During the Christmas season, everyone's heart is filled with love. So many of us are searching for 'the' ultimate gift for that special someone! Sometimes those thoughts drift to thoughts of a cute puppy, kitten or other pet. We have all heard the pros and cons of purchasing a pet for Christmas, but will it stop us if we are approaching the crunch? How can one resist?
One rule close to Christmas is, that unless you absolutely hate animals, you should never wander into a pet store. Once there, those soulful eyes will meet yours...and you are hooked! You must eliminate that possibility. So unless you have rocks in your heart, have someone else pick up your fish food for you in December.
Outside of the obvious - you just don't purchase a pet on a whim (it must be a well thought out and planned idea), there are other important reasons why you should never consider giving most pets at Christmas. I am going to refer to some of the most common pets, and look at the real reasons why these shouldn't be considered a good Christmas gift choice.
Puppies are demanding little creatures that grow up to be dogs. The most important time for a new puppy in your life is the first three days. That is when you set the patterns of the next 8 to 16 or so years. When you first bring home a puppy, it will demand (and should get) your total and complete undivided attention. You need to sit back quietly and observe this little marvel. You will learn more if you can do this than 10 years of owning a dog will do for you. You will learn to recognize the signs of hunger, piddling needs, and the dog's general personality (which helps you to chose the most suitable name for your pet). Some of the best trainers in the world just observe their animals in the first 3 days. It also gives you clues on how your dog learns.
The best way to housebreak a puppy/dog is to never allow it to piddle in the home. Once it does that first puddle, it will feel free to do it again whenever it feels the need. So, you keep the pet in a confined area, close to you. You observe it and watch for signs, taking advantage of them at a moment's notice! The only time the dog should be out of it's confinement is to piddle or be closely watched. This is not cruel. The mother dog keeps her pups confined to keep them safe. You will do it for the same reasons, and more. You will be doing the same thing to ensure your pet will have your undivided attention. How can you observe and listen to your puppy amidst opening gifts, wrapping paper on the floor, people in and out of the home, dinner preparations, etc? The truth is...you can't!
Also, remember that puppies chew...a lot! Especially if they have nothing to do. When they are untrained they don't prefer the nylon bone or squeaky toy you give them to chew on. Oh, no! They prefer to chew that which smells most like their human...socks, shoes, slippers, blankets, toys, chair and table legs, underwear stolen from the laundry basket, the carpet, and yes, even the floor or the couch! You just can't train a puppy to not eat these things if you are not 150% available.
Just a quick word on dogs. Now, don't get me wrong. I am fully in agreement with adopting a full grown dog over a puppy. But remember, usually these pets are neurotic, which is why they are looking for a new owner. The ones that aren't, are desparate to find their old owners. You just don't have the time or patience at Christmas to deal with these kinds of issues. I am not saying they wouldn't make a good pet, however, they do require your undivided attention and love to cut through old habits, and to learn that you love them even more than their previous owner.
(This page will be continued at a later time. Future topics will include cats, birds, reptiles, and fish.)
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