Should You Buy a Dog for Christmas? Advice from Professional Dog Trainers

Just imagine for a second, a cute little puppy with a big red bow, under the Christmas tree. Oh yes, that image is heartwarming and the memories created will forever be cherished. However, as professional dog trainers, we urge potential dog owners to think beyond that second, beyond the holiday magic and consider the long-term commitment of such a decision. While dogs make incredible companions and can bring so much joy to your life, buying a dog for Christmas requires thoughtful consideration and preparation.

In this article, K9 KRAY highlights the key points to consider before making this big life-altering decision and provides valuable insights to help you with a smooth and successful start for your new four-legged family member, should you choose to bring one home for Christmas. Continue reading to find out what K9 KRAY would suggest you to keep in mind, when trying to decide whether or not to buy a dog for Christmas.

1 - The Emotional impulse vs. Practical thinking

Gifting a dog may seem like the best gift idea and great joy to bring into your home for the holidays, however we would advice you to balance the emotional thinking with the practical thinking. A dog is not just a gift—it’s a living being with specific needs, requiring time, attention, and care for its lifetime, which often spans 10–15 years or more. The holiday season often inspires generosity and spontaneity, which can lead to impulse decisions. You might have a kodak picture idea in you head, and you imagine how Christmas will play out and you think to yourself that you will have a beautiful Christmas that you will forever remember. However, there are crucial things to keep in mind before making such a big decisions.

2 - Reasons to Pause and Reflect

• The Timing Challenge

The holiday season is the busiest season of them all! Christmas time is typically hectic, filled with visitors, decorations, and travel plans. This environment can be extremely overwhelming for a new dog, especially a puppy, which thrives in a calm, stable routine during its early adjustment period.

• Unpreparedness

Dogs require preparation! Everything from selecting the right dog breed to preparing you home with essentials such as food, bedding, toys, pee-pads, crates, and training tools. An impulsive purchase may lead to stress for both the family and the dog if the necessary preparations have not been done.

• Commitment Awareness

Dogs are a long-term commitment, they must be housetrained, demanding daily exercise, training, and care. A puppy must be scheduled to get all of their puppy vaccines, which requires money, time and scheduling in the busy holiday season. They are not temporary distractions for the holiday season but family members requiring ongoing attention and resources.

• Winter weather

Getting a winter puppy means that housebreaking and socialization will be during the winter time. Depending on where you live and what climate you are in you should keep in mind that you must run outside to let your dog to its peeing and pooping every 20-30 mins in the beginning. Imagine standing outside waiting for you puppy to do its business in the middle of the night (or even at 4 pm depending on where you live) when it's pitch black outside with freezing temperatures. The colder climates tends to keep other dog-owners inside their cozy warm homes and that results in fewer fellow dog owners walking their dog, less dogs in parks and on the streets, so your puppy will have less chances to socialize with other dogs.

“Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail”

3 - Why Buying a Dog for Christmas Could Work

While bringing a dog home during the holiday season may seem challenging, there are situations where it can be a positive and meaningful decision. When approached thoughtfully and with preparation, a Christmas dog can be a wonderful addition to the family. Here’s why and how:

• A Long-Planned Decision

If you’ve been considering getting a dog for months, researched thoroughly, and taken steps to prepare your home and lifestyle, Christmas can be a symbolic and memorable time to welcome your new companion.

• Time to Bond

Many families have extra time off during the holidays, making it an excellent opportunity to focus on bonding with the new dog, starting basic training, and helping the dog adjust to its new environment and begin establishing a consistent routine. With Christmas bringing families together, it gives everyone the opportunity to participate in caring for and getting to know the dog, setting the stage for shared responsibilities.

• Marking a Special Occasion

For some, adding a dog to the family during the holidays can create a heartwarming and lasting memory, symbolizing love and expanding your family. By ensuring the timing aligns with readiness and planning, buying a dog for Christmas can bring joy and strengthen family bonds.

4 - How to Ensure Success If You Decide to Proceed

If you’re certain about buying or adopting a dog for Christmas, here’s how to set everyone up for success:

• Choose the Right Dog

The breed, size, and temperament of a dog should align with your family’s lifestyle and energy levels. Consult with breeders, shelters, or rescue organizations to find the perfect match.

• Prepare in Advance

Gather all the necessary supplies before bringing the dog home. This includes food, a crate, bedding, toys, and cleaning products. If possible, designate a quiet, safe space for the dog to settle in.

• Plan for Training

Early training and socialization are critical, especially for puppies. Invest time in basic obedience training or consider hiring a professional dog trainer to guide you through the process.

• Communicate with the Family

Ensure every family member understands their role in caring for the dog. Dogs thrive on consistency, and a unified approach to training and caregiving is essential.

5 - Alternatives to Giving a Dog as a Gift

If you’re unsure about making such a commitment during the holidays, consider alternatives:

• Gifting Preparedness

Instead of surprising someone with a dog, consider gifting the promise of a dog. For instance, wrap up a book about dog care or a gift certificate for an adoption fee, allowing the recipient to choose their companion thoughtfully.

• Gift Dog-Related Items

Instead of a live animal, gift items like a pretty dog leash, dog toys, training sessions, books about dog care, or a donation to an animal shelter in their name.

• Adopt After the Holidays

Once the holiday hustle has calmed, revisit the idea of adding a dog to your family. This allows you to make the decision in a less stressful and more focused environment.

We hope that our pieces of advise help to steer you in the right direction and that you make a decision that feels right for you. Best wishes, K9 KRAY.