We’ve had a hound dog for years and, with a new home, decided it was time for a second furry family member. We decided on Max, a 70-pound German shepherd/hound mix. We were seemingly seasoned pet owners and confidently walked into this decision with delight. We forgot there’s a learning curve. This Ultimate 6er is for new pet owners and those who discover their pets have a burgeoning affinity for chewing the couch or those of us who just love their dogs.

Old Brown Dog | Smuttynose Brewing Company

ABV: 6.5%

You’re excited! He’s coming home! You want to be cute and surprise your significant other with a themed beer. This is a perfect choice. It’s an American Brown Ale, found year round, and has netted acclaim since its introduction in 1988. It has a caramel and malt flavor profile and has a light enough body to be easy drinking: This is important, as you’ve only just brought your new family member home, and you may need to pour a few back to ease the new parent nerves.

 

 

Ol’ Red Cease and Desist | Erie Brewing Company

ABV: 10.1%

No! No! Not that! No! Stop! …

We forgot that our current dog knows boundaries. She understands when to get on the couch, what a vacuum cleaner is and that laundry, clean or dirty, isn’t toys. This beer is for all the times and different ways you’ll be saying “No” in the first weeks — and it has a strong ABV to cut the pain a bit, as you hate telling the sweet guy that he can’t do things all day long.

This is a Scotch ale, seasonally available in the winter, and it’s a pretty bold beer. It’s very malty and you can surely taste the alcohol you’re consuming. This will ease your guilt, we promise.

Good Juju | Left Hand Brewing Company

ABV: 4.5%

There’s going to be some gross things.

With our first dog, it took a number of tries to find a pet food that sat well with her stomach. For Max, we discovered that he would eat poop … and then give us kisses.

This beer is for those moments you need to clean up something icky inside of the house, the time someone gets too nervous on a car ride or anytime that you need to throw on some plastic gloves and clean it up. The ginger will ease your stomach, as it’s likely tossing a bit as well. But this beer doesn’t mix with a ton of other spices, so it’s simple enough to keep you focused on the messy task at hand.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIay6xTgAU6/?taken-by=lefthandbrewing

New Dogtown Pale Ale | Lagunitas

ABV: 6.2%

If this is your second pet, of any variety, the vibe in your home will definitely change. For us, our first dog became the picture of well-behaved. Anytime we had to instruct Max on something new, our older dog, Scout, would be playing teacher’s pet (literally). The home is definitely more noisy, but also more fun, with playtime in the backyard and group dinners, tails and bums wagging everywhere.

This beer is to show that the new dynamics are crazy and different, but still good and enjoyable. It’s hoppy but crisp and drinkable.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGaRPs_HDpM/?taken-by=lagunitasbeer

Dale’s Pale Ale | Oskar Blues

ABV: 6.5%

You’ll love to be outside with your new dog, running around in the backyard or going on walks around the neighborhood. You’ll need a canned beer for all of these activities and you should stick with the classic, Dale’s. It’s bright enough to keep you moving and awake, obviously tastes delicious and will net you friends at the dog park, if you’re able to sneak a few in there. Dale’s is a mainstream, recognizable craft, so most enjoy it and it can be found across the country.

Christmas Ale | Great Lakes Brewing Company

ABV: 7.5%

The snuggles are the best part. You’ll get home from work, be exhausted and cranky, but you have a bundle of happiness that just wants to sit next to you. If there’s two of them? That’s even better.

This is the classic winter beer that’s familiar, nearly nostalgic for those who await the seasonal availabilities and perfect for an evening by the fire with a blanket and pups on your lap. We hope you get your new pet in the winter, just so you can open this and spend plenty of time snuggling.

 

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