do u think giving a todler a puppy for christmas is a good idea?

Question

it's a white alsation puppy

a white alsatian AND YES i'm prepared to look after it as i've had a dog all my life and YES its to learn my child how to look after them for wen SHE is older so to people like 'dogdoc' thats being sarcatic sod off

Answer 1

Only if you don't mind having to care for it yourself.

Answer 2

No, no and no.

First, a toddler won't "get it" unless the pup is actually under the tree. That is a very bad idea from a health and safety perspective.

Getting the kid a photo of the pup and it arrives a couple of weeks later doesn't work. The kid would not understand.

A toddler will not appreciate the puppy who will nip at it and knock the kid over while playing. That's what pups do.

If an adult in the family really wants a pup, then they get it for themselves but after Christmas. The child will not enjoy the gift the way they would if they got a dog for their birthday when they are six or eight.

BTW many breeders and even some breed rescue groups will NOT sell/adopt puppies in the week or two before Christmas because giving a puppy for Christmas looks so sweet in the movies but in reality is a nightmare for the puppy.

Answer 3

Can you stand one more answer?
I've owned Alsatians (German Shepherds as we call them here) most of my life. I trained hundreds, I have three of them asleep at my feet right now...

And I've raised small children while owning shepherds and really, from a parent's view I'd have to say ..
DON'T DO IT.
Setting aside the reality that it would not be a good thing for child or puppy, YOU don't have the time or the energy to deal with a toddler and a puppy. TRUST ME, I've been there and have the wrecked furniture to show for it. Shepherd pups are incredibly energetic and HORRIBLY destructive. And they demand a lot of training- time for which I can't imagine you have!
Secondly, do you remember wanting something so bad you just could hardly wait for Christmas morning? Or maybe it was your birthday. How long did you think about that new bike (or what ever it was?) Anticipation can be half the fun. Let your child be old enough to WANT the dog! Let him read about caring for a dog, let him figure out what breed he wants and most of all; let him be old enough to take the dog to obedience classes. Now THAT will cause them to bond!
If you really feel you MUST have a dog, try contacting a rescue society and let them find you a nice older dog that is good with children. The added benefits will be saving a dog's life and hopefully, in a few years, when you DO get that pup, the older one will help house break it for you!

Answer 4

No. Not only because of the young age of the child, but because of the large breed your thinking about. The puppy is going to grow fast. It's still going to be a puppy when it's 60+ pounds. Puppies play rough and your little one is not going to like being jumped on by a large german shepherd that thinks he's just playing. Then what?

You're either going to have to spend time really training this dog with the help of a professional trainer, or get "rid" of it. From what I've seen mothers of toddlers don't have a lot of time for training.

You also have to take into account that alsation dogs can be aggressive even if you buy from a reputable breeder. Even if they are great with your child it could interpret something one of their friends does as a threat. They take their jobs very seriously, even if YOU didn't give them the job.

I would wait until your child is older and understands how to behave around a dog, and can help with it's care.

Answer 5

no, the novelty would wear off quickly for a start due to there being other presents around.
You would be left to care for the puppy.
Toddlers are more likely to pull the dogs ears/tail etc and the dog may snap or bite so you would have to be on guard 24/7.
The dog would not be a puppy for long and alsatians can be very hairy and often the puppies are prone to chewing furniture.
If you really want the dog, wait until a time that isnt xmas as you will be too busy with the festivities to train a puppy. They need a lot of time and attention as pups and you may not be able to give it this if you are out a lot visiting at xmas.

Answer 6

I think the question is, should you be giving your toddler a puppy at all.
My child is almost 5 and I am thinking about getting us a puppy around xmas, this is because I have told her father christmas cannot bring animals on his sleigh! But all of that aside, I am still contemplating whether it is a good idea or not. It will be soley your responsiblity.
I'm not sure what the best age would be, I guess it would be if you feel it is the right time. If you are on here asking this question, it is probably not the right time to get a pup. It doesn't matter how cute white alsation puppies are (and they are!)

Answer 7

Nope nope nope.

1) Toddler is too young for a puppy. Toddlers are unintentionally cruel to dogs (they don't know any better), pulling tails, pinching ears etc. It's only a matter of time before kid gets bitten.

2) Having a puppy is like having ANOTHER toddler running around the house. You've already got your hands full with one.

3) Christmas is the WORST time to get a puppy. Too much confusion, stuff all over the place, disruption is schedule, excitement etc. No good breeder will EVER sell a puppy for Christmas.

Answer 8

No toddlers are at that age where they are into "pulling" ears and playing roughly he/she will get bit and the parents will most likely end up getting rid of the puppy sue to so much work and attention going into the toddler, hense another avoidable possible euthanization, any animal is NEVER good to give as a gift, although the thought is there these are living creatures

I do wish you the best of luck in finding a suitable gift =) and if you really insist on getting them a et why not get a fish, the toddler can look at the fish and learn with help from the parents and they from our experience are low maintenance again talk to the adults first

Answer 9

Giving puppies as presents is not a good idea. Many families get kids dogs as a present and like everyother present they loose interest in it. Any time a family gets a new dog the whole family, including the child it is for needs to meet it first. The other thing is is you toddler old enough/mature enough to know how to handle a puppy. most toddlers are very rough. not sure what a alsation is bt it would need to be a very pt laid back dog. toddlers pull hair, ears, tails. i have even seen some try to pull tonges. Not to mention getting into the dogs food and water bowls. Make sure whatever dog you get is very good w. kids and is not in the least food and water aggressive/

Answer 10

Those considering a German Shepherd Dog (alsation) as a family addition should make sure that this breed is the best fit for the situation. The dogs are strong in body, spirit, and mind. They need much attention, love, and firm guidance as they grow -- which they do quite quickly.

As a gawky, awkward teenager, an alsation may unintentially knock over a small child or a frail elderly person. Their strong, happy tails can clear tables, and their powerful jaws and teeth wreak havoc on furniture.

This is a slowly maturing breed with a long puppyhood, so the new owner must be prepared to provide kind but firm discipline and a secure environment to help the dog develop into a well- behaved adult. German Shepherds are active dogs. They love to run and explore their surroundings with their excellent noses. They require considerable exercise, especially while growing. This exercise can be provided by an active owner, another dog or two, or a fenced yard or dog run. Tying this dog to a house is unacceptable, as it will create frustration, boredom, and a potentially dangerous dog.

German Shepherds are very sociable dogs. They need attention and companionship. They do not do well if left in isolation from people and other companion animals.

They make excellent family dogs, because, although they sometimes pick one person as their special person, they can relate well to all members of the household. If they are raised with children, they will develop an abundance of tolerance to the grabbing and poking of tiny fingers.

Raising a puppy with young children takes extra patience and effort for parents. Often the fast-growing puppy will use his teeth in playing with children and their toys, sometimes resulting in scratches. Young children often excite puppies who want to wrestle and chase -- like they did with their littermates.

Children can undo all the work a parent has done in training the puppy because a small child is neither firm nor consistent with the pup. As long as parents realize that they will need an extra dose of patience, the alsation puppy can grow up side by side with the children and be a source of lasting memories for all.

Answer 11

No I think it is irresponsible to use any live animal as a christmas gift for a young child...they need to learn that a dog is for life not just for christmas..too many people have dogs at christmas...then the novelty wears off and the poor pooch ends up (if lucky) at a rehoming centre or (if not so lucky) dumped..Christmas is not the time to introduce a dog into a house..especially with over excited kiddies on the rampage!Children automatically associate christmas with toys..dogs are not toys...leave it until after christmas where the rehoming centres will be full to the brim of unwanted and abandoned dogs.