Hey Woofa’s,

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! A dog is a 10-15 year commitment!

Is the person you’re buying the dog for ready for that?

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 ok to buy a dog for Christmas because a dog is not a present.

A dog is a lifetime commitment, the lifetime of that dog is 10-15 years if you’re lucky.

A dog is not a disposable thing you give away or throw away because you get sick and tired of it.  You become that dog’s life!

A dog is a commitment not a present!  It’s as simple as that!

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