The holiday season is here, and while gifting a puppy may seem like the ultimate gesture of love, it’s one of those decisions that can have serious long-term consequences. As a balanced dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how these gifts can end up being more of a burden than a blessing—both for the puppy and for the unsuspecting owner. So, BEFORE you go picking out a puppy for someone this Christmas, let me explain why this is often a bad idea and, if you're insisting on anyway, what checkpoints you should cross out to make sure it’s a success.
Puppies Aren’t Toys
First and foremost, let’s make one thing clear: puppies are not toys. They are living, breathing beings that require time, attention, and a serious commitment from their new owners. The idea that a puppy is the perfect Christmas gift because it's cute and playful is a big misconception. When the excitement of the holiday season dies down, what’s left is a living creature who needs consistent training, socialization, and care—every single day.
—not just during the holidays.
Every.
Single.
Day.
Zero days off.
Many people who receive puppies as gifts are completely unprepared for the responsibility. They might be excited at first, but that enthusiasm can quickly turn into frustration and feeling overwhelmed when the reality of caring for a young dog sets in. And let’s be honest—puppies are a lot of work. They require early training to set them up for success, and if the new owners aren’t prepared for that, it can lead to serious behavior problems for the dog down the road.
The Financial Commitment
If you’re thinking about gifting a puppy, ask yourself: Is the recipient ready for the financial commitment? Puppies need veterinary care, food, training, toys, beds, blankets, bowls, leashes, collars, tags —just to name a few essentials. The total cost of owning a dog can easily run into thousands of dollars in the first year alone.
I would highly recommend that, in addition to the puppy, you also come with the basics for the puppy to live comfortably for a week. A crate, bed, food, and leash & collar would be appreciated by the recipient, I'm sure.
Time Commitment
Puppies require lots of time & patience. Even when people have planned for a puppy, they can easily fall behind in their schedule with a new puppy. The process of potty training alone can wear a person down. Not to mention all the socializing, training, and playing needed to develop a good relationship with a puppy. It’s not all cuddles and relaxing with a puppy; it’s constant hard work. If the person receiving the puppy isn’t prepared for this, they may quickly become overwhelmed, which could lead to frustration and even mistreatment of the dog.
Often, Puppies End Up Rehomed or in Shelters
Unfortunately, many puppies gifted during the holidays end up being surrendered to shelters or rehomed within the first year. The reasons range from unexpected costs to behavioral issues that arise from a lack of training or preparation. It’s heartbreaking, but this is the reality for many "Christmas puppies." What starts as a well-intentioned gift often becomes a burden, leaving the dog to pay the price.
Dogs need stability and a consistent environment to thrive, but when the novelty wears off and the effort becomes too much, they are frequently given away. This is why gifting a puppy should never be a spontaneous decision—it’s not fair to the recipient or the dog.
If You Must Gift a Puppy: Checkpoints to Ensure Success
If you’re dead set on gifting a puppy this holiday season, there are a few crucial checkpoints you need to ensure are in place for this gift to be successful:
The Recipient is Ready and Committed Make sure the person receiving the puppy is genuinely interested in dog ownership and understands what’s involved. A quick chat about the responsibilities and commitment of raising a dog is a must. Ask them if they’ve had dogs before and what kind of time and resources they have to dedicate to a new puppy. Do they even want a puppy? Are you sure?
The Puppy matches the recipient. Does the person you're gifting a puppy to live an active or sedentary lifestyle? Do they have allergies to dogs? Are they a neat freak who would have anxiety from a dog shedding in their house? Are they injured or recovering from an injury? Do they have other pets?
The Home Environment is Puppy-Friendly Does the recipient have the right environment for a puppy? A safe, secure space, preferably with a yard, should be non-negotiable. If they live in an apartment, are they even allowed to have dogs? The last thing you want is for them to get evicted. Plus, you’ll need to consider whether they have enough space to exercise the dog and their realistic ability to commit to proper potty training.
Training Resources Are Available Training starts on day one (not six months later). Ensure that the recipient is either willing to invest in puppy classes or is prepared to work with a trainer to get their new puppy on the right track. You can’t expect a puppy to behave properly without proper training, communication, and socialization. If the recipient isn’t already well-versed in dog training, they should be open to learning from a professional.
Proper Timing Christmas isn’t necessarily the best time to bring a puppy into a home, especially if there are a lot of distractions and changes in routine. People travel a lot during the holidays and the new year. Consider gifting a puppy another time of year when the household can settle in and establish a routine. Puppies need structure to succeed, and disruptions to their schedule can lead to behavioral issues. Also, consider gifting them with a "certificate" that grants them the purchase of a puppy of their choice, when they're ready to make sure it's good timing for them.
A Long-Term Commitment Gift the puppy with a clear understanding that this is not a temporary decision. The recipient should know that a dog is a long-term commitment, often 10-15 years or more. Puppies grow up, and their needs evolve, so being ready for this long journey is critical for success. Have a back up plan in case they can't commit.
Final Thoughts
While gifting a puppy may sound like the perfect holiday surprise, it’s important to think beyond the initial excitement. Puppies require a lot of time, energy, and commitment. If you’re going to give a puppy as a gift, make sure you’ve crossed out all the necessary checkpoints to be sure it’s a decision that benefits both the puppy and the new owner.
And remember, there’s nothing wrong with waiting until after the holidays to get a puppy—especially if it means giving them the best possible start in life.
Happy Holidays!
-Antonio
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