Puppies are Not Presents
Yes, it’s tough to hear, but it’s true. Puppies are not presents, and you shouldn’t surprise your child with a puppy for Christmas. Allow me to be very honest about this subject because it’s a sensitive one for passionate dog lovers and dog trainers. Here are reasons why puppies make terrible Christmas gifts.
Little Research Conducted
Most people put in more time researching a new DVR than a new puppy. This blows me away every time. Potential pet owners see a beautiful dog on TV and instantly want “that” puppy. As Christmas approaches, potential pet owners turn to the Internet to find a specific breed of puppy in time for the holiday. Please don’t let this happen to you or someone you know. Gifting a puppy is the worst thing you can do to your family, including the new puppy.
[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Puppies and dogs are a forever commitment, so make sure to take your time choosing the right puppy for you and your family.[/perfectpullquote]
Instead, spend time reading about your desired dog breed online first. Then, reach out to AKC dog breed clubs for free information and chat with reputable breeders listed on the website of your chosen breed’s parent club. Meet several of your chosen breeds in person and ask questions. Attend a local dog show in your area, and chat with exhibitors after they’ve shown. These folks are breed experts.
Once you’ve decided on a reputable dog breeder, wait for the puppy to be born. If you prefer to rescue, contact AKC breed parent clubs since these folks volunteer for breed rescue and can certainly put you in touch with adoptable dogs. In fact, 90% of purebred rescues are directed by a member of AKC, so do your research first.
Puppies and dogs are a forever commitment, so make sure to take your time choosing the right puppy for you and your family.
Holidays are Extremely Busy
It’s one of the busiest times of the year, and trying to incorporate a new puppy into a holiday schedule is impossible. Many pet owners become frustrated when their new puppy potties in the house moments before holiday guests arrive. Puppies will chew and gnaw on expensive flooring or shoes if left unsupervised. Choose a quieter time of the year to bring home a new puppy. It’s the best way to set your family and your new puppy up for success.
Here Come the Excuses
When puppies are brought into unprepared homes, the poor puppies are the ones that suffer the most. When January and February roll around, frustrated pet owners start creating excuses about their puppy’s behavior, such as:
- “He’s impossible to potty train.”
- “She chews everything in my house.”
- “We don’t have time for a puppy.”
- “I didn’t know it was this hard.”
- “Wow, puppies shed!”
- “I didn’t know he would get this big.”
Puppies don’t come with a manual. It’s their pet owners’ job to train them and teach them polite behaviors. Some pet owners enroll in puppy group classes, which is the right thing to do. Most pet owners don’t, and then the excuses continue to mount.
Unfortunately, surprising a child with a puppy for Christmas often results in looking for a new home for the puppy after the holidays since the family was completely unprepared. At first, pet owners look for “good” homes, but as time ticks away, they end up dropping their puppy off at a shelter. While this scared puppy is sitting in a strange place, surrounded by other dumped Christmas puppies, their previous family moves on with their lives. Please don’t let this happen!
Please, never give a puppy as a Christmas present. It’s not fair to the puppy.
