With Christmas just around the corner, many families are considering adding a furry, four-legged member to the household. According to accredited dog behaviourist, expert force-free trainer and bestselling author Sarah Rutten, the holiday season can be a wonderful time to start life with a new dog, as long as families are prepared for what puppies truly need.
"Puppies are gorgeous, hilarious little chaos machines, but they can also be a lot of work," Sarah says. "When puppy guardians know what to expect, it can make Christmas and the months after so much easier."
Sarah shares the essential tips owners need to know, plus what puppy presents are helpful and which ones aren't.
"Puppies aren't just for Christmas, they're for life," she says. "A little preparation now can set you up for a strong, lifelong bond with your dog."
1. Prioritise Downtime Amidst the Chaos
With most people spending more time at home, Christmas can be a beautiful opportunity to bond with your new pup. But Sarah says it's equally important to remember that all the excitement – visitors, travel, and unpredictable routines – can be overwhelming for a puppy.
"Puppies are leaving their mother and littermates for the first time. That alone is huge," Sarah says. "They need lots of rest, consistency and gentle structure. Make sure you provide them with a lot of downtime and a quiet space to rest, like a crate, in between all the fun."
2. Pick Gifts That Help, Not Hinder
Many puppy parents understandably want to treat their new furry friends with gifts to welcome them home. Sarah says that some gifts can assist with raising a puppy, and others can do the opposite.
Sarah Says to Try These Gifts:
Chew toys for teething: Puppies bite because they're teething, exploring, and developing jaw strength. "You shouldn't prevent a puppy from biting," Sarah explains. "You can only teach them what's appropriate to bite by giving them things they are allowed to chew."
Enrichment toys like lick mats, snuffle mats and doggie puzzles can mentally stimulate your pup and help prevent boredom.
Some Presents to Avoid:
Rawhide chews (these can be a choking hazard, cause digestive blockages, and some may contain toxic chemicals)
Toys with small buttons or embellishments that can easily detach and become a choking hazard
3. Prepare Your Puppy Now for Life After the Holidays
Even if you're home more during the Christmas break, Sarah says it's important to gently teach your puppy that alone time is safe and normal. This helps prevent separation anxiety when routines shift, and everyone goes back to work.
"Start with small moments of separation," Sarah says. "Pop your puppy in their crate or playpen with a toy while you step into another room for a minute or two. Slowly build up the time. These small, positive experiences teach puppies that being alone isn't scary — it's just part of everyday life."
4. Socialisation Should Start Early
"It's crucial to gradually introduce your puppy to the world and pair this with positive associations like treats and praise," Sarah explains.
That includes progressively exposing your pup to other friendly, healthy dogs, Santa costumes, visitors, kids, vet clinics, and everyday sights and sounds.
"The number of dogs terrified of Santa is phenomenal, which is honestly understandable considering he's a stranger in a garish outfit," she says. "If you're taking your new puppy to get Santa photos, make these moments positive so you don't end up with an anxious adult dog."
5. If You Bring Home a Puppy for Christmas, Consider Seeking Support Early
"There's so much advice out there about how to raise a puppy. Guardians deserve advice that makes sense, feels good to use, and actually helps their pup thrive," she says.
While a lot of puppy schools close for the holiday period, doggy guardians can access Sarah's online Puppy Empowerment Program at any time to teach their pup all the basic behaviours they'll ever need.
It's a comprehensive, force-free online course with step-by-step instructional videos on how to teach those behaviours, designed for puppies aged 8 weeks to 6 months. It covers everything from toilet training, socialisation, biting, enrichment, cues, preventing unwanted behaviours, and building confidence.
