Unfortunately, it’s still frighteningly common for people to buy puppies for Christmas just to try and get the creature home in January. Sadly, after Christmas is over, the novelty has faded, as the dog is dirtying the carpet and behaving in a rebellious manner. Of course, it’s not that the dog is bad, it just hasn’t been properly trained. For this reason alone, it’s wise not to welcome a puppy into your home during the festive season when, let’s face it, life is a bit hectic anyway.
It is very common for parents to eventually give in and give in to their children’s plea for a puppy. However, before welcoming any animal into your home, it is important that you consider the prospect very seriously. If you are considering getting a dog, these are just a few of the things you would like to ponder before committing.
- Before considering getting a dog, it is important for people to consider the welfare of the animal. Dogs generally don’t like to be left alone, some more than others, so if everyone in your family is at work or school during the day, your dog could become very anxious. . Usually, a dog’s anxiety will manifest itself in actions that may seem like bad behavior, such as chewing on furniture, dirtying the carpet, and howling. It is not in your dog’s interest to stay home alone all day.
- Next, you may want to consider the expense of having a dog. There will need to be numerous visits to the vet, especially when the dog is a puppy, for vaccinations, spaying, neutering, deworming, etc. Obviously, having pet insurance will help pay for some of the bills, but the insurance may not cover some procedures.
- When thinking about getting a puppy, consider the space available in your home and the size your dog will reach when he is fully grown. For example, a Saint Bernard puppy may seem ideal, but will he still be ideal as an adult?
- If you want to become a dog owner, keep in mind that you will need to spend some time training your dog. As mentioned above, some people get a dog and expect it to train itself. If you can’t take the time to potty train your dog, you can expect to find puddles on your floor. Training a dog is not difficult, but it does require an owner’s commitment.
- Rain or shine, your dog will need to exercise. It’s easy to forget that having a dog isn’t all glamor. Even with the wind and rain, your puppy will need to go for a walk every day. Dog owners often find that animals that don’t get enough exercise can show signs of frustration and aggression.
- Also, it is a good idea to think about a family vacation. As a family with a dog, you will need to make a decision between choosing a vacation that your pet can enjoy as well, and placing it in kennels for the duration of your vacation. Some owners find it difficult to leave their dog in the care of others, and some dogs find it very distressing to be away from their family and home.
These are just a few of the things to consider before deciding on a puppy. Of course, many other factors will affect your home and family’s compatibility with dog ownership. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider everything that dog ownership may include. It is not advisable to make a hasty decision and give your child his Christmas wish if he later regrets it.