Why A Dog Isn't Just For Christmas | Highland Canine Training

“Puppies are forever, not just for Christmas
Cause they're so cute and fluffy with shiny coats
But will you love 'em when they're old and slow?”
Sia

This is the first (and probably the last) time we will open an article on the Highland Canine blog with lyrics from Sia. Taken from her 2017 song, Puppies Are Forever, Sia explains the oft-repeated mantra that a puppy shouldn’t be something that you spontaneously acquire at Christmas time. Instead, it is something that requires careful thought and consideration, with a number of factors in play.

At this time of year, kids and adults alike are hoping that Santa delivers that special gift to make the holiday season memorable. However, it is one thing to open up a high-value inanimate object on Christmas morning; it is quite another to introduce a sentient being requiring several years of love, care and attention into your home.

Children, naturally, are excited by the prospect of a puppy at any time of the year. As Christmas approaches, the pressure on parents to make their kids happy comes from all sides, from the marketing of big brands, all the way to social media pressure from fellow parents. However, there are several reasons why asking Santa to bring a puppy for Christmas should be treated with trepidation. In this article, we’ll run through some of the factors you should consider if you’re thinking of getting a dog at this time of year.

Puppies are a 10-15 year commitment

When we say that puppies aren’t just for Christmas, we mean it – a puppy is going to last long after you’re putting the decorations away for another year.

On average, a dog will live between 10 and 15 years. In that time, a lot can change in your life. What if you move home? What if you change jobs? What if your children move away to go to college, and you’re left with the responsibility of looking after the dog? What if you want to travel overseas for several months in the future?

Of course, even if you acquire the dog, there are ways to mitigate each of those potential problems. You can adapt your lifestyle accordingly. But it is certainly worth considering that the situation you and your family find themselves in today may not be the situation in the years to come. Make sure that bringing a dog to your home aligns with the other aspects of your life.

The financial implications

The average dog owner spends around $4,500 per year on their dog, according to a recent USA Today survey. Does that fit in with your household budget?

It is vital to consider not just the initial costs of adopting or purchasing your puppy, and getting their initial ‘essentials’ such a collar, leash and ID tag. Annually, you will need to allocate money for the following ongoing costs:

Food
Veterinary care
Prevention against parasites
Toys and other mental enrichment items
Training and other activities

The same survey cited above mentioned that over three-quarters of dog owners – 76% – felt either a significant amount or a lot of financial stress as a result of owning a dog. This will become a mandatory part of your household budget. There will be no opting out of these costs, as your dog will have to eat, go to the vet, and do things that fulfill their physical and mental requirements.

Will you have the time?

A dog isn’t just a financial commitment – it’s a time commitment, too. From everyday items such as feeding and walking them, to building in time for their extracurricular activities like training classes, looking after your pup will eat into your time budget.

It is vital to ensure that you have sufficient time to give your dog the quality of life they deserve. Over the holidays, many of us have some time off work or are out of school – which is great for that initial bonding time with your dog. But what about when things return to normal? If everyone is out of the home at work or school during the day, what does that mean for your dog?

Ensuring you have enough time to look after your dog is imperative. During the pandemic, puppies were adopted in record numbers, only to be surrendered when people returned to work and realized they didn’t have the time to dedicate to their dog. Failing to provide your dog with the care they need is not only essential for their wellbeing – it can also prevent your dog from engaging in destructive behavior.

A dog may be unsuitable for your home/family circumstances

We have spoken in previous articles about making sure that you choose the right dog for your circumstances. If you live in an apartment, choosing a smaller dog that doesn’t need a lot of room to run is a good choice. If you have a dog breed whose heritage lies in farm work, make sure they have adequate space to roam.

It isn’t just about matching the dog to your living space, either; some dogs are better family pets because they are typically more gentle around children. Having a larger, high-drive working breed in a home with frail, older family members is potentially creating a recipe for disaster. There are so many characteristics you should consider when acquiring a dog – which is why getting one spontaneously (for example, as a spur-of-the-moment Christmas present) can create problems further down the line.

Is Christmas a good time to bring a new dog into your home?

Even if you’ve double-checked all the criteria above and want to move forward with bringing a new dog into your home, it may be worth reconsidering if this time of the year is the best period to do so.

The holidays can be chaotic and typically are not representative of the usual home environment. With decorations adorning the home, friends and family members arriving and leaving, and the general hustle and bustle of the season, it can be a difficult time to integrate your dog into your home and create a routine for them. You may even find that waiting until early in the New Year is preferable, as you’ll have more time to dedicate to building those fundamentals, including obedience behaviors and socialization outings.

If you’ve recently acquired a dog and are worried after reading this article, fear not! Our team of professional dog trainers is available to help. We have locations across North America, offering everything from group classes to private lessons to help integrate your dog into your home. Contact us today or find a dog trainer in your location for more details.