Chuckit! Jr. Ball Launcher ($9.99) is a great way to run your dog ragged without running you ragged, too. I must admit I have a terrible throw, so I also love that I can throw the ball a good distance when I use the Chuckit! Launcher.

We actually have the adult size, but I prefer the Jr. version for myself. I find the Jr. can fit in a nice tote bag, whereas the adult version is too lengthy to do so. If you’re going to the dog park, you’ll be just fine with the adult version, though! Jr. is just a little more convenient for my lifestyle.

The Chuckit! Launcher holds your average tennis ball, and it does come with an official Chuckit! tennis ball. Knowing how gross tennis balls can get while playing on the lawn, I picked up Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy ($7.99) to go with the Launcher. The Ultra Ball is a much stronger rubber ball that can take a lot more abuse (aka chewing) and doesn’t grab as much dirt. They’re also easy to wash off if they get muddy. The package comes with two, and we’ve been on our first for a year now.

Mellan LOVES this toy. He gets excited whenever we grab the Launcher to take with us on a walk, because he knows what’s coming his way. I’m pretty sure he’s happier with my aided throw than my old stone’s throw away tosses!

If you know you’re going to be getting a puppy, shopping for its needs before you bring him into your home is the ideal situation.  However, I know that for many of us, this is not what happens.  Nevertheless, there are some products you definitely need to pick up for your pup’s first night home.  Here are Magellan’s picks:

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