Holidays and Gift Puppies
Nov 19 '00
Folk art, popular lore and basic instincts warm to the notion of a round bellied, playful pup amid the holiday wrapping, adding a touch more perfect than the angel or star gracing the treetop. Almost every child yearning for a pup has this at the top of the wishlist.
'Ready by Christmas' is already being heralded in local ads. A close read indicates that many of these pups will be made available at only six weeks old. Some pups will be placed even younger. Experienced, reputable dog breeders often tout eight weeks as the preferred age. Seven weeks is acceptable to some knowledgeable dog people, others believe nine weeks is ideal. All agree six weeks is too young.
Weaned should not be the sole criterion for placement. Underage pups are deprived of essential social interaction within the litter. This canine interaction provides invaluable learning regarding appropriate play, bite inhibition, aggression control and a fluent understanding of their 'first language'...dogspeak. Pups placed too early exhibit behavioral problems more frequently that include poor bite inhibition, inappropriate aggression toward people and/or dogs, shyness and/or fearfulness. In extreme cases these pups present a real risk to people and other dogs.
Any dog dangerous to others is most dangerous to self. Eventually, a confused and frightened owner, worried for children and neighbors, has the dog destroyed. Or the dog is dumped at a local shelter where it's ascertained the dog is not suitable for adoption and is destroyed.
Puppies any age, or adult dogs, make poor holiday gifts. The general upheaval, stress, and mayhem spells disaster to a dog brought suddenly into the midst of holiday madness. Christmas pups too often suffer life threatening illnesses and injuries from chewing electrical cords, ingesting tinsel, wrapping paper, even ornaments, knocking over the tree, becoming entangled (sometimes hung) in the cords and banners. Adult dogs can respond to the heightened excitement by chewing or ingesting materials they would normally leave alone or exhibiting unusual behaviors. Visitors, friends and extended family place additional stresses on a dog that hasn't yet had an opportunity to become fully acquainted with her nuclear pack. Even short trips can necessitate boarding the new pup or leaving her with strangers. Exceptionally careful and organized adults can be overwhelmed by the challenge of protecting a new dog from all holiday risks.
And then there is training. Pups (and dogs) old enough for placement are continually learning the rules and expectations of their new home. Humans may decide that after Christmas is soon enough to seriously undertake training with their little charmer. For those first hectic days it's easier to clean up and ignore undesirable behavior. The gift pup can't possibly understand this entirely human reasoning. The pup will understand (and applaud!) that house soiling is acceptable, jumping is encouraged, nipping is tolerated, and barking is appreciated. Adult dogs can readily stray from previous training if those rules do not appear to prevail in the new home! An unavoidable fact is that our canine companions are continually learning. We can't stop this, (or delay it until after the holidays!), but we can control what is being learned.
Those opportunistic weasels pushing Christmas pups should be ashamed. No reputable breeder places their well loved puppies (or adults) as a 'Christmas gift'. Careful, responsible placement is concerned about placement at this time of year. These people will readily work with you to ensure that your dog comes into your home at a time when you can focus on the pup's needs. Shelters are aware of the problem and willing to reasonably accommodate you. They don't want to see these pups returned in a month or two.
Alternate gifts that indicate a promise of a pup are often suggested. These include leashes, bowls, treats, and toys. If available, a gift certificate for basic training courses is an excellent gift for children mature enough to undertake training. Although a gift of 'school' lacks cachet it can mean the difference between success and failure for pup and child. Socialization with other dogs and people is reason enough to invest in these classes. For many dog lovers these classes are a first peek into dogspeak.
The sense of renewal that accompanies the holidays can make this a terrific time to develop plans for acquiring a dog. Information can be collected as to where the pup will be obtained, what adult size is desired, whether a short or long coat is preferred, what temperament is desired (and why), how and when toilet training will be accomplished, whether to seek an adult or puppy, and who will be primarily responsible for care and training. Using this information, the ideal time to bring a pup into your home can be determined and planned for.
Fulfilling a dream for a 'Christmas pup' can overshadow the dull voice of reason. How much thought has been given beyond the happy (human) faces seeing their pet the first time? What do the months (and years) ahead look like? What realistic plans are there to include this dog in the family? What training is scheduled? Who will toilet train? Who will be responsible for cleanup when house soiling or vomiting occurs? If a child is assuming the responsibility which adult will undertake the care and training if the child loses interest? What are the provisions for the time people are gone for school/work?
Adult commitment is essential. Responsible children with excellent intentions often find that the reality of a dog doesn't match up with their fantasy. (Hint! Share pet care with your child. Walk, feed, and bathe your dog together. Kids love this inclusion and learn the chore of pet care is a labor of love by your example.)
Finally, and most importantly, do the children (and adults!) want a dog? Anyone that will become bored with the adult should not get a puppy. Christmas is one day. Puppies disappear in months. Dogs last years. A dog's family should last exactly that long. And the devotion and love will endure forever.
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