How To Give A Puppy For Christmas

December 16, 2019

Nothing is more magical than receiving a puppy on Christmas. Seeing the excitement from your loved ones as they open their gifts and find their new furry friend is hard to resist—many online videos of Christmas puppies prove it! 

What many families don’t consider is what comes after. Barking, house training, and chewing are some of the things that come with a puppy, at least until they’re sufficiently trained. 

Once you bring a puppy into your home, you and your family members have a lifelong commitment to care for it. Don’t let us scare you away though. Pet parenthood, in many ways, is a blessing since it provides you with a challenging gift that peppers your face with sloppy kisses at the end of each day.

The best way to give a puppy for Christmas is to consider the pros and cons and what you will need first. Here are a few tips on how to do just that!

1. Make sure you (and your giftee) are ready.

It’s true that a puppy can bring joy and happiness to a household. Who could resist a happy wagging tail and cute button nose greeting you every morning? A new pet, however, is like a new baby; it needs love and attention from you. It’s not enough to just feed and give water to your puppy on a regular basis. 

They also need to be groomed, exercised, and taken to the vet. You may also need to consider boarding and kennel costs when you go on vacation, and pet supplies like bedding, toys, crates, and more.

This reality of pet parenthood usually sets in after the excitement of Christmas subsides. And sometimes, these puppies become a part of the 3.9 million pets that are sent to shelters every year. Be sure you and your giftee can meet a puppy’s physical and emotional needs so it doesn’t end up without a home.

2. Choose the right puppy.

Puppies come in all shapes and sizes. Some puppies grow up to be big and intimidating (but maintain a kind heart!). Others are always small enough to fit into a purse (and have sassy personalities). 

Depending on your giftee’s lifestyle, household size, and age, you will need to consider the best breed you know they can handle. A house filled with young kids, for example, will benefit from having any of these 6 kid-friendly dog breeds. If you or your giftee are looking to bump up your home’s security, you may find a match through our suggested top 10 best guard dog breeds.

You should also take a look at each breed’s energy level and other special factors. All dogs need exercise and activity to be happy, but some need it a little more than others. Many breeds that fall under the Sporting group, like the Golden Retriever, are family-oriented and don’t do well left alone. Other breeds, especially ones that are brachycephalic, require extra care and attention due to their facial structure. 

It’s hard to pinpoint the perfect puppy for your giftee. Stop by Petland and speak with our Pet Counselors; they can help you determine the ideal furry match for you and your giftee! You and your giftee will also have a chance to interact and play with a puppy during a visit.

3. Purchase puppy supplies early.

Once you’ve decided that you and your giftee are ready for a puppy, we recommend shopping for puppy supplies as early as possible. This helps you stay on top of preparations for a new four-legged family member, and prevents last-minute runs to Petland. Some essential puppy supplies include dog food, dog toys, and a crate. Read our blog, 7 Must-Have Puppy Supplies for more important pet items!

When out shopping for supplies, you should also avoid splurging on items your puppy won’t need until they reach adulthood. Talk to our Pet Counselors for their advice on the best supplies for your puppy’s current age. Be sure to ask them what you will need as your pup grows older.

4. Consider obedience training.

After the Christmas and New Year’s festivities are over, it’s time to consider puppy training. Puppies aren’t born knowing how to follow basic commands or where to go potty, so it’s your job to teach them the rules of the house. 

One of the most essential commands you can teach a puppy is their own name. Once they learn it, you can move forward with other important lessons like sit, stay, and leave it. You can learn how to teach these essential commands through our blog, Essential Commands to Teach Your Puppy. 

House-training a puppy is similar to regular obedience training. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking your pup to their potty spot, pointing at it, and telling them to do their business. If your puppy cries at night for a potty break, do not cave in. You can unintentionally create a nightly habit that will haunt you for a long time. 

A puppy also needs constant socialization, especially in a new environment. Trips to dog parks and walks around the neighborhood are a must for puppies in their new homes. 

As you can probably tell, puppy training and socialization require lots of time, patience, and consistency. Without a clear training routine, a puppy may become unruly, anxious, and even aggressive as adults. You and your giftee must be able to devote time to train your new puppy so that it grows in a healthy, well-mannered pooch!

A puppy should only be gifted to owners that are prepared to handle a lifelong friend by their side. If your family has been talking about getting a puppy for a long time, and you’re prepared to handle a puppy’s needs, then go for it! Christmas puppies are a great gift for those who have it all planned out. Make sure you have everything you need in advance so that your puppy feels right at home on Christmas! 

If you’re thinking of getting something for your cuddly friend this Christmas, take a quick look at our 7 Best Christmas Gifts for Puppies for some magical ideas!