2006-12-09 12:08:26 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
most shelters don't reccomend giving pets for chirstmas. its an extremely stressful time of year and often families end up giving them away. perhaps you could give her puppy items (collar, leash, toys) and tell her that in a few weeks you could go pick out a puppy. that's what my dad for me last year.
2006-12-09 12:11:16 · answer #1 · answered by clementine 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
While a dog may make a cute present,their are many things you need to think about.
Things to take into account include but are not limited to.
1.How big will the dog be when full grown?
2.How much exercise does the breed require?
3.How much grooming does the breed require?
4.Does the dog do well in apartments and small houses,or does it need more room?
5.What is the breeds temperament?How well does it do around children,other people,strangers,and other animals?
6.What health problems is the breed prone to?
7.How smart and easy to train is the breed?Is it good for first time owners,or does it need a more experienced owner to train it properly?
The more research a person does before getting a dog,the greater the chance they will have a well trained lifelong companion,instead of an unruly dog that ends up in a shelter,because you had no idea what you were getting into when you got it.
The site below is a good place to start,it gives a list of all breeds,and will help you answer the above questions.
2006-12-09 20:07:21 · answer #2 · answered by metzger52365 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to use common sense, and in my own personal opinion, Definetely NOT a good idea. I went through the same situation when I was 13 yrs old, eventhough I loved animals so much, it would get very tiring at the end. I got a puppy once, and I was so happy the first 2 weeks, but after that it got very stressful and annoying; my parents ended up giving the dog away. The truth, she might love it at the beggining, but since she's only 12, you (the parents) will be the one dealing with the puppy later. ****By the way, there are also some exceptions. If you get her a small toy dog, then it might work out different since it will be a much smaller dog and somewhat more easy to take care of. But that's only if you wish to take the risk of getting a puppy.
2006-12-09 12:24:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you should wait until after the holidays to get a puppy. There is too much commotion and excitement at holiday time. At 12 yrs old I do not think she will want to be walking and watching a puppy when everyone else is having a great time. Instead why not get her all the things a puppy will need such as collar, leash, food and water bowls, toys, etc.. and put it all in a box along with a card with a date on it as to when the two of you will go to pick out a puppy together. She will be just as excited and it will give you something to do together after the holidays. Happy Holidays.
One thing I forgot to mention I do hope you realize that you will be taking on most of the doggy duties because at 12 most kids always forget, and i know got 4 kids myself 14 and up.
2006-12-09 12:17:06 · answer #4 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally don't think dogs make good presents for anyone, let a lone a child. A person needs to pick out there own dog first off to make sure personalities match. You may find one that is cute and cuddly but for whatever reason your daughter might want one larger or smaller. Plus just like other christmas presents the excitement will fade. You daughter is in a very unpredictable time in life. A dog is a commitment of somettimes 18yrs or more, and the next year your daughter can go fromt he perfect family oriented,loves animals type person to wanting to be @ the movies, or mall all the times w/ friends talking on the phone about boys. So unless you want him to be a family dog, would not get one just for her right now.
2006-12-09 12:14:34 · answer #5 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Kids and dogs usually go together like bread and butter, but there are multiple you should consider before adding a puppy to your family.
1) The breed of the dog. Most modern families do not have the time necessary to care for (most) herding dogs or sporting dogs. Consider grooming needs, exercise, and how much training the dog will need. Do your research, even if you find your dog at a rescue. At the very least, read the “ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” I highly recommend also reading “Paws to Consider,” which offers lots of sound, unbiased advice on dog breeds.
2) Her dog may become your dog. It is a rare 12-year-old who is responsible enough not only to take care of the puppy for the first month, but to do the bathing, DAILY exercising, and training that are part of responsible dog ownership. And even if you have that terrific girl who is absolutely devoted to taking care of her dog, she is only 12. You will have to take the time to train the dog, do more complicated grooming routines such as nail-clipping and tooth-brushing, and to exercise him on days she’s too busy (And she will be on some days and weeks. As she heads into high school, time will get shorter and shorter.)
3) Do you really want a puppy? Yes, puppies are adorable, but like human babies, they are a huge amount of work. Puppies soil the house, destroy things, and need tremendous amounts of training and exercise. Sometimes your best bet is to find a stable, trained older dog (how about from a rescue?) who will not be such a huge drain on your time.
If you decide that a puppy, in fact, would not be the best thing for your situation (don’t feel bad, because you’re doing the right thing), maybe your dog-loving daughter would like to volunteer at an animal shelter. I started when I was 11 and made some of my best friends, both human and canine, there. It’s great fun and will also help you decide if she really is devoted to all the nitty-gritty things involved with dog care and that maybe a dog would be a good addition to your family.
Hope this helps!
2006-12-09 12:27:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Puppies are not good Christmas presents, period. Households are usually too chaotic around Christmas to be a good environment to introduce a puppy.
Try getting a collar, leash, bowls, etc and putting them under the tree, and then go and get the puppy when the focus will be on the dog's well-being and best interests.
2006-12-09 12:18:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
may be a good gift for a 12 yr old but not for the puppy; if you live in cold weather climate, tough to confine and train a puppy in the snow , rain and ice; it gets old quick cleaning up poop and urine in a closed house during the winter months; there are plenty of other options for a 12 year old ; it is hectic at the holidays and tough on a puppy who needs to adjust to a new environment; who will get up with the pup at night, early morning; what about the initial separation trauma , whining at night etc; ready for that at this time; you have to think of the best for everyone concerned so it is a pleasant experience for all; best to train in months when the weather is suitable; pups have a lot of energy. Cute but not practical
2006-12-09 12:17:22 · answer #8 · answered by sml 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your daughter may think that getting a puppy for Christmas is the greatest thing that could ever happen to her. The problem that comes with that, though, is whether or not she is mature enough to assume the responsibilty of owning and caring for a pet. A dog is a lifetime responsibilty, not just a come-and-go desire. Dogs that come into homes bond with their owners because they are pack animals and need the stability of staying with a family. If you think that your daughter is not yet mature enough to devote the time to caring for a dog (such as walking it, feeding it, grooming it, training it, and cleaning up whatever accidents it has in the house), then you may want to consider getting a different gift for her right now.
2006-12-09 12:22:03 · answer #9 · answered by Ayame T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you are ready to take care of it, because as much as she wants to, she won't. She isn't old enough. Be ready to have to walk it every one to two hours to potty train it, and you'll do that for two months, tops. Then, be ready to constantly be cleaning accidents, throw up, and spending money on food monthly. As long as you're ready for all that, then go right ahead!
The reason I say it was when we got a dog we really thougt we were ready but the housetraining was just so overwhelming. We would take him out and keep him out there for about 30 min, and he still wouldn't go. We'd bring him in and he'd run to the corner to pee. Then while we were cleaning that up he would have already peed in about three other spots. We were frustrated to the point of tears. A friend of mine who had a big yard ended up taking him just because we weren't able to handle him in our apartment. We go see him a lot cause he is so sweet, but I don't know if I could ever have another indoor dog. It really was so hard on us. But we may have been an exception. Good Luck and God Bless!
2006-12-09 12:20:26 · answer #10 · answered by #1 Buckeye Fan!!!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a wonderful IDEA, but let's be practical for a moment.
Does your daughter understand the responsibility involved with having & caring for a pup/dog? If the answer is "yes!", then go for it, but keep in mind, YOU are ultimately responsible for the animal should your daughter shirk her responsibilities.
If the answer is "no!", then think again until your daughter is old enough to learn responsibility (you know her best).
An animal is different things to different people. Whereas I may see my dogs as my children, others think of animals as simply animals. Either way, they are reliant upon us as humans for their welfare, just as a child is...& should be treated as such.
People who see animals as disposable should NEVER have an animal!
Sorry for the heavy...I hope whatever you decide you have a Wonderful Christmas & all the best in 2007!
2006-12-09 12:15:14 · answer #11 · answered by Cinna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋