We love dogs, and know that pups bring much love, joy and laughter to our lives. However, it is precisely because of our canine devotion do we think that giving a puppy as a Christmas gift is bad idea. Granted, there are scenarios in which it would be appropriate to gift someone with a new dog: for example if you and your spouse have been discussing it for a long time, you know they trust your judgment, and you are ready to surprise them by taking the next step. Make no mistake, the recipient is almost ALWAYS excited to receive the squirmy little pup, but there tends to be either regret or neglect in the weeks the follow.
Beware: puppy mills are particularly active during the holiday season, trying to lure buyers to choose their weak, unhealthy dogs as Christmas gift!
Here are some of the main reasons why giving someone a puppy for Christmas is a bad idea.
Why You Shouldn’t Give Someone A Puppy
- It’s a lot of pressure to put on someone. Even if you know the person really wants a pet, you have just chosen one specific dog that they didn’t personally select (which is a problem that will be addressed in our next point). Dogs and cats can live 15-20 years, which means you are essentially assigning someone a dependent for over a decade of their lives. That is a lot of commitment, and might go against some of the plans they have made or opportunities they are considering. It is like delivering someone with a roommate contracted to share housing for over a decade with them.
- They didn’t choose the pet. This is tricky ground. While some dogs are eager to bond with whoever they are with, others may have difficulty connecting with their human. The person might not actually like the dog or might be annoyed by his tendency to chomp on their pant leg, etc. By picking an animal for someone, you eliminate the opportunity for the human and the animal to form their own kind of connection where the “choose each other.” This can have a negative effect on their future dynamics.
- You may not know all the details of what’s going on in the person’s life. They may WANT a dog, or say they want a dog, but haven’t mentioned they are also $20,000 in debt, and can’t afford one. What if they just started dating someone with a horrible canine allergy? Or that they just signed a lease on a pet-free apartment, or are planning a 2-month stint in Europe. Unless you are very close with them (and know their goals, dreams, and bank balances) assumptions can be dangerous. Your gift could quickly turn into a massive financial burden that the person is simply not ready for.
- Dogs grow from cute puppies to gawky adolescents that need training! Does your pal have the time to train the dog, or the desire to do so? What happens when the pudgy cuteness of puppyhood wears off, and the poop-scooping and early morning walks set in? Giving someone a dog is a gamble where resentment can really set in between the owner and his dog, as well as the owner and you.
- They might decide to give the dog away. If the person fails to connect to the dog, or be excited about caring for it, this could result in the puppy being given away, or sent to a shelter to be rehomed. Not only is that embarrassing for your friend, (and could possibly make your relationship a little awkward) but it subjects the dog to a living situation which may not be the best, and adds pressure to a recuse home.
A Possible Solution
Sometimes, giving someone a puppy does prove to be the successful beginning of a life-long connection, for which the recipient will forever be in your debt. (If that’s you, we’d love to hear your success story!) But the reality is, a happy exchange is a rare case, and the potential for harm far outweighs the likelihood that it will be a good fit. But, if you are still determined to gift your friend, spouse or family member with a puppy, you can still give them an adorable stuffed animal with a bow around its neck. Then the tag on the bow could contain a gift certificate to a local animal shelter, or some money to go towards their pet purchase. This is a great way to let the individual choose both the pet and the timing of purchase. That way, everyone is happy!