christmas puppies (think twice!!) Written on November 30, 2009, by marlene.

cutest

A word of advice to anyone who is considering giving a dog as a gift this holiday season:

From the point of view of a trainer whose busiest season is from May to July, which happens to be around 6
months after the acquisition of the Christmas puppy (precisely around the time of adolescence and usually
at the out-of-control stage), I say “THINK TWICE!”

Not only is it a bad idea to choose another person’s companion for them (the process is VERY personal),
one also must consider the fact that this wiggly, lanky, geeky little poop machine is going to need some
guidance and training to mesh into the family. If the recipient is unwilling or unaware of the work that
comes with getting a gift like this, there could be some serious levels of frustration in the home. I’ve seen ultimatums between couples, threats to return or even euthanize the dog, acts of violence against the dog,
women crying to me begging for help (most popular), children disconnecting from parents, potential lawsuits being brought on the family because of the dog’s behavior. Not to mention stripped couches, holes in the
drywall, carpets and fabrics soaked and stained with urine, entire houses disrupted! Seriously!

I say all that to say this:

Ask yourself these questions before wrapping up a hairy potential monster and handing it over to some poor sap!-

Will the person I give this animal to definitely, absolutely want this animal? (What if they think it’s UGLY!)

Will this person assume that this animal is perfect and will not need training? (What if the dog is difficult
to housetrain?)

Will this person think of this animal as a replacement for one that has just been lost? (ALWAYS A BAD IDEA!)

Does this person tend to be patient with animals?

Is this person willing to research information or call a professional in for help if things get too overwhelming?

Does this person re-home, return, or dispose of animals that become problematic?

Does this person have time in his or her schedule to care for a living, breathing, emotional being? (The responsibility that comes with most puppies is equivalent to between a third and a half of a human child.)

If there is any doubt as to whether the potential owner is really ready for the responsibility that comes with
caring for a puppy, all the cleaning, all the exercising, all the attention, all the annoying things involved
in the training process, blahblahblah, then please reconsider! You could be thrusting this person into
a years-long period of frustration and agony. Let people do that for themselves!!!!!!!

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