Giving animals for Christmas? Why this is not a good idea.

For many people, the Christmas season is an opportunity to surprise their loved ones with special gifts.

A cute puppy under the Christmas tree may seem like a heart-warming gift at first glance - but what is well-intentioned can be a challenge for both the dog and the new owners. I would like to explain why this is the case here.

1. a dog is not a gift, but a responsibility

A dog is a living being, not a toy. It comes with a variety of responsibilities, including time, patience, training and financial resources. Many people underestimate how much effort it takes to train and care for a dog. It is particularly difficult to give a new four-legged friend the necessary attention and peace and quiet during the Christmas period, when things are hectic and busy.

2. unprepared recipients can be overwhelmed

Dogs that are given away impulsively often end up with people who are not sufficiently prepared for the demands of a dog. Without the right knowledge about training and care, problems and behavioral problems can quickly arise. A well-behaved dog requires time, knowledge and targeted training - ideally with a good and experienced coach at your side.

3. the Christmas period is not an ideal acclimatization phase

The hustle and bustle around the holidays is anything but ideal for a new dog. Puppies in particular need calm, a clear structure and consistent and sensible training in the first few weeks - aspects that are often neglected during the Christmas period. With online coaching or individually tailored training on site, you can clarify any questions and be fully prepared for the dog adventure. A suitable environment, in which the timing also plays an important role, is also crucial for a good start. The festive season is generally not ideal for this, but the timing is crucial.

4. emotional decisions can have long-term consequences

Giving away a dog is often based on emotional impulses. However, the consequences only become apparent later: if the dog does not fit into the family's everyday life or does not meet expectations, both humans and animals suffer. A well-founded and rational decision and the right preparation are the basis for a harmonious life together. A dog should not be a gift, but a well-thought-out decision that everyone involved makes together.

5. mediation via experts instead of hasty gifts

I recommend that you book a no-obligation initial consultation before acquiring a dog. A personal consultation and customized training will give you the opportunity to choose the right four-legged friend and integrate it optimally into its new home.

My thoughts on Radio Top

I recently appeared on Radio Top on this topic.

In the interview, I talked about why getting a dog should be carefully considered and how my dog school can help prepare new dog owners in the best possible way. You can find the interview at the end of this article.

Conclusion: Responsibility instead of impulse decisions

Giving a dog as a Christmas present may seem like a nice idea at the moment, but the potential long-term consequences make it clear that it shouldn't be a rash decision. With the professional support of "The Dog off the Leash" concept, which specializes in dog training for puppies and adult dogs with all kinds of everyday issues, you can make sure that a dog is the right choice - at the right time and with the right preparation.

Free initial consultation

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