Is a Puppy for Christmas a good idea?
Everyone thinks getting a fluffy new fur baby would be a great idea for a present. This can be the case if everyone is on board with it, but the last thing you want to do is get a surprise puppy for someone who is not ready for it or doesn’t want one. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about a puppy for Christmas.
Who will be taking care of the dog?
Regardless of whether you are teaching responsibility to children, seeking companionship for elderly parents, or simply considering a pet for personal enjoyment, it is essential to discuss with all family members the responsibilities involved in caring for a puppy or dog.
Who will let it out to potty?
Winter is a cold time for us and not everyone will want to be taking puppy out in the snow and ice every few hours to go potty. Who will be staying home with it? Puppies can typically only hold their bladder for about an hour per month of age. This means puppies for the first few months will need to go out frequently. If someone is staying home with them, be sure they are prepared. If the family is gone the whole day, then someone will need to come home and let the puppy out every so often. When are feeding times? Typically, puppies start off with 3 meals a day then transfer to 2 meals down the road. Will you have time to feed mid-day? What training plan do you have in place? Puppies are sponges when taking in new information. They can also be rambunctious in learning about their environment. It is important to hit the ground running with a regular training plan and schedule. Ultimately dogs are creatures of habits, and it’s essential to schedule out a routine and stick to it for success with you and your new puppy.
What Kind of dog should you get?
Every family has their own dynamic. Some families are constantly on the go, and some don’t go out much. A family with younger kids that have sports or school activities might be a bit more active, but not home as much. A family with no kids might have more time to dedicate to training and getting the dog out and more active. A family with kids who have grown and moved out might have even more time and patience to spend with the puppy. You want to pick a dog that fits into your lifestyle. Higher energy breeds such as Australian shepherds will require an active lifestyle with lots of attention and stimulation while lower energy breeds such as a Great Dane may not need as much exercise. The other thing to take into consideration is size. Do you have small children or elder family in the house? You may not want a dog that will knock them over. Do you have a fence that has spaces in it? You may not want a small 5# dog that can squeeze through the fence. Within each breed there is a wide variety of temperaments. If you are getting a dog from a reputable breeder you should be able to describe your lifestyle and they can help choose one from the litter that is suitable to your daily life.
Are you prepared for the commitment?
Getting a dog for the holidays should be viewed as more than a short-term source of fun. Puppies and dogs are a long-term commitment. Some dogs do only have an average lifespan of 8-10 years, but others can live to be 15, 16 or even older. Be sure you research the breed you decide to adopt, be aware of their average lifespan and common health concerns so that you can be prepared for whatever comes up.
What supplies should you have?
If you do decide to get a puppy, be sure you have all the supplies to get started. Essentials should include but are not limited to crate, Leash, Food/Water Bowl, Food, collar or harness, age/size appropriate toys and anything else you would like to have for the puppy. Crate training is helpful in potty training. Dogs are naturally den creatures and if introduced properly dogs tend to love their crate. You want the crate to be large enough for them to stand, turn around and lay down. You don’t want it to be too large so that they can go potty in one corner then go lay in another. If you have a larger breed dog it is best to get a crate with a divider that you can move as your puppy grows so that you do not have to buy multiple Kennels
What can I do if I’m not sure about a puppy?
If you want to get a puppy for someone, be sure they are aware of it first. If they are aware or choosing to get the dog themselves, as a gift you could purchase training for them. It’s best to let the dog get settled in for about a week and acclimate to their new home so they can focus and retain the training. If you truly want it to be a surprise for the family, you can get an adoption certificate (or make one) as a surprise and then the family can go together to pick out the dog. If you are unsure whether the family wants a dog, or just wanting to do something good for someone else you can reach out to the local shelter and donate an adoption fee or even take the kiddos to drop off food or supply donations to the shelter. Make it a fun trip to give back to the community.
If you have any additional questions feel free to give us a call at 816-308-6985 or visit our website at www.dogtrainingelite.com/kansas-city to learn more about what we do.