what is the best way to surprise kids with a puppy on christmas day?

Answer 1

There is no good way. Getting a puppy for Christmas is a recipe for disaster.

Reputable breeders will not sell a puppy for Christmas. This is for several reasons. One is that people who want a Christmas pup rarely consider the fact that a puppy is a living creature that needs to be trained, fed, walked etc for then next 10-15 years. Vast numbers of Christmas puppies end up in the shelters before they are a year old.

Another reason is that leaving home is stressful enough for a pup without the chaos that is Christmas. You are busy and stressed, the kids are hyper, people are over, presents and stuff is all over, there is no time to tend to a puppy's needs or keep it out of danger.

Answer 2

I don't think it's a good idea to give your kids a pet on Christmas day. Christmas is a crazy time of year where everyone is trying to go here and there to see their family and friends. You'll probably be in a rush to finish cooking and wrapping, gathering things to bring with you, and preparing either to leave to another home or for others to come visit you. The puppy will still need to be supervised, and there's just not enough time for a new puppy AND holiday preparations. There are decorations everywhere, and a lot of those decorations (tinsel, bows, ribbons, ornament hooks, electrical wires, lit candles, breakable ornaments, small pieces) are dangerous for animals. Younger animals are more likely to get into those things because they're inexperienced and curious. Your house will probably be filled with noise (especially if you have guests over), and I doubt a terrified puppy would like that much. He just traveled to a foreign place, he has no idea where he is, and there's no way he can relax and become accustomed to his new home. Finally, be sure your kids truly want a dog before you get one. It's very common for parents to get a pet for their children as a holiday gift, and then the children show little interest in their new companion. If this is the case for your kids, you'll probably be saddled with walking, feeding, watering, cleaning up after, training, bathing, and grooming the puppy. You could always take your new pet to the animal shelter and hope he finds a new home, but you shouldn't get an animal if there's the possibility that you'd have to do that (in my opinion.)
If you're absolutely sure your kids want a dog for Christmas and that they'll be the ones caring for it (if they're old enough to do it on their own), just wait until AFTER the holidays. Spend breakfast on Christmas morning explaining to your kids that you'll be taking them to get a dog (You should go to an animal shelter :) Saving a life is one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas.) soon and get their input. You could get a cute stuffed dog and put it into a crate as you would the new puppy if you want. By putting off getting the real dog until the decorations are down and the guests are gone, you'll save everyone a bit of stress.

Answer 3

I agree with most people here. A Christmas puppy is not a good Idea. However, it is the perfect way to start the New Year. Celebrations are coming to an end, you and your family will have time to concentrate on your new pup. Teaching your children now will prepare them for the new arrival. It is just great for kids to read, hear stories and plan. Take them shopping to pick out the supplies. It is only two weeks, think of the times you can have together. Good Luck

Answer 4

Don't do the Christmas puppy thing! it's just not worth it! it's not a good way to introduce a puppy to the family, and it teaches the kids that dogs are presents, commodities, and things that can be abandoned along with their other toys when they are sick of them. Couldn't you wrap up the leash, collar, etc and pick the pup up a few weeks after Christmas? This will give you extra time to educate your children about responsible dog ownership, and also will allow the puppy to be introduced into the family when it is not so hectic and when he can recieve everyone's calm, assertive attention.

Answer 5

Easy.....DON'T! Puppies are a huge responsiblity and I still do not understand why people insist on getting a puppy for kids or other people in fact for holidays or birthdays....buy some reading material and educate your kids first then go the the shelter...not puppy store...and let them be part of the process. PUPPIES ARE NOT GIFTS THEY ARE LIFE DECISIONS!

Answer 6

I agree with your first answerer. I would get them books, food dishes, brushes, collar, etc, and either get a certificate, or a stuff animal, something that says, "We're getting a puppy" but allows you the chance to wait until after the hectic holiday times, and allows you to pick a pup that the whole family can enjoy and be involved with. I must say, this idea comes from years of telling my parents how they could get me a horse for Christmas (wrap all the grooming kit individually, get a bucket or two, and wrap a photo frame with a picture of the horse... it sadly never worked but I did get a stuff horse with a years worth of riding lessons tied around his neck ...) Have fun, getting a pup is a great experience...

Answer 7

the first answer is the best, because so many puppies will wind up at the shelters just a few weeks after Christmas, dropped off by folks who didn't know what they were getting in to.


Barring that, let it loose on their beds before they wake up.

Answer 8

Once the presents are all opened up, you should go get the puppy from wherever she/he is (bathroom, bedroom, garage, etc.). Put the puppy in a big wicker basket, tie a ribbon on it's collar, and then put some blankets over top the basket. This way, it's hidden from view. Go into the room where the kids are, then set the basket down. Sit on a couch or on the chair, and ask the kids to grab you the blanket because it's so chilly in there. One of them will grab the blanket, yell/scream/cry/hug, and chaos will ensue.

Or, you could forgoe getting other presents and just do loaded up stockings. You could buy a really big, strong stocking and put the puppy inside it, and put it near all of the other ones. :)

Answer 9

Stuffed puppy with a homemade certificate tied around its neck to get pup later after the turmoil has died down. Add a book or two on dogs & you can encourage reading at the same time

Answer 10

please don't get a puppy for them for x mas. more puppies are abandoned because of the holiday season. are your kids responsible enough? have you really thought it through? make sure it is the best decision for the family AND the puppy.