Paw’s Corner: Planning for a Christmas puppy

Dear Paw’s Corner:

I know you’re probably going to scoff at this, but we want to give our kids a puppy for Christmas. The whole cute scene by the Christmas tree and all. This isn’t a last-minute decision, as we have been talking about it for several months. We feel that our children, who are 10 and 8 years old, are old enough to play a role in the puppy’s care and training. Of course, we will take the lead in all matters. My husband researched the best family-friendly breeds, and we’ve contacted three different breeders to tell them our plan. What do you think?

– Zoey in Knoxville, TN

Dear Zoey: You’ll get no scoffing from me. If there’s a “right” way to give kids a Christmas puppy, this is it. Rather than a spur-of-the-moment decision, you’re both putting a lot of thought and planning into this. You have a realistic view of the kids’ contribution to the puppy’s care and training. You are talking with multiple breeders and communicating your plans to them. This is the responsible way to bring a new pet home.

Be ready for the wrinkles, however. You’re adopting a living thing, and they grow by their own schedule. Good breeders will emphasize that they don’t guarantee puppies will be ready for homes by a specific date, so have a contingency plan if the puppy isn’t mature enough to come home on Christmas Eve. Your kids will be just as thrilled, and you can stage the “reveal” later so you can capture those family photos.

Building a little flexibility into your puppy plan will give you the opportunity to pick the exact breed of dog you’d like, and to meet the puppy ahead of time to determine its temperament.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

by Sam Mazotta

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