack your dog in the head, if your dog is spooked by the leash handle zipping deafeningly toward him, he may take off running. · The cord is grabbed. If you grab the cord/tape while it is being pulled from the handle, you might suffer from immediate injury like cuts and burns. · The cord wraps around you. Poor handling can also cause the cord/tape to twist around you or someone else’s fingers resulting in deep wounds, or worse, amputation. · The collar breaks or comes off your dog. The moment this occurs, the leash could retract at top speed while the other end of the line whips around at the same full momentum leading to serious injuries to face, teeth, and eyes.

Paws on Grand - 2014

Paws on Grand - Saint Paul,mn

Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and Spa is excited to present Paws on Grand on Sunday, August 3rd from 11am-4pm on Grand Ave in Saint Paul.  Walk down historic Grand Ave with your pooch for lots of fun activities to benefit The Pet Project.  While you are at this awesome event, make sure to stop out at Bubbly Paws, we have teamed up with Hero Mutts and Modern Life Photo for a dogtastic photo booth and so much more.  $5 from every self-service bath during Paws on Grand will be donated to The Pet Project.  For more information on Paws on Grand, click here.

Why you need an hour to bathe your dog

Dogs that are large and fluffy like Elpha may take more than an hour to wash!

At Bubbly Paws I want customers to get the most out of every visit. In particular for our self-service baths we really want to provide the right environment and materials so you can give your dog a thorough bath. You may know that we ask people doing self-service to come in at least an hour before we close and we do that as part of making sure everyone can get their dog squeaky clean.

When new people come in they sometimes ask if we have a time limit or how long it will take to bathe their dog. We never have a time limit and some dogs take longer than others but I recommend allowing an hour to bathe your dog. This gives you the time you need to brush out your dog before the bath if needed, get them nice and soapy, rinse clean, condition if you’d like and rinse again. You also have plenty of time to dry your dog, clean their ears, brush their teeth and give them a cologne spritz as well. If you need a nail trim or a little advice from our staff we can have the time to help you too. Making sure to use enough shampoo and then rinse it out completely ensures you get your dog really clean and can take a while. So remember to give yourself enough time and make the most out of every trip to our spa!

Last call for self-service baths is 5pm on weekends and 7pm on weekdays. We hope to see you and your pooch soon!

Twin Cities Pride 2014

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Pampered Pooch Playground and Bubbly Paws Dog Wash are excited to take part in the 2014 Twin Cities Pride Festival. Make sure to stop over to our booth for lots of pride related fun including some cool decorating of your pooch (details very soon)!

Pampered Pooch Playground is one of the founding members of the Twin Cities Dog Daycare Association who will be sponsoring the Doggy Drag Show which is hosted by Falen from the Dave Ryan Morning Show on 101.3 KDWB.

The entire Twin Cities Dog Daycare Association (Downtown Dogs, Dog Days, Dog Day Getaway, Camp Bow Wow - Burnsville and Pampered Pooch Playground) will be collaborating with Twin Cities Pride for this outrageously fun event!

The Doggy Drag Show takes place in the Pet Central Section, conveniently located across from the Beer Garden. Come join the fun at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 29th. Registration is day of and will open at 10:00 AM. Entries limited to first 20 registrants.

All participants get a ribbon. For Best in Show, Best Male Cross Dresser, Best Female Cross Dresser there will be amazing prize baskets for the winners!

Just go to a thrift store and let your fun and creativity flow! Thrift stores have wigs, neck ties, nighties and more.

The show is in the Pet Central Green Space. Look for the table and the sign.

Toxic Treats

Keenser and Frank are happy to know that our treats are safe (and delicious)!

There have been reports of toxic dog treats making dogs sick for quite a while. The FDA reports that more than 1,000 dog deaths have been linked to jerky treats made in China. Here at Bubbly Paws we want everyone to be safe and NEVER carry any treats made in China. We try and source all our treats from companies that make them in the USA. We take the time to try all the treats to make sure our pups love them before they hit the shelves. We do have a few bully treats made from grass-fed beef that are produced in South America but we are always vigilant to provide the best and safest (and yummiest!) treats we can find.

If you have questions or concerns about any of our treats please send me an email at lill@bubblypaws.com.

WCCO-TV at Bubbly Paws

WCCO-TV stopped out to Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and Dog Spa to talk about the self-service dog wash business. 5am Segment

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The right time to start grooming your puppy

Coco has been a regular at Bubbly Paws since she was a tiny puppy. When she was ready for her first big grooming she was calm and comfortable allowing Mallory to give her a great cut!

Every dog needs to be groomed, at least a little. We love seeing new puppies (who doesn't?) but it is even better to see young dogs get regular nail trims and baths so they start a lifetime of grooming on the right paw. I often get asked when you should first get your dog groomed and the simplest answer is soon after they have their vaccinations up to date enough to make other trips in public, usually around 10 weeks old. Many dogs do not require regular grooming so as long as bath time and nail trims are done in a positive way a few times during their puppyhood they grow up being calm and comfortable with normal healthy grooming chores. However, if you have a breed that requires grooming it takes a little more planning to make sure your puppy has the best chance at being positively accustomed to grooming.

Breeds that require grooming are anything non-shed, hypoallergenic breeds from Bichons to the biggest doodles. These breeds need to be groomed on a regular schedule for their whole lives. Bubbly Paws offers a great deal with our Puppy Package, for puppies' first groom before they are 6 months old. We offer such a great deal because we believe grooming should be a low stress and fun activity for your dog and the best way to do that is to start early and make the first grooming a good one. In the Puppy Package we get all the good healthy necessities done, like a bath and nail trim and hope to get some more trimming done but we play it by ear. If the puppy is doing great maybe we'll get an all-over haircut done but if the puppy is stressed or too wiggly we focus on using positive reinforcement on calm behaviors and offer breaks for play time and to let out some energy before getting back to business.

Puppy coat is so soft and lovely, it's hard to see it go when they start growing up. You may want to keep your Wheaten terrier's puppy coat until they are 9 months old but it might not be the best thing for your dog. Unless you are brushing your dog thoroughly everyday that puppy coat will matt when the adult coat starts coming in. Nothing is more stressful for your dog and our groomers then having to shave down a matted dog that has never been groomed before and that has all the energy a 9 month to year old dog might have. It's much better to plan regular grooming (even just a bath and brush out or a little trim) every month or two and part of everyday to brush your dog. By preventing tangled fur you can prevent your dog from having to be shaved and keep that soft puppy fluff as long as possible.

Shadow had his puppy's first groom at 4 months old and was so well-behaved Jessica was able to give him an all over trim!

We work hard everyday to make grooming fun and we (and your puppy) hope you do too!  Grooming is offered daily at both our locations.

We're Turning 3!

Minneapolis Dog Wash

We want to thank all of our wonderful customers for 3 years of business and voting us "Best Groomer" and "Best Customer Service" at our Excelsior and Grand location in St Louis Park.  Join us this Saturday from 10-6 for a special celebration! We will have refreshments, custom cupcakes from Sweet Retreat (while they last), and treats for our 4 legged friends!  Anyone that stops in will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bubbly Paws (if you can't make it in, make sure to visit our Facebook Page on Saturday for another chance to win).

All our retail items will be 15% off this Saturday!

Thanks for helping us to become the premier dog spa in the Twin Cities, we could never have achieved this without our great customers!!

(This event is only taking place at our St Louis Park location!  We will do something special for our 1 year anniversary for our St Paul store in August).

Muddy Mutt Contest

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Now through Sunday, April 20th, we are searching for the muddiest dogs in the Twin Cities.  Simply upload a picture of your dirty dog to our Facebook fan page, or use #bubblypaws on Instagram.  We will pick one lucky dog to win the grand prize: a free self service bath at Bubbly Paws and a photo shoot with Eva Noth Photography!  This prize package has a value of $250! And now... The rules

- The Bubbly Paws staff will be judging the pictures and looking for the dirtiest dogs in the Twin Cities.  Have fun and get creative, we know there are lots of dirty dogs out there!  Extra points are given if your dog is at Bubbly Paws, heck we will even take the picture for you on your phone!

- Photos must be uploaded to the Bubbly Paws Facebook Page or use #bubblypaws on Instagram.

- The photo has to have been taken this spring.

- You must be a resident of the Twin Cities.

- One entry per person.

- We might re-post the entries that have been submitted, or your pooch might be used for promotional purposes by Bubbly Paws or Eva Noth Photography.

- Decision of the Bubbly Paws judges is final.

Flea and Tick Season is Coming

Don't let these creeps make a meal out of your pooch!

It's no secret I'm not a fan of winter. I don't like the cold, snow, ice or any of it except that we get a break from the pesky insects Minnesota is known for. It may not feel like spring is really here yet, but the temperatures have warmed up enough that it is time to prepare for flea and tick season. The increased temperatures mean all the creepy crawlies are coming back and it's better to be ahead of the game. Fleas can cause skin irritation, flea dermatitis and spread tapeworms in addition to being a major discomfort to you and your pet.   Ticks can spread over a dozen diseases and can also cause infection at the bite site. Like most health and wellness concerns for our pets (and us) prevention is the best medicine. There are so many great preventatives on the market. Talk to your vet to find the best option for your dog and start it when they recommend (usually April or May in Minnesota though some vets recommend using a parasite preventative year round).

These are the types of ticks you may find on your dog.

Once your dog is on flea and tick preventative medicine check regularly as your pet can pick up pests before they are killed. Fleas can be caught from wild animals or eggs laid in the environment (even your backyard). Ticks are often found in long grass and wooded areas, although I know many dogs that have picked them up at local dog parks. Regular bathing and grooming your dog is a great way to get a look through their coat for any unwelcome pests.

The life cycle of the common dog and cat flea.

Bubbly Paws is a flea and tick free zone so make sure you are covered before coming in. If we find fleas on your dog we will ask that you take your dog home ASAP. If there is a tick on your dog let us know and a Bubbly Paws team member can remove it, dispose of it properly and clean the bite area. Stay protected with good prevention and enjoy a summer free of worry about pests on your pet!

Top 5 Tips for Taking Better Pictures of your Dog in the Tub

A special guest blog post from Eva Noth Photography.  For more pictures from this photo shoot, you can visit our Facebook Page! Towels?  Check.  Shampoo?  Check.  Camera?  Wait, what's that for?

Bath days at Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and Grooming can be fun and fresh smelling days around our house.  After all, who doesn't love a sudsy pup - and all while not having to break your back or do all the clean up?  Which leads me to the camera - none of us can resist taking a cute picture of a dog especially at bath time, and with portable cameras on our smart phones, we never have to miss an opportunity, even at the dog wash!  Want a little help to avoid the drowned rat look with green demon eyes in your next photos?  Here are my top 5 tips for taking better pictures of your dog in the tub:

Tip 1.  Treats and Toys

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Bath time can be a scary or unhappy time for some dogs, no matter how cutely miserable they look!  Using treats and toys to bring out that happy pup smile can really make a difference in your pictures.  Bubbly Paws has an amazing selection of delicious and fun treats and toys that can make bath time a reward and get those ears to perk up in the tub - and only an arm's stretch away!

Tip 2.  Get Down on their Level

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Nothing is more interesting than seeing the world the way your pet does.  Try crouching down or putting the camera near their face on the edge of the tub to capture them from a new or silly angle.  You will be amazed how different the world and bath time looks from down there!

Tip 3.  Avoid the Drowned Rat

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Some dogs just don't look good soaking wet, in fact, they resemble that "drowned rat" rather than a dog (What happened to that cute fluffy dog I brought in???).  If you want to do some photos in the bright and fun colored tubs at Bubbly Paws, try to take your pictures while your dog is sudsy but not soaking wet.  Another tip, leave its head dry until you are done with photos - nothing says adorable like a big fluffy head and sudsy skinny body!

Tip 4.  Turn Off Your Flash

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The auto function on our cameras makes taking pictures easy, but it also can cause some pretty freaky looking pet pictures.  By turning off your flash, you avoid the notorious "demon green eyes" that make your photos turn out wrong.  A bonus to this technique: many pets are scared by flashes so this makes having a picture taken less stressful!

Tip 5.  Have Fun!

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Animals pick up on our moods much better than other humans and can sense when we are angry, stressed, sad, or frustrated.  Don't try to force your animal to be what they aren't (ex. If your dog hates bath time, don't get mad when they perpetually express their stress by panting when you wanted a closed mouth picture) as you will both become stressed and frustrated.  Allow you and your pet to relax and have fun instead.  Dance to the fun music at the shop and enjoy your fresh smelling pooch!  After all, bath time with your pet should make you happy, not frustrated.

I hope you enjoyed the tips and will be trying some photos in the tub next time you visit Bubbly Paws!  If you have any more questions or want to book a pet photography session please contact me at info@evanothphotography.com or check out my website at www.evanothphotography.com.

Spring Forward Special

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Every year when daylight savings ends we have a fun day of walk-in trims and savings on nail treatments. I am especially excited to have our St Paul store get in on the action this year! It's always a blast and we get to see so many of our friends get tidied up just in time for the weather to warm up. It's really nice to have your dog's feet in particular cleaned up this time of year; whether it's just a nail grind or your pup needs a paw trim and winter paw treatment, these little things go a long way to help your dog's feet stay clean and comfortable.

Stop in to either store Sunday March 9th between 10am and 4pm and get sanitary, foot and face trims for $5 each. Nail trims and nail grinds are 50% off ($5 nail trims and $7.50 nail grinds). Winter paw treatment is still available too! No appointments needed but give yourself a little time as there can be a wait. Self-service baths are available as usual until 5pm. We hope to see you and your best buddy there!

Dog Shower Gifts

Goodies before getting wrapped up in a gift bag!

Here at Bubbly Paws we consider our dogs a part of our family and we know our customers feel the same way. We go above and beyond to give your pooch the best possible care during the self- or full-service grooming because family members deserve to be treated as such. I know a lot of my friends are dog people and a lot of the dog people I have met through Bubbly Paws have become friends. When my friends adopt a new dog I feel like my family grows a little and like a baby shower I like to give my friends new dog gifts. A close friend recently adopted a puppy and since it is her first dog I wanted to make an extra special gift bag for her. Here are a few of the essentials for a new puppy I got together for her:

Poop Bags! If you work with dogs you see a good deal of dog poop and learn the best way to clean it up. Of all the baggies I've come across these are the best! They are biodegradable, easy to open, plenty big and strong. I have never had one rip or fail and I really like the ones with handles for easy tying.

Treats! New additions of the four legged kind can always use some training to get used to being in a new family, even when adopting an older dog. I love small wet treats for training that are easy to eat and the right size that you don't feel bad giving them a handful during a training session.

Chew toys! Puppies in particular need to keep their mouths busy with appropriate toys so they don't destroy shoes or other things. I love toys that are tough and have a place to stuff in a treat. This provides excellent entertainment for a dog while teaching them what they are supposed to chew on.

Antler chews! These have gained a ton of popularity recently. Antler chews are good for sensitive stomachs, last a long time and great for dental health. I think they can be used to help crate train a dog by giving them something safe and engaging to enjoy while kenneled.

My friend happens to be a fan of micro-brewed beer so I made this gift beer themed with some treats and a bottle of dog beer. A nice Bubbly Paws gift card is the final touch for a perfect new puppy gift! I hope she and the puppy enjoy all their goodies!