We just moved for the third time this year. It's lovely where we are, albeit temporary. The first couple weeks were tough, but so far, so good. We planned my column around Thanksgiving and gratitude, but being a rescue, it seemed more helpful to discuss how to survive bringing home a puppy or rescue at Christmas time.

[Interview with France Bognon of Pet Connect about introducing new pets during the "12 Days of Christmas"]

Rescues are often abused, neglected, and/or uprooted from a familiar home – it may have been awful or lovely, but it was home. We don't know what's going to happen to us. Most of us want to be good, to be your best friend and faithful companion, but we need time and patience.

Christmas means puppies or dogs on wish lists. Here's France to help you and your new "furbaby"

BeeZee: Puppy or older dog?

FRANCE: Puppies may be teeny and cute, but don't be fooled by their size! Many families have returned puppies after adopting them because they can't manage the work involved. Puppies are like infants. They need pretty constant attention. They're harder to train because they don't have the mental capacity to hold the information that you can convey to an adult dog. Puppies have tiny little bladders so they can't hold their pee as long — many young pups can't make it through the night without you getting up to take them outside. Much worse in the winter! They have tiny sharp teeth. Adults rescues come with their own baggage, but they're generally much easier to train, can be expected to stay alone longer (need fewer potty breaks), and don't cost as much. Puppies need all their shots and to be spayed or neutered. When the dog has been in a foster home, you get a much better sense of their personality than if it's a puppy. It's much easier to match an adult dog with the right temperament to your family's needs. If you're set on raising a puppy, the owner needs to be home most of the day for the first several months. The question is whether you can truly commit to the time, the finances, and the effort.

BeeZee: Why is crate training important for puppies and rescues?

FRANCE: The crate becomes the safe space for the puppy or dog, a familiar comfortable safe place to retreat to when they've had enough kids, family, other animals, etc. It's also safer for the family because the puppy or dog can't get into any real trouble in the crate where they don't have to be on strict surveillance like when they're loose. The crate is really critical for potty and housetraining if that's necessary. It's good for them to feel comfortable in a crate if they ever need to be boarded at the vet for medical care, for travel by car or airplane, or to wait their turn with the dog groomer.

BeeZee: What are the basics of crate training?

FRANCE: The most important thing is not to leave them in the crate for too long. Depending on the puppy's age, anywhere from 1-4 hours maximum (tiny bladders need more frequent potty breaks!) and if adult, 4-5 hours maximum. Never use the crate as a punishment (it will have a negative association for the dog). The crate is like a crib – a training tool that you use in the beginning when the dog is adjusting when you need it. Eventually, most dogs mature out of the crate and can be left free to roam the house.

BeeZee: How can people make potty-training easier for puppies and rescues?

FRANCE: Consistency. Patience. And a crate. For puppies, it's a matter of time and being consistent about taking them out frequently and giving them a reward every time they "go" outside. They learn quickly that pottying outside is fun. Be sure to distinguish between the trips outside for potty and those for play. If the puppy gets busy playing outside, it won't remember to potty until it's back in the house. It's also important not to let a puppy run loose in the house – always keep them under surveillance or contained in a crate or pen. Puppies will wander off and have accidents, but you'll have no way of controlling it, so they'll think it's permissible. Most adult dogs have been trained at some point. Treat them like puppies in the beginning and keep them under surveillance in the house, take them out frequently and give them positive reinforcement every time they go potty outside.

BeeZee: What are the most common mistakes humans make with new pets?

FRANCE: A pet is a lifelong commitment. It's adding a new member of the family. If you're lucky, the animal will be with you for the next 10 -15 years — in most cases, long past the children growing up. When parents surprise their kids with a puppy, many want them to be responsible for the dog — while I think it's a great way to teach children about responsibility, structure, dedication, etc., they should not and cannot be responsible for an animal. They should help, but ultimately it's the adults who will be the ones to ensure that the animal is fed, walked, vetted, cared for, trained, etc. Each family should hold a meeting – it's a big commitment.

BeeZee: Purebred or hybrid vigor? Puppy or adult? Big or small? High energy or low energy?

FRANCE: I can wholeheartedly say that rescues are worth their weight in gold! Obviously, I'm a bit biased. In addition to doing something good for society and saving a life, a rescue is often a better choice for your family. First of all, they know somehow that they have been rescued and will live every day for the rest of their lives grateful to you for saving them. It gives you the option of bringing an adult dog into your home, which is best for most families. The nice thing about a mutt – hybrid vigor – is getting a mix of characteristics from a few different dogs. Some say mixed breeds are smarter, but also mutts tend to be healthier because they aren't susceptible to a lot of issues that come with inbreeding. It's important to work with a reputable rescue to help place the right dog in your home. I always say there's a home for every dog and a dog for every home — it's matchmaking!

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS Please remember: cooked bones from turkey and all poultry can cause serious, often fatal, injuries to your pet's digestive tract.