Why is Christmas such a terrible time to get a dog?

Question

I asked a question a while ago and i got answers saying that Christmas is a wrong time to get a dog! Why?

I am 21 years old the dog would be for me!!!!

Answer 1

If you are responsible and do want a dog, please adopt. Give a buddy a second chance.

Answer 2

Several Reasons:

1. HouseBreaking. House-breaking a puppy in Winter can be very difficult. Particularly in cold/snowy climates. Puppy feet are sensitive and don't like the cold, not to mention that the snow may be higher than he/she is. Then there's the owner's dedication to running outside in the cold every couple hours to let the puppy do his thing. My vet once said a puppy can hold his bladder roughly 1 hour for every 1 month of age. So the average new puppy needs to go out every 2-3 hours.

2. Chewable Items: Christmas is a time when there's lots of bright, shiny items that look like fun to chew, but are quite dangerous: lights on the tree, Poinsettias, ribbon on packages, chocolates laying out. Wait until those things are all away before you bring a set of walking teeth into the house.

3. Attention. New dogs, particularly puppies, will need lots of attention and time with the new owner to adjust. Christmas is so busy. Then if you're traveling, that complicates things. Wait until you're more relaxed.

4. Lastly - never give a pet as a gift. A huge number of these animals end up euthanized in pounds because they were never given a fair chance, or the owner didn't really want the pet.

Answer 3

Christmas isn't a bad time to get a dog. It depends on if the person getting the dog wants a dog and wants all of the responsibility. The reason they say Christmas is a bad time is because idiots decide to "surprise" someone with an animal as a Christmas present. Whether it be a dog, cat, bird, etc the giver needs to know that the person wants an animal and the responsibility/ hastle.

Answer 4

Christmas is the wrong time to get a dog because during the holiday you have family over, are busy shopping and wrapping presents, have a tree with many tasty looking ornaments, and in general are going to be WAY too busy to devote full days to teaching puppy where to potty and what not to eat. <<

Answer 5

I'm not sure why either. Maybe giving someone a dog as a gift isn't a good idea? After the newness and excitement of a Christmas present wear off the dog will not be wanted anymore?

Or maybe because there's a lot going on around the holidays and you wouldn't be able to devote the time and energy needed for a new puppy?

Those are my ideas. I read your other question and it made me curious also.

Hope you find the answer!

Answer 6

Consider getting a cat. They're self sufficent, you don't have to let them out, they're cheapier to care for, and they don't jump on you when you walk in the door (unless you're my kitty). They are easier to house train and you don't have to go outside in 20 degree weather waiting for them to poo.
If you're convinced on a dog, think of where you live now and where you'll live in the next few years. A dog and an apartment is out of the question unless it's a small dog.
But my suggestion, no matter what pet you get, is get one after Christmas. That's when all the pets that people gave as gifts end up at the shelter and need adopted the most.

Answer 7

Another reason is that reputable breeders simply will not sell pups for Christmas. Even if the pup is for yourself, it's just too hectic a time. Also, most people who buy a pup "for Christmas" are ONLY thinking of Christmas, and not thinking about the long-term 10+ year commitment that a puppy (and the dog it becomes) involves. So any pup you are able to buy "for Christmas" is coming from a breeder that cares more about making a sale than the welfare of their puppies. Wait until after Christmas when things have settled back to your normal routine.

Answer 8

Because the dog is usually a "present" and if the recipient is not prepared to take care of the dog, does not like the type of puppy they got, whatever else, then the puppy suffers because it gets neglected or taken to the pound or given away.
If you get the puppy as a member of the family and you know the family is ready for it and can care for it there is nothing wrong with getting one at Christmas or any other time.

Answer 9

I knew this would happen. People love to lecture about dog ownership. When I said I wanted to breed my purebred Sheltie whose puppies would be very much wanted, you should've heard all the people making me out to be a monster for not spaying her. Unfortunately, I agree with them a bit. It's 'cause the holiday season is busy and stressful for one and that can be hard on a new puppy. Mostly, it's 'cause people buy puppies as on a "whim" for a gift without giving it much thought and alot of them end up at the shelter because their owners were never really prepared. You really have to research dog ownership! And breeders jack up their prices during the holidays so you will save $ by waiting. If you don't do much for the holidays and you live alone and don't plan on having alot of company or going out of town to visit family, Christmas time is okay but chances are that's not the case. Also, dog lovers get annoyed when people say they don't want a dog that sheds because it seems insensitive like wanting only a good looking baby or something. Just please make sure you give this alot of thought. No impulse buys, okay? And I don't think you're a bad person and people shouldn't be so hard on you.

Answer 10

Because a lot of people want to get a dog as a christmas present for someone, so a lot of people are just trying to get money by selling off bad tempered dogs, or faking that the dogs are pure bred. I would wait until a month or two after Christmas.

Answer 11

I guess its to do with the old saying "a dog is for life not just for Christmas. This is more to-do with getting a dog and caring for it responsible rather than for a Christmas present that won't be wanted shortly after. Anytime is a good time to get a pet providing that the owner is fully informed and prepared to take the responsibility seriously. Plus they make a terrible mess of Santa's slay;)