Care & Feeding

Care & Feeding

Nutrition

Nutrition is very important to make sure a dog lives the longest, healthiest life possible. I use and strongly recommend pawTree products (Use code Intro4u to save 20% off your first order).

Your dog’s food shouldn’t just help them survive — it should help them thrive! Dogs need quality nutrition to be at their best. We recommend foods that have real meat as the first ingredient; are responsibly sourced; and don’t contain meat by-products, artificial colors or preservatives, added sugar or other sweeteners, corn, wheat, or soy.

Similarly, treats should be made from real meat or offal (animal organs), and shouldn’t contain preservatives or artificial flavors.

Take a look at some of my recommended products below, or shop my store to see all that pawTree has to offer.

Delicious Kibble

I strongly recommend keeping your puppy on PawTree food. This is the kibble that the puppies eat while they’re with me.

Mix it Up

You don’t like to eat the same thing every day, and neither does your dog. Reduce mealtime boredom and add valuable nutrition with these seasonings!

Puppy Pack

All of my recommended products for families taking home a new puppy.

Shop the Store

PawTree offers an amazing variety of food, treats, and toys. Check out the store to see what they have to offer!

Training

Training your puppy is also very important: If you are a new puppy owner or would like a refresher course, I have teamed up with Baxter and Bella. Amy Jensen is the trainer behind Baxter and Bella — she’s a former teacher who has used her lesson planning and instructional skills to develop an amazing program that teaches you how to communicate with, socialize, and train your puppy.

When you sign up for a Baxter & Bella membership, be sure to use the code SARATOGA to save 25% off your lifetime membership.

Lifetime Membership

Baxter and Bella offers a lifetime membership that gives you full access to their training curriculum, plus one-on-one sessions with a trainer. Remember to use the code SARATOGA for 25% off!

Lifetime Membership

Baxter and Bella offers a lifetime membership that gives you full access to their training curriculum, plus one-on-one sessions with a trainer. Remember to use the code SARATOGA for 25% off!

Program Overview

The Baxter and Bella curriculum is comprehensive, easy to follow, and is a great roadmap for teaching your dog great manners and some neat tricks. Check out this program overview to see what’s included.

Program Overview

The Baxter and Bella curriculum is comprehensive, easy to follow, and is a great roadmap for teaching your dog great manners and some neat tricks. Check out this program overview to see what’s included.

Enrichment

Most behavioral problems with puppies boil down to a lack of training, or boredom. Dogs, like people, need mental and physical exercise in order to be their best.

Dogs interact with the world via their mouths, so chew toys are a great way to give them something to do — and something to eat other than your slippers. Puzzles and snuffle mats are also great ways to keep your dog mentally engaged.

Of course, your puppy is happiest when you’re interacting with them. Training time is good bonding, but it’s also nice to have some more relaxed, less structured, play time with your pup. Interactive toys such as ropes (for tug of war) and balls (for fetch) are wonderful tools to help you engage with your dog. Additionally, a regular grooming routine is a great way to not only keep your pup clean, but build a bond with them.

Dogs need more sleep than people do — generally around 12 hours a day. So it’s important that your dog has comfortable, safe places to nap throughout the day. This gives your dog a feeling of security, and lets them rest up so they can be their best once nap time is over.

Check out some of my recommended products for keeping your pet engaged and happy below.

Benebone

A great treat for tough chewers, it has long-lasting flavor, and the shape makes it easy for dogs to pick up and chew.

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are another great, natural, long-lasting chew for your puppy. They make a great treat for crate time!

Dog Bed

In addition to stimulation, dogs need a place to feel safe and relaxed. This bed is great for helping your pooch chill out after a training session or a long walk.

BioSilk for Pets

BioSilk for Pets Therapy Detangling Plus Shine Protecting Mist for Dogs

Comfy Crate

Dogs are den animals, and while a wire crate might not look very inviting to you or me, the small, enclosed space is homey and comforting to your dog. 

Iris Puppy Pen

IRIS USA 4-Panel Pet Playpen with Door, size 35.25”L x 35.25”W x 24”H, White

Home Grooming Set

Doodles need regular grooming to be there healthiest and happiest. Grooming time can also be great bonding time, especially if you start early and make it a positive experience for your pup. 

Dog Blow Dryer

Dog Dryer Pet Hair Blower High Velocity for Grooming, Blow 3800W/5.2HP for Large Dogs with Stepless Adjustable Speed, 4 Different Nozzles and Dog Brush

Kong Chew Toy

The Kong is a classic for a reason. Give your dog something productive to do (instead of chewing on things you don’t want them to). I fill the Kong with squeeze cheese and freeze it, so it becomes a long-lasting and fun distraction for my pups. 

Diggs Revol Crate

Introducing the best crate ever. More comfortable, ergonomic, beautiful, and inviting — it’s Revol. 

Use code Saratoga 25

Snuffel Mat

AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs, Interactive Feed Game for Boredom, Encourages Natural Foraging Skills for Cats and Dogs

Treat Dispenser Toy

Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy, All Breed Sizes (Pack of 1)