Why Pets are not good gifts for Christmas or Birthdays

Think before you by someone a pet

Make sure the person would like that particular pet. One person may accept a small bird in a cage, whereas they would resent a small puppy scurrying around their feet. Puppies need a lot of attention, and time spent on training. A working person may not have the extra time needed.

A planned gift is great as long as the person has requested that particular pet.

A surprise gift is not a good idea unless you know what that person wants. Never buy a pet because that person has recently lost a beloved family person or their dog or cat. They may not be ready for one, and resent it.

Finding the right pet

For various reasons, one pet that is ideal for a child is not suitable for children. Therefore, a lot of research needs doing before buying any pets.

I will refer mainly to dogs in this case. A businessperson working long hours may not have time for a dog that needs regular exercise every day.

Zhi-Tzu's -need grooming and have their fur cut every two - three months. Everyone can afford this added expense, especially if on a pension.

Jack Russell- is a great dog but very active, many older people could easily trip over an overactive small dog and break their brittle bones.

Blue Heeler (cattle dogs) these are brilliant dogs. We have one, and he is so beautiful, he gets our mail, carries shopping into the house, and gets our shoes. I am sure he thinks he is human like us. At the same time, Bred as working dogs, they need good training. Given an active lifestyle with his family, he will reward you for your affection tenfold. Faithful dogs and will protect you from any aggressor.

Having said this, if not treated right he can become aggressive like any other dog. It is common knowledge that a blue heeler will let people into the yard and keep them there. They will nip your heels, aptly named a heeler.

Selecting a family dog

Never buy a dog for the family on impulse. Do your research. Weigh up the good and bad points of different breeds. Then select the best one to suit your family. Do not buy a dog from a puppy mill. Either go to a reputable breeder or buy one from a shelter.

Shelters - have a huge amount of unwanted dogs. Some of these have already got beyond the puppy stage, which means, no more digging holes and chewing up your shoes. That is, if trained in the beginning.

Veterinary expenses

This is another thing to consider before buy a dog. Vet expenses do not come cheap. Dogs need to be a part of the family. Like humans, they will need continual medical checkups and vaccinations. Do not put your dog's life at risk by not having the correct vaccinations.

Pets can be great gifts. Check out all the above and if your friend or family member can accept these aspects of owning a dog, or any pet, then by all means, buy them a beautiful pet.