It’s that time of year where people are trying to figure out what to buy friends and family for Christmas!

For some reason certain people, maybe with good intentions, think it’s a good idea to buy a dog for Christmas.

Whether that dog is for the kids (big no, no) or someone they think could do with a dog, it’s rarely a good idea.

You may think, but you’re a dog lover, why would you say this?

Because a dog is not a present!

Think about how we treat our Christmas presents –  we get all excited unwrapping them, we’re appreciative, we take them home, we use it for a while, but a few months later it just becomes like everything else in the house.

We use it when we need it!

A dog is not a present.

WHY IT’S NOT A GOOD IDEA TO BUY A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS!

1. I’ll say it again, because a dog is not a present;
2. A dog is a lifetime commitment;
3. A dog is a living being that has needs and emotions;
4. You need to give that dog love and time;
5. That dog has to be cared for 24/7;
6. Said dog will need to be feed, walked, have a safe place to sleep;
7. The dog will need an adjustment period, so during this time it may chew stuff, bark, or whine;
8. Said dog will try your patience;
9. You’ll have to clean up after the dog;
10. You’ll have to play with the dog;
11. Before decisions are made about going out, or going away on holidays, you’ll have to consider who will be looking after the dog during that time;
12. Are you prepared if the dog gets sick, vet bills etc
13. How safe is the house the dog will be going to;
14. Is there a yard, grass, or an apartment;
15. Is the breed of dog you’ve chosen suited to the person you’re giving it to;
16. Does the dog need regular grooming, who is paying for that;
17. Is the dog desexed, who pays for that operation;
18. Depending on the breed of dog you’ve chosen, even a mixed breed, is it the right choice for the person you’re buying it for;
19. If you’re buying the kids a dog, know that the kids WILL NOT do any of the chores that comes with a dog; the kids will play with the dog but again will lose interest eventually;
20. Have you considered who is paying for puppy training;
21. Who is paying for the dogs food;
22. Who is paying for all the bedding, collars, leads, bowls, blankets, toys etc
23. Has the person you’re buying the dog for had a dog before;
24. If they already have dogs, will they get on with the new dog………………….?

There are a million more reasons why it’s not a good idea to buy a dog for Christmas, these are just a few to get you really thinking about it.

Buying things at Christmas time is mostly on a whim, or we buy what we think the other person might like.

Even if the person you’re thinking of buying the dog for is a dog lover, it’s still not something you give as a present or as a surprise.

No matter how good your intentions are, the person needs to know BEFORE you buy the dog, any time of year.

Also, just because you think it’s a good idea, doesn’t mean the person you’re giving the dog to does!

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T BUY A DOG FOR YOUR KIDS FOR CHRISTMAS!

I don’t intend to sound like a meanie here, but I really want you to think about this BEFORE you buy the dog for your kids.

I have so many parents that come to my grooming salon who say how they bought the dog for the kids, but they end up doing everything for the dog.

If I had a dollar for every time I heard this, I’d be super rich.

Kids may get all excited and play with the dog for a while, but soon after –

1. they won’t want to pick up the poop;
2. they will forget to feed the dog;
3. the kids won’t want to put their devices down to go walk the dog;
4. the dogs water won’t be refilled;
5. the dog will chew the kids toys because they don’t pick them up;
6. said puppy will nip them (puppy teething) and they won’t like it;
7. who takes the puppy to puppy training, and who keeps up with the training at home;
8. who will be brushing the dog;
9. the kids won’t want to bath and dry the dog; who is paying for the grooming needs;
10. you’re the one buying everything for the dog;
11. the dog will end up being your dog;
12. the dog will be YOUR RESPONSIBILITY not your kids.

If you’re a parent wanting to buy a dog for your kids for Christmas (or anytime), just know I’m telling you now that YOU will be the one doing EVERYTHING for the dog.

So unless YOU want a dog, do not buy one for your kids.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

It’s not cool to buy a dog for Christmas because a dog is not a present.

A dog is a lifetime commitment.

It’s as simple as that!

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT BUYING A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS?