Getting a puppy for Christmas

GETTING A

PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS

ALL THE DOS AND DON’TS FOR FESTIVE PUPPY SHOPPING

The end of the year rolls around again, and suddenly everywhere you look, there’s another cute holiday movie full of puppies. It starts to get you thinking about how wonderful it would be to welcome a new canine companion into the family. As appealing as it sounds in your head, we all know getting a new dog is a huge responsibility. How do you know you’re ready for another dog? And if you are, what kind of dog is best suited to your lifestyle? Never fear, DQ is here to answer all your questions.

ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT A PUPPY?

The saying, “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas,” is never more true than over the festive season. Having a puppy in the house might be cute over the holidays when you’re at home, but everything changes when the new year kicks off, and you’re back in your routine. Think about whether you’ll still have time for a puppy, then. A dog is a lifetime commitment - not your lifetime, but theirs. If your situation is unstable at the moment, or you’re considering emigrating or downscaling in the new year, a dog may not be the best option for you at the moment. Not that we want to discourage you, but be just sure you’re ready for an adult dog as well as a puppy.

WHICH PUPPY IS BEST FOR YOU?

Okay, so you do want a puppy. You’re in the right place in your life to welcome the pitter-patter of tiny claws across your floors. So, what now? Do you have a specific breed in mind? Have you considered a rescue dog? Does your new dog even have to be a puppy? Before you can get any real clarity on what breed or age of dog you’re looking for, think about what you would like to get out of having a dog in your home. If you already have a dog, think about why you’re looking to grow your canine family. Here are some possible reasons you may have for wanting a puppy: • You’re looking for a playmate for your other dog/s • You want your child to have a puppy • You’re looking for a companion for yourself to run with, wrestle with or cuddle at night. • You’d like a pet and an extra level of security in your home

Whatever your reasons are, Google is your friend. Research which breed of dog meets your criteria, and do so with an open mind. You may have your heart set on a Yorkie for your child, only to realise he or she is too young to interact safely with such a tiny breed of dog, for example. Ethical breeders will be upfront with you about

whether or not their breed is suitable for you and will welcome any questions you might have, so feel free to reach out to them as well. In the meantime, we can give you a broad overview of breeds that may work for you.

A FAMILY DOG?

If you’re looking for a dog to lie at your feet in the evening while you watch Netflix and play with your kids in the afternoon, you have lots of options. Depending on the age of your children, there are some very robust and affectionate dog breeds out there that meet your criteria, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, and Beagles. If you have younger children, breeds like Pugs or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be an option. To narrow down the list, think about how much space you have and how much time you have to devote to grooming and exercising your new dog.

A ROBUST COMPANION?

Perhaps you lead a single life, or you have no children. If so, your needs will be different. Instead of a staple in the home, you may be looking for a more portable companion who can stand up to the rigours of running with you and a good old-fashioned wrestling match at night. Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shorthaired Pointers, Staffies, and Bull Terriers, could be excellent options for you. Just remember, some breeds of dogs prefer to be the only dog in the house, so pay attention to this if you already have a dog.

A LAP DOG?

If you’re looking for a small, affectionate snuggle bunny, then Toy and small breeds could be for you. Be warned, however, just because a dog is tiny doesn’t mean he is biddable. Chihuahuas, for example, have serious big dog

attitudes and are just as likely to give you the runaround as a larger breed. Affectionate lap dog breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Pappilions, Maltese Terriers, and Italian Greyhounds.

A SECURITY GUARD?

Having a dog just for security purposes isn’t advisable. Dogs are pack animals, and they protect you better when they’re part of your family. Still, if you’re looking for a dog that packs a bit of extra punch on the home security front, German Shepherds (who are also excellent with children), Boerboels, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers could be an option for you. Remember, all dog breeds need proper training and socialisation regardless of their purpose and temperament.

A WORKING DOG?

What if you want a dog to pour your time into? You want to do agility, advanced obedience, man work, flyball, and the works. Working dogs have high stamina and are extremely intelligent, and as a result, they generally don’t cope well with households in which they don’t have a purpose. An under-stimulated working dog is a nightmare, so be sure your desire to have one isn’t just a fad. If you’re serious about a working dog, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, or Australian Shepherds could be an excellent choice for you.

DQ’S PICK

There are so many dog breeds out there, and each one of them has a place in a home somewhere. For us this festive season, there’s only one breed of dog to consider: The Rescue Dog. More dogs end up at shelters in the comedown from the festive season than at any other time of year. The novelty of having a puppy wears off when he has chewed all your fancy new gifts. Adopting a dog from a shelter could change things and would be the best holiday present for the dog.

Consider a rescue dog - it’s never too late to find them a happy home, and what better time than the holidays to change a life?