Puppies are not stocking fillers

The fantasy of surprising a loved one with an adorable puppy under the tree on Christmas morning may seem like the perfect gift …. But is it really?

Animals should never be given as gifts at any time of the year and the holidays are, in fact, the worst time to bring a dog of any age into your home and your life.

New puppies require extra attention and a stable environment which the holiday season does not permit. Caring for the puppy’s round-the-clock feeding and housetraining needs as well as finding time to comfort and reassure an insecure pup amidst the holiday chaos is an impossible task.

Just think about a few of the potentially hazardous and no-win scenarios to which you will be subjecting a young Christmas pup:

· Doors left open with people coming and going giving a new pup the opportunity to run away.

· Pup will be underfoot and could be stepped on causing an injury resulting in a broken paw or leg.

· Household will not be in any routine which means the pup will not establish a routine for housetraining.

· Numerous additional household safety hazards for your pup due to holiday decorations, gifts and festivities.

· The all-important introductions and transition period to forge the bond between you and your pup will be seriously compromised.

· Holiday activities will impair your ability to adequately supervise the interaction of the new pup and your children.

If you are absolutely set upon getting your family a puppy for Christmas, consider this alternative: Instead of a live pup under the Christmas tree place a “Puppy Gift Package”. This is a fun gift to create and receive. It can consist of a wide variety of items such as a stuffed dog, a certificate entitling the recipient to the dog of their choice, gift certificates for the first veterinary check-up and puppy training classes, dog toys, bowls, lead, collar, brush, comb, donation to a rescue centre etc.

Wrap these up and put them under the tree. As family members unwrap the various pieces of the “puzzle”, their delight and anticipation will grow. They will gradually understand what this present is! Then, after the Christmas tree is taken down and the frenzy of the holiday season is behind, the family can once again enjoy together the anticipation and excitement of discussing and selecting a pup. This will increase the family’s mutual commitment to, and investment in, the well-being of the newest family member. It will be a project the family has done together, which is a wonderful way for any adoption to commence. This will be a far better start both for the pup, and for the long-term relationship between dog and owner(s).

For more information or to
book an appointment for grooming
please call Wendy at
K9 Creations on 957 036 020
or 653 965 509

Wendy Taylor
K9 Creations
English Canine
Grooming Salon
Iznajar
Tel: 957 036 020 or
653 965 509