Top tips for puppies this Christmas

Puppies are cute, cuddly and can be the perfect gift at Christmas time…and Guide Dogs SA/NT has some top tips for people who have made the considered decision to purchase a pooch.

Guide Dogs SA/NT Guide Dog Trainer Kirsty Milne said there were many things to consider before giving the ultimate puppy gift, including providing a safe environment, a toileting area, preparing for teething and ensuring the right food is fed to your family’s new addition.

Top puppy tips

1. Create a safe and happy home for your new puppy: Puppies need a safe, quiet spot to rest and adjust to their new environment away from visitors and children. Puppy-proof your home, removing any potential hazards such as toxic plants, electrical cords or small objects that could be chewed or swallowed.

2. Set up a designated toileting area: Consistency is key for house training—take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, sleeping or playing.

3. Socialisation: Expose your puppy thoughtfully to different people, pets and environments to help them grow into a well-rounded dog. The best way to learn how to socialise and work with your puppy is to enrol in a scientifically and reward-based, positive reinforcement puppy pre-school.

4. Prepare for teething: It is normal for puppies to explore the world with their mouths. Set your pup up for success by removing items you don't want them to chew on and providing them with appropriate chew toys to soothe sore gums.

For older dogs, Guide Dogs SA/NT Veterinary Nurse Jasmine Chilton said there were many things to consider over the festive season, including travelling and boarding.

Top tips for dogs over the festive season

1. Mind the menu: Feed a premium quality puppy food, as many human treats are dangerous and toxic for dogs. The last thing you want is a new puppy with an upset stomach.

We all love Christmas Cake and mince pies, but did you know grapes and raisins that are an essential ingredient in these delicious treats are toxic to pets, and can cause kidney damage if ingested? The Australian Animal Poisons helpline is a resource to check dangerous food, plants and emergency information.

2. Check your pet is fully immunised and up to date with their preventative medications for fleas and worms before the holiday period, this prepares them in case they are booked in for any boarding stays.

3. Know your local veterinary practice’s opening hours in case they have changed during the holiday period and keep your emergency vet details handy for anything out of hours.

If you decide the time might not be right for a puppy present, Guide Dogs SA/NT is looking for weekend carers for puppies-in-training, when their puppy trainers need a break or are unable to care for their puppy for short periods.

“We think of them as being like foster carers – we’re always looking for people at short notice who can look after our puppies for a weekend or overnight,” Ms Milne said.

“This allows you to experience what it’s like to be a Puppy Raiser without having the full-time commitment while helping us when we need to relieve our carers, which is much appreciated.”

With the festive season upon us, people are being encouraged to donate to Guide Dogs SA/NT’s Christmas Appeal. It costs $50,000 to train a Guide Dog, Assistance Dog or Facility Dog, and every dollar counts towards helping a person living with low vision or blindness to live independently.

Dog lovers are also being encouraged to browse the range of themed items, including Christmas wrapping paper, calendars, socks, gifts for dogs and even jewellery.

Donate here or at https://sant.guidedogs.com.au/christmas.

Browse the Guide Dogs SA/NT gift guide here or at https://sant.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/shop/