Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them: Happy Holidays

It's that time of year again, the holidays are upon us! Thinking about giving someone a puppy for Christmas? Think again! It's a big decision that needs careful consideration.

At this time of year we carefully consider holiday gift ideas for the people we love. We rack our brains trying to decide on that perfect gift, a special gift, one that demonstrates how much we love them.

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A puppy or dog may not be the best holiday gift!

This holiday season many peoples' thoughts will turn to giving the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. The one that can actually love you back - that's right, a puppy! Before you say "Yeah, that's it I'll get the person I love a puppy for Christmas!" HOLD UP! Sure, it sounds like a great idea, but have you put enough thought into whether or not a puppy might give a little too much? Will a puppy be more than the recipient is able to handle?

Everywhere you look they're tugging at our heartstrings! Puppy stores, dog rescues, and animal shelters are full at Christmastime, and online ads for puppies kick into high gear all through the holidays. Even at animal shelters people are often there to adopt a puppy or a dog for someone else.

It seems like the perfect gift idea, you're so sure it's the right gift for that special someone. It will bring them so much joy, right? Probably, but it will also bring huge responsibilities, including financial responsibilities, to the new puppy owner!

There's a lot to consider before you bring a puppy or dog into a home. Even if someone constantly talks about how much they want a puppy and it sounds like they're on the verge of getting one, they may not be prepared for the responsibility at this time in their lives. So before you decide that a puppy is the perfect gift for someone else, be sure their lifestyle will support the lifelong commitment of owning a dog.

> If the person you are giving a puppy to travels frequently it may be an issue. You need to spend time with a new puppy! They have to bond with their new owner and family and the pup needs training. Who will care for the dog while they are at work or traveling?

> If the they live in an apartment complex or a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA) there may be restrictions on the breed or size of dog they can have.

> If the person lives with someone else such as a roommate or their parents, those folks must all be consulted before bringing a new pet into the home.

> Are there other animals living in the home already? If so, that is a big consideration. You don't want to upset the dynamic of the home. A new pup has to be a good fit for existing pets and must be properly introduced to resident pets when you bring him home.

> Assess the ability to afford ongoing costs of dog ownership, especially vet bills every year; annual vaccinations, checkups, and visits to the vet for occasional illness or injury. What if they need to spay or neuter the dog themselves? That can be a significant expense. Are you willing to pick up the tab for that?

> Training for both a puppy and an older dog are essential. Training can be expensive! Including a gift card towards training is an excellent addition to your gift of a puppy or dog.

> Make sure no one in the household is allergic to dogs! Even the so called "hypo-allergenic" dogs can be an issue. There really is no such thing as a totally hypo-allergenic dog. Many breeds have hair rather than fur which is helpful, but some people are still allergic to them.

> Everyone in the household should be on board with adding a new dog, and responsibilities for pet care should be clear and realistic. If the recipient is your own child, make sure responsibilities of caring for the puppy are well thought out and that it’s the right time to add a dog to your family. Caring for a pet is a great learning experience but don't expect a 7 year old to walk and feed a dog on a daily basis!

Although it sounds magical, I'm not a fan of surprising someone with a puppy or dog as a gift. A dog is a living being that will require lifelong care. Bringing a dog into your home is not something to be taken lightly.

Once you've gone through the above considerations and you're reasonably sure a canine companion would be the right gift, help them make the right decision about what kind of dog to get. It will be just as wonderful a surprise to thoughtfully gift wrap a stuffed animal dog, an animal shelter gift card, a photo of a cute puppy, or even just a leash. Watch their eyes fly open wide as you tell them that right after Christmas you’ll be taking a trip together to pick out a dog!

Spend a cozy evening together with a hot cup of cocoa deciding whether to get a puppy or an older dog, and what type of dog would best fit their lifestyle.

Their excitement will continue to build as they prepare to add a new furry member to their family. Make an adventure out of searching for just the right puppy or dog together. Visit a pet supplies store together, or shop online, to select all the basic things needed for a new puppy or dog. The time you spend searching for their new best friend together will be a gift in itself, and a treasured memory!

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Puppies are irresistible, but is a puppy the right Christmas gift?

Please Adopt rather than Shop if possible, or be sure you select a dog from a reputable breeder. Avoid online ads for puppies and do some research to help ensure your puppy isn't from a Puppy Mill!

Did you know there are breed specific rescue organizations for just about every breed of dog? What better gift than not only giving a dog, but saving a life in the process!

Visit our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and Dog Lovers to find the perfect gift for all the dogs and dog lovers on your Christmas gift list!