Every year, dogs are given as Christmas presents before later on, ending up abandoned in shelters and on the streets. Why does this happen? Because people don’t understand the true responsibilities that accompany the role of being a dog owner.
Seen as a cute and playful gift, people forget that dogs, especially puppies, are living animals that require love, attention and arguably most important of all, boundaries without which can lead to frustration, harm and chaos. Many people that gift these cute, fury playmates often don’t have to think or worry about the rest.
It may seem fun and exciting at first to see a dog under the tree on Christmas Day but just remember that dogs don’t come into a person’s life knowing all of the rules. This new excitement and joy can quickly run out when they chew on furniture, have accidents in the house, whine, bark, bite, jump and run circles around you and any guests you invite over!
There are so many things to consider when getting a dog for yourself, let alone for someone else: can they afford a dog; do they like dogs; even if they like dogs, do they want one; what breed would best suite them; would they treat it properly; do they have the proper conditions in which to raise a dog; would they want a puppy from a breeder or an older dog from a shelter; are they scared of dogs; do they have the time for a dog right now in their life; is any of this going to change after they get the dog. So a lot goes into it and most of these details can easily be overlooked when deciding to get someone else a dog for Christmas. Especially the amount of time it takes with a puppy to train them and keep them busy so that they don’t have lots of crazy, built-up energy.
Even an adult getting their own child a dog for Christmas may want to rethink. Your child may promise to look after it, clean up after it, feed it every day and all the other things involved but children tend to change their mind and there is a high possibility that they will get bored of their new pet just like they get bored of a toy they would get at Christmas. Except neglecting a toy is a waste of money, neglecting a dog is harming its life.
It should never be someone else’s decision when a person gets a dog. That person needs to decide whether they have the time, space, money and love for a dog that they want to care for. That role is not something that should be forced upon anyone just because someone thought it was a cute gift. If they did want a dog, you could surprise them by driving out to a shelter or breeder where they can pick their own dog or tell you they don’t think they are ready for such a long-term commitment. A dog is a commitment that lasts over decades if done properly and should be done with enthusiasm by the owner not by a friend who may not know all the details.
Although dogs make wonderful pets and are definitely man's best friend, getting one should be a decision made only by the person planning to look after it. The only dog someone should get is for themselves, not as a gift.
