Every year around the holidays, families across Colorado picture the same heart-melting moment: a tiny puppy bursting out of a gift box, kids squealing with joy, and a perfect holiday memory made.
But as heart-warming as that image is, Bob Warren – Colorado’s trusted dog behavior expert and founder of Mutt Masters K9 Academy – wants families to slow down, take a breath, and think beyond the holiday morning.
Because a puppy isn’t a present. A puppy is a 10-plus year commitment.
And Bob has seen what happens when that commitment isn’t thought through: stressed families, confused dogs, and all too often, surrendered pets a few months down the road.
Here’s his honest take.
Should You Surprise Your Kids With a Puppy? Bob Says… Probably Not.
Bob’s first reaction: “I’m concerned for the relationship because it’s not often thought out enough.”
Many families assume their kids will help care for the dog, but Bob is honest about this:
Kids won’t be the ones waking up early, paying vet bills, handling training setbacks, or navigating adolescence with a four-legged teenager. That responsibility lands squarely on the adults.
And when a family realizes they weren’t ready?
That’s when dogs end up surrendered – confused, heartbroken, and harder to place.
However, plenty of families do choose to bring home a Christmas puppy anyway. So if you’re committed to moving forward, Bob wants to set you up for success.
If You Do Get a Puppy, Here’s What Bob Says to Look For
- Choose a puppy that is not nervous.
“Nervous dogs grow into nervous adults. That’s the last thing you want.”
Confident, curious puppies tend to become more stable, manageable adult dogs. Shy or fearful puppies require a much higher level of skill to raise well.
- A little sass is okay – but you must know what to do with it.
Bob says, “If the dog is sassy, you need to know how to teach respectfulness early on.” Sass without structure becomes misbehavior. Sass with guidance becomes a great personality. - Don’t pick based on looks alone.
That adorable fluff ball may grow into a 90-pound powerhouse. Pick for temperament, not just cuteness.
How to Prepare for Your New Dog: Bob’s Crucial Timeline
The training and relationship building begin the moment that puppy walks in the door.
The First 48 Hours:
- This is when your dog learns one big lesson: “You are bringing home a canine companion, not another child.”
- Set calm, clear expectations early.
- Establish routines.
- Introduce boundaries.
- Show the puppy how to live in your home – don’t wait for problems to develop.
The First 4–8 Days:
This period sets the foundation of your lifelong relationship.
Structure + supervision + consistency = a dog who understands their new world.
The First 4–8 Months:
Welcome to adolescence.
Your sweet puppy will grow into a teenager, full of energy, opinions, and boundary-testing moments. Knowing how to rear a predatory-type mammal is essential.
This is when guidance, training, and confidence building matter most.
So… Should You Get a Puppy for Christmas?
Only if you’re ready. Only if it’s a family decision — not a surprise. Only if you’ve thought beyond the unwrapping moment. And absolutely only if you’re prepared to invest in training, time, structure, and long-term commitment.
A dog can be one of the greatest gifts your family will ever experience. But that gift comes with responsibility, education, and intention.
Bob and the team at Mutt Masters K9 Academy are here to help you every step of the way – from selecting the right dog to surviving the teenage months with your sanity (and slippers) intact.
Thinking about adding a dog to your family?
Mutt Masters offers private sessions, behavior evaluations, puppy training, and expert guidance to set your family – and your future dog – up for success.
Schedule your New Puppy Prep Session with Mutt Masters today!
Photo by Shayna Douglas on Unsplash
