The Poodle (and Dog) Blog

A puppy for the kids for Christmas—a very bad idea

It’s a Norman Rockwell scene, a Kodak moment. A puppy in a basket under the Christmas tree.

But in the weeks and months that follow, so many of these puppies become throwaway dogs, allowed to run loose to be injured or killed or taken to the pound. Christmas is the very worse time to buy a puppy for the family.

When a puppy is taken from the mother, it needs a calm place, a quiet period of adjustment in its new home. The excitement of Christmas is frightening to a new puppy—a bad beginning.

For children, getting a Christmas puppy can be like getting just another toy. It’s great for a few days or weeks and then the fun wears off. The toy is abandoned, but the puppy is still scampering around, a living thing with constant needs.

Before getting a dog, a family must have a commitment to make it part of the family. And no matter how much children say they will take the responsibility of a dog, they won’t. They can’t. They lack the experience, maturity, attention span, and patience to properly train and socialize a dog. Adults must be prepared to accept 95% of the responsibility.

And here is something else to consider: according to statistics kept by humane societies, every year a majority of the puppies and kittens born in the United States don’t live past their second birthdays because of clueless, irresponsible, or cruel owners.

Allowing the puppy to be killed or injured or taking it to the pound will be an ugly family memory.

More information on buying a family puppy is on this web page by Pet Rescue. It gives a thorough discussion on Christmas puppies and better ways of introducing a puppy into the family

Halloween—not a pleasant night for dogs

Next to the Fourth of July, Halloween can be the most dangerous night for dogs.

Loud noises and strange costumes can spook the dog. Not a good idea to take it along trick or treating.

The dog should have an up-to-date a pet tag with your identification in case it gets out with the constant opening and closing of the doors.

Constant doorbell ringing and strange creatures at the door may confuse and frighten a dog. It will be safer kept in a room away from the door until the excitement is over.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is toxic to animals. Hide it from the dog or send it to me.

Another danger is candy wrappers lying around because dogs don’t know that they shouldn’t eat sweet smelling paper or foil. Dogs can’t digest them and they can cause intestinal blockages.

Halloween costume ideas for dogs

Three recent online polls indicate that 30-40% of dog owners will dress their dog for Halloween.

Popular costumes are
Scarecrow: Barney, Shih Tsu from Atlanta, Georgia
Pirate: Blitz, Pit Bull from Chandler, Arizona
Princess: Joyeux Noel, Poodle from Woodhaven, New York

Thanks to Beth for sending these.