Giving a Gift Dog

If you are thinking of giving a gift dog to someone for his or her birthday, Christmas, to make up for a lost or deceased pet, to teach about responsibility or some other reason, stop and think first! Some people may not have the time, energy, desire or financial resources to properly care for a pet. A dog is a life-long (the dog's life) commitment and far too many animals wind up in shelters or condemned to a lonely backyard because their owners were not committed to giving them the family life style they deserve.

Please run through this checklist before giving anyone a gift dog!

1) Is the recipient a child or elderly person? If so, they may not have the capacity to properly care for a dog. It can be difficult for these people to get around to take a pet to the vet or even outside to use the bathroom! Even a child who has begged for a dog for ages may not fully appreciate the level of responsibility involved in caring for such a complex and dependent animal. What will happen when the novelty of the dog pales in the face of a new soccer team or music lessons?

2) Does the recipient travel a lot? If so, the dog lover may incur a pricey pet-sitter bill every time he goes out of town! This can be a real disadvantage to someone on a budget who does not have friends or family who can easily take care of a dog when they are away.

3) Does the person who will be caring for the gift dog have the financial resources to properly maintain the dog's health? Healthy dog food, treats and toys, vet bills and boarding kennel visits can all add up! Many people view dogs as a member of the family, they want to treat them lavishly, but at the end of the month, they are just another mouth to feed. Don't foist the responsibility for taking care of a dog onto someone who is already financially strapped.

4) Is the potential dog owner home frequently to care for the dog? It's important to remember that dogs aren't toys or bicycles that can be put into the garage and only brought out when you're ready to play. Dogs are social animals who enjoy having a family. It can be hard on them to be alone for all or most of the day. What fun is it to stay by yourself for eight hours, and then spend a few hours in the evening vegging out in front of the TV? Dog's need some interaction and someone who is working all day or who lives alone may have trouble providing him the stimulation your gift dog needs in order to be healthy!

5) Is the future dog handler already busy handling other pets, children or elderly relatives? If so, this care taker probably does not need one more responsibility. Keeping an eye on a dog who's not house trained, kids who tease the puppy, or an elderly relative who isn't able to safely interact with a dog can be extremely difficult. Don't stress out a busy mom with a dog, when she already feels like she's short two hands and an eye in the back of her head.

6) Are there people in the family who don't like dogs? I know it seems crazy to think that such a person could exist, but there are plenty of folks who don't relish the idea of cleaning up after a dog, having shed hair on their clothes and furniture, or being jumped on when they come home from work. If one person wants a dog, and another does not, best not to turn into the "encouraging friend who introduced the dog into the relationship." This can set up a rift between the dog lover and the non-aficionado, creating misery for the dog as well as for you!

7) Has the dog-wanter owned a puppy in the past? Someone who has never owned a dog might not realize the commitment involved in caring for one properly. Consider giving this person a book about dogs. Let him read up on the training, grooming and other responsibilities before he makes the decision to get a dog himself.

8) Last but most importantly: Does the person want a dog? Giving a gift dog to someone who is afraid of dogs, or simply not prepared to take on the 15-year responsibility can be the beginning of trouble. Only if the potential puppy parent has expressed a desire for a dog and meets the above criteria should you consider giving him or her a gift of a dog. Dogs are wonderful and can turn into cherished friends, but they are so much work, frustration and expense, that someone who has not expressed an ardent wish for a dog should never be given one as a gift.

If you're determined to give a dog crate and dog training book or video. These two items will make the gift dog transition much more easily into a well-behaved family member.