The holiday season is here – it's the time of year that makes us want to run out and buy something for someone we love. It can be hard sometimes to resist splurging on them, or maybe even making a big decision too quickly.
Over the years, I have seen many people get themselves or their loved ones a puppy or dog for the holidays based on a spur-of-the-moment decision. These families struggle with the weight of that choice after the tree has come down and the tinsel is packed away – all of a sudden there is a new family member that can't be packed up and is happily destroying your living room! Some families do very well, but it is the few who realize they made a mistake who struggle the most.
A puppy or dog for Christmas – or any pet for that matter – should be a thought-out decision involving everyone in the family. There should never be a surprise reveal, but a shared discussion and choice that each person agrees with wholeheartedly.
If you do decide to bring a pet home, understand that the holiday season does end, but the massive responsibility of pet ownership does not. A lot of families love the holiday season because kids are home from school or parents have time off work, but remember that when that time ends, there has to be a management and coping strategy in place to help the animal's transition.
Plans should also be made so that the animal is not brought home at a chaotic and crazy time (during the big family gathering, for example). You should also be ready for all its wants and needs when it gets home. Don't get your puppy and then head to the pet store that night to get everything – it should be laid out in advance.
Bad habits can also take shape during this time because there is just so much to do and we have a lot on our minds. We leave the puppy to roam the house alone or we are too tired to take it for a walk in the snow, so training takes a back seat. When families are ready to get back on board, your new pet has learned some behaviors that aren't always pleasant and easy to fix. Understand that even if it is Christmas morning or New Year's Eve, your dog still needs a good amount of exercise and training. He has no idea what day it is!
In addition, if you know you want to add a pet to your family, but also know you will be travelling or leaving for some time around the holidays, wait until the holidays are over to bring him home. It is unfair and sometimes traumatic for young puppies or new pets to bounce around so much without a steady routine or stable living environment. You will be doing your family and your new pet a favor by waiting until things are settled to bring a new furry family member home.
In the meantime, donate time to local humane societies or rescues and walk dogs in shelters. Ask about their wish lists and bring donations to help all the homeless pets out there get through the holiday season comfortably. Get your kids involved, and consider sponsoring an animal that needs medical help. You'll feel better knowing you have contributed and will be much more prepared when it is finally time to bring that bundle of furry joy home!
Helen is a certified dog trainer and the owner of No Monkey Business Dog Training in Concord.
