To want to buy Ds a puppy for Christmas?

[minifingers]

He is 10. He is caring and loving towards our 9 year old Labrador bitch who we got when he was 1 (who could do with a bit of doggy company herself), and would enjoy taking it to training sessions and walking it. I am at home all day and have a dog to walk anyway, so it's not a massive extra burden.

But where do you get puppies from if you want to avoid the whole puppy farming nastiness? I'd prefer a terrier type cross - nothing too big and strong as Ds isn't big himself. Don't want an older dog as would feel obliged to get one from a rescue and I worry about their background (have an 8 year old who can't be entirely trusted to be completely sensible around dogs all the time).

Is a dog for Christmas REALLY such a bad idea for a dog loving child/family?

"Are you ready for all the puppy training again, the poo, the chewing, the crying at night? It's easy to forget the second time around."

You know, weirdly, when I got my current dog as a puppy I did get a bit of a bout of 'post puppy depression'. Never got it after having my three babies. I think it was because I hadn't really thought about the disrupted nights until they happened. Didn't bother me breastfeeding 3 children at night for years on end. Maybe because I co-slept, which I wouldn't be doing with a puppy (or breastfeeding it! )

"Dogs trust have a special scheme for matching ASD kids to suitable dogs!"

Very interesting!

Our current dog is A SAINT. She really is the loveliest animal I've ever met (I know everyone thinks this about their dog). She's set the bar very high for us, but I know another dog will win us over in a different way. Our lab is just so loving and friendly. She oozes love.

Post puppy depression awww.

I do look at mine sometimes and wish I could get those days back only because he doesn't realise how big he's gotten and that sitting on my knee is no-longer plausible

Oh god, giant dog on lap scenario. Yup, we have this. She sidles up, and the next thing your whole world goes dark because you've got thirty pounds of Labrador stinking of fox shit usually pressed up against your face.

Hahahaha!

My dog is about 70lbs, he sometimes tries to sit on my shoulder like a parrot because he remembers doing it as a pup. No chance lad!

Rescues may also 'hold' on to pups now until after Christmas. It's a busy time in the house people everywhere, visitors in and out, you and te family possibly in and out busy as well. Not the best time to be settling an 8/10 week old puppy and mediating a 9yr old lab, plus 2 over excited already children. After with the buying puppy things and wrapping them under the tree but don't get the dog till new year.

I really like the idea of getting dog related items and wrapping them up, getting him excited for when you go and get one.

I also think it's a fab opportunity to stress the importance of being a responsible dog owner, explaining how you're going to give a dog that hasn't had a good life a home, that is isn't his gift but the dogs gift, a second chance.

May all sound a bit twee but that's what christmas is about