It’s the holiday season again, and many parents will be considering the adoption of a Christmas puppy for their children. Although the undeniable cuteness of children and puppies is a strong motivator – let’s face it, the moment of reveal would be priceless – you have to consider the long term. A dog will be with you for a decade or more, and the newness of a Christmas puppy reveal will eventually wear off. An honest look at your family situation and if a dog will be a good fit is necessary.
If you are wondering if bringing a dog into your family during the holidays is the right thing to do, read on.
Should Santa Bring You a Christmas Puppy?
Dogs bring an incredible amount of love and loyalty into a household. As most dog owners will tell you, their dogs are cherished members of the family. From that perspective, a new puppy has the potential of adding a lot to your family.
But to be fair to the puppy, every prospective dog owner must assess their current household, and the room that exists. For instance, if work, school and activity schedules keep you away from the home for the majority of the day, a puppy may not be a good fit. This is because dogs, from puppyhood to adulthood, require love and attention in order to be happy and healthy. They will need walks, exercise, and play time in order to be well adjusted members of the family. It is simply not fair to bring a dog to a home where he will be alone all day.
In addition to companionship, when a puppy is brought into the home, they will need to be watched. This is to be sure that they are not chewing on inappropriate items, peeing around your home, or experiencing separation anxiety. While some people assume that a puppy will be ok as long as you have another dog in the household for company, you should still monitor their relationship until it is established they will get along. An older dog may shun or even intimidate or harm a new puppy, which could cause behavioral problems in the new puppy.
Dogs can also be a financial burden on a family. Be sure to consider the costs of shots and immunizations, ongoing medical care, food, toys, kennels and obedience training if necessary. Puppies may also damage or ruin personal items if you are not watchful, such as shoes or furniture.
Which Breed of Puppy Should You Choose?
While every puppy has the potential to grow up to be a friendly and loving member of the family, if you have small children you may wish to consider a breed which is known to be gentle and patient with children. These breeds include golden retrievers, Labradors, collies, boxers and beagles. (For more information on great dog breeds for households with children, read here. )
We do recommend that you visit your local animal shelter to adopt a dog who needs a home, which is the best way for everyone to have a happy holiday.
Parents Take Note: You should be ready to care for the puppy. Every child swears that the dog will be 100% their responsibility, but rarely realize the level of attention and care which is needed. Because the puppy deserves the best care, you may need to pick up the slack while teaching your children to care for the dog.
At Gulf Coast K9 Dog TrainingGulf Coast K9 Dog TrainingGulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we obviously love dogs and think that a dog will add immeasurable love to your life. If you have brought home a Christmas puppy and need help with training and obedience, give us a call. Happy Holidays!
