A cute Christmas puppy may not be the best present
Today marks the official start to the holiday shopping season. The search for the ideal gift has begun. Here is a gift idea that is unique and undeniably adorable: a puppy. Perfect present, right? Think again.
My regular readers may recall that my family had to euthanize our eldest dog this fall. It has been a few months, and we still feel her absence every day. My boys talk about her regularly, and I am concerned that our other dog is lost without a canine companion. She has never been an “only” dog. So, we decided it is time to think about getting another dog.
It was my husband that suggested Christmas morning as the perfect time to bring a new puppy into our home. I must admit, the picture in my mind of a darling puppy with a big red bow sitting among wrapped presents under the tree on Christmas morning is close to irresistible. The idea is made even more tempting by the thought that our young sons will have joyful memories of the year that their amazing parents gave them a puppy for Christmas.
It sounds perfect, but I know better. As I fantasize about the gift of a “best friend” for my boys, reality creeps in. There is so much to consider about giving a puppy as a gift. After all, the puppy becomes a dog that will be a part of our family for the next decade or more.
In obtaining a puppy any time of year, one must consider the obligations of dog ownership. Responsibilities of time and money are significant. The annual expense of dog ownership can easily reach $1,000 or more, especially during the first year or in the case of illness. This expense does not include the time one must dedicate to the exercise, training and socialization of the pet, and it is almost never the children that take on the real responsibilities. Parents should not fool themselves. They will be the primary caretakers of a pet dog.
Here is another aspect to consider. Raising a puppy in New England during the winter is arduous. House training involves outdoor trips at least every two hours for several weeks. It can feel pretty cold while you wait for your puppy to figure out why you are outside! Not only that, but some puppies will be less than thrilled to go out in the cold themselves and prefer to find a warm spot in the house to use for their “duties.” House training is definitely an easier and more pleasant endeavor in the warmer months.
Just like house training, socialization is an important aspect of puppy rearing. It is crucial for your puppy to meet and interact with unfamiliar dogs and people when they are young and impressionable. Behaviorists call the ages between 4 weeks and 12 weeks old the socialization period. It is a stage in a puppy’s life that experiences will strongly affect adult behavior. Socializing a puppy in the spring, summer and fall is easy, since many people can be found outside. Winter socializing takes a little more effort, and it is not wise to wait until spring to get your puppy out of the house.
Parents are not the only people to give pets as presents. It can be an appealing prospect to boyfriends and significant others. This always seems like a bad idea to me. What happens to this gift if it is not appreciated? Or after the cuteness wears off? It’s not like you can just tuck a puppy up on a shelf in the closet or return it to the store for credit. No, choosing a puppy is something one must do for oneself after a certain age. It is a very personal decision. Not only that, can you really call it a “gift” if the recipient has to accept financial and time obligations for the next 10-15 years? The “gift” recipient may not be ready for that sort of commitment.
Our family Christmas tree is not likely to have a puppy under it this year, but not because of any of the above reasons. I don’t mind the cold, and I have more opportunity than most to socialize a winter puppy. The real reason is that in my line of work, it is not necessary to go shopping for a puppy. Dogs without homes are far too common. Our next dog will likely find us – not the other way around – and that cannot be scheduled for a certain date in December. There are no concerns, though, that my boys will be fortunate enough to receive many fun gifts, and their memories of the holidays will be joyous and long lasting. I hope the same for all of you.
Your Pet is published on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Michelle Posage, DVM, is a veterinarian who deals exclusively in pet behavior diagnosis and treatment, and accepts referrals from other veterinary hospitals throughout New England. Posage is associated with the Animal Medical Center of New England in Nashua. The Animal Medical Center also provides emergency and specialty care. Call 880-3034 or visit www.amcne.com for more information or to make an appointment.
