The Gift That Keeps On Giving: Why Not to Give a Puppy as a Christmas Gift
The holiday season is a time of giving, and we often want to give our loved ones exactly what they want. We want to surprise them with thoughtful gifts that say we have listened to them and know them and know their heart. Sometimes when we know our loved ones want a companion, a furry friend, we think that a puppy would be the perfect gift. However, this is one of those times where things may not go as planned. In fact, giving a puppy as a Christmas gift is not always the best choice, and a puppy should only be given in consultation with the recipient, and only after careful consideration of all aspects of dog ownership, because while a dog can be the best thing ever for the right person who is prepared, giving a puppy to a person who isn’t ready for one or doesn’t know what responsibilities which come with pet ownership can be a real disaster.
If you are considering gifting a puppy, have you considered all of the following issues?
Impulsive Decision-Making: This is not the time for impulse buying! Puppies are absolutely adorable, but also can be quite expensive, and I am not talking about just the initial cost. Puppies will require a lot of time and money the first year with vet visits for vaccinations, wellness checks, supplies, etc. They are a huge financial responsibility.
Lack of Preparation: Owning a puppy requires careful planning. Puppies need to have the right supplies, such as food, bowls, crates, toys, and grooming tools, and those need to be in place ready before the puppy arrives. Where will the pup sleep? Where will they eat and who will walk them? You are giving a gift that requires a lot of time and money from the recipient.
Holiday Stress: The holidays often involve travel, quests, irregular schedules, and seasonal moodiness. This may not provide a calm and stable environment for a new puppy to adjust to its new home. This will increase the likelihood of problems with the puppy.
Time Commitment: Puppies demand a significant amount of time, attention, and training. Many people have busy schedules during the holiday season, making it challenging to give a puppy the care and attention it needs. New puppies often have to be let out or have their pee pads changed multiple times all day and all night, much like having a newborn baby. They need special food, lots of walk, play time, and training. All of this is worth it to a prepared pet owner, but a gift recipient may not be prepared.
Long-Term Responsibility: Puppies are not just Christmas gifts; they are a long-term commitment that can last 10 to 15 years or more. I met a dog at the vet this week that was 20 years old and still going strong. Dogs are NOT something to be enjoyed for awhile and then dropped off at the pound when they have gotten inconvenient. Clearly taking on this kind of long term responsibility is something that the potential dog owner should get to decide for themselves, right?
Backyard breeders: Most puppies for sale in pet stores have been acquired from backyard breeders who mistreat their dogs. If you want to know more about backyard breeders, read my post on them here: https://www.stephaniesabourinphotography.com/blogs/the-problem-of-backyard-dog-breeders-and-the-amish-raising-awareness . There are plenty of responsible breeders, but you have to do your homework in order to find them and make sure they are following good practices. Dogs from backyard breeders are cheaper initially because they do not breed for health but just for money. Those dogs cost more in the long term because of all the health problems they have, not to mention the pain and heartbreak of the owner who watches their beloved dog suffer.
Matching the Right Owner and Breed: Different dog breeds have unique temperaments and energy levels. Some have high prey drives. Some love to cuddle and chill. Some prefer to have a job to do. It's crucial to match the right breed to the owner's lifestyle, something that often requires careful consideration and research.
Responsible Adoption: Encouraging responsible pet adoption is a better choice. Instead of giving a puppy as a gift, offer to sponsor the adoption fees or help the recipient find the perfect furry companion through a local shelter or rescue organization. Shelters have both puppies and older dogs, and what people often do not realize is that older dogs can be much easier: they are passed the puppy crazy years and have calmed down some, they do not have the razor sharp teeth little pups have, and they often do not need to be potty trained because that has already been done! Some good local agencies in Mid-Maryland are https://www.savinggraceanimalrescuemd.com, https://www.lonelyheartsanimalrescue.org, https://www.smallmiraclesrescue.org, and https://www.allshepherdrescue.com.
While the idea of surprising a loved one with a puppy on Christmas morning may seem heartwarming, it is easy to see that it is a decision that is most often not the best one to make. Owning a pet is a significant responsibility that should not be taken lightly or decided upon impulsively. Ultimately, the best gift you can give is one that ensures a loving, lifelong home for a furry friend, well beyond the holiday season, and one that doesn’t place unexpected expenses and responsibilities on someone you want to show love to. Although giving a puppy as a gift may be appropriate when a person is clearly prepared in all ways, most often getting a puppy is a decision that is best left to the one who will be responsible for that dog.
