Why Not to buy a puppy for Christmas

Puppy Christmas

A Puppy for Christmas

So you a wondering what gift to buy your son or daughter for Christmas. Well they have a bike, and an iPod, and XBox and the list goes on and on and on. So your thought is Oh I know, he or she will really love a puppy!

Yes we agree all children love puppies, actually I do not know anyone who does not love a cute puppy, if puppies were not so cute I am sure pet stores selling puppies would not be in business. The problem is a puppy is not just cute, but it is in fact a living animal, it has requirements anything that has life requires. Those requirements vary from life to life, but lets stick with puppies for now.

There are several reasons why not to buy a puppy for Christmas.  Purchasing a puppy as a gift for a child presents a mind set that a living animal is a “thing” to be exchanged as a gift. Often times we all know “things” become disposable and after a while that “thing” is of no use nor interest to the person receiving that gift. Children are typical of that behavior. Its natural, the response is “Wow” Mom or Dad its so cute. So what happens after Christmas day!
Lets look at the lifetime needs of a puppy:

• Warmth,
• Food
• nutrition’
• Exercise
• Emotional and Social Development
• Time from its caregiver

Training, Training Training!

The reason the majority of dogs end up in animal shelters is simply because that little cute puppy grew up, the owners did not take the time to consider exactly what goes into meeting the development needs of a puppy.

• Do you have time to devote to the mental and social needs of a growing puppy?
• Do you know the average cost of owning a growing puppy can range from $2000 to $3000 (average a year)
• Do you know the cost of vet bills?
• Do you know the cost of premium nutrition?
• Do you now the cost of boarding and grooming?
• Do you know how much time and dedication it takes to house train a puppy?
• Do you know that puppies jump, bite, nip, destroy things, bark, chew, and pee on the rug?
• Do you know that puppies are just like babies and need constant attention and care?
• Do you know that puppies grow up to be adults???
• Do you know the needs of an adult dog?

OK if you know all of the above and have seriously considered the answers to those questions great.

If you have NOT considered any of those questions, then please I urge you consider them now before you go and look at that

cute puppy in the window.

If you buy a puppy for a child, remember after the novelty of that puppy wears off, and the child has lost interest, are you – the parent aware that YOU are the one who will be responsible for its care? if you do not want that responsibility, then do NOT get a dog or any animal for a child until they are old enough and responsible enough to meet the needs of this demanding, growing puppy.
If you get a puppy please seek out a professional motivational dog trainer in your area to help you develop techniques to help your puppy grow into a well socialized, well developed dog.

Remember a puppy is NOT for Christmas its for LIFE!

Need help for puppy training in Maryland?   Contact us :  |  Tel: 240.424.5984 | Email