Dogs Don’t Make Good Gifts
When we approach the holiday season, and are stumped for gift ideas, it’s easy to think about giving a pet as a gift. While the intention is always good, the outcome often isn’t.
Every year, shelters across the nation receive thousands of post-holiday “gifts”…rabbits and chicks after Easter, dogs and cats after Christmas, swelling populations that are already too high. Retailers significantly add to the problem by advertising pets as presents. Who wouldn’t be charmed by adorable animals in their Christmas wrap and holiday bows? Before you buy a pet as a gift, please consider the following:
Pet ownership is fraught with responsibility. There are regular expenses such as food, medicine, veterinary and training expenses, and durable goods such as beds, collars, toys, etc. Once the recipient is gifted with an animal, do they have the financial means to take care of them…for the next 13 years?Â
Pets require a lot of time and attention. Dogs especially do not fare well when left alone frequently, and will quickly act out with destructive or attention-seeking behaviors. Does the recipient have time every single day to spend with the pet? Is this how they want to spend their time?
There are physical demands on the pet owner as well. Dog trainers frequently see dogs that were “gifted” to the elderly for companionship. Depending on the health of the recipient, these dogs may never be walked or cared for in the ways required to ensure the pet’s mental and physical stability.  Just because someone has a lot of time on their hands, doesn’t mean they want the responsibility of pet ownership.Â
Additionally, every animal has its own personality. If a pet is gifted to someone, the personality of pet and new owner may clash, and in many cases, the relationship ends in failure because they are not well suited. Another common problem when owners don’t select their own pet is breed mismatches. Breeds should be carefully researched by the owner to ensure that its exercise requirements and temperament match the owner’s lifestyle and energy level.
Dogs should not be introduced into a new home during the holiday season. The first 2 weeks in a new home are critical for the pet and they require the most time, attention and exposure to normal routine during this period. Normalcy is rarely found in households between Christmas and New Years (let alone spare time!) If you’re giving the gift of a pet, we strongly encourage you to give a photo for the holiday and bring the pet into the home after the holidays are over.
Better Gift Ideas
If you think someone would like or would benefit from bringing a pet into their lives, sit down with them and review the responsibilities of pet ownership. Help them research breeds, which are suitable for their lifestyles.
Going with a person to help pick out a new pet is very helpful and makes a great gift. Go with them to their local shelter to see if the breed they desire is there. Shelters often get “pure bred” dogs. You have then given the gift of joy to the new pet owner and the gift of life to the shelter animal.Â
Happy Holidays!
Paws in Training provides dog training, dog behavior evaluations, consultation and education services in Raleigh, NC. The goal of all dog training is to find peaceable solutions to everyday problems so that pets and their owners live harmoniously.