A Puppy for a Christmas gift! Is it REALLY a good idea?

Narrated from: Choosing a dog

Are you considering buying a puppy as a Christmas gift?

It’s only natural – there are few things cuter than a puppy, and most of these things are imaginary. And of course, anyone selling puppies will vouch that this is the greatest gift ever! You can probably picture it now, the little furry ball playing around the Christmas tree, perhaps with a ribbon instead of a collar…

STOP.

THINK CAREFULLY.

A puppy is NOT just a regular gift. You have to think things over!

DO THEY WANT A DOG?

You are planning to surprise close friends or relatives with a wide-eyed puppy. However, a puppy is a huge responsibility. And most importantly of all – it will grow into a dog.

So ask yourself: “Do they want a dog?”

Not a puppy – a dog. Everybody loves puppies, but taking care of a dog is an altogether different matter. Gifting a cute little St. Bernard puppy to friends living in an apartment would be a terrible idea – and the dog will suffer for it!

If you friends don’t really want a dog, then, in one way or another, the dog will end up abandoned.

WILL THE PUPPY BE TAKEN CARE OF?

Taking care of a growing puppy is a huge responsibility. The puppy needs to be raised in a loving home, but it must also be trained with a firm hand, otherwise it will become a hard to control dog.

In other words, puppies are costly – both in time and money. What you are “gifting” to your friends is a constant drain on their budget – food, accessories, vaccinations, flea and tick control, toys, etc.

So – will the dog be taken care of properly?

ARE YOU CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUPPY?

If you are certain that a puppy is the gift you seek, then consider the fact that there are more than 150 dog breeds – and that’s only the registered ones!

Choosing a puppy as a gift is a complicated procedure. You need to consider the character of the future owners, their budget, where they live… Buying the cutest puppy you see in the store rarely works in real life!

In fact, choosing a dog is such a huge responsibility that it would be better if one does it oneself!

IS CHRISTMAS THE RIGHT TIME?

Christmas is a great holiday for humans – but sadly, not for puppies. With all the excitement during the holidays, throwing a puppy into that turmoil will be stressful for the puppy. Besides, getting a puppy accustomed to its new home takes time and attention to detail – in other words, the puppy could be neglected!

WHERE TO BUY THE PUPPY FROM

Last but not least – if you buy a puppy from a pet shop, you are encouraging the bad practice of breeding puppies for the holidays. Many puppies are bred in so-called “puppy mills”, with the sole purpose of being sold. The only way to discourage this soulless practice is by cutting the profits – instead of buying the puppy you should adopt it from a local animal rescue or shelter.

THE VERDICT

A puppy can be a truly great gift – but not on a whim. Consider carefully whether you are getting the right puppy for the right people.

And remember – the puppy cannot be returned to the store, or at least not with a clear conscience.

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