A PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS?
WHY IT’S NOT A GOOD
GIFT IDEA
E. Katie Gammill, AKC Judge/Exhibition Editor
The stressful season can overtake the pleasure of having the puppy, causing
him to suffer needlessly. He's the most vulnerable among all presents, it is best to wait until after the Holidays so a normal routine can be established.
There is a solution in how to “give” a puppy at Christmas. Introduce the puppy once excitement has worn down and there is time to enjoy and accommodate
his needs bearing in mind the following points:
1. Young
puppies need to sleep 14-16 hours of every 24 hours in order
to develop and grow.
2. Baby
puppies must be taken outside after they eat, nap, play and
wake up. They need to relive themselves due to a small
bladder and this can require hourly attention. Do not scold
your puppy for mistakes; discipline at this age may have a
negative reaction regarding your bonding with your puppy
properly.
3. Puppies
cannot tolerate cold weather. The constant temperature
before birth is 99 degrees. Once born, most breeders provide
heat so puppies don’t become chilled during the first 8
weeks. Exposure time outside of this environment is limited.
Most Christmas puppy’s feet have never touched grass, let
alone snow and ice. They have no experience with inclement
weather such as snow, wind, rain or sleet.
4. Puppies
are quickly lost in the excitement when unwrapping gifts.
They may eat an ornament, a wire ribbon, tree needles, dye
or glitter from paper, staples, or tape.
5. Puppy
may be lost beneath wrapping paper and get stepped on or go
unnoticed out a door. OR worse, they may be left outside and
forgotten! Puppy feet quickly freeze to icy surfaces and
left to the elements, their time is limited.
6. Puppies
cannot eat rich left over’s, chocolate, liquor, grapes,
raisins, and especially NO artificial sweetener such as
Xylitol which can result in death.
7. Loud
voices, music, and horse play are very disturbing to a young
puppy. Do not allow visitors to bring their pets into your
home at Christmas if a new puppy is present. The older dog
may become aggressive and injure your puppy. IF a child
holds your puppy, make them sit on the floor. Puppies can
easily leap out of arms and become injured.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIND THE RIGHT PUPPY!
If you locate a puppy just for your family, visit the breeder and take a
picture. Make a deposit (or pay for) your puppy. Take the picture, a leash and collar, puppy bowls, and toys and place them in a Holiday bag
to present to them on Christmas day.
To avoid
frustration, pick your puppy up after the Holiday and present it in
person to its new owner. Both you and your puppy will be much happier.
Puppies normally
aren’t sold until 8 weeks of age. Spending time with the littermates and
their mother teaches them discipline and manners. By taking them sooner,
they may fail to developed “bite inhibition.” Toy or extra small puppies
need to remain with the litter until approximately 12 weeks of age due
to frailness, possible hypoglycemia, and temperature regulation.
Inoculations should
be current. Puppy should have been wormed. At 12 weeks visit the veterinarian to
set up a vaccine and worming schedule. Many inoculations do NOT address all
contagious diseases, so keep your puppy isolated from other dogs until
it is fully vaccinated. Take a stool sample to your first appoint so the
veterinarian can check for internal parasites.
Reputable breeders
will furnish you with information regarding registration, house
breaking, crate training, and give you a “leg up” on all the do’s and
don’ts. By following these instructions, you will build a much better
relationship with your pet. Your breeder will be there to answer all
your questions and give you support during those puppy days. In fact,
most breeders love to hear about the development and achievements of the
dog they bred “just for you”. Remember, your special puppy will become your life
long companion, so puppyhood is very important and is a positive step
toward your future relationship.
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