Do you think it is a good idea to buy a puppy for Christmas?

[bowrunner]

Since your child wants a puppy then I think it is a very good idea.  As a special needs child it should give him something to be responsible for and something that will love him no matter what.

[hicaniplay]

Have you had a puppy yourself before?
I'd go with the couple other people who suggested a young dog, not a puppy.
You can find ones that are already trained, housebroke and with good manners, and see their behavior and if they'd fit your home much better than guessing and hoping or training a puppy yourself.
I know people are afraid of bad habits, but old dogs definitely can be taught new tricks! Plus, lots of dogs are given up for reasons that have nothing to do with them not being wonderful companions (family having to move, lost job, death, whatever).

[kayleeann2313]

Puppies are a great idea! Especially if they really want one. Puppies teach responsibility, etc. (:

[Skyisbluetoday]

You should give him a puppy! Puppies are to much fun to play with!

[Snoozey]

The problem with puppies is that most of them haven't been trained. You may need to think about getting a small dog instead, one that has been trained already. Small pets are also good for children with disabilities. My cousin is autistic and he really enjoys playing with my rabbit, and she is really good about letting him play with her without biting him.

[melinder]

I think that a puppy is a good idea for a christmas gift

[mlhigby]

I know that my son will like the puppy.  I promise him the puppy for his b-day in Nov. of this and last year.   Let me tell you about my son.  My son is a special needs kid and I can not afford a service dog so a puppy of his own is what I will be able to give him.  My son is a pre-teen and he loves our 2 years old cat.  I know he want a dog because he talks about a dog every day now.  I would love for someone to give me your opinion.   

Hi again well Marry Christmas it just a couple day away did u decided if you going to get you son a puppy or dog that he has been wanting if so that is cool and what kind of dog are you thinking of getting him a big dog a small dog what kind of breed or did you decided to hold off for a little while longer well hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[tantricia44]

lgemini, I think it's a good Idea to get your child a puppy but please consider the extra work you & your family will be burden with. Personally, I think parents shouldn't give their kids a puppy to raise by very young children or irresponsible teens. It's great to have that new puppy but when it becomes boring or the kids lose interest;the dog will be the 1 suffer. I scream with bitter anger every time I see on line animals neglected by their owners b/c every 1 lost interest on the dog or the excuse is they don't have money to take it to the vet for minor illness or injury. The sad thing is that they don't do anything about it until the dog is literally Skin & bones from starvation, or at death doors due to a minor injury that never got treated & infection set in & b/cm full blown. The sad thing is that there are many good dogs that are trained but homeless & it breaks every1's heart when gets pet adopted out is returned to the shelter b/c the family couldn't handle the dog. Not only does the humans at the feel that they failed but that dog also feels that he failed. You see it in their eyes when they get returned. (I'm not promoting or doing anything for gain)but for information only. Lgemini, check out SAD online (Save A Dog), I'm a member in which I virtually foster 2 dogs that is endangered b/c it's placed in a kill shelter or is homeless. I virtually foster 2 dogs until those dogs get out of the kill shelters or find a 4ever home. In this site you can locate hundreds of shelters & organizations state wide. There are thousands of dogs looking for forever homes & responsible loving owners. There are even homeless dogs that went through the "Cell Dogs," program getting trained by an inmate & graduated/fully trained but still waiting to find a home year,after year after year......... Hope you solve your issue but please think about the 4 legged baby too.