Buying a puppy for Christmas? 5 reasons why it’s not a great idea
Christmas is always a popular time for people to buy a new puppy. It’s a gift for all the family, you’re off work so can get your new pup settled and it will certainly liven up your Christmas holidays. However, I would advise you to think twice about buying a puppy for Christmas, here’s why:
- The Christmas holidays are just that – a holiday. Then real life returns. The routine you develop while you and the family are around all day will soon disappear once you’re back at work/school. Be realistic – do you really have time for a puppy in your everyday life?
- Christmas is crazy in lots of home. Visitors in and out, overexcited kids, food everywhere. Your new puppy needs calm, consistent routine. Think about everything you have to do this Christmas then add a puppy into the mix – maybe wait until springtime?
- It’s dark and cold. I have a new puppy, Mia, but would not usually get a new addition at this time of year. It’s much harder to walk, toilet and train her with limited hours of daylight. Your puppy will still need to go out after 4pm and in all weathers for toileting – it’s not the best for you or for them.
- Unfortunately, unscrupulous puppy farms will maximise their output to aim at the ‘puppy for Christmas’ market. If you find the puppy of your dreams very quickly, ask yourself where it’s really coming from. Do your research, ask lots of questions. Dogs from puppy farms come with a multitude of problems.
- It’s a cliché but it’s true: a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. A puppy stays small and cute for a very short time. They are then your responsibility for their lifetime. It may suit your lifestyle right now to have a puppy but project five years into the future and ask whether your dog fits in with your long term plans.
I am not being Scrooge. I love meeting clients with their new puppies and it’s a rewarding part of my job to train them. From years of experience, I can tell you that getting the puppy when you have time to focus on them and daylight to enjoy them is the very best idea. Don’t give in to the pressure, this is a massive decision. Choose the right dog at the right time and you will enjoy your dog for life, not just as a present at Christmas.
Posted: November 20, 2019