Puppies for Christmas: A Good Idea for Your Family?

We’ve all heard it around the holidays: “Let’s get a puppy for the kids this Christmas!”

What an awful idea you just had. Before you start jumping up and down about the box I just opened, hear me out. I’m not saying you can’t get a puppy for Christmas—I’m saying we need to talk about it first! It’s a massive commitment, and if you’re getting a puppy “for the kids,” guess what? Those responsibilities are going to roll downhill right back to you.

If you’re serious about getting a dog, it’s time for a family meeting. Once everyone’s on board, we can move forward. But what’s next? Before diving in, I highly recommend checking out our previous blog on Choosing the Right Dog for You. It covers essential topics that will help you make an informed decision. You can find it HERE.

Why Choosing the Right Dog for You Matters

Picking the right dog isn’t just about looks or what’s popular on Instagram. It’s about finding a dog that fits your family’s lifestyle. Let me tell you a quick story. I recently had a client who brought home a Shepherd/Malinois mix. Both parents worked full-time, and with two kids—one with special needs—they were completely overwhelmed. The puppy’s needs weren’t being met, so he started acting out.

Luckily, this story has a happy ending. The pup went back to the breeder per their contract and didn’t end up in a shelter. But not all families are this lucky.

The Reality of Holiday Puppy Surrenders

Did you know that about 3.1 million dogs are surrendered to shelters each year, according to the ASPCA?

While not all of these happen right after Christmas, a significant number do. Many families surrender their dogs once they hit the “teenage” phase, around 6 to 18 months old, when the cute puppy antics turn into challenging behaviors.

Instead of investing in training, they give up.

Preparing for Puppy Life

Here’s why that initial family conversation is so important: schedule. Puppies don’t come pre-trained. They’ll need potty training, crate training, socialization, and plenty of attention.

Now, think about your daily life. Kids in school, parents working long hours—how much time will be left for the puppy?

If you’re away for 9+ hours a day, your pup will have accidents, get bored, and potentially destroy things. Successful puppy raising requires a big chunk of your free time.

Don’t Expect the Kids to Handle It

Let’s be real—kids aren’t going to raise a puppy. Unless you’re supervising every moment, something important will be missed. Puppies are a lot of work, and once that novelty wears off, kids lose interest fast.

Instead of putting all the responsibility on them, lead by example. You, the adult, should take the reins—feeding, training, and caring for the puppy—while teaching your kids along the way. This approach is much more effective in teaching responsibility.

The Worst Idea: Gifting a Puppy to Someone Else

Let’s talk about gifting a puppy to someone outside your household. Please, just don’t. Even if you think they’re capable of raising a dog, you can’t know for sure. Dropping a puppy on someone unexpectedly during an already stressful time like the holidays is irresponsible and unfair.

Puppies aren’t toys—they’re living, breathing animals. A surprise puppy might seem like a cute idea, but it can lead to serious consequences for both the family and the dog.

Ready to Move Forward?

If you’ve done your research, had the family discussion, and decided on choosing the right dog for you, great! Now it’s time to prepare for the hard work ahead. And if you or someone you know needs top-quality training, we’re here to help.

Give us a call at Sjabo for a FREE phone consultation (717)681-3647 or send us a message HERE. Let’s make sure your puppy experience is a positive one—for both your family and your new furry friend.