Each year, thousands of people celebrate the holiday season by giving gifts to their loved ones. One of the most consistently most popular gifts is dogs, particularly among families with children. But experts warn that this is not actually a good gift idea and leads to negative consequences for the dog. Here are a few reasons why:
They’re Not Like Other Gifts
Every parent has dealt with the phenomenon of having their child beg for a gift, only to use it a few times and discard it. Clothes and toys go out of style. They might get sick of playing a video game after a few times. And, aside from the financial ramifications, that’s ok because they are just objects, after all. But a dog is a living creature that you shouldn’t just toss to the side when you get bored. Unfortunately, that’s what so many people do each year in the months following the holiday season.
They Require Planning
Gifts inherently require some element of surprise to be truly effective. This likely means you don’t want your children or whoever you’re gifting a dog to know, which means you can’t speak to them beforehand about the responsibilities that will come with having a dog. When you buy a dog, your life and routine will have to change a little bit. There are major financial, time, and emotional commitments that come with having a dog. You should create a plan before you buy one and make sure everyone is on the same page.
It’s A Long-Term Commitment
When you a bring home a dog, it’s not some fleeting friendship. The hope is you’ll have that dog for many years and will enjoy quite a few Christmases together. Your kids may be young now, but they won’t always be. A dog will grow with them through the years. It’s not a gift, it’s a member of the family.
When you buy a dog, you have a lot to prepare for. It’s never too early to start thinking about what you’ll do when you need to board the dog on a short-term basis. Consider Silver Streak Kennels for exactly that situation. We have more than 150 acres for dogs to explore and play on, as well as a team of experienced dog professionals who will care for your furry companion. Call 607-263-2007 today to learn more today!