Puppy For Christmas?

[hiwaygal]

I have seen lots of posts lately about families deciding to get a puppy for Christmas. And while I don't want to deny anyone the joys of raising a puppy and having a dog in their lives, I just want to offer some things to think about:

I googled "getting a puppy for Christmas" and got lots of info. While I don't necessarily agree with ALL the "words of wisdom" in these articles, I think they do make a good point! The most important one, IMO, is that the frantic holiday pace is not necessarily a good time to bring a puppy into the house.

I trust if any of these links are "illegal" here, someone will kindly (and gently, please) let me know and I'll take them off...

http://petcaretips.net/christmas-gift-puppy.html

http://www.bcrescue.org/puppygift.html

http://www.epinions.com/content_3633225860

http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/lexi/cmgifts.htm

One other thing I noticed is that puppies are still being taken away from their mothers too early...most breeders now-a-days are keeping puppies until they are at least 12 weeks old to continue some critical socialization development. Just something else to consider if you are thinking of getting a younger puppy...a few more weeks with it's mother and siblings might make a lot of difference in the puppy's/dog's overall behavior as it grows older.

I hope I don't get flamed for these sentiments...I am involved in animal rescue...and it just kills me to see the large number of puppies coming into rescue and adoption agencies in the spring...

 

[Castlebound]

I would not get a puppy during any of the winter months in Missouri! I had to have one as a teenager and it was a nightmare. Getting up in the middle of the night to put on layers of clothes to take the dog outside was NOT my idea of fun. At least with a baby you get to stay in the house in the middle of the night! But I have to agree the there is just too much going on during the holidays to take care of a new puppy. The practice I don't agree giving bunnies and chicks at Easter. What is a kid in the suburbs going to do with a chicken?

 

[ashjohnson80]

if you do think that you are ready for the committment of getting a dog and you will keep it for as long as it lives, think adoption first, there are lots of pure-bred dogs you can get from adoption too.

 

[golfgal]

Well, we are getting a dog for Christmas and it will be "under the tree" so to speak for Christmas morning (we will probably put it into be with DD in the morning and let it wake her up). We will have been to all the relatives houses that we are going to by then and the kids will be home from school for the week to help start training the dog. The kids will be responsible for the dog but I know in all reality that I will be doing most of the dog care and training since I will be home with the dog during the day. Our DD will be the primary kid that will take over the dog stuff and she will do a wonderful job. She LOVES animals and pet sits frequently for other people. The boys will be the ones to romp in the back yard with the dog and take it for runs. I have no worries about that.

This is a decision that has been about 7 years in the making for us and the time is finally right.

 

[simba928]

I had a poem about getting a puppy for christmas. I wonder if I can find it. If I do, I will post it here, but it was kind of sad. It was about how the family wanted a puppy and they got one for Christmas. The kids were excited, but they eventually got tired of him and ignored him. I personally, do not agree with getting a puppy for Christmas. It is such a busy time of year and most people will have to either leave their puppies home or will cause confusion when 20+ people come over and crowd around him. If you know what you are getting into, though, and can give the puppy what they need from the day one, who am I to say not to get one.

 

[Crankyshank]

Most responsible breeders won't allow dogs to go home until after Christmas simply because of the chaos and because of the dangerous things puppies are more apt to get into at christmastime (poinsettas, tinsel, etc..). It's not fair to the family and it's not fair to the dog. Ask shelter workers and they'll tell you that their busiest time for drop offs/surrenders is march when families realize how much work a dog is and it's not that adorable puppy anymore.

My parents were on a waiting list for a breeder last year. The puppies were born in early october and were able to go home Christmas week. The breeder made everyone purchasing a dog from that litter sign a contract and part of the contract stated the dogs will not go home until after Christmas. So Remy came home 12/27 and was much better able to adjust to the new surroundings without the hecticness of Christmas day.

 

[Cindyluwho]

The practice I don't agree giving bunnies and chicks at Easter. What is a kid in the suburbs going to do with a chicken?

Ok, ok, I'm not going to flame here but.....
We live in the city of Seattle in a waterfront home and YES we have beautiful chickens and are very involved in 4H. If you or your child is interested in chickens, living in the city is no reason to not have them. Housing or neighborhood restrictions could be a reason but most restrictions have an "out" for educators or 4H kids.
Can you tell I'm a little over the top with my chickens. baaaawk, baaaawk, baaaawk I'm hopeless

 

[goofy!]

.....

 

[lewdyan1]

Well said to the OP!

I also do dog rescue and if you feel the need to get a dog for the holidays, please consider adopting a rescue dog...Many puppies are available through rescue organizations too!

 

[Crankyshank]

Chickens are very popular in the suburbs now. They had a segment on the today show last week about it. My sister's boyfriend's father has chickens. you would not believe the coop they live in- it's a miniature version of the house with pictures on the walls and everything.

 

[Christine]

I just think it all depends on the family. I never had a "puppy under the tree" thing but two of my dogs (both rescues) I got over the Christmas holidays. The main reason is that both my DH and I work full-time. During the Christmas holidays we both get a LOT of time off and it is the perfect time to integrate a dog into our household. We usually get a week to a week and a half to get the dog established before we have to start going out for the day. For us, I just couldn't get a new do over the weekend and go to work on Monday.

Also, I think some of the big issues with "puppies under the tree" are when people have very young children. Everyone is just so wound up and excited. But I think with older kids it's fine.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Chickens are very popular in the suburbs now. They had a segment on the today show last week about it. My sister's boyfriend's father has chickens. you would not believe the coop they live in- it's a miniature version of the house with pictures on the walls and everything.

My coop is right on the water's edge with heat, music, etc. I keep telling my hubbie that it makes them lay more eggs.

 

[simba928]

I found the poem that I was talking about. It is by Laurie from Hope 2 Help animal rescue. Please ignore any typos. I had to type this all out because I couldn't find it on the internet.

A Puppy for Christmas

Lets get a puppy for Christmas, the family all agree,
A cute and cuddly baby, sat beneath the tree.
Promises from the children, to help with walks and care,
Mum can cope with training, whilst noone else is there.
Dad will take it in the car, play football, have some fun,
Everyone is eager to choose the lucky one.

Exciting day the puppy's here, the family is complete,
Stop to show the puppy off, to everyone they meet.
All so glad they got her, she is funny, such a joy,
Children think shes better, than any Christmas toy.

Holiday is over, things to do all day, no time for the puppy,
No time to stop and play.
Left alone for hours..., bored, she starts to chew,
Nothing to entertain her, what else is she to do.

Can't get to the garden, no paper on the floor,
Leaves a littl parcel, just behind the door.
Puddles in the kitchen, chewed handbag and a shoe,
Barks and howls for hours, nothing else to do.

Mums not very happy, Dad is oh so mad,
Discussion turns to arguments, this puppy is so bad.
Noone wants to walk her, the bad weather has begun,
TV and computer games are really much more fun.

The novelty is wearing thin, shes a nuisance, such a pain,
Who wants to clear up puppy mess or go out in the rain?
Noone thinks to teach her, what is wrong or right,
Chastised for being naughty, when they come home at night.

Just another Christmas pup, so cute and problem free,
Began life as a present, beneath the Christmas tree.
Noone really stopped to think, of life after the fun,
What's best for the puppy, or what had to be done.

Love and fuss and training, care and comfort too,
Why take this on at Christmas, when you've so much else to do.

 

[Jynohn]

I used to breed Great Danes and I agree that Christmas is not really a good time to bring home a new puppy. Too much confusion going on and the puppy can be overwhelmed. More importantly, however, I think breeders are looking to weed out people who are giving puppies as Christmas gifts to people who may not necessarily want one. You know, the girlfriend getting a new puppy for her boyfriend because he'll love him sooooo much type of thing Or the family who has gotten so wrapped up in the idea of a puppy under the tree that they haven't given any thought to what happens after Christmas morning when all the excitement has died down and now everyone is arguing about who's going to take little Rover outside because it's cold and it's not my turn...

For families who have carefully researched the breed and everyone is in agreement about the puppy, Christmas isn't ideal timing but it doesn't have to be a disaster in the making either. I think the concern is more with giving a living thing as a gift to someone who may not necessarily be expecting or wanting it.

That said, I do have to add that many responsible breeders still place puppies at 7 weeks of age due a fear period that they go into after that time frame. Some research has suggested that 7 weeks is an ideal time for a puppy to transition from it's mother and littermates to it's new family. It's best to place a puppy either at 7 weeks, or after 12 weeks, as someone else mentioned. Just wanted to point that out that not all breeders who don't wait until 12 weeks are disreputable...

 

[Aimeedyan]

AMEN

The shelters fill with animals in the spring from people who buy them for gifts. Animals are NOT GIFTS and should not be brought home at such a hectic time as the holidays.

Reputable breeders will not release their babies during the holidays for good reason. I assume those who give them as gifts buy from puppy mills and backyard breeders just to have them as a gift. ick.

Huge pet peeve of mine as well... I wish more people were responsible and respectful of living beings.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Most responsible breeders won't allow dogs to go home until after Christmas simply because of the chaos and because of the dangerous things puppies are more apt to get into at christmastime (poinsettas, tinsel, etc..). It's not fair to the family and it's not fair to the dog.

Not always true. We got our chocolate lab from one of the best breeders in Illinois, and we did lots and lots of research. We welcomed Jake into our family three years ago Christmas Eve. He was born on October 21st and we brought him home on December 24th, so he was plenty old enough. He was a great surprise for our kids and we all love him dearly. As far as not being fair to the dog and/or family, well, that was absolutely not true in our case. Especially for Jake, he's absolutely spoiled rotten!

 

[Crankyshank]

That's why I said *most*
Not being fair has nothing to do with how spoiled the dog is. The whole reason behind not getting dogs on Christmas is because of the stress and chaos that generally occurs on Christmas. A puppy needs a calm transition from his old home to his new home. With family coming in and out and toys and presents and all the hubbub that goes on it can be extraordinarily stressful for the dog who really needs undivided attention initially to make for a smooth transition. That's what I meant by fair.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

That's why I said *most*
Not being fair has nothing to do with how spoiled the dog is. The whole reason behind not getting dogs on Christmas is because of the stress and chaos that generally occurs on Christmas. A puppy needs a calm transition from his old home to his new home. With family coming in and out and toys and presents and all the hubbub that goes on it can be extraordinarily stressful for the dog who really needs undivided attention initially to make for a smooth transition. That's what I meant by fair.

I understand what you're saying. And I do agree. I know there are a lot of people out there that wouldn't/couldn't give the puppy the time/attention it would need at the Holidays. I guess with our case, we had gotten to know the breeder, he knew about our home life, knew our kids were a little older, had another dog in the house and that we didn't have plans to go out of town or anything for the Holidays. So for him that probably made a difference regarding letting us have Jake. I'm glad to see breeders are being careful about this.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that if you plan to get a dog (or cat!) anyway, that there is nothing wrong with bringing one home over the holidays. Spend a quiet Christmas, put up anything dangerous and it can be real nice.

I do agree that really busy people probably would be wise to wait until all of the fuss dies down. A new, potentially frightened animal could get lost in all of the festivities.