Great
Gifts
for
Your
Best
Friend
(or,
How To Shop For The Dog Who Has Everything - But Manners)Looking
for the perfect gift for your dog this holiday season?
How about
a class from Stacy's Wag'N'Train?
Dog training classes are no longer frustrating forums for "dominating"
or "mastering" your best friend; they use gentle, positive, and punishment-free
methods to teach your dog what it takes to win the things she wants. You and your
dog can build a stronger relationship through clear communication, consistency,
strong leadership, and the use of rewards to strengthen behaviors. Modern dog
training classes are FUN for both the dog and the handler - for the whole family!
You can find out which class is best for you and your dog at the classes
page. Or you can look at some of the stocking stuffers we recommend at our merchandise
page! These gifts won't just lie around the house - your dog will learn to actively
work them, providing them entertainment during the hours when you must leave your
dog alone.
If you live outside of the San Jose, CA, area, and are looking for
a positive training class, check this geographical
listing and/or contact the Association of Pet
Dog Trainers, 1-800-PET-DOGS.
Not ready for a whole class?
How
about a behavior consultation, to explore solutions to a nagging problem, or private
lessons to focus on training the one thing that will make your dog a welcome companion?
Thinking
of giving someone a dog for a holiday gift?
Please think again.
Yes, the companionship of a dog is a wonderful treasure for anyone. But
dogs do not make good surprise gifts. Whether you're "shopping" for
a child, friend, or family member, let them make their own choice when it comes
to getting a dog. They are more likely to find one that matches their own preferences
and lifestyle, and are more likely to bond with a dog they chose, rather than
one they are given.
Besides, the holidays are already a hectic time. Most people
are planning events, shopping, traveling or entertaining guests. They don't
need the added burden of training a new dog to adjust to their house. New dogs
or puppies should be brought home at a time when the household can plan in advance,
devote some time to training and bonding with the dog, and manage the dog's behavior.
(See Houseproofing Your Puppy for some ideas on
what it takes to keep a house and puppy safe with each other, and the Puppy's
Twelve Days of Christmas poem below).
If you're quite certain that a dog would
be an appreciated and well-cared-for gift, consider helping your gift-recipient
research breeds and sources. Perhaps you could offer to pay the adoption
fees for a dog from the local shelter (such as the Humane
Society of Santa Clara Valley). Or perhaps you could offer a gift certificate
for training classes or a Puppy PreSchool lesson.
"A
dog is for life, not just for Christmas" -- Association for Pet Dog TrainersWant
to do something for all the homeless pets this holiday season?
When
you think of all that your dog gives you, think also of all the potential of dogs
waiting adoption at your local shelter. Consider making a donation to them. They
might have a wish list that you can help fill, and they can always use
a financial donation. And you can get a deduction in this year's taxes if you
make a donation before December 31st Don't forget about hard-working
shelter employees and volunteers, too! Find out more about the Humane
Society of Santa Clara Valley here.
A Puppy's Twelve Days of Christmas
On
the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The Santa topper from the Christmas
tree.
On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two leaking bubble
lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the third day of
Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble
lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the fourth day
of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four broken window candles
Three punctured
ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas
tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up
stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two
leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On
the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On
the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping
paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken
window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas
my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping
paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken
window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas
my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up
stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two
leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On
the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda
mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven
scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble
lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On the eleventh day
of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas
cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up
stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two
leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
On
the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses
And I forgot all about the other eleven days.
-Author Unknown
Thanks
to all who sent this to me!
See other Doggy Holiday Carols at the Westie
Rescue Site!