Bringing home a Christmas puppy seems magical, but the reality often looks very different once the excitement fades. In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt, I'm sharing the importance of responsible dog ownership and how to prepare for a puppy, along with five actionable steps you can take right now to decide whether a puppy as a gift is truly the right choice for your family. Some of the things we cover in this episode are:

• Why the idea of a Christmas puppy can lead to overwhelm and stress
• What responsible dog ownership actually looks like during the holidays
• Clear guidance on how to prepare for a puppy before the big day arrives
• When a puppy as a gift can work and when it backfires
• Practical alternatives that give you the joy of a future dog without rushing the process

A Christmas puppy can be a wonderful addition, but only when you approach it with intention, planning, and true responsible dog ownership. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly how to prepare for a puppy and how to make the puppy as a gift decision with clarity and confidence. Resources mentioned in this episode: HELP! My Puppy Is Biting Me! Connect with Staci Lemke: Website - www.mannersformutts.com Instagram & Facebook @mannersformutts