Why a Pet is Not a Gift
individuals have specific breeds they are
interested in and that may not be a possibility
or available in our area. Before turning to
your local classifieds, be sure to contact a few
reputable rescues – you never know who knows
who. Just because the breed you are in search
of does not have a dedicated rescue in our
area, don’t underestimate the power of our
rescue community to find someone willing to
transport from another area, etc.
Before you make the decision to get a pet at
any time, not just the holiday season, make sure
to do your research. Pets
require an abundance of
responsibility, time, money
and love. Puppies especially
require housebreaking,
training and a very hawklike watchful eye. Just as
a parent would with the
rearing of their children,
you should research
different approaches in your
housebreaking and training
plans to find and develop a
plan that works best for you
and your family.
With multiple guests (some whether we like it or
not) coming and going throughout the holidays,
to a new puppy this environment can be quite
frightening. Also, your pet may be more likely
to ‘escape’ the safe and friendly confines of
your home and recovering them could prove
difficult, as they don’t really ‘know’ you yet.
Holiday foods also offer a sense of intrigue
for small puppies and the chances of your new
puppy getting into something they shouldn’t
are exponentially higher. All of these scenarios
may lead to behavioral problems down the
road. Time is one of the most valuable things
to a new pet, and during the
holiday season you may find that
the proper amount of time is not
available.
If the novelty and excitement of
a new pet for a Christmas gift
is something you just cannot see
yourself depriving your family
of this holiday season, consider a
safe and responsible alternative.
One of my favorite things to do
around the holidays is create fun
certificates or scavenger hunt type
games with small related gifts.
A great idea where a pet is concerned is to
create a certificate with a checklist attached.
Your checklist can include your training and
housebreaking plan, responsibility plan, breed
research, local rescue research, and family’s
plan once puppy arrives. Once your checklist
is completed, your family can then pick out the
perfect pet!
As we cannot stress enough, pets require a
certain amount of time devoted to their training
and exercise. It is important to have a plan in
place for how to train your pet and everyone
in the family is in agreement. Training and
exercise provide structure and keep your pets
safe and healthy. Time should be devoted to
each to ensure a well-rounded pet that fits
with your family. If you and your family are
Please remember that our goal here at
constantly on the go and running around town, Bluff City Bark is to arm you with as much
getting a pet should definitely be reconsidered. information as possible to allow you to be a
fantastic and responsible pet owner. These
Holidays can be stressful not just for us, but for views are our own, but we hope that they help
our pets as well. Throw a new pet into the mix, you come to an informed decision regarding
and chaos is sure to ensue. A new pet that has
adding a new pet to your family. If you have
not yet had time to bond with you and your
any additional questions, concerns, or requests
family is more prone to bad behavior with
for advice please feel free to contact us at
increased guests and excitement around the
[email protected] Happy Howlidays!
house.
Bluff City Bark Magazine
www.bluffcitybark.com