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| Puppy Rocco |
Tis the season for gift
giving, but there is never a good time of year to give a puppy as a surprise present.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) reminds those
considering giving a puppy as a gift to think twice.
“A dog is a serious commitment, and you should never surprise someone with a puppy they aren’t
ready to keep for a lifetime,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “A
dog needs to suit your lifestyle, and it’s important to consider the energy
level, size, coat and temperament of a puppy – as well as your own readiness –
before you make a decision.”
Consider wrapping dog
supplies such as a leash or bowl to symbolize the gift of a puppy to come –
this will give the recipient time to do their research and prepare for the
commitment.
During their critical first
weeks at home, puppies require a great deal of time, love, and attention.
Therefore, any prospective owner should always carefully consider their
schedule and circumstances before bringing a new pet into their home.
This is
especially true during the holidays when parties, travel, or out-of-town
visitors might adversely affect your ability to give a new puppy all the
attention he deserves. If your holidays will be hectic, wait until after the
hustle and bustle.
Are the holidays ALWAYS a bad time to bring home a puppy?
Not necessarily, but you DO need to be prepared and have the right circumstances. While for most folks the holidays are way too hectic a time to safely add a puppy to the mix, in some circumstances it might be the perfect time... but only with careful planning.
While Rocco came to live with me in December, two years ago, I had been planning for his arrival for months. And, since I already had a Havanese, I already was certain the breed was right for me.
Also, for me the holidays meant I had extra time to spend at home with my young puppy and I wasn't expecting a lot of holiday chaos or visitors in my home.
The most important thing is to pick the right time for YOU. Getting off to the right start is super important for the well-being of your pup so you can enjoy your relationship for years to come.
Have you ever brought a pup home during the holidays?Tell us about it in the comments below.
