The Christmas Puppy?

Question

I know that many do not approve of Christmas puppies, but the fact is, they will be given. Some will be gifted into peril, and some will be the treasured gift that keeps on giving.

That said ... what are some of the things that the giver should also provide for, along with the puppy? What is the responsibility of accepting such a gift? And for those that are to be made aware that a Christmas puppy is in their future, how should they prepare for what the morning will bring?

Tony Ancheta

Some good answers so far, some a bit off the mark. Its not about 'how-to' more properly make a gift of the pup, nor about alternative ways to go about giving it ... the simple fact is, like it or not, pups will be given year. What advice can we give to those giving (and receiving) to make the best of the Christmas puppy?

Some good answers so far, some a bit off the mark. Its not about 'how-to' more properly make a gift of the pup, nor about alternative ways to go about giving it ... the simple fact is, like it or not, pups will be given this year. What advice can we give to those giving (and receiving) to make the best of the Christmas puppy?

Answer 1

The necessities such as a small bag of food that the puppy is used to eating, a food and water bowl, leash, crate and toys.
If giving a puppy for Christmas, I suggest giving a photo of the puppy and picking the puppy up after Christmas so the puppy can have all the attention after the busy hustle and bustle the holiday season brings.

Addition: So you want advice on those who are giving and recieving a puppy for christmas? I would say...stay home with your new puppy...give him lots of attention, allow him to get to know you and your family and his new home. Many people are so busy with the holidays going to relatives, parties having people over. I would recommend keeping the holidays quiet in your home with your new puppy. Sure, have some family over, but keep the number of people small and respect the fact that the puppy can have anxiety over the whole change. They have been taken away from the home they only know and thier brothers and sisters. Understand and respect that...think of the puppy and make Christmas all about him!

Answer 2

To anyone thinking of giving a pup for Christmas, I would suggest to them to wait until after the holidays. I agree that either putting some cash in a card toward the purchase/adoption fee would be a good idea and then maybe wrap up some items a dog will need. The thing is that you never know if the person you want to do this for really wants that commitment right now. It's best for the future puppy if you talk about it first and have a game plan.

Now, if someone is getting a puppy and they know that they are getting one, then they need to research and be fully prepared. What vet trips will need to be made? Line up a vet if they don't already have one and find out what the cost of vaccinations, altering and basic care will run them and be financially ready. That first year of life a new pup sees the vet a lot. They should line up a good obedience trainer and sign up for a puppy kindergarten along with planning for more training beyond that. If they don't have much experience in rearing a dog/puppy, then they need to research all aspects including housebreaking, puppy chewing, stopping bad behaviors early on, etc...

A new pup or even adult dog is a full time responsibility and not something to be taken lightly. This is a 10-17 yr commitment and not something to be set aside when it no longer amuses the owner.

I highly discourage giving a new dog as a gift tho. Far too many end up in shelters each year because of this very reason.

Answer 3

The choice of a puppy should be a very personal decision. You're choosing a personality to live with for the next 15 years or so. I looked for a puppy for about 6 months before I found just the right one. I didn't really care about breed, just temperament. It's hard to choose for someone else unless you know exactly what they are looking for, even then it may not be the perfect match.
That said... The giver should provide everything needed for at least the first 2 weeks of life at a new home. A certificate for puppy training class and some books on living with a puppy is also a wise idea. Even if the recipient has had dogs in the past, a refresher is always a good idea. (in my 6 months of looking I read every book I could get my hands on, and decided ahead of time what commands for what words, what hand signals to use and general rules of the house.) I may sound a bit OCD but it made the transition of having another puppy so much easier, no changing of rules, no last minute decisions of 'should he be allowed on the couch, on the bed...)
I really like the idea of giving the money to choose the puppy of their dreams. Offer some help looking (what a fun time!), and choosing crates, dishes...
Good Luck!!

Answer 4

You are right...a lot of us don't approve of it. You are also right when you say it is going to happen whether we like it or not. I do like the approach you are taking that since we can't stop them, we might as well inform them!

I would really hope that any dog given as a gift is only given to someone expecting a dog, or within a family where, say, a father/mother, can help care for the animal.

I personally think it would be a good idea to include a gift certificate to a vet's office for a couple hundred dollars...to cover initial vaccinations and meds. Perhaps another gift certificate to a store where they can purchase toys and food and other supplies for the dog.

The people that are aware they are getting a puppy for the holidays should be prepared to become an immediate "parent." Forget about vacations, parties, sleeping in, etc. for a while. Get ready to train, exercise, and monitor that baby dog 24/7.

*If people *insist* on doing gift dogs...I would really hope it would be a decision between the gift giver and receiver...and that sometime AFTER the holidays (when all the other Christmas puppies are dumped) the giver takes the receiver to the shelter to pick out the perfect companion who will be with them for many, many years to come!

Answer 5

This is a very difficult one to answer because IMO there is no ethical way to spring puppy ownership on somebody. What's more, any new animals brought into a home should be given time to settle into their normal environment.

Christmas festivities are not conducive to a "normal" settling in period.

My suggestion would be to only get the dog after A LOT of discussion. Then as somebody said earlier - to show a photo of that puppy on Christmas day if needs be.

The essentials such as food, toys, bedding, grooming equipment should be bought - along with a book about the particular breed you are getting.

Perhaps pay for a few puppy socialisation classes too. A well socialised pup will be more of a pleasure to be around and is less likely to be dumped as it grows older and bigger.

Even if it is, that socialisation should make it easier to rehome afterwards.

Hope I helped.

ADD - IMO - I think the single most important thing to highlight is socialisation/training classes. They strengthen the bond between owner and dog, plus make the dog more pleasant company. It's therefore far less likely to be dumped.

Where I live, these classes are not used nearly as much as I wish they were.

Answer 6

If I were giving a puppy or a dog, I'd include:
- information on choosing a good vet
- phone numbers for local trainers
- a reading list of dog training, socialization, and behavior books
- basic toys: a ball, a squeaky toy, a tug toy
- a bag of food, treats, and dog dishes
- information on choosing the right puppy or dog
- a gift certificate to the shelter (in lieu of the actual puppy)

It doesn't seem like such a great gift now... it's a lot of work! If I were to get a puppy and were informed of it now, I would...
- think about breeds that would fit my lifestyle
- decide between a purebred puppy and a shelter/rescue dog
- look into the cost of puppy kindergarten
- go back to the library and leave with huge stacks of books (again)
- invest in another crate (once I knew the size of the dog)
- ask for a raise
- work harder on my current dog's obedience (I'd need at least ONE of them to behave)

Awesome question!

Answer 7

If anybody really cares about there future pups well-being, then they will wait. The well-being of the pup is more important and that should be taken into consideration when preparing for the pup. (And it's not just x-mas pups, it's b-day pups, easter pups, any pup in general that is to be given as a gift - the future owner should be the one doing the picking as personalities differ and they may be taking on more than they were expecting. If you haven't already, read the article I posted about an hour ago.

ADD: I agree w/Poms, if they really want a pup or if you really want to give them one, give them the money and let them pick one out. As financer though, I'd make sure that they are well educated on the responsibility of dog ownership and make sure they are willing to go above and beyond for their new family member.

Answer 8

The vast majority of the time, a pet isn't a good gift idea.

If someone *is* going to give a gift of an animal, they should also provide the basic necessities, and perhaps some literature about raising the pet.

Better yet, don't give a pet as a gift unless it's to someone within your household and you know the pet is wanted by the whole family.

A few years ago, my mom got my dad an English Setter puppy for Christmas. He loves English Setters (he's had several of the breed before) and was wanting to get another hunting dog. They actually got the puppy itself about a month later though, and my mom had planned the gift for over 6 months ahead of time because she had to be on a waiting list for the puppy. For the Christmas gift, she made up a nice binder with pictures of the puppy, sire, and dame; the pedigree; lists of achievements from hunting field trials of the sire and dame, etc.
.

Answer 9

I don't think it should be done at all.. I think you should give someone a card w/ a picture of a puppy inside. Explain to them that you would like to get them a puppy, and discuss it. This way the person can back out if they really don't want a puppy, or is more involved with the choice of dog and everything else.. Should not wake up to a puppy Christmas morning no matter what.. Bad for the new owner and horrible for the puppy!

Answer 10

i have never ever heard of a reputable breeder selling a pup to someone who was planning on giving it as a gift,, so if you plan on getting a pup from a puppymill or backyard breeder you are on your own on that one..

a puppy is a very very personal choice,, prospective owners should meet with the litter on numerous occasions,, temperament of the pup will be matched with that of the new owner..

the breeder knows which pup will be more dominant etc. a perfect lifetime match is the goal...

for example.. you don't want to give feeble old grandma the most dominant pup in the litter etc. etc.


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