When we were deciding to move, we were looking at a trailer or a house. Everything pointed to the house, except for the yard. My husband wanted a big yard for hunting dogs, so we got the trailer (and plan on building eventually). Anyway, my cousin's hunting dog is about to have puppies and he said he would give me one that I can give to my husband for Christmas. Sounded like a good idea to me, it's a basset hound. I looked those up, theyre good with children (we're expecting our third in May) and make excellant hunting dogs. I got all excited, and then a friend said that you can't give live animals to people as presents. Then she told me that a puppy wouldn't work in my family (apparently, I can raise kids but not dogs). What do yall think? Can I give my husband a hunting dog for Christmas?
2006-11-08 11:40:15 · 20 answers · asked by Kallie 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
He already indicated he wanted a yard for hunting dogs. Go for it! I gave my gf a snow white asian cat last summer simply because I noticed her affection for that breed in a movie we watched. She told me it was the best present I ever gave her in 3 years!
Give him the dog as a surprise, I bet he will keep you pleasantly awake all night long.
2006-11-08 11:51:06 · answer #1 · answered by Prof. Virgo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Animals as gifts is never a good idea, whether it's for a birthday, Christmas, Easter . . .Besides, to train a dog (and to train for hunting - two separate issues), would be a heck of a whole lot on your plate with a new baby due soon. Puppies are adorable and cute, but not when there are other babies in the home. Good God, you would never rest with the clean up you would have to do!
Another problem - PETS do not belong outside full time. A big yard for training and for running and playing is great, but not for living quarters. A dog is a pack animal by nature and wants to live with his pack. His pack would be YOU and your husband and kids. By eliminating this from his natural lifestyle would be cruel.
One more problem - Not all "hunting" breeds are hunting capable. There are many rescues that have trained dogs in need of good homes, that way you don't have the issues of dealing with a puppy. In addition to that, they are spayed or neutered, UTD on shots, temperament is known and health issues, if any, are present. Adoption is much, much better for a Mom of two with one on the way.
Something to think about.
2006-11-08 19:58:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why can't you give a pet as a gift? And I'm not sure why she didn't think a puppy wouldn't work for your family, unless she thinks the kids will hurt the puppy. If everything is all set up for the puppy, and you're ready to take on the responsibility (it is just like having another child, doctor bills and all), then go ahead. A friend of mine has two basset hounds. They are very sweet tempered dogs, but both of hers try to eat everything they can get a hold of. The older one swallowed a rock that was too big to pass through his intestines, and nearly died. He had to have emergency surgery. He also chewed away and ate nearly half of their wooden back steps! So I do recommend obedience training.
2006-11-08 19:51:08 · answer #3 · answered by Starscape 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ugh. This is a nightmare. If your cousin isn't a professional showman of dogs, then he should not be breeding. By buying one from him, you will be supporting the overpopulation of dog and the subsequent killing of them in shelters.
Secondly, dogs are not great gifts. Puppies take a lot of time and work and not everyone is ready to go through that. Poorly bred puppies also tend to have issues often not found in dogs from reputable breeders.
If you don't have the space for the dog, then it's not a good idea.
This is all aside from the fact that I never understood someone who kills animals for fun yet keeps one as a pet. But, I'm one of those wackos who doesn't differentiate between a dog, a cat, a deer, a duck, an elk, a seal, a whale, etc. as having different life values.
2006-11-08 19:50:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can give pets as gifts, but I would wait. The holidays are stressful enough without adding a puppy that's into everything. And believe me bassets like to get into everything. Wait until Christmas is over then get the pup.
Good Luck.
2006-11-08 22:00:26 · answer #5 · answered by CHill 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a good idea. Do it either before or after, one of the most traumatic and STUPID things to do would be to give the pup to anyone on Christmas. With all the commotion going on it will scar the pup for life. Your friend is right, it's a bad idea. Your heart is in the right place, but it's a bad idea. Try after all the hustle and bustle is done!
2006-11-08 21:25:19 · answer #6 · answered by silver_rain112 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not, because you never know if the dog wont fit right in your family, and im guessing you dont want a cute little puppy in a dog shelter. But if your jusband knows about the dog and has met with the puupy, sure.
2006-11-08 19:43:12 · answer #7 · answered by Mik Steve 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't. If your husband wants to use the dog for hunting, IMHO it's important for HIM to pick the dog out, since he's the one who's going to be working with the dog the most.
Why not instead wrap up a collar, leash, bowl, etc. and then tell him that your cousin's dog is having pups and your gift to him is to let HIM go over and pick one out?
2006-11-08 20:31:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A puppy is HARD work, like a child except more annoying. If you are going to train the puppy, then maybe it's ok. Personally I think you should find a way to ask him ahead of time.
2006-11-08 19:44:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know you have enough money for the future care then I say go for it. You sound like you've researched this stuff and I think itd be a lot of fun.
Congrats on the baby!
2006-11-08 23:19:39 · answer #10 · answered by Rina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋