You might be ponderng, “Hmmm, should I get an adorable Christmas dog or a Christmas puppy this year?” Sure perhaps, if you’ve considered all the dog ownership questions that come with a new dog or puppy! Absolutely NOT if you weren’t planning to get one and you just spontaneously thought it would be super cool!
Ah, nothing warms up the holiday spirit like a new cute ’n cuddly puppy running around the house! It might sound all nice and fun but trust me, it’s not all that rosy.
Please DO NOT IMPULSIVELY give in to those carefully decorated furry cutesies you come across at the pet shops during your holiday shopping sprees.
It’s not the same as spontaneously buying an additional pair of party shoes or that new HD television on super sale. If you come home and realize that maybe you shouldn’t have swiped your card for those things, that’s ok, because they’re generally returnable and refundable with no questions asked. You might have to wait until the holiday storm passes but you can absolutely get rid of those buys without any headaches or moral ramifications. Easy-peasy!
This is absolutely not the case with the new Christmas dog or puppy that’s whining for your attention, chewing on your shoes and maybe even doing his ‘business’ all over your house. It’s a lot more complicated, coupled with a lot of emotional turmoil for everyone especially the innocent, confused and stressed-out pup. What many people might not realize is the little guy will be greatly affected by your impulsive decision. I promise those party shoes have long forgotten your feet.
Unfortunately many spontaneous Christmas dogs end up right back where they came from. It makes my blood boil hearing such stories when all that hardship could have been prevented in the first place. Plus, pet shops are the last place you want to select a new puppy from, holidays or not. Responsible shelters and dog breeders are your best bet.
Please DO NOT SUCCOMB to your kid’s begging Santa for a cute dog or puppy when the entire family isn’t on board and aware of the inherent responsibilities.
A special dog is a living, breathing, demanding individual that comes with a certain load of responsibilities. He’s certainly not an object that you can wrap up in ribbons, top with a fluffy bow and put under your tree.
“If it’s not a rushed purchase and I’ve planned it for a long time, should I get a dog during Christmas?”
If you’ve thought long and hard about becoming a new puppy owner and feel strongly about providing good dog care, then I’m super excited for you! I truly believe owning and caring for a pet dog is one of life’s greatest gifts. A Dog is a magical special being that will transform your life in many wonderful new ways. Their companionship is pure and honest. However, maybe a Christmas dog isn’t such a good idea.
You might have many reasons to get a dog this festive season and I hate to burst your dreaming bubble but, Christmas is definitely NOT the most ideal time for bringing home a new dog for a gazillion reasons. Let me throw out just a few you might want to consider.
1. Holidays are the busiest time of the year for everyone. You know how people always tend to burn out and complain about all of their Christmas to-do lists mixed with family and friend get-togethers? Well, imagine throwing a new dog in the party mix! Way too tricky and time consuming during the busy holiday schedule.
2. Initial dog or puppy housebreaking, socialization and crate training might be a bit tricky. For all you Northerners, it can be quite challenging to commence puppy potty training and outdoor training in below zero temperatures, not to mention snow storms. When you bring a new Christmas dog home, your best bet is to establish a routine and get his potty training in check asap. Imagine either stepping out or leaving your party every 2 hours to go potty? Not so jolly or convenient.
3. Way too stressful on the new dog. Like I said enforcing your regular lifestyle routine early on upon your dog’s arrival is golden. It diminishes his stress levels and it allows him to feel more secure and calm. This is very hard to do when you’re probably gone most of the day or hosting a revolving door of family, friends and kids.
With all that in the open, if you’ve considered everything above and you’ve planned out to take care of all the new dog requirements and you’re SERIOUSLY ready to get a Christmas dog, then all of us (especially Halle) are Super Happy for you!
Maybe you’re taking it supa easy during the holidays and you don’t plan on overbooking your schedule. Perhaps you’ve been planning for months to take some quiet time off so it might be the most ideal time to get a Christmas dog.
All I’m saying is be mindful and responsible this season. Most shelters are already jam-packed with amazing dogs looking for a permanent home. Think ahead and get all your prep work done (including reading HBD articles and ebooks – shameless plug) and go get your little Christmas dog.
What do you think about the whole buying a dog or puppy during the holidays? I’m sure you all have your opinions on this hot topic! I would love to hear your thoughts and stories… please leave your comments in the section below:
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s very disturbing that some many people still do this!
Totally Jana … in fact I think that Pet Shops are the Busiest during the Holidays and that always makes me cringe!
We’re not saying “oh don’t get a puppy for Christmas!” but make sure that you’ve taken the time to consider all the responsibilities, time and care that come with a new puppy!
Go to your local shelters and SPCA’s shortly after the Holidays and you’ll see where many Christmas puppies end up!
The same happens during June and July during moving times … so sad!
It is so important to remind people of the importance of thinking carefully before getting a dog as an impulse purchase. Also, I think it is important that everyone in the family be committed to wanting and caring for the dog.
Finally, great point about many dogs in shelters needing good homes. So if you have thought long and hard about it, and you are prepared to be committed to caring for a new dog, then please give one a second chance at a good life.
Best,
Omar
Omar we couldn’t agree with you more :)
Our local SPCA held a promotion where they would spay and vaccinate a dog for free if you decided to adopt one.
This is a great idea, however they did it 2 weeks before christmas.
Not so smart.
Kids want puppies and their parents want to make their kids happy on Christmas day.
Not alot of rational thinking goes on this time of year.
I took a good two years of research before I adopted my Bow. She’s an 11 mo old shepherd/retriever mix. She’s been in foster care since she was 4 months old. She had a loving foster mom but there were 2 males in the home that disliked her and treated her badly. I have to say she was crate trained very well and does not object to the crate. She is biggish and stubborn but has pretty good manners that need improvement. I need tips on the walking. I walk her daily but some days she’s a spaz and other days she’s good as gold.