What to Know About Your Christmas Puppy
From all of us at Hounds Town, congratulations on becoming a new pet parent!
Bringing home a Christmas puppy is one of the most exciting and heartwarming ways to celebrate the season. Since some holiday pups are a complete surprise—and all puppies are always unpredictable—it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to set your dog up for long-term success, confidence, and good behavior.
Whether this is your first dog or your newest addition to the family pack, here’s what every pet parent should know about raising a well-socialized, well-adjusted puppy.
Puppy Socialization Starts Early—And It’s Essential
Socialization is one of the most important elements of raising a confident dog. Between 8 and 16 weeks of age, puppies go through a crucial developmental stage where positive experiences shape how they perceive the world.
A properly socialized puppy grows into a dog who is:
- Comfortable around new people
- Calm and confident in unfamiliar environments
- Safe and approachable when interacting with other dogs
- Less prone to behaviors like destructive chewing or excessive barking
Holiday gatherings, new visitors, and seasonal schedules create the perfect opportunity for gentle exposure to socialization, but be sure to take it slow and pay attention to what your Christmas puppy needs.
When Can Puppies Go to Daycare?
Your Christmas puppy is naturally curious and eager to explore, and they need their pack just like any other dog. Once your pup is four months old and up-to-date on their vaccines, doggy daycare at Hounds Town gives them the perfect environment to learn from other dogs in a safe, natural way.
In our pack-based playrooms, puppies benefit from:
- Constant social interaction with dogs of similar size and temperament
- Healthy energy outlets that reduce destructive habits at home
- Confidence-building experiences that help shy or unsure puppies blossom
Dogs learn best from other dogs, and regular puppy daycare visits help your pup understand canine body language, appropriate play styles, and how to interact within a pack, which are skills they’ll keep for life.
Expect Lots of Energy (and Naps!)
Puppies need routine and lots of time to sleep. Balancing short bursts of activity with plenty of rest helps them grow physically and mentally. You can support this rhythm by playing with your dog throughout the day, and letting them rest when they need to rest. At home, take them on walks when they’re in an active mood, and try to keep meal times, sleep times, and play sessions consistent to build stability and confidence in your puppy’s daily life.
Join a Puppy Socialization Class for Guided Training
For even deeper support during the early stages of puppyhood, Hounds Town offers specialized Puppy Socialization Classes designed specifically for dogs under six months old. These classes help your puppy build confidence around other dogs, learn proper play behaviors, and engage in a safe environment with experts in dog management to guide them through. Find a Hounds Town location near you!
Be Patient—They’re Learning
Everything is new when your dog is a puppy, from sounds, to smells, to schedules. Your puppy will make mistakes, have accidents, and test boundaries, which is all part of normal puppy development. Positive reinforcement, gentle redirection, and regular socialization will help them mature into a well-behaved, emotionally healthy adult dog.
With the right socialization, your Christmas puppy can grow into a confident, friendly, and well-adjusted adult dog. Find your local Hounds Town and give your new pup the gift of play!