The Perfect Gift?
By Marty Guerra
As Christmas approaches, many of us scramble to find the perfect gift for our loved ones and friends. Some will choose to give a dog as a gift. I receive many calls from people who have received a dog as a gift. The stories are all pretty much the same. The person receiving the gift was 1) not expecting nor ready for it and 2) does not have the time to properly train the dog.
If you are thinking about getting someone or your child a dog for Christmas, the following can help avoid a disaster.
1. Make sure the person you are getting the dog for is in a position to have one. Does the person have the time, money and energy? Does the person have any animal related allergies? Does the person travel a lot with their job? Has the person mentioned wanting a dog in the past? Does the person have a conducive environment for a dog?
2. Wait until after the busy hustle and bustle of the holiday is over. It is difficult at best to keep a watchful eye on a new puppy right in the middle of all the holiday activities. Christmas tree ornaments, lights, wrapping paper, etc., are an invitation to a young puppy and can be very dangerous. Not to mention trying to "potty train" a puppy with a house full of guests. Also, many of the common holiday plants that decorate your home such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and amaryllis are poisonous to pets.
3. Once you've made the decision to get a dog as a gift, do some research on breeds and/or mixes to determine what would best fit into the persons lifestyle. Would a puppy or an older dog be best. If you are buying for an elderly person or child, bare in mind that you'll need to be responsible for the oversight of care, training and raising of the dog and, you may inherit it at some point. Select a reputable breeder and/or visit the humane society.
4. Don't just give the dog! Give the person a "dog owners starter kit." The kit could include: A small bag of food, bowls, collar/leash and a couple of chew toys. Also include in the kit, names and/or gift certificates of veterinarians, trainers, groomers and pet supply stores in the person's area.
5. Consider getting a gift certificate for the person and let them go choose their own dog.
The Humane Society of the United States says it best, "A pet is for life, not just for Christmas."
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e-mail: mguerra@dogmanners.com
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