Gifting A Puppy for the Holidays: What You Need to Consider

Puppies have been at the top of Christmas wish lists for years. Many boys and girls dream of running downstairs on Christmas morning to be greeted by a ball of fluff under the tree. But is gifting a puppy for the holidays a smart decision? Controversy has surrounded the topic for decades. Luckily, for those with their heart set on a furry friend for Christmas, the gift of a puppy isn’t a horrible idea. As long as you follow these tips, you can give the ultimate gift this holiday season.

Make Sure Everyone Is On Board

Surprising the family with a dog may not be the best way to go about gifting a puppy for the holidays. A dog is a commitment for many years and you have to ensure that the entire household is on board for caring for it. Talk to your family to make sure everyone is committed to feeding, walking, and caring for Fido forever. You don’t want anyone to get bored of him once he’s no longer a cute and tiny puppy.

Do Your Research

Research different dog breeds before picking the one that is best for you. All dog breeds have different behavioral traits and health concerns that come with them. You have to do your research to plan how to best care for and train your new family member. Don’t pick a puppy based solely on looks, as that will change as they grow anyway. Sure, that golden retriever is a tiny ball of fluff now, but in a year he will be a large, crazy, shedding machine and you have to be prepared. 

Many Christmas puppies find themselves in shelters come summertime, because their family prepared for a puppy and not a large breed dog. According to the AKC, there are over 340 dog breeds recognized around the world. This means there’s a breed out there for every lifestyle. Do your research to make sure you pick the best one for you and your family.

If you’re gifting a puppy for the holidays, research the different breeders and rescues in your area before settling on one. Ensure your pup is background and health tested to avoid issues later on. Never buy from a pet store or backyard breeder.

Plan Financially

Dogs cost a lot of money. You will need supplies such as bowls, leashes, food, and treats. You’ll have to pay thousands of dollars over the years in vet bills. If you travel frequently you’ll need to arrange pet sitting or boarding. Make sure that you’re in a good situation financially before gifting a puppy for the holidays. 

Consider Getting the Puppy After the Holidays

The holidays are a stressful time full of hustle and bustle. If you have your heart set on surprising your kids with a puppy on Christmas morning, consider wrapping a framed picture of the dog. Then you can pick it up once the holidays have whined down. This way, you’re still gifting a puppy for the holidays, but you aren’t having to make plans for where he or she will be while you go to visit family for Christmas dinner.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Purchase all supplies before bringing home your new furry friend. This way you won’t be out during last minute holiday shopping, trying to find dog bowls and toys. Here is a list of some must-have puppy items to make sure you have everything you need before gifting a puppy for the holidays.

Pros and Cons of Gifting a Puppy for the Holidays

Pros

There are a lot of pros to gifting a puppy for the holidays! Everyone is home from school and work, meaning you have plenty of time to dedicate to training and caring for the new family member. You can get the whole family involved in naming the puppy and learning all the responsibilities that come with being a dog owner. Plus, a puppy is a gift that nobody will ever forget, and it’ll be a fond holiday memory for years to come.

Cons

You’ll likely be traveling to visit family, or having family come to visit you for the holidays. This will be stressful to the puppy as they try to get used to their new environment. Another con of gifting a puppy for the holidays is that the colder weather makes potty training even less fun. New puppies have to be taken out very frequently when they’re learning to go potty outside. If it gets cold where you live, this is an important factor to consider. 

While there is a lot to consider, gifting a puppy for the holidays can be done successfully. Have you ever been gifted a puppy for the holidays? Share your stories in the comments below!