Giving someone a puppy as a Christmas gift can be a heart-warming experience, but it’s also a big responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A puppy isn’t a toy or temporary surprise; it’s a living, breathing family member that needs love, consistency, and lifelong care. Before you set that cute bundle of fur under the tree, here’s an expert guide from Rossmore Vet Hospital on how to raise a puppy given as a Christmas gift the right way.
1. Think Before You Gift. It’s a Long-Term Commitment
Before bringing home a puppy for Christmas, be sure the recipient truly wants and is ready for a dog. Puppies require daily feeding, training, exercise, and socialisation, often living for 10 years or more. It’s important everyone in the household agrees and is prepared for this commitment.
2. Prepare the Home Safely
Puppies explore with their mouths and bodies, so holiday decorations can quickly become hazards:
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Puppy-proof electrical cords – chewing can lead to shocks.
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Keep holiday plants like mistletoe and poinsettias out of reach – these are toxic to dogs.
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Remove ribbons, wrapping paper, and small decorations – ingestion can cause choking or blockages.
Setting up a quiet, safe space with a bed, water, and toys will help your puppy feel secure amidst the Christmas buzz.
3. Introduce Slowly and Calmly
Instead of placing a puppy in a box under the tree, consider a gentler introduction. Let the recipient open puppy supplies first – like a bed, leash and food bowlm, and then bring the puppy into the room calmly. Sudden excitement and noise can be overwhelming for a young dog.
Maintain consistent feeding, toilet, and play routines even when guests come over, it helps puppies settle faster and reduces stress.
4. Teach Responsibility Before the Big Day
A puppy isn’t just for Christmas morning… it’s a daily responsibility.
Before gifting, talk about:
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Feeding schedules
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Training and socialisation
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Vet check-ups and vaccinations
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Exercise and grooming needs
This ensures everyone understands what caring for a puppy involves and sets realistic expectations.
5. Start Training Early
Socialisation and basic training (like sit, stay, and toilet training) should begin early. Introducing your puppy to different sounds, people, and environments in a positive way sets them up for a confident life. The National Tribune
Training classes are also a great way to build good habits and strengthen the bond between your puppy and their new family.
6. Choose the Right Time. Maybe After the Holidays?
While Christmas feels magical, the holiday season can also be chaotic and noisy, which isn’t ideal for a young puppy adjusting to a new home. If possible, consider giving puppy-related gifts first, like toys or a note announcing a future puppy adoption, and bring the puppy home when routines are more settled.
7. Know Your Vet and Be Prepared
Make sure your puppy has a planned vet check-up, vaccinations, microchipping and parasite prevention scheduled. If you’re in the South-West Sydney area, Rossmore Vet Hospital is here to help with expert puppy care services and friendly support whenever you need it.
The Rossmore team is here to help
A puppy given for Christmas can bring joy to a family, if it’s done thoughtfully and with care. These young dogs depend on us for everything from safety to emotional wellbeing, so proper preparation is key to setting them up for a happy, healthy life.
Puppies are one of our most regular types of customers, and we love nothing more than helping families get off to a healthy and happy start with their new fur baby. For all your questions about nutrition, training, vaccinations and more, the Rossmore team is here to help, with over 50 years of experience and a priceless wealth of new puppy knowledge.
Get in touch to put the health of your new puppy in the best hands today.