It’s the time of year when friends start calling me about finally pulling the trigger on completing that perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas image of their family and getting themselves a dog. It’s a great gift for kids and a dog will add a ton of fun and love to any home. That said, these friends are calling because there are a lot of important questions to answer before making this whopping decision. In case your family is considering the same, I will go through some of the factors to consider:
-Is a dog right for my family?: Dogs require a lot more time and effort than a cat. There is training to be done, walks that need to occur frequently as pups & regularly during your workday in adulthood, and general “wearing out” to keep them happy. The size of your home and yard are also big factors. Even little dogs need space and, if you are looking to do a rescue dog, most groups require a fenced-in yard.
-What kind of dog should we get?: After the Dragon, the unoffical mascots of Duxbury seem to be Golden Retrievers and Labs. These are fantastic family dogs (I have a Lab myself…) with loving personalities. They are also extremely high-energy and require a lot of time from the training phase right through to old age. Beyond those breeds, every breed has their quirks, so do your homework. There are some great resources online to help you go through breed traits and pick one that would be good for your situation. These include dogtime.com, AKC.org, and animalplanet.com.
-Where should I get my puppy?: Some pet stores carry great puppies from safe backgrounds. However, many carry puppies from “puppy mills”. These nasty farm situation, largely in the Midwest, where dogs are bred like livestock in poor conditions. Due to a high level in inbreeding, these puppies are usually fraught with expensive genetic disorders, many of which don’t appear until later in life. It is usually safer to seek a private breeder, many of whom you can find locally so that you can see the parents and check health screenings. Good breeders will check their bloodlines for hereditary disorders and have raised the pups like their own. One warning: Beware sham breeders. These are private sellers who are buying puppies from puppy mills and pretending to be breeders. They will usually have many puppies from different breeds and the puppies’ parents are noticeably absent from the home.
-What about rescues?” This is obviously a great option. They are usually great dogs who have been screened by the rescue organizations and need loving homes. Just be sure the rescue group is reputable and try to get as much information on the dog’s history as possible. Many are surrendered due to major behavioral problems or expensive medical issues.
Getting a Holiday Dog is a great way to bring love into your family. It is also a big decision and requires a lot of thought. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, be sure to do what my friends have done in the same situation: Call your local vet and ask them for help. Good luck and happy holidays.