A Puppy?! For Christmas?!
A fluffy pup. Wrapped in a bow. Under the tree. On Christmas morning.
Is this not the childhood dream of all yuletide dreams?
We’re sure your kiddo will jump for joy and declare ‘best fluffy friends forever’.
But without considering a few important factors, sadly, you may need to return their gift. And that joy of Christmas morning will quickly disappear for everyone involved (dog included).
So if a puppy has made it onto Santa’s list this year, make sure you’re prepared.
Here’s what to consider before purchase. And how you can pull off the ulti-mutt surprise – with your new woofer’s wellbeing top of mind.
A long-term gift: What you need to consider
Is your kid actually interested?
‘Can we get a puppy? Paw-leaaaseeee?’If you have little tackers in your life, you’ve likely had this request at some point. Kids can go googly-eyed at the mere thought of a puppy-eyed friend.
But before you give in to their pleas, ask yourself: Do they really want a dog? And more importantly, do they really want to look after a dog for the next 10-15 years?
Perhaps drop some hints about caring for animals and note their response, before you make the big ol’ commitment.
Will the dog match the kid? And vice versa.
Every dog breed comes with different behaviours and needs. And humans are just the same. So before you decide on your pup, play matchmaker.- Does your household like to hunker down and watch movies on the weekend? Choose a mellow Basset Hound.
- Does your household like to run around the park – multiple times a day? Choose an energetic Border Collie.
- Will your furry friend be left for long periods due to your household’s schedule? Choose a breed that’s less likely to experience separation anxiety – like a Boston Terrier.
Will the dog have enough space?
Is it starting to feel Claus-trophobic in here?
It will if you bring a large or energetic dog into a small space – with no backyard for zoomies.
So again, research and choose wisely. Otherwise, your brand-new doggie may need to find a larger, more suitable home.
*Cue small children moping around with resting Grinch faces.*
Can you afford a puppy – long term?
Think this oh-so-cute present is a one-off payment? Think again.On average, our canine friends live for 10+ years (…of fun, love and companionship).
Over that time, they need daily meals, quarterly salon visits and (at least) yearly vet check-ups. Not to mention vaccinations, pet insurance and training. And of course, the fun stuff like leads, toys, treats and beds.
It will add up. So before you get your tinsel in a twist, asses your situation. Create a budget. There are always ways to cut costs, too.
If it feels too steep for you and your household right now, follow you gut. Ask Santa to delay his doggie delivery for a couple of years.
Do you have other pets?
Already have a furry, fluffy, spiky, or slimy friend at home?Make sure your new pup’s breed is suited to the creature or creatures you already have. Otherwise, yule be sorry!
Now, how to find them the perfect dog?
Okay so you’ve cleared our list of crucial considerations – with fetching colours. So, where’s an ethical place to procure your pooch?Firstly, avoid puppy farms and pet stores. Instead, check out adoption options or find an ethical breeder.
As best practice, always ask about:
- Your dog’s history, including the temperament of their parents and where they were born
- How they interact with their litter (and other dogs and humans)
- Your breeder’s registration (if choosing this option)
How to give your kid a dog – the right way
The ideal situation: a doggo sitting calmly under the tree. With a giant red bow around them.But pulling this off? Near impossible. Especially if you have an untrained puppy, in a strange location, with a stupid bow in their face.
So to respect your new hound-come-housemate and execute the merriest of all merry surprises for your kiddo, here are some ideas:
- Keep your secret canine in your room overnight. But make sure they’re comfortable and won’t give themselves away with a ‘woof’!
- Have your new puppy stay with family, friends or neighbours for the night. Then sneak them into the house in the morning!
- Wrap up a stuffed animal or leash – and explain the plan to adopt a dog soon after Christmas. Don’t worry, any initial confusion will quickly turn to unbridled tiny human joy.
But remember: You’ll need to think beyond the gift-giving. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies to care for your dog instantly. This includes a leash, collar, food, bedding and toys.
Does a dog seem a little im-paw-ssible?
Relax. It’s Christmas, after all! And there are plenty of other animal-related gifts you can give this festive season. Including:- Shelter donation: The RSPCA accepts one-off donations that can subsidise animal cruelty legal costs or pay for much-needed post-surgery medication for injured animals.
- Sponsor an animal: For $15 a month, give the gift of becoming an ‘Animal Adopter’ with Zoos Victoria. We’re not talking dogs and cats, we’re talking elephants and gorillas!
- An animal sanctuary membership: Think unlimited day access and discounts at the gift store. A Moonlit Sanctuary membership is perfect for a little animal lover who’s not ready for a dog.
- Large stuffed animal: Sometimes what kids really want is a fluffy friend to pat and carry around with them. So why not look out for life-sized stuffed animals to appease their Christmas wishes?