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Is My Christmas/Holiday Puppy the Right Gift?


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Every year, as the holidays approach, many people imagine the joy on a loved one’s face as they open a box to find an adorable puppy inside. The intention is beautiful — but the reality can be very different. Countless well-meaning gifts turn into stressful situations, overwhelmed households, frustrated owners, and dogs whose needs aren’t being met. In the worst cases, these “holiday surprises” end up in shelters by spring.

Before gifting a puppy or dog, it’s essential to do thorough research and ask the right questions. A dog is not a seasonal present — it’s a 10–15 year commitment that requires time, money, patience, and training.

8 key considerations below for every gift-giver to take seriously before giving a dog or puppy as a gift.

  1. Is the Recipient Able to Handle This Dog’s Breed and Energy Level?

Not all breeds fit all lifestyles. Many herding, working, and sporting breeds come with strong instincts, high drive, and substantial exercise needs. Without a prepared and capable owner, these same traits can lead to frustration, destructive behaviors, or rehoming.

Getting a dog because you “saw it in a movie” or think it looks cool is one of the most common mistakes. A Malinois, Aussie, Husky, or Border Collie is not a casual pet — they require structure, boundaries, training, and meaningful outlets for their instincts.

  1. Is the Recipient Physically Capable of Caring for the Dog?

  • Leash handling

  • Regular structured walks

  • Safe play

  • Ability to control the dog around distractions

Larger or more energetic breeds require even more physical involvement. If the intended recipient cannot do these things safely, is there someone in the household who reliably can?

  1. Can the Recipient Afford a Dog?

Dogs come with ongoing expenses, including:

  • Veterinary care (routine and emergency)

  • Quality food

  • Treats and enrichment toys

  • Grooming supplies

  • A properly sized crate

  • Professional training

A free puppy is never truly “free.” Financial readiness should always be part of the discussion.

  1. Is the Household Prepared to Provide Proper Training?

A well-behaved dog doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through training, structure, and consistency.

Before gifting a dog, ask:

  • Will they commit to training sessions?

  • Do they understand basic obedience and boundaries?

  • Are they willing to invest in professional training if needed?

Untrained dogs often develop unwanted behaviors simply because their owners didn’t know what the dog needed or how to teach it.

  1. Can They Provide Adequate Exercise?

Exercise is non-negotiable. Daily structured walks/workouts are crucial for the dog’s mental and physical health.

Minimum recommended:

  • Most breeds: 60–90 minutes per day

  • Herding, sporting, and working breeds: At least 2 hours per day

Under-exercised dogs often end up anxious, destructive, reactive, or hyperactive. Gifting a high-energy breed to a low-energy household is a recipe for conflict.

  1. Are Current Pets Able (and Willing) to Accept a New Dog?

If the household already has pets, consider:

  • Will the new dog overwhelm or aggravate them?

  • Do the current pets have a history of reactivity or resource guarding?

  • Has the recipient successfully introduced dogs before?

Even a friendly dog may not integrate smoothly without planning and supervision.

  1. Are There Allergies or Environmental Restrictions?

This is often overlooked. A surprise puppy doesn’t stay very surprising when sneezing, itching, or respiratory issues begin. Allergies can make an otherwise joyful experience miserable.

  1. Most Important… Does the Recipient Even Want a Dog?

The biggest question of all: Did they ask for a dog, or is this your idea?

A puppy brings joy, but it also brings sleepless nights, potty training, chewed belongings, early mornings, and lifestyle changes. Someone who isn’t fully on board may quickly feel overwhelmed.




Final Thoughts:

Research First, Decide Wisely

A dog can be a wonderful addition to someone’s life, but only if the timing, the breed, the finances, and the household dynamic are right. Taking the time to research and honestly evaluate the situation is not just responsible — it’s respectful to both the person and the dog.

If, after careful consideration, you determine a dog is the right fit, consider gifting:

  • Training sessions

  • A scheduled meet-and-greet with a reputable breeder or rescue

  • Supplies

  • A “future puppy” certificate that allows the recipient to choose their dog

This approach honors the joy of the gift without risking the welfare of the dog.


Take a look at our Basic Obedience Training for dogs 16 weeks or older.





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