By Fran Jewell
With the holidays coming up very quickly, many of us are looking for that special gift that is meaningful and very special to let our loved ones know how much they mean to us. Giving the gift of a puppy or dog is something that crosses everyone’s mind, especially with all the ads in the paper urging you to give a puppy. There are adorable photos and incredibly sweet descriptions that just tempt us beyond belief!
But, WAIT! Giving the gift of a puppy or dog can be a wonderful idea; however, it is important to think it all the way through. Ask yourself: Is the person you want to give a puppy to capable of taking care of a very young dog? That person may not have enough room, or a backyard for a puppy to be in safely. They may work all day and not have time to train a puppy. Can that person afford the vet bills and dog food? And, very simply, do they WANT a dog or puppy in their lives? Do you really know what kind of puppy would fit for that person? If they have small children, a herding breed or mix may not be a good fit for them. Considering an appropriate breed or mix for the whole family may not be something you can determine easily.
Christmastime is a difficult time to bring a new dog or puppy home. Everyone is busy with decorations that can be VERY exciting for a puppy — grabbing ornaments off the tree or stealing cookies off the table, as an example. The attention a puppy or new dog demands is very difficult to give when visitors are coming or the family may be gone for long periods of time, celebrating with others. A new puppy or new dog can be very stressed at the new situation and deserves special attention during that transition to a new home. It doesn’t matter if it is a puppy or an older dog.
If giving the gift of a precious animal is what you want to do, there are some very nice ways to make that happen without going out and selecting the dog yourself. Sometimes the best thing to do is to wrap a beautiful box and put a note inside that says, “Your gift is at the shelter and I want to go with you to pick out a puppy/dog after the holidays!” Or, you can do the same for a puppy from a breeder. Leave a note in the box that says, “Your gift is a new puppy of your choice! Let’s go together and find that special pup that fits for you!”
Other gifts might include a crate, dog bowls, leashes, a collar, a gift certificate for training, and a quality dog food to let them know what their gift is.
Getting the puppy or dog AFTER the holiday when all the commotion and decorations are gone can be such a special time to spend with that special person or family. Make another special occasion of going to get the puppy. Let the receiver of the gift have a part in choosing that puppy or dog. Then, you will have a better chance that the dog will be a good fit!
Fran Jewell is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified Instructor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.