19 Reasons Why You Should NOT Give A Puppy As A Gift!


Are you thinking about giving a puppy as a gift? While this sounds like a great idea, there are many reasons why you should not give a doggie as a gift, and you should consider these reasons BEFORE giving a pup as a present.

In this blog post, we will outline 19 of them!

Why Giving A Puppy As A Gift Is Not A Good Idea

Puppies are a huge responsibility, and they require a lot of time and attention. If the gift recipient doesn’t have the time or resources to take care of a puppy, then you should not give one as a gift. Here are 19 reasons why you should not give a puppy as a gift:

1. The Puppy Might Not Be a Good Fit

Even if you do know what kind of dog the recipient is getting, there’s no guarantee that the puppy will be a good fit for their lifestyle. For example, if the recipient is an active person who likes to go hiking and camping, a toy poodle might not be the best choice.

So if you are thinking about getting a puppy for someone, you need to talk to them about what dog they would like to have.

2. It’s a Big Responsibility

Puppies are a lot of work, and they require a lot of time, energy, and patience. If the recipient isn’t prepared to handle all of that, they’re going to end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

3. It’s an Expensive Gift

Puppies are not cheap, and they come with a lot of expenses. The recipient will need to buy food, toys, supplies, and pay for vet bills. They might also need to pay for obedience training or professional help if the puppy has behavior problems.

4. It’s Not Always the Right Time for a Puppy

Is the person receiving the puppy as a gift busy in their life with school, work, or social events? One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t give a puppy as a present is because it’s not always the right time for someone to get one.

Puppies require a lot of care and attention, and if the person you’re giving the puppy to isn’t prepared for that, it can be a recipe for disaster. If you’re not sure whether or not the person you’re thinking of getting a puppy for is ready for the responsibility, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose another gift.

5. Puppies Aren’t Always Hypoallergenic

If you’re thinking about giving a puppy as a present to someone, consider their allergies, you should know that not all puppies are hypoallergenic. While there are some breeds that are more likely to be hypoallergenic than others, there’s no guarantee that any particular puppy will be allergy-free. If you’re not sure whether or not the person you’re giving the puppy to is allergic to dogs, it’s best to choose another gift.

6. Puppies Can Have Behavior Problems

Puppies come with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, but they can also have behavior problems if they are not properly trained. If the recipient isn’t prepared to dedicate time to training their new puppy, it could lead to behavioral issues such as biting, barking, chewing, or other destructive behaviors.

7. Puppy Mills Are an Issue

Unfortunately, many puppies that are sold in pet stores or online may have come from puppy mills. These facilities often breed dogs without consideration for their health or well-being, which means that you could be giving a gift of an animal with serious health issues or genetic abnormalities.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, make sure to do your research first and find one that has been responsibly bred.

8. Puppies Need Socialization

Puppies need to be properly socialized in order to grow up into well-adjusted, friendly dogs. If the recipient isn’t prepared to dedicate time and energy to socializing their puppy, it could lead to behavioral issues in the future. This is another reason why puppies make terrible gifts.

Boston Terrier with toilet paper roll

9. Not Everyone Wants a Pet

Even if someone loves animals, they may not want the responsibility of owning a pet. Before you give them a puppy as a gift, be sure that they actually want one!

10. Puppies Can Be Messy

Puppies are incredibly cute, but they can also be incredibly messy. If the recipient isn’t prepared to clean up after their puppy and deal with accidents and messes, then it’s probably not a good idea to give them one as a gift.

11. The Puppy Might Not Get Along With Other Pets

If the recipient already has other pets in the house, it’s important to consider whether or not the new puppy will get along with them. It’s possible that the new addition could cause stress or even aggression between the existing pets in the home, so it’s best to avoid giving someone a surprise puppy if you’re unsure of how their other animals will react.

12. Puppies Aren’t Always the Right Choice for a Family

Having a puppy in the home is a big responsibility, and it can be especially difficult for families with young children. If you’re thinking about giving someone a puppy as a gift, consider whether or not their family is prepared for all of the extra work that comes with caring for a new pet.

13. The Recipient Might Not Be Able to Afford It

This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning: puppies cost money! Between food, vet bills, supplies, and more, owning a puppy can get expensive quickly. If you’re considering giving someone a puppy as a gift, make sure that they are able to afford all of the.

14. Puppies Need Consistent Exercise

Puppies are incredibly energetic creatures, so they need consistent exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. If the recipient isn’t prepared to take their puppy out for regular walks or runs, they may not be ready to own a pet.

15. Puppies Need Mental Stimulation

In addition to physical exercise, puppies also need mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy. This means that the recipient needs to be able to provide them with plenty of toys and activities that will keep them engaged and entertained.

Boston terrier mom and puppy taking a bath

16. Puppies Need Specialized Grooming

Puppies have special grooming needs, and if the recipient isn’t prepared to give their puppy the specialized attention it needs in order to stay healthy and clean, then they might not be ready for a pet.

17. Not Everyone Wants to Deal With Potty Training

Potty training a puppy can be difficult and time-consuming, so it’s important to consider whether or not the recipient wants to take on this responsibility. If not, it might be better for them to wait until they are ready before getting a pet.

18. Puppies Need Vaccinations and Vet Visits

Puppies need regular vaccinations in order to stay healthy, so the recipient must be willing and able to make sure that their puppy is up-to-date with all of its necessary shots. Additionally, puppies also require regular vet visits in order to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early on.

19. Puppies Need Love and Attention

Puppies need love, attention, and companionship in order to stay healthy and happy. If the recipient isn’t prepared to devote the necessary time and energy to their new puppy, then it’s probably not a good idea to give them one as a gift.

Final Thoughts…

Giving someone a puppy as a gift may seem like a great idea, but there are many reasons why it might not be the best choice. Before you decide to give someone a puppy as a surprise present, consider all of these factors carefully – your thoughtfulness might end up causing more harm than good!

But after you have read this and talked with the person receiving the gift and you KNOW they want a puppy as a gift, then be sure to check out this article: 20 Ways To Surprise, Your Wife With A Puppy!

Donnie Gardner

Donnie Gardner is the owner of the Boston Terrier Society. He has been raising Bella the Boston since 2010. He resides in Kansas with his wife, daughter, and Bella. His favorite activities are hanging out with family, traveling, running (but has bad knees), and reading non-fiction books.

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