Avoid Puppy Buyers Remorse This Holiday Season

To many people, a puppy is the perfect symbol of the true spirit of Christmas. Images of a family on Christmas morning often include a puppy tied with a red bow, innocently popping out of a bright red box. The puppy stumbles over mountains of wrapping paper to children who rush to hug the pup. What could possibly be wrong with this picture?

Photo by: Brad

What’s wrong is what happens when real people try to act out this scene in their own homes with a real puppy. The concern is the future of those puppies that show up on Christmas morning. Christmas puppies are often impulse purchases, which frequently end up resulting in buyers remorse. People give them in the spirit of the season but don’t bother asking if they have the time and energy to give to the puppy.

Are you ready for the commitment?

When considering a Christmas puppy, ask yourself if the recipient has the time and energy to spend on a puppy. There are few basic points you should consider before purchasing any dog:

1. Does the recipient want a specific breed, or how big or small? Make sure the recipient wants a puppy. And, make sure you get the right type of dog.

2. Where is the best place to find a new puppy? If the recipient is open to any breed, try looking for a shelter or rescued dog. They may not be that “doggy in the window” but they make loving pets and are usually inexpensive.

3. Will the recipient be able to devote ample time to the puppy for the first few weeks when he arrives? Dogs demand a lot of time and attention, particularly as puppies. If the owner works long hours, a dog is probably not the right pet for them.

4. Can the recipient afford to own a dog? Owning a dog can be very expensive and this should be taken into account before buying a puppy. Costs to consider are dog food, vet bills, training classes, bedding, toys, grooming costs, etc

5. Is the owner’s Norfolk apartment accommodating for a pet? Is the home large enough and is there area outside for the puppy to exercise and play? Does their leasehold agreement allow pets?

In most cases, it’s smarter to get a new puppy at a less hectic time of the year. Don’t let your decision of buying a pet be influenced by seasonal giving and excitement. You don’t want the excitement of the puppy to fade after the tree comes down and the lights are packed away. Remember a puppy is a lifelong commitment.

This entry is filed under Apartment Pets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.