Are You Thinking about a Puppy?

Everyone loves a wagging tail, warm wet kisses and the lifetime of love that begins with a new dog or puppy. That said, not everyone is ready and able to receive a new best friend as an addition to the family or as a gift at the holidays. This is a busy time to bring a new pet into a household. There are four important steps you should take before adopting a puppy yourself, or as a gift for a loved one at the end of the year.

1. Know the Answers to These Questions:

• What is your/their lifestyle like? Are you/they active or home-bodies?

• If you are considering a dog for a child, have you discussed this with the parents?

• Are the time and the money it takes available to care and provide for this wonderful new life?

• Do you/they work? Travel often? Would additional dog help be needed during those times?

• Been considering a puppy or dog already? Or will this be a new idea to them?

• Can a commitment to love and care for this puppy for the next 10-20 years be made?

• Cold weather is a tough time to potty train. Is another time of year better or is a little cold and snow okay during training early in the morning and late at night?

If you have answered these basic questions and feel confident a new dog is in order, there are a few more things to help make the process go more smoothly.

2. Research and Plan with Professionals! 

Research what breeds would be a good fit.  Consult our breed library and other online sites to learn about the features and characteristics of a breed that would work well with the family’s personality and lifestyle!  Contact a local breeder, kennel, shelter or rescue organization and let them know you’re thinking about a dog for yourself or giving a puppy to someone, and gather their advice about the breeds you are considering.  Many breeders, shelters and rescues offer a gift certificate toward a dog the new dog parent can pick out themselves or will hold a dog with a down payment.

3. Be Prepared! 

A new dog or puppy will need a variety of items to start:  toys, food, treats, a crate/bed, brush, collar, leash, shots, veterinary visits and lots of love!  A book or two with common tips about the specific breed, training tips or other fun puppy facts can help acquaint the dog parents with their new best friend.  A gift card to a pet store or training class would help get the new dog parent on the right track.  When the new puppy comes home, it is important to have key needs covered when the dogs arrives.

4. Pick the Right Moment! 

Especially around the holidays, normal routines can go by the wayside in lieu of holiday parties, decorations and time with friends and family. A new puppy or dog should be brought into an environment with a routine. Be sure the timing is right for that. You can take a picture of the dog or make up a certificate the person can unwrap at the actual gift time. Holding off on bringing the dog home when the time is right is most important. A few more weeks won’t matter. Get him on a schedule for walks, playtime, training and feeding! Puppies need the stability of knowing what to expect and when to expect it.

If you decide to bring a new puppy home this holiday season, learn more about how to best bring him into his forever home with our helpful hints. And most importantly, give lots of love to your new four-legged friends this month and every month!

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