Preparing for a Christmas Puppy: Everything you Need to Know

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Preparing for a Christmas Puppy: Everything you Need to Know

Introduction

A box moving under the Christmas tree and the excitement in everyone's eyes as the box tips over and a fluffy puppy comes waddling out is one of the most amazing Christmas moments you can imagine. However, after the initial thrill is over, you now have a puppy who has a lot of needs. If you are set on getting or giving a Christmas puppy, you must prepare properly to make sure the new canine kid is truly a treasured gift. These tips will help your puppy surprise be a great one rather than a doggy disaster.

Commitment

Puppies are long-term commitments, not just a fun gift for Christmas morning. Be sure that you or the puppy recipient are ready for a 10 to 15 year commitment. Make sure you are ready for the day to day responsibility of having a puppy. Veterinarian visits, food purchases and daily walks are just the basics of puppy care that will need to be met.

Acessories

While the puppy may be the main Christmas gift, your new furry addition will need to have other things under the tree to help with day to day care. Wrap up a bag of puppy food, a dog bed, and a collar and leash as presents. Then, you can put a cute, festive bow on your new dog's head for presentation time!

Dog-friendly Space

Before planning for that puppy gift, be sure your new pal will be living in a dog-friendly home. If your home is in in a rental community, check to make sure dogs are allowed. If a fenced in yard is possible, this is ideal! Otherwise, scout out walkable streets or trails nearby your house. Puppies need a lot of exercise to burn off energy!

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Gift of Training

Consider giving the recipient of the puppy a gift certificate for obedience training classes. Puppy kindergarten will help your four-legged friend learn how to behave properly in all situations and will provide socialization which is important! Extra Christmas bonus: the new puppy owner will learn how to care for their new pet properly!

Christmas Safety

While your house may look beautifully decorated with sparkly Christmas lights, this may not be safe for your new family member. If you are planning for a Christmas puppy, put your decorations up higher this year and keep strands of lights off the ground. Your new pup will be able to safely romp around the tree on Christmas morning if the lights are safely tucked away!

Pre-Christmas Vet

Bring the new puppy to meet the veterinarian before Christmas Day for a check-up to make sure they are healthy, happy and up to date on required vaccines. You want to make sure the extra special puppy that pops out of the box on Christmas morning is a healthy one!