How Much is That Doggy in the Window?

Please do not get a puppy for Christmas. That might sound strange advice coming from a dog person. If you really want to give someone a pet for Christmas give them an I.O.U.

The holiday season is such a hectic time. The house is decorated with items that are unsafe for a puppy, and puppies are just curious about every new thing. House breaking takes dedicated time and watchfulness. The primary care giver, Mom, has too much else to attend to and the puppy must be the priority if house training is to be successful.

While we want puppies to be well socialized between 8 and 16 weeks of age we do not want them to be overwhelmed by all the people that are usually coming and going over the holidays. Appropriate socialization has to be carefully planned visits and outings.

Are you sure the recipient of the gift puppy really wants a new pet. Often families get together to buy a companion for a recently widowed or divorces parent or sibling. But the choice of an animal companion is a decision best made by the person themselves. I frequently see adult children giving Mom a cute Labrador
or Golden Retriever pup forgetting that Mom is getting older and may not be up
to raising such an active breed.

Also think about where all those holiday puppies are coming from. If you purchase a pup from a responsible breeder they have pups from well planned breedings. Those breedings don’t miraculously happen to coincide with the holidays.

So if you think a dog is in your family’s future buy a really nice holiday card and put in a picture of a really cute puppy with a nicely written letter of intent. Then after the holidays are over do your research. Choose the right dog for your family. Often an adult dog is a better choice. Don’t limit yourself to a puppy.

Check out the pure breed rescues, local rescue groups or the local Humane Societies. If you still want a puppy look for local breeders by checking out the many breed clubs in your area. Learn about the health issues of each breed and be sure that the breeder has appropriate health clearances on their dogs.

Be realistic about your experiences with dogs and the make up of your family. While some breeds of dogs may make great pets they may not be for beginners or families with children.

When you have done all of your homework and have your check list in hand it is time start your search for the right dog for your family.