If you are thinking about giving someone a puppy as a gift, consider these important issues. Remember that a puppy needs to be constantly cared for and trained. The first year the puppy will grow quickly but will not settle down and make a good house companion until it is about two or three years old, depending on the breed it could be longer. Before you give someone a puppy as a gift you should do some research.
Being a pet owner is a big responsibility and your friend might talk about it but does not really want to commit. If you are buying a puppy for a friend, make sure they really want it. Any type of pet requires time and commitment and it should be wanted and loved.
If you are a parent buying a dog for your child, it might be hard to say no but, better in the long run. I am sure the kids will be insisting that they will take care of him but I can guarantee it will be you that does the caring. If you are not filling the bowls with food and water you will be buying it. Your new puppy will need to go to the veterinarian at least once a year and visit the groomer. When the weather is cold or the children are too tired who will be walking the dog for his daily exercise, you.
If your children are very young it could be quite a chore to teach them how to care for your new puppy. Because of their excitement and unpredictability a young child can make a puppy or any dog nervous and fearful. If this is the case your own child or one of their friends could be bitten. Children love animals but do not know how to treat them without being taught. You will form the major part of your dog's personality by the way you raise and care for him.
Adopting a dog from your local pet shelter has advantages. The handlers at the shelters can tell you a little about the dog's disposition when it comes to general behavior and how it gets along with other animals and children. The shelter will usually make sure the dog is up to date with any shots, is in good health and may even spay or neuter them.
When you buy a puppy from a breeder or pet store you can never be quite sure about what you are getting. While designer dogs are all the rage they often have health problems common to their breed. The more purebred the dog the more likely they will succumb to these health issues.
Anytime you consider buying a puppy you should do some research first. Find the breed that best suits your wants and needs before you buy. If your plan is to give someone a puppy as a gift, consider paying the expense to have the dog spayed or neutered to add the value of responsibility to your gift.
