Dogs Are For Life, Not Just For Christmas! 7 Things To Consider Before Buying A Dog
With Christmas just around the corner it may be tempting to purchase a cute, fluffy puppy to put under the tree, for your loved one this year.
But, before you start searching through the puppies for sale from Freeads, ask yourself a few questions, to ensure that when Christmas is over, you will be able to give your new pup the life it deserves:
- Why do you want a puppy?
Do you want a puppy for the right reasons? Did you grow up with dogs and are ready for one of your own? Or do you just want one because they are cute and fluffy and you want to put a smile on your partner’s face this Christmas?
Depending on the answer – should you actually be getting one? A dog will become a member of your family and will be part of it for many, many years.
- Do you have the time to give a puppy?
If you spend 9 hours a day out of the house for work, it wouldn’t be fair on the dog. Think carefully about how much time you will also need to dedicate to training the puppy, plus feeding, walking and grooming it.
- Are you prepared for how a puppy will change your life?
If you were weeks away from giving birth, you would be aware that your life would be about to change and revolve around your new baby. Obviously a dog isn’t quite the same, but it is not far off. You will no longer be able to swan off on a last minute holiday or weekend break because now, before you do, you need to find someone who can look after your dog.
In fact, even a last minute day out is out of the question, because you can’t leave the dog for too long.
- Is your home suitable for a dog?
If you live in a top floor flat without access to a garden – then it is safe to say the answer is probably no.
- Can you afford a dog?
Owning a puppy is expensive, on top of initially purchasing the dog and all you need to go with it – collar, lead, bed, toys, treats, food, there is also vet bills that can crop out of nowhere and other costs that will continue through the dogs life.
Did you know, for example, to have your bitch spayed or a dog castrated, which is advised if you want to avoid several more energetic puppies running around your home, it can cost around £150. Following that vets bills can cost hundreds, if not thousands, depending on issues that could arise.
- Are you prepared for the challenges that come with a young dog?
Puppies need training – they are likely to go to the toilet in your house, run across your cream carpet with muddy paws and chew the legs of chairs or perhaps a very expensive cabinet. Like children, puppies need to be trained – if you don’t teach them what is right and wrong they won’t know. However, this time can be difficult and stressful as you litter train them and teach them how to behave.
- Are you ready for a long-term commitment?
Depending on the breed of dog you go, for they can live for around 14 years, are you ready for this long-term responsibility? As far as you are aware will you still be in a position to have a dog in the next 5, 10, 15 years, because having to separate from a pet because you haven’t thought it through properly will be heartbreaking for both you and the animal.
If you have considered all these questions and are certain the puppy you are purchasing for Christmas is not a gift that will be discarded in January but a gift that will remain with you all through the year and for many, many Christmas’ to come – then you are ready to buy a dog.
If not then perhaps waiting for the Christmas hype to be over and researching more about just what having a pet (big or small) entails is the best idea.
It annoys me so much how many dogs get left at rehoming centres or abandoned because the owners didn’t realise how big they were going to grow, they should have seen at least the mother anyway, and it’s very basic research if you’re thinking about an additional family member.
it is amazing how many people fall into the trap of getting a pet and no fully considering the long term changes they will have to make. Ideally they should be find but then they would just dump the pet.
Having a pet is like adding a family member. And as such the responsibilities is just like having another kid. Thanks for your thoughtful considerations.
Great things to consider. I have a couple of friends who are doing the new dog on Christmas Morning and I really hope they have considered all of the tips you have listed.
Dogs are so cute but the reason I personally have never owned one was because of the level of commitment. One day in the future when I have kids however, I might consider getting one!
We have a dog I believe never buy a pet for your children unless your prepared to look after them yourself it’s an unfair responsibility to put on young children so many people do though and that’s why the rescue centres end up so busy xxx
totally agree they always used t put the ads on tv but havent seen 1 for ages
A lot of people don’t realize the responsibility that goes along with caring for a new dog. It really is a lifetime commitment.
We pondered for years before we got a dog and then we had her for 4 years. It was just too much for us and we realized we are not quite a dog family. But she is with the BEST family for her now!
When we lost our dog (she had cancer) our kids so wanted a knew dog after about a year. I had wanted one immediately!
We waited and I’m glad waited because i was not ready. . We’ve got a perfect dog in Lola!
A dog is like a family member. You can’t just get one only for Christmas. It’s forever. One of the reasons I don’t have pets is because I know they require a lot of time and care. I have two kids and barely have any time. It would be unfair for a puppy.
I’m going to have to disagree with living on the top floor without access to a garden. When we lived in NY we were on the 4th floor with no garden access, actually no-one in Brooklyn had it, and we had a dog. You just have to take them out and walk them. There are also lots of dog parks.
Love this post! I see way too many people getting their kid a pet for Christmas when they aren’t really prepared to take care of it, and end up taking it back!
THANK YOU for posting this! Way to many parents buy kids a cute puppy for Christmas without understanding the actual undertaking. People need this reminder.
These are great points to make. I have seen family’s get a puppy for Christmas and end up having to rehome the pet later.
It’s true about the parting. When I grew up and left home, my mom said our dog was sad for a long time, and I know that I was too (my move was out of state).
I’ve never given or received a living thing for a gift. And I don’t to, ever. They are so much more than that! I anticipate having our pup for many many years. He’s part of the family.
We just lost both our pups and our cat last November. I think I need a least a year before I would consider another and it will probably be a Pomeranian or Long Haired Chihuahua.
I agree. Dogs are a lot of work, but they are very rewarding.
These are such important considerations! It really is a huge commitment and you don’t want to break a little puppy heart by bringing one into your home and then kicking him out because you didnt think it through – great points!
I couldn’t agree with this more! There is much more to having a dog than most people realize.
Amen! My mom got a dog for Christmas last year and by summer was already complaining about him. People really need to think about the long-term commitment before getting any kind of pet! My pug is 15 now and is showing no signs of slowing down. She’s got a few good years left in her, I’m sure!
Great tips for those looking into getting a dog. As someone who has worked in a high kill animal hospital, I have seen unwanted dogs and puppies killed because they were not wanted. It never needs to happen, good for you for sharing this information!
Two years ago our grandson asked for a dog for Christmas but wanted to keep it at my house. After much thought, we got a German Shepherd and he has now become my best friend. You are right, it’s a lot of hard work and expense, but worth every penny. These are all great things to consider and proper training is so important.
I am with you on that – Sally came as a bit of a shock and surprise.. But I wouldn’t change her for the world – she is the most amazing pooch!
We are seriously considering getting a dog in the next few months. My kids have been asking for a dog. We are trying to decide if the kids are old enough to appreciate and help take care of a dog!
Good luck with your decision, whatever you decide to do. x
These are excellent questions and points to consider. And the apply for any type of pet that you bring into your family.
These are important things to consider. I’ve thought about adding a puppy to the family on Christmas before. It’s a big commitment!
So much YES to this article. We have 2 dogs and both arrived on Christmas but it was a decision my husband and I made after a great deal of discussion. Pets are a lot of work … you just need to be ready for it.
Exactly there’s nothing wrong with it as long as you know what your getting into and it’s not just oh how cute would a puppy look dress up – that puppy grows up and needs care! x
Every time we have gotten a dog in my life, I am surprised by how much work they are even though I have had them my whole life. But they are worth it. We love our dog like a child.
We have always had dogs and currently have tow. These are all important things to consider.
These are all important things to consider before buying a pet! Pets are definitely a commitment.
I love love love this post! This is definitely a topic I think more people need to be educated on. Thank you for posting!
Spot on! As cute and cuddly as they are, they were major commitment and a lot of work.
I was watching an item on Sky News today, Their tip was always make sure you see the puppy’s mother.