So, you’re thinking about getting a dog for the holidays? Just imagine the look of pure joy when your family or kids see that fluffy face and wagging tail—a magical moment!
But before diving into the holiday pup surprise, let's step back and confirm that your big-hearted holiday pup gift is well-prepared. Here’s everything you should know to help your new four-legged friend have a warm, welcoming, and dog-friendly home.
Holiday Magic and Practical Realities
There’s something truly enchanting about getting a dog during the holidays. You know those heartwarming YouTube videos of kids crying happy tears over a new puppy? They’re sweet but only show part of the picture. Bringing a dog into your life comes with responsibilities, and the holiday season is already a whirlwind. With gifts, visitors, decorations, and schedules turned upside down, it’s easy for a new dog (and you!) to feel overwhelmed.
A Better Way
To be fair, the holidays can be chaotic for everyone. If the timing isn’t ideal, here’s a hack I love: Think about gifting the “idea” of a dog with items like feeding bowls, toys, or even a cute photo. Include a card or note about when the new pup will come home—maybe the first week in January?
If you're getting your puppy from a breeder, see if you can bring your family to meet the dog. If you're adopting from a shelter, hold off buying size-specific gifts, like a collar, until you know more.
One benefit of gifting the “idea” of a dog is that it brings your family many days of excitement, anticipation, and planning. Imagining life with a new pet can stir conversations and create a buzz in the household. Choosing the perfect breed, browsing for adoption options, and discussing potential names can be thrilling and engaging for everyone involved.
Preparing your home by buying toys, setting up a cozy bed, and pet-proofing rooms adds to the excitement. This shared anticipation fosters a sense of joy and togetherness, allowing family members to bond over the experience and responsibilities of welcoming a new furry friend into the family.
You might also plan a trip to a bookstore or library to learn more about owning a dog. If you plan to enlist the help of a dog behavior specialist, this is a great time to research and interview experts to choose your favorite.
Then, once life returns to normal in January, you can make the official introduction when everyone (including your new dog) is ready for the change.
Be Ready for the Whole Package
A new dog is adorable, but dogs aren’t “low maintenance” like a new toy. Dogs thrive on routines, from housetraining to regular meals, especially when settling in. Puppies, in particular, are full of energy and curiosity (meaning they’ll chew, dig, and explore everything they can find).
Older dogs can also take a bit of time to adjust. Either way, they’ll need your patience, time, and guidance to determine your house rules. That holiday freedom may quickly turn into post-holiday stress if everyone’s back to school or work, so think about who’ll handle those walks and feedings daily.
It’s Not Just Time—It’s Money, Too
Besides love and attention, dogs need real resources. Regular vet visits, food, training classes, toys, and even potential pet insurance are part of the picture. Puppies can especially surprise you with extra costs—vaccinations, puppy proofing, and spaying or neutering can add up fast. So, if you’re budgeting for holiday gifts, add your dog’s essentials to the mix.
Dos and Don’ts: Creating a Calm Space
Your new pup is bound to be confused (and maybe a little nervous), so creating a peaceful, cozy space is essential. Create a tranquil spot in your home where they can unwind and feel secure at their leisure, particularly when guests are over.
Dogs love routines, so setting predictable feedings, walks, and bedtime schedules will help them settle in faster. And remember, they need their sleep, just like kids, to avoid cranky or overexcited behavior.
Gearing Up: Essentials Before Your Dog Arrives
A little prep goes a long way! Stock up on a few key items before your dog’s big debut. Basic things like a cozy bed, food and water bowls, a leash, a collar, and a few safe chew toys will help them feel more at home. Knowing the dog’s size and breed makes picking out crates or playpens easier. And if you’re rescuing or still deciding, a general kit will get you off to a good start.
Training: Start Simple, Start Early
You don’t need a dog that knows every trick in the book immediately, but starting with some basics will set everyone up for success. Teach simple cues like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” early on. Positive reinforcement (a fancy way of saying rewards for good behavior) works wonders for puppies and older dogs. Building this early communication bond is key to your dog feeling safe and secure in their new environment.
Introducing the Family (and Other Pets)
It's a big moment! Introduce your dog to each family member with gentle, calm greetings. If you have other pets, start with scent introductions—let your dog sniff a blanket or item from your existing pets, and then bring them together slowly, keeping things calm and controlled.
Happy Holiday, Happy Dog
Bringing home a dog for the holidays can be the ultimate gift—a loving, loyal companion to share every season with. But a little prep and planning can make a huge difference.
Bonus!
The Be Happy Channel interviewed me on YouTube about this same subject! Listen here.
Happy Holidays,
Stephanie
About Stephanie Barger, Canine Zen
Stephanie Barger is a dog trainer specializing in separation anxiety and behavior modification. She spent the early years of her career teaching humans before transitioning to dog training over a decade ago. Her passion is helping you and your dog live more harmoniously together.
The name of her business, Canine Zen, embodies her approach to life with our dogs. She recognizes that dogs are living, breathing, sentient, social beings that need human support, compassion, and understanding to live beside us in our strange human world. She shows people how to effectively communicate with their dogs and understand what their dogs are trying to say to them. She strives to provide a safe environment for dogs and humans to learn and thrive together without fear, pain, or judgment.
If your life with your dog is not what you anticipated and "nothing has worked" to change things, Stephanie can help you understand and work with your dog to achieve your goals and a better life together. She is an amazing teacher, works compassionately with humans and dogs, and provides practical solutions for your dog training needs. Her goal is to calm the chaos in your home.
Feel free to contact Stephanie if you want to transform your relationship with your dog and create a more harmonious home. You can also ask questions in the comment box below.
Free Discovery Call with Stephanie: https://train.caninezen.com/book-discovery-call-page
Stephanie Barger and Canine Zen's links/handles:
Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBarger67
Facebook (business): https://www.facebook.com/caninezenusa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninezen/
Stephanie Barger’s Certifications/Organizational Affiliations:
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA)
Certificate of Completion-Aggression in Dogs Master Class
Fear Free Certified Professional (FFP-Trainer)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Member of the Association of Professional Trainers (APT)
Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Alignable Ambassador: Alliance of Central NM
Alignable Group Co-Leader: Pet Industry Group
Owner/Operator of Canine Zen LLC
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