(NEW) Puppy for Christmas? - Rational Dog Training

Thinking of Buying a Puppy for Christmas? (NEW)

By Chad Mackin,

Manager: A+ Dog Obedience

The classic image of a puppy sitting under a tree on Christmas morning with a big red bow around his neck is an image that seems like a slice right out of Norman Rockwell’s America. Sadly, this heartwarming scene often loses its luster in the days and weeks after Christmas.

As kids go back to school and parents go back to work, the pup that has been the center of attention can become frightened, frustrated, and downright destructive when left alone for long periods of time. Owners trying to protect their houses may try locking the dog in bathrooms, or in the back yard. Often, this only increases the dog’s stress about being left alone. This stress may affect the dog’s behavior not only when he is left alone, but also when he is with the family. Sometimes the dog becomes overbearing in his attempts to get affection, or he may become destructive even when people are around, other pups may simply withdraw and respond poorly to the family members. Soon that cute puppy from Christmas morning is becoming a not so adorable dog: a dog that is still the center of attention, but not a welcome one!

Professional obedience instructors and behavioral consultants are very familiar with the above story and the many variations of it. The sometimes-tragic consequences can be found in the case files of dog professionals everywhere. Certainly they are imprinted on the hearts of us all.

If you wish to purchase a puppy as that perfect gift for a loved one, here are some general guidelines that may help your pup remain a lovable family member long after the Yuletide season has ended.

1) Be familiar with the basics of puppy behavior and housetraining.

2) Don’t buy on impulse. There are several places to get puppies; they are not all the same. You may want to consider shelters, breeders, and rescue organizations. Most obedience trainers will be happy to assist you in determining what breed or breeds will be best suited for you. They can also help you determine where to look for the ideal dog.

3) Make sure you are aware of the time commitment your puppy is going to need, be realistic about your time limitations. If you are buying a puppy for a child to ‘teach him some responsibility’ be aware that you will probably end up doing most of the work. Regardless of your child’s maturity level, in the end, it will be YOUR responsibility to make sure the puppy’s needs are met.

4) Be aware of the financial responsibilities associated with owning a dog, including medical expenses and registering with the city, as well as homeowner’s and renter’s insurance costs.

5) Pick a vet before buying the pup. Find one that you can trust and stick with him or her. One of the first things you need to do when you get a pup is take it to the vet for a full exam (be sure that your breeder/shelter will take the pup back if any health problems are found). I recommend taking the puppy to the vet straight from the breeder even before going home. If you are buying from a breeder, be sure to get a complete medical history of the puppy. Also be aware that even if your breeder gives puppy vaccinations themselves many vets will insist on giving those vaccinations again.

6) Bring the puppy home either a few days before Christmas or a day or so after. The stress of leaving the breeder may be very difficult for the puppy to deal with. It is better to bring the pup into a quiet and peaceful house. The excitement of Christmas morning may be too much for your new pup. If the pup is for a child I would suggest getting the pup sometime after Christmas. On Christmas morning some basic puppy supplies could be left under the tree (leash, collar, dog bowls, brush etc) along with an age appropriate book about puppy raising and a note saying that the puppy is on its way. Then, when things have calmed down, the entire family can go to get the puppy together.

7) Never make a puppy a ‘surprise’ gift. Make sure the person you are buying for actually wants a puppy and has considered all the obligations of puppy ownership.

These steps are very limited in scope. There are entire books written on the subject of puppy development. We have merely addressed some of the most common mistakes made by Christmas puppy purchasers. For further information about bringing a puppy home and general puppy care I recommend The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete (1991; Little, Brown & Co.)

Also remember that most obedience trainers will be more than happy to answer your questions about selecting a puppy and introducing him to his new home. Keep in mind as you shop for your Christmas puppy that this dog may be with you for 15 years or more. Choosing the right dog from the beginning will save you (and the puppy) a great deal of heartache & stress.