Lifestyle

Dog training expert shares top 3 things to consider when gifting a pet this holiday season

Rather than selecting a trendy new gift this year for a loved one, some people consider giving a pet for the holidays. 

A pet, of course, comes with an array of responsibilities that gift givers — never mind the recipients — may not have fully considered.

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Carl Peterson, CEO of Bark Busters Home Dog Training, headquartered in Danville, California, shared with Fox News Digital his top tips for how to prepare first-time pet owners for a furry new friend this year.

Gifting a pet for the holidays might seem like a good idea, but a dog training expert revealed tips for making the right decisions when doing so.  (iStock)

1. Use a checklist

The owner himself of two golden retrievers, Peterson said his No. 1 tip is to make a checklist when considering gifting a dog to a first-time pet owner. 

« It’s important to start with a dog ownership checklist with questions to ask yourself, » he said.

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Some of the questions about potential new dog owners include: 

  • Can they commit to 10 to 15 years of care?
  • Are they ready and willing to handle the financial commitment required for responsible dog ownership?
  • What type of dog will best fit their lifestyle — breed, age, prior background?
Carl Peterson

Carl Peterson is the CEO of Bark Busters and has over two decades of experience in the pet industry. Bark Busters is a worldwide leader of in-home dog training and has trained over a million dogs and their pet parents « using natural communication techniques, » the group’s website notes. (Bark Busters)

Other factors to consider: 

  • How often are the pet recipients at home?
  • What kind of environment do they live in?
  • Do they have the time in their daily life for the care of, and the interaction with, a new pet?

Peterson said once the checklist of questions has been answered, then it’s time for the next tip. 

2. Ask the recipient direct questions 

« The next step is to ask the recipient directly if they’re ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a dog, » he said. 

dog

The first step to success is making a checklist to see if the potential new pet owner is ready for the responsibility of caring for a dog.  (iStock)

Peterson noted that although this step takes the surprise out of gift giving, it’s important for the recipient(s) to be prepared for the arrival of a pet.

« If everyone’s on the same page, now is a good time to start prepping by getting the necessities and dog- or puppy-proofing your home (leash, collar, dog bed/crate, food, toys, etc.), » he said. 

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The longtime pet industry professional also said this would be a good time to consider dog training to help first-time pet owners get started on their dog-owning journey. 

Dachsund dog

An important step in the process: Ask the recipient directly if he or she wants a pet for the holidays.  (iStock)

« It would make for a perfect surprise gift as the bow on top to include the gift of dog training, » he said. 

3. Do your homework

« We recommend the recipient not only be aware of the gift, but also have a say in what type of dog » is given, said Peterson. 

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Peterson said that certain breeds can better fit certain lifestyles. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Pick the dog breed based on the recipient’s lifestyle, advised a longtime dog expert. Those with calmer lifestyles should get a different dog, for example, than someone with a fast-paced lifestyle.  (Petter Berntsen/AFP via Getty Images)

For example, he recommended a cavalier king charles spaniel, shih tzu and chihuahua for a lower maintenance lifestyle, in which the owner might live in an apartment with less access to larger spaces. 

If the dog recipient lives an active lifestyle — going hiking, biking, swimming and more on a regular basis — Peterson recommended retrievers, collies, pointers and german shepherds. 

If the dog recipient has a family with children, then he recommended dogs known to be tolerant of busy households, such as various retrievers, newfoundlands, bulldogs and beagles.

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Peterson noted that although giving someone a puppy can be fun — adopting a dog from an animal shelter can be « just as joyful. »

three dogs

A dog training expert and CEO shared with Fox News Digital his top tips to consider when thinking of gifting a dog this holiday season.  (iStock/Getty Images)

« Right now, animal shelters across the nation are bursting at the seams and in dire need of people to adopt, » he said. 

At the end of the day, Peterson said a new pet in the family is bound to bring people a « lifetime of unconditional love and memories. »

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