Monday, December 14, 2015

The Best Way to Bring Home a Dog for Christmas!

Every year, hundreds of puppies are bought for children as a Christmas present and every year right after Christmas,  shelters see an increase in the numbers of animals given up.

little puppy being held by a man

A new furry friend is NOT a great gift at a time when everyone's attention is more focused on the "big picture".   Little puppies get lost in the confusion and hullabaloo that is happening during the melee of opening presents.

They are new to this whole world of ours and bringing them into the middle of it during the holidays is really unfair to a little bundle of fur that just wants to be loved, cuddled, kept safe and gently explore it's new home and new family.

If, after all the warnings not to, you are determined to bring  a puppy or kitten as a gift, there is a way to do it that will keep everyone happy and excited, without being a major trauma to the animal involved in your choice.

Presumably, the kids have all mentioned that they wanted a pet to begin with.  To that end, if a new puppy or kitten is on the way to your family, start by preparing your family first for the newest member.

Along with some toys for the kids (a stuffed dog or cat), make sure there are books for each one of them, about caring and training a pet.



Buy them dog/cat dishes, dog/cat toys, dog/cat treats, a bag of good quality puppy or kitten food.

Wrap a flattened dog crate, or kitty carrier and address it to one of the kids.  A leash, harness, and tags would be another great gift.

A Puppy Starter Kit would be a nice bundle to give to the whole family!


And then when everyone is wondering what the heck it all means, take the video you made, when you visited the Dog/Cat Breeder and show them the newest member of their family.  Give each of the kids a "ticket" to ride in the car on the day after New Years or later, to go and collect their new furry friend.  Make arrangements with the Breeder ahead of time, to give the children a lesson or two about caring for their new pet.  Most reputable breeders will be more than happy to help along, because they want their puppies to be happy and well adjusted as well.  When I got my dog, the breeder was more than happy to give the puppy a bath, show me how to care for his coat and let me help to dry him and brush him.  She was pleased that I was interested in his well being before I even got him home.  She had valuable experience with puppies and could help me make his transition to my home much smoother.  Having a puppy is like having a baby, there are all kinds of things to learn.

By that time, hopefully most of the Christmas things will have been put away and the new fur baby will have a safe place to call his new home. Tinsel and cookies and candy lying around with a new puppy, could spell disaster.  So it's better to wait.  Not only will those dangers be gone, but, the children, having settled in with their new toys, will find time for the newest member of the family too!

This little video (click on the link) will help you understand  a little more about:

Bringing Home the Puppy!


Remember, that while getting an animal for Christmas (or later) is wonderful, they are a commitment for years to come, not just over the holidays.  This is a living and breathing being that requires love, companionship, exercise and food.  He is like a new member of the family and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.

Do it right and your family will have Christmas memories to last a lifetime and a dog or cat,  that will fill each year with happiness and joy.......




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13 comments:

  1. Finding the promise of a new puppy or kitten under the Christmas tree evokes such adorable images, but it's so sad to see what happens if or when the interest wanes. Your advice is excellent! I think I like the graphic at the end best - If you can't love a pet like a family member (and make that years-long and sometimes expensive commitment) then don't get one.

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  2. Excellent advice and suggestions to consider before bringing home a puppy for Christmas. I love our dogs, and I never wish to be without our fur babies, but I honestly do think Christmas is the worst time of the year to introduce a puppy to a new family and home. Too many unusual activities go on during the holidays. However, if a family wishes to add a fur family member during Christmas, you have certainly offered wonderful suggestions.

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  3. Lots of wise advice here. Pets aren't a good fit for some families, and it's better if they evaluate how a pet will fit into the family before the commitment is made. Many children like the idea of having a pet better than the actual care of it. They need to realize a pet is not a toy to be played with only when they want to play.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true Barbara, it's much better to really think it through before making that commitment!

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  4. Thank you for all your wonderful comments and yes, Christmas is NOT the best time for a new pet, even if the kids have been begging for one. Save it for the new year, when the family can spend the time needed to make the newest member really feel welcomed.....

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  5. Christmas can be a good time for parents to give their children a pet, if they already have a pet. I would say as a first time pet...no, I would agree not a good choice. It is not in the best interest of a grandparent or friend to give a pet for Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would agree with you, if there is already a pet in the house, then bringing in a new one is not so traumatic, but for first time pet owners, please, please wait till after Christmas to get that pet!

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  6. Rather than buying a puppy from a breeder, consider adopting a senior dog or a black dog from an animal shelter and send a bigger, more positive message. Set an example for children to provide forever homes to dogs that were abandoned or given up because they got old or because they have black fur. To me, supporting breeders can encourage puppy mills.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sylvia, I would agree with you to a point, I did say that they should go to a reputable breeder, and then there is no problem with puppy mills. For me anyone who would breed puppies the way they do in these puppy mills cannot be consider ``reputable``.....Getting a dog from a shelter is good too, but I would not want to get a really old dog for a young family, it`s very sad for children, especially if their `new `old pet dies shortly after becoming part of their family.....just my humble opinion of course...

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  7. Very good advice, Olivia. The attention should be on the new puppy and not on the chaos of Christmas morning. A time for everything.

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    Replies
    1. Agreed, plus there are many things that can harm a new puppy at Christmas time. Tinsel and chocolate are just two No-nos for doggies....

      Delete

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