People love dogs, and people love their loved ones, their parents, children, friends, other family members, their romantic partners, business partners, and co-workers. So when it is time to give gifts, we give the things we love to the people we love. So, is gifting a dog a cute idea or a mistake? 

Dogs Are Living Beings!

One thing that makes dogs different from most other things is that they are alive. They are social family animals. They have a wide range of emotions and personalities, and some of them have behavioral problems, emotional issues, and or physical disabilities. 

Dogs Need To Spend Time With You (And Each Other!)

Dogs require quality time, enrichment, and socialization. They thrive when they are on a consistent schedule. Dogs need a support system that rivals a human being’s. They need owners who rank them highly among their priorities, because dogs require 2-2.5 hours of quality time each day for about a decade. Every move the human makes will have to account for the dog. Their dog will influence where they live, where they go, when they go, when they go to bed, and wake up. A dog can significantly influence the quality of a person’s life, for benefit or detriment. A dog can be a great boon or a serious calamity. When we give a dog as a gift, we are giving a responsibility.  These are just some of the considerations to keep in mind before giving a dog as a gift.

Dogs Can Be Expensive

Then there are the costs. Dogs cost money. The price paid for a dog is a small fraction of the total expenses required to keep and care for a dog. Dog owners who get their own dogs are often surprised by the costs of dog food, vet care, boarding, dog walkers, dog daycares, training, toys, and other equipment. Like it or not, when we give a dog as a gift, we are gifting an expense.

Is giving a dog a cute idea? Sometimes it is, but generally it is not. Even if you are in an established relationship and your partner has free time and extra money, a dog is probably not a cute gift idea. Gifting a person you love with this kind of responsibility is a Big Mistake. It might be a cute idea to gift yourself a dog. That way, you can be responsible for the quality of that living being’s life and ensure they enjoy their life as you Enjoy Your Dog!!!