If you\u2019re bringing a new puppy home or you\u2019re thinking of giving someone a puppy as a gift, we have a whole section in the Zigzag app<\/a> on what to do before you get your puppy home. Look in our pre-puppy chapter – you\u2019ll find everything you need there. Perhaps you haven\u2019t decided what breed to get, or you\u2019ve got questions about your new puppy. All these questions and more, you can ask our team of professional dog trainers<\/a>. They’re there for you 7 days a week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018\u2019A dog is for life not just for Christmas\u2019\u2019 was coined in 1978 by Clarissa Baldwin, then Chief Executive of The National Canine Defence League, which later became The Dogs Trust. At the time, thousands of people were giving puppies as gifts at Christmas, and rescues were overrun with unwanted dogs once the novelty had worn off and the reality set in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have a rescue puppy? Read our article on settling a rescue puppy into their new home<\/a>. You already know it will be of good use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be honest. Getting a puppy at one of the busiest times in our social calendars is usually a recipe for disaster. Puppies take up a lot of our time and energy and are a big responsibility. Think about it: Some dogs live up to 20 years. Are you ready to take on that commitment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Young puppies need almost constant supervision when they’re little. If you bring a puppy home at Christmas time, you need to be there for them constantly. You\u2019ll probably have to reschedule your holiday plans and gatherings until much later. Puppy comes first!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christmas isn\u2019t the quietest of times. It\u2019s understandable – otherwise, it would be quite boring, wouldn\u2019t it? But adding a new puppy to the mix can just be chaotic. Your puppy will likely become overwhelmed by the many noisy visitors you\u2019ll have coming over. It\u2019s worth remembering your puppy is probably entering a fear period<\/a> after bringing them home and will be sensitive to all of the changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppies do best when they have a routine. Getting them used to their new home and into a toilet training routine<\/a>, a nighttime routine<\/a> (so that they learn how to sleep through the night<\/a>) will become rather difficult when you\u2019re not on your usual schedule. It\u2019s hard enough already – you don\u2019t want to make it harder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The usual Christmas treats like chocolate decorations, cakes and puddings contain dried fruit and nuts that can be potentially lethal to puppies. Because of their charming personality and glittery eyes, your puppy can end up being given a lot of titbits by well-meaning friends – which can be quite dangerous. These include cooked bones<\/a> – they\u2019re too rich for a young puppy\u2019s digestion at this point. Puppies need a balanced diet and the correct nutrition<\/a> to grow into the beautiful beings they\u2019re meant to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about it. It\u2019s Christmas – you want to avoid traumas or sad stories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We don\u2019t want to sound like the Grinch, but tinsel, electric cables and pine needles are all potential hazards to a new puppy. Puppies are inquisitive and like to explore by putting everything in their mouths<\/a> and chewing<\/a> away on anything in front of them. We don’t want any Christmas disasters, so it\u2019s best to keep decorations out of their way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you bring your puppy home, you should settle them into a puppy-proofed area<\/a>, possibly with a playpen<\/a> and crate<\/a> to provide them with a safe environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sadly, unscrupulous breeders and puppy farmers know how desperate people are to get a puppy for Christmas. Puppies from these kinds of places often come with diseases, and possible suffering and have been inappropriately raised with a lack of proper socialization<\/a>. It\u2019s very sad to know that these dogs often end up with emotional and behavioral problems<\/a> later on in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not to be a Debbie Downer, but buying from an unscrupulous breeder – otherwise known as puppy mills – means you are funding the abuse and neglect of the mothers\u2019 who are bred time after time after time, with little thought or care. Good breeders have waiting lists. If a puppy is too readily available, just walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re going to say it again: A dog is for life, not just for Christmas. Dogs are a life-long commitment as they live up to 20 years, they cost money, and they need to receive lots of love and affection. It might just be that your \u2018giftee\u2019 isn\u2019t ready for that kind of responsibility right now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of us joke about wanting a particular breed of dog, or daydream about what being a puppy parent might be like. Truth is, we just might not be ready for one. Buying a puppy should definitely be a decision for the new owner to make, however well-meaning you feel the surprise is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The realities of owning a puppy are a whole lot different than what you imagine them to be. The cost of food<\/a>, vaccinations<\/a>, neutering<\/a>, veterinary treatment<\/a>, and puppy sitters<\/a> can be staggering. You also have to go for walks in the rain, and clean up many many puddles of puppy pee<\/a>. If you\u2019re not fully on board with the idea, this gets boring and tiring very quickly – so many owners give up as it\u2019s just too hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The person you\u2019re giving the puppy to probably has a lot going on at Christmas, and getting a new puppy wasn\u2019t on their list to Santa! If anything is going to stick from this article, let it be this: A surprise puppy as a Christmas gift is a bad idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, you\u2019re adamant that this person wants a gift of a puppy at Christmas. Are you 100% sure? Okay then, you\u2019ll need to follow these tips to ensure the dog is indeed for life and not just for Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One person\u2019s dream dog may be a Chihuahua<\/a>, while another wants a Staffie<\/a>. Do you know what breed will work best for the person you\u2019re gifting the puppy to? Let\u2019s be realistic here. It\u2019s best not to get a Border Collie<\/a> when you live in a small city apartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll say it again. A dog is for life, not just for Christmas. A puppy is a lifelong commitment and expensive! Be entirely sure that this is what the person wants for Christmas and that they\u2019re ready for the trials and tribulations of puppy parenthood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good breeders usually have long waiting lists and often don\u2019t have pups available around Christmas to precisely prevent puppies from becoming gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid breeders who advertise around Christmas. This is a big red flag. Especially if they offer to deliver the puppy or meet you somewhere with the puppy. An example of a green flag is that you\u2019re always able to see a puppy with its mother. If the breeder makes up a story about why you can\u2019t, walk far, far away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rescue centers will often pause rehoming at this time too, so getting a rescue puppy<\/a> at Christmas is often tricky too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t buy a puppy and think that\u2019s the end of it! You\u2019ll need to buy all the supplies that the person needs, too. Giving a puppy at Christmas means you\u2019ll need a crate<\/a> and playpen<\/a>, puppy food<\/a> and bowls<\/a>, chews<\/a>, toys<\/a>, blankets<\/a> and beds<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our articles on tips for new puppy owners<\/a> and our getting a new puppy checklist<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking on a puppy is a big commitment. A dog is not just for Christmas, after all! Sorry, I had to say it again if it hadn’t sunk in yet. It would be best if you considered a couple more things when you become a dog parent, changes you will need to make to your home and your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs are expensive. Plain and simple. Here are a few costs you need to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need to budget for Veterinary visits<\/a>, vaccinations<\/a>, neutering<\/a>, regular worming<\/a> and flea treatment<\/a>. There are also monthly outgoings like pet insurance<\/a>, food, treats and toys, puppy classes<\/a>, and perhaps a pet sitter<\/a>. Cha-ching! Are you totting it all up yet? Gulp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full article on how much do dogs really cost<\/a> to understand the costs involved in getting a puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppies are wonderful, and they also take a huge amount of time and patience. Take being alone as an example. They don\u2019t come pre-programd to want to be alone at all, and if you rush the separation training, you can end up with separation anxiety<\/a>. For their first 6 months at least, you must be prepared to be at home a lot or employ a pet sitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your gift receiver have the room for a puppy? Even small dogs like French Bulldogs<\/a> and Pugs<\/a> take up a good amount of space. They need the room to roam and be dogs. Even slinky dogs like Whippets<\/a> need to stretch out on a sofa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Potty training in an apartment<\/a> can be tricky for many people, so consider how much space you have when buying a puppy. Of course, puppies grow pretty quickly too, and your Christmas puppy will grow into a dog in no time at all!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you\u2019ve got the full story of why a dog is for life, not just for Christmas! Of course, we love dogs here at Zigzag. But buying a puppy for Christmas is a bad idea – it\u2019s a hugely stressful time for everyone, and your puppy will require calm, a lot of time and attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Honestly, we wouldn\u2019t recommend it! But if your mind\u2019s made up, remember it\u2019s not just a puppy you buy for Christmas. It\u2019s all of their essential supplies too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So glad you read through our article. Why not head over and learn about how to settle in a rescue puppy<\/a>? Probably a good idea to read over that as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, if you\u2019re generally thinking of getting a puppy or buying a puppy, it\u2019s well worth downloading a trial of the Zigzag app<\/a>. Not only do we have a personalized training program set out for you, but we also have a team of puppy trainers<\/a> on hand to give you support 7 days a week. Not bad is it?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"puppy](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/jakob-owens-mpnqu9o4b9w-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
Who said \u2018a dog is for life not just for Christmas\u2019?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why a dog is not just for Christmas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re too busy to get a dog at Christmas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Puppies need a calm environment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Puppies need routines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Christmas foods can carry a lot of risk for puppies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Puppies and Christmas decorations don\u2019t mix well! <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many Christmas puppies come from puppy farms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"labrador](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rhaul-v-alva-jCM48W7y6Y8-unsplash-1024x735.jpg\")
Reasons why you shouldn\u2019t give puppies as gifts for Christmas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your idea of a surprise puppy might not be wanted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While initially thrilled the novelty of a puppy may wear off<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Christmas is not the right time to give a puppy as a gift<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The right way to give a puppy as a Christmas gift, if you really want to<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose the right breed with the person involved<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be sure that the person is fully committed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find a good breeder way ahead of time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Have your puppy supplies ready<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things to consider when getting a dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"brown](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/jamie-street-duJvseqfcPQ-unsplash-761x1024.jpg\")