All I want for Christmas

All I Want for Christmas is a Dog!

Most dog experts will say that Christmas is the worst time to bring a dog in your family. In many ways they are right. A dog needs your time and attention and you probably do not have that much available around the Holidays.
On the other hand if the little fur ball caught your heart at the shelter, with a bit of organization it could work out very well.
Five Tips to Bring Your Pup home at Christmas and Make it Work.


#1 – Take a break and spend time together

Your dog is going to need extra attention at first. Especially if he comes from a shelter. Anxious, may be a bit worried he has to adapt to his new environment and life. Make a schedule for regular outing, walks and spend time with your dog. It can be done as a family or everyone individually. It is very important to spend some quality time together as your new four legged friend settles in.

#2 – Give him some space

This cannot be emphasized enough. Christmas or not, it is important to have an area in the house that is just his. It could be his crate, his bed or a corner in the living room where he can sees everyone and be alone at the same time. If you have children or visitors, make sure they know the dog cannot be disturbed when he is in his quiet spot.

#3 – Time to play and time out

Dogs are playful and so are kids. The two together will have a wonderful time together. Younger children and dogs can be all play and no stop. It would be best to have some adult supervision during play time. Then you need to create some time out and some quiet time so things stay under control. With to much play and attention, dogs can get stressed and this is when they can snapped.

Make sure they get involved with the training. To avoid incident teach your kids how to respect the dog. Non verbal communicator, dogs communicate with us with body language. Knowing sign of stress will help avoid problems.

#4 – Have a structure in place

Dogs love routine and structure. When your dog arrive in your house structure and routine will help him relax and understand the rules of the house. What is allowed – what is not allowed – what to expect – so he can adapt, learn quickly. and fit into your daily life. But be patient. It might take a little while to adjust.

#5 – Minimize alone time

I know it is difficult, but dogs do not like being alone. This is something you seriously need to think about before getting your dog. How long is he going to spend alone?. Is there a way you can take him along to work if you are gone for eight hours? If not think twice before you bring a dog in your life.

With a little bit of planning bringing a dog home for Christmas will give a different slant to the Holidays. You can make it work if you are ready to put some time and energy into it. Owning a dog is a responsibility, they cost money, they need our time, attention and love. But it is one of the most memorable and fulfilling journey you will ever undertake … no matter when you start it.

#6 - A good ID Tag

It is important that all pets have both permanent and visible forms of ID. Lost pets often lose their collar and ID tag/license and can only be identified by their microchip. Conversely, since microchips are embedded under the skin, ID tags and licenses serve as physical proof of ownership, alerting someone who has found your pet that he or she has an owner. Multiple forms of ID drastically increase the likelihood that you will be reunited with your lost pet. Remember, identification is your pet's ticket home!

source : happytail.com