Give a Puppy As a Christmas Gift

A puppy can be an amazing source of joy. A puppy is a big commitment, and getting one should never be taken lightly. If the situation is right and the recipient is ready, getting a puppy for Christmas can be a wonderful surprise.

Steps

Deciding to Give a Puppy as a Gift

  1. Talk to the recipient. The last thing you want to do is put a puppy in a home that isn't ready to take care of it. A puppy will need to be housebroken, trained and exercised.[1]
    • If you plan to buy a puppy for a child, be sure to speak to their parents.
    • If you don’t want to spoil the surprise, drop some hints about dogs or talk to someone close to the recipient.
  2. Find the best fit. Assess the recipient’s lifestyle and home situation to determine what kind of they dog you would like. [2] Ask them some key questions:
    • How active of a dog do you want?
    • Are you okay with grooming it regularly?
    • Do you have enough space for a big dog or would a small dog work best?
  3. Consider adopting. Adopting a dog can be one of the best things you’ll ever do. Animal shelters can be great sources of both mixed-breed and pure-breed dogs.[3]
    • Search for animal shelters in your area and go take a look.
    • If you are looking for a specific breed, call ahead.
  4. Find a reputable source. Pet stores often get their animals from puppy mills. Puppy mills treat their animals poorly and take advantage of their dogs.[4] Don’t support them! A great place to start, is to ask your vet for recommendations.[5] Look for a breeder that:
    • Allows you to visit and observe where they keep the dogs. These spacious should be spacious and clean.
    • Breeds only a few types of dogs and is knowledgeable about those breeds.
    • Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee for your puppy.
  5. Consider giving an IOU or gift certificate. If you are not 100% sure that the recipient wants to a puppy, think about giving a gift certificate or IOU. [6] Admittedly, this is not as exciting as giving an actual puppy on Christmas morning, but it could save both the puppy and the recipient from a lot of hassle! [7]
    • Some breeders and animal shelters offer gift certificates.
    • Alternatively, you can make a handmade IUO.
    • You can include a stuffed animal puppy with your gift certificate or IOU.

Getting the Puppy

  1. Buy/adopt the puppy prior to Christmas. Begin looking at dogs in early December. You will not want to wait until Christmas Eve, as this will make you rushed and stressed. If you give yourself plenty of time to look, you will be sure to find the perfect puppy.
    • Some breeders will allow you to purchase the puppy ahead of time and pick it up on Christmas Eve.
  2. Find a place for the dog until Christmas. If you live with the recipient, you'll need to find a place for the puppy to stay prior to Christmas. Speak to close neighbors or relatives who could take on this task. Make sure the place is suitable for a puppy, and that the caregiver understands what to do.[8]
    • Work out a schedule for when you can drop by and help with walking, feeding, or cleaning up.
  3. Purchase supplies. The puppy will need food, bowls, chew toys, a place to sleep, a collar and leash, and some puppy pads for the floor. You will need these items to take care of the puppy yourself, but it’s also a great idea to include this with your gift.[8]
  4. Make sure the home is a suitable place for a puppy. Whether the puppy will end up living with you or some place else, make sure this place is safe for a puppy.
    • Move any cords that the puppy could chew on.
    • Get rid of any poisonous plants that could make the puppy ill.[8]
  5. Take the puppy to the vet. Before you give a dog as a gift, it is crucial to make sure he or she has a clean bill of health. You don’t want to give a sick puppy![9]
    • Many animal shelters can perform this service at the time of adoption and even spay or neuter the pet.
    • Doing this will help offset some of costs of having a puppy, and make it a better present.
  6. Invest in puppy training. It is also a good idea to invest in some puppy training for the recipient and his or her new pet. This can make for a smoother transition and solidify a happy, lifelong relationship between owner and dog.[9]
    • Many training academies offer special Christmastime workshops! Look for these in your area.

Giving the Puppy

  1. Bring the puppy to home of the recipient. Conceal the puppy in a room with a good door, as far away as possible from where the recipient will be.
    • A laundry room, basement, or garage can be a good option.
    • Check on the puppy often.
    • Play Christmas music to conceal dog sounds.
  2. Let the puppy use the bathroom. Before wrapping up the puppy, take him or her outside! You will want to big reveal to be graceful and clean. Ensure this by letting the puppy take care of business.
  3. Put the puppy in a box. You are going to need a cardboard box much larger than the puppy. Wait as long as you can before sealing up the box.
    • Poke holes in the box.
    • Avoid using wrapping paper, as this can be a suffocation hazard. Instead, opt for a simple ribbon or bow.
    • Bring out the box when you are ready to give the gift!
  4. Put a bow or ribbon on the dog. If your puppy is larger, or if you simply do not want to deal with a box, you can tie a ribbon or bow onto the puppy's collar.
    • Wait until the last minute to do it.
    • Avoid tying anything around his neck.
    • Simply leave the ribbon-clad puppy in front of the Christmas tree, but beware of him chewing other gifts.
  5. Wrap up the dog accessories. A third option is to wrap up a box full of dog items (food dishes, toys, etc.). When the recipient opens this box, allow the puppy to run out and great his new friend!

Tips

  • If you can't get the dog before Christmas get a picture of it and put it in an envelope with a dog tag.
  • This can't be stressed enough: A dog is for life, not just for Christmas. You must be 100% sure that the recipient is ready for a dog and that they can provide adequate love and care for many years.
  • What until the last minute to wrap up the dog and pack it in such a way that the dog can breath easily.

Warnings

  • Along with the puppy, you should include some dog food, a grooming brush, and dog shampoo.
  • Don't name the puppy, because the puppy may get used to it's name, and you never know if the recipient won't like the name you chose. He/she may want to pick a different name.
  • Make sure that the puppy is vaccinated and has no diseases.

Related Articles

  • Give Away a Puppy
  • Make Christmas Eve Exciting for Your Dog
  • Buy Christmas Gifts for a Dog
  • Make Your Own Christmas Gifts
  • Give a Dog a Merry Christmas

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.petrescue.com/petlibrary/pet-rescue/no-christmas-puppies-please/
  2. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/where-to-start-when-youve-decided-you-want-a-dog-1665643067
  3. ↑ https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/before-dog-adoption/
  4. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/buying_puppy.html?credit=fb_post2015
  5. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/finding_responsible_dog_breeder.html?credit=fb_post2015_web_id83582065?referrer=http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/buying_puppy.html?credit=fb_post2015
  6. ↑ https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/12/christmas_puppy.php#gsc.tab=0
  7. ↑ http://www.patheos.com/blogs/heavenlycreatures/2011/12/5-reason-not-to-give-a-pet-as-a-christmas-gift-and-one-idea-how-to-do-it-anyway/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/bringing-home-new-puppy
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/16/living/giving-pets-christmas-mnn/
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