Doggone Etiquette —

Christmas Puppies

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dogs:          

This should not be your problem, but it just might be, so listen up. If you are currently the sole resident housedog, you could be in for a Christmas surprise. On the other hand, if you are a puppy sitting in the breeder’s kennel awaiting a new home, you could also be facing some changes ahead. Or perhaps you are an older dog only looking forward to what Santa Claus will bring you and your pals in the shelter.                 

A few words to all those Very Important Owners (or would-be V.I.O.s) will help each of you no matter what your situation is right now.

A Word to the Dogs’ Owners:

The subject of acquiring a dog “for Christmas” is rather like looking into a kaleidoscope – every tiny nudge changes the whole picture. So here we go!                     

Bringing a new dog into your home just before or during the holidays is a basically very bad idea. Perhaps the only exception might be if you live alone, may be doing nothing but watching tree-lighting on TV and your holiday lifestyle might even benefit from taking on the care and activity of a dog. (You’ll note there are a lot of “might’s” and “maybes” in that scenario.) For most people, there are too many other things going on to spend the essential time and energy a new dog requires.                            

Let’s say you’ve been doing your homework about what kind of dog would best fit in with your family, made your decision (a joint one, I hope!) and have contacted breeders. If a puppy is what you want, a responsible breeder will let you come and visit the dogs (if you live close enough) and take pictures of the pup that will be yours. BUT, when it comes to taking the puppy home, chances are you’ll be asked to wait until after Christmas, or even after New Year’s. In the meantime, hang the photo on the tree, the fridge door, over the Welcome mat – wherever!                 

You say a puppy is not for you; an older dog is what you have in mind. Well, any dog – young or old – still has to be given time to get to know each member of your family, to learn the routine, and house-trained to your schedule and home. You also have a lot to learn. What does this dog do when the phone rings, or there’s a knock on the door, or a car in the driveway? Does he go ballistic? If so, what will you do about it? What little quirks does this older dog have that the previous owner never even noticed, but which drive you nuts? Does he ask to go out – for a walk or to eliminate? How will you know the difference?                    

Shelter dogs need new homes, but a very careful match must be made to make the connection work. A dog that looks pleadingly at you through the kennel door may just want “out.” It says nothing about how he’ll react to you or your home after a few days. If exactly the right dog for your family is sitting right there, wagging his tail, but it’s just prior to the holiday season, restrain yourself. Ask if the shelter or rescuer can keep the dog for you until the festivities are over. In the meantime, perhaps you can arrange to stop by the shelter and walk the dog every few days. And, sure, take plenty of pictures!    

These cautions apply, too, if you already have a dog and are thinking to add another. Don’t fall for the “Rufus needs company” bit. He is quite likely content to have you and his home all to himself, thank you!

Bringing in a young dog thinking to spark up the life of an older one, can have serious repercussions such as bringing on aggressive behavior. If your plan is to add a dog, you might want to wait until spring when you can spend time outdoors one-on-one with each dog.                                    

These precautions simply boil down to your need to think first and foremost of the dog. Not the kids, not Mom and Dad. It’s the Dog! Apart from the cute pictures, a few dog toys in the kids’ Christmas stockings will keep their spirits up. Other gifts for the dog soon to be yours could be put under the tree. For example, food and water dishes, a collar and leash, even a towel for drying off the snow.                     

Getting a dog is a very exciting adventure. Planning ahead carefully is part of the fun.  

Enjoy it!

Until then – Be Good!

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog fancy Magazine.

In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me! which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award this year.