Every year there is one sad certainty after Christmas, and that is the influx of the Christmas gift puppies to pounds and rescues. Even if it doesn’t happen by the end of January, dogs that were bought as gifts are usually statistically rehomed by the summer months as they start to get bigger. However, the calls and messages to the already struggling pounds and rescues from people needing to rehome their dog starts from late December. Giving a dog as a gift is rarely a good idea, and it’s often a terrible one, but some people can’t resist the idea of a gifting a pet for Christmas. For those of you who are thinking about giving a dog this year, we ask you to please think twice. While you’re doing that, here are some points to factor in.
Remember, a dog is a 15 year commitment and a decision not to be taken lightly. You owe it to the potential new family addition to ensure you have the time, cost and patience it takes to dedicate to their training and care. As well as this, litters of pups that are advertised around the Christmas period are likely to come from a breeder who is more concerned with profit ans is likely selling dogs that come with health or behavioural issues. An ethical breeder would avoid giving their dogs away at Christmas time. Nothing good comes of surprising someone with a dog, even if that someone is your child, who’s been begging for a dog all year.
All dogs, no matter what the background or breed will need a lot of time to help adjust to its new life. Puppies in particular have many specific needs. The general chaos of Christmas is more than likely the worst possible time to add a dog to the family. The work involved in the first few days of dog ownership needs lots of time and care. During Christmas, tose needs can be easily overlooked, which can bode poorly for the dog’s future success. Plus, standing outside in the middle of a cold winter night while waiting for the “gift” to do her business is not everyone’s idea of a good time.
Have a look at some local pounds and rescues websites and think about maybe fostering first. Fostering is a great intermediate step, and the holiday could be a good time to explore this possibility. By taking in a foster dog, not only will everyone discover the day-to-day responsibilities of pet care, it will make a big difference in the life of the dog you choose to foster.
Treat a case of puppy fever with some prep work, talk to a rescue shelter about volunteering to look after or walk the dogs for a day or talk to a reputable dog trainer or behaviourist in your area about different types of breeds and preparing for a new dog.
Build a foundation for success. If you want to give something to unwrap, fill a basket with a leash, collar, bowls, toys, treats, a gift certificate for a training class or vet care and a positive training book. After the Christmas season is over and life settles down, check out your local shelter and rescue groups, or do the research required to find a reputable breeder. Whatever you do, don’t buy that puppy advertised online; a lot of puppies that are advertised for sale at Christmas are likely to have come from a puppy mill.
It’s also in first time dog owners’ best interests to consider an adult dog from rescue. Puppies are cute, but they’re also a lot of work. Many adult dogs are housebroken and have all sorts of good behavior skills learned already. They are also fully developed physically so you know what you’re getting with size, type of coat and personality. The most important thing to note is that you will find all kinds of breeds and ages in rescues and pounds needing someone to give them a second chance.
Getting a dog is one situation in which the best surprise is no surprise at all.
