If you want to start out the right way with your new pup, then wait until after Christmas. That's the best time.

Or you can get your pup before the holidays arrive, say in October or early November. Can you do that?

 2. You will probably visit relatives and friends more than usual during the holidays. Your new dog would be lonely when you are gone. Where will you put him? What will he do while you're gone?

Remember your home is a strange, new place for a young dog. This may be the first time he is away from his brothers and sisters.

4. Your new puppy will need lots of extra care and attention no matter when you bring him home. Be sure you and your family have the time and energy to spend time with him for feeding, grooming, petting, walking, and training.

5. Your family should share the experience of choosing a new dog. Make sure everyone in your family feels comfortable with and likes the dog as much as everyone else. Don't surprise a family member with a puppy. It's best to choose the dog you want with your whole family.

Okay.
So you are willing to wait a little while for your new dog. Here's a gift your parents can give you while you wait for your new dog. This would be good for your parents to read:

Instead of giving you a dog for Christmas, why not give you the dog supplies now that you will need later?

• dog dishes
• a leash
• chew toys
• a brush
• books about dogs
• gift certificates to pet supply stores

Read books about dogs.
Find websites on the Internet about dogs and read them.
Volunteer at a shelter or humane society.
Watch great movies about dogs.
You can walk your neighbor's dog.
Get a stuffed animal.
You can write a cool story about dogs.
Draw pictures of the kind of dog you want.

TIP:
Before buying your puppy, please be very sure that a dog is the correct pet for your family. Dogs are a lot of fun and responsibility, too!

Click on the to see if you want all of that responsibility.