Christmas is known around the world as the time of year when we give each other gifts. Very often, parents try to think of something a little more ingenious than the usual new console or computer game, so they decide to buy a dog for their children. You can imagine a child’s surprise at the sight of a puppy on Christmas day. So often, parent and child seem to forget along the way that the new puppy that is not a part of their lives needs a little more care and attention than the typical Christmas present.
Reality soon kicks in once Christmas is over and then the trouble really begins. Puppies chew constantly as they still have their baby teeth, so expect chewed furniture, accidents on the carpet due to house training issues, and vet bills. That’s just the beginning, I’m afraid.
Then the inevitable happens, parents think to themselves why the hell did I get my kids a puppy when they can’t even take care of themselves. So, before you know it, little Fido has been brought to the kennel with no owner and believing that he is unloved. If he is considering getting a dog, he should think carefully about whether he is up to the challenge. This isn’t just feeding, grooming, and walking your dog; he needs to make sure they are a real part of his family. It can never be done on a whim, otherwise you might end up regretting it. Serious family commitment is needed for everyone involved in the family, not just the parents.
First of all, you need to consider which dog is a poor fit for your family lifestyle. For example, you wouldn’t want a Great Dane if you live in an apartment and lack space. Think about your exercise requirements. Dogs differ greatly in their physical needs, some dogs, like a Pug, will only need an occasional walk, while a Border Collie will need a couple of walks a day and plenty of stimulation both physically and mentally. You have to think about their grooming needs as well. If you have a long-haired dog, you should be prepared to groom it regularly.
All dogs need training, make sure you start as early as possible and get the whole family involved. Not only does this make it fun, but it will also teach your new dog to learn from others while also appreciating them.