Puppies are not good Christmas gifts, but creative alternatives exist for those patient and willing enough to learn about responsible dog ownership. It's worth it.
Is your heart set on getting a puppy for Christmas? Letting the calendar dictate when to add a pet to your family often leads to disastrous results. Unless your holidays are all “Silent Nights” and quiet days or you live in a mausoleum, it’s probably not such a good idea. Deferring bringing a puppy home until the holiday frenzy abates will ensure a much jollier outcome for everyone.
If you're looking for a purebred, check out the American Kennel Club or Canadian Kennel Club- affiliated clubs’ sites online and learn all you can. Obtain a list of member breeders who, have essentially agreed to uphold a code of ethics that benefits both their dogs and their potential families. To adopt, develop a relationship with with shelters or rescue organizations to find the perfect match
Dog shows are also a great place to connect with breeders who consider producing puppies of sound temperament at least as important as those of correct conformation. Although most will not place their puppies during the holidays, this won’t prevent scheduling a visit to meet their dogs or them from placing a puppy at a more appropriate time.
Resist setting foot into any pet shops that sell live dogs. These establishments obtain their dogs from puppy mills and/or, at best, from uninformed backyard breeders. Although that adorable, warm orb of fur that tugs at your heartstrings is indeed irresistible, “saving” this one puppy only encourages the suppliers to churn out puppies as cash crops, in deplorable conditions, to take this one's place.
The pet shop clerk will take your cash, check, or credit card and ask no questions. These impulse-buys provide public and private shelters and rescue organizations with more than enough work year-round. This applies to both mixed breed and purebred dog because pet stores often sell hybrids and so-called designer dogs that have become so au courant.
The concept of having a dog appeals to many people, but not everyone is in a suitable place in his or her life to take on the jumbo commitment of caring for a living creature with as many needs as a dog. It’s not a character flaw; it just is.
Consider, instead, these gifts: a plush dog, a book about dogs—or even a goldfish. (In more extreme cases, a quarter-pound of Swedish fish from the confection kiosk in the mall might suffice.)
However, if your family’s heart is set on the idea of a puppy for Christmas, and you’re willing to follow the most conscientious path toward that goal and wait till the time is right, here’s an idea:
- Buy an inexpensive crate. Crates are one of the most useful dog training supplies around. Buy one just the right size for your future puppy.
- Line it with a fitted crate pad or perhaps a faux sheepskin.
- Add a puppy collar, books on basic dog obedience and manners training, a book on the breed, and some safe chewable toys —preferably ones not made in China.
- Be creative and ad anything else you think would make the perfect puppy “layette.”
Create a gift certificate redeemable for ONE NEW BEST FRIEND with a picture of your future dog’s breed if it’s purebred-- or an especially adorable mutt if your dog will be a mix. Tie it up with a ribbon; celebrate the lengthening of the days that follow, and anticipate your puppy’s arrival at the perfect time.
