If you’re stuck in this predicament please keep readying.
Every year around this time many families are thinking of buying a puppy for Christmas. For most people it wasn’t a well thought plan, mostly impulse. You go into that pet store, the puppies are staring at you, you feel sorry for them, you figure it’s a great gift, you fork over way too much money and Ta-Da you have yourself a puppy for Christmas. Does a puppy deserve to be bought on impulse?
Let me give you a little food for thought on buying a puppy for Christmas.
1.Many unscrupulous dog breeders breed frantically in hopes of making a business killing, selling puppies around Christmas. This practice can promote terrible results genetically. The mass breeding of puppies accounts for the majority of genetic disabilities in pure breed dogs today, and almost guarantees the risk of acquiring a dog with health issues.
2.It’s winter! Do you really want to be taking your puppy out in -30 degree weather to go to the bathroom every time after it eats, plays, and wakes up? Most people don’t. Winter is a tough time to properly socialize your young pup. It’s not easy to take it for walks, stand in a chilly dog park, and let it be exposed to as many different situations/people/animals in those key weeks.
3.Christmas time is busy. Do you have the time and energy to put into a new puppy? The extra hustle and bustle around the house may not be conducive to concentrating on puppy training. If your puppy gets off to a bad start with house training, it may take her weeks to get back on track. Your puppy would need walking (come rain, blizzard or shine) training, feeding, brushing, cleaning up after, as well as playing with. If not your bored little puppy will probably eat your sofa.
4.A house full of guests can also be quite nerve wracking for a young pup. Everyone wants to hold her, and the kids don't seem to understand that getting passed around for hours may not be enjoyable for the animal. A puppy can easily become tired and overwhelmed, and this can lead to nipping and other behaviors.
5. Are you really sure you want that puppy, or are you just giving into your child's (or girlfriends', etc) pleas? Keep in mind that kids will always promise to take care of the dog, but very few keep that promise. That means that you will most likely end up as the main caregiver for the dog. If you are not prepared for that, you should probably consider a pet that will be easier to care of. A puppy is just like another child. If your kids really want one for Christmas they’ll want one in the spring time. Give them a coupon for a puppy to be purchased in the spring!
I hope that helps you think a little bit more about impulsively buying a puppy for Christmas. Did you know that after Christmas lots of shelters have an influx of puppies and dogs needing homes. Mostly from families that didn’t think before they buy.
What I suggest is if you still want a puppy come spring time get one. Do your research over the winter, look for a respected breeder, go on a wait list, or have a good look around at different shelters. Springtime is a great time to get a puppy. The weather is getting nicer, more people are getting outside. The busyness of the holidays are over, your back from tropical winter vacations, and you have all summer to socialize and train your puppy!
No comments:
Post a Comment