Top tips to ensure you’re ready for a furry friend this Crimbo
We’ve enjoyed the ‘spooktacular’ thrills of Halloween, and now it’s time to get set and fasten our seatbelts for the festive countdown to Christmas!
If you’re thinking of surprising your loved ones with a furry friend this Christmas morning, there’s a host of considerations to think about before you make that commitment. While we all want that magical ‘Lady and the Tramp’ moment on December 25th, are you certain that your household is ready for a puppy, and that you’re prepared to give your four-legged friend the care, love and lifestyle it needs?
Here’s our top tips to help you decide if you’re ready to welcome a new surprise family member to your home this Crimbo.
Do your research
Three to six months after the holidays we see shelters across the country become inundated with unwanted Christmas pups. This is due to several reasons, but unprepared dog owners that haven’t researched properly before choosing their pups as presents is a major one.
Get online and thoroughly do your research. From breeders to characteristics, puppy training to coat care and welfare, there’s plenty to find out in the lead up to making this important decision.
Know the breed inside out
When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle and family, it is crucial that you take the time to get to know their expected needs, characteristics and behaviours inside out. Here’s some tips on areas to research:
- Exercise and dietary needs
- Expected size when fully grown – the size of your living space is important to complement the dog’s size and needs
- Coat type (short-coated, smooth, combination, curly, double-coated, fluffy, long-coated)
- Allergies and health conditions
- Activity/ energy levels
Different breeds have different needs, behaviours and energy levels. If you are a family that hasn’t had a dog before, avoid committing to an active, independent breed.
So, it’s important that when selecting a surprise pup, that you are choosing a breed that is completely suited to your lifestyle and what you can realistically offer.
Ask the important questions
Before you decide to surprise a loved one with a puppy this Christmas, there’s a stack of important questions to ask yourself (and them!) before you purchase a festive pooch:
- Does the person you’re giving a dog to truly want a dog? If you’re not 100%, it is not the right time.
- Is the person who receives the dog an adult? Do their work commitments and lifestyle allow for a dog?
- Is the person who receives the puppy going to train it and take care of it?
A commitment way beyond Christmas
While the thought of having the magical moment on Christmas morning is one to make us all melt, does the person you are buying a puppy for know and understand that welcoming a dog into the family comes with a 10–15-year commitment?
Ongoing care and grooming
Having your pet groomed regularly is an important component in keeping them healthy overall. That’s why before you buy a Christmas pup, you need to be aware of the ongoing care and regular grooming that your dog will need in order to stay healthy.
While each coat type has different guides on how often they should be groomed, it is crucial to keep on top of brushing on fluffy, long, curly or combination coats to avoid the coat needing to be fully shaved off.
Find out more in our post: How often should your dog go to the groomers?
Be myth-aware
Before you commit to a dog, be aware of the stack of myths floating around relating to pooch care. Among these are:
- ‘A non-shedding dog breed exists’
- ‘Dogs don’t need to be bathed regularly’
- ‘People shampoo works for your dog’
We’ve debunked these myths and others in our blog: Dog grooming myths. Check them out before buying your Christmas pooch.
A Christmas to remember
If you have read our top tips and are ready to embark on the exciting adventure of becoming a puppy owner, congratulations! You’re in for an exciting, life-changing journey!
At Barks n Bubbles, we’re gearing up for Christmas, with a host of festive gifts including Christmas Boxes and Advent Calendars lining our shelves – perfect stocking treats for your beloved best friend.
Get in touch today to find out more about our festive treats or for more puppy advice to make your 2021 Christmas one to remember.
