Puppy Presents: Pros and Cons of Gifting a Dog to Your Kids

There’s a lot to consider before giving a dog to your kids. photo: AdobeStock

Getting a dog can often feel like part of the process of becoming an adult. For many families, a dog is part of the American Dream: get married, have kids, buy a house with a yard, and then get a dog.

You may have sweet childhood memories of connecting with your own family dog and want to give that experience to your kids. Or, as a child, you begged for a dog and never got one. Now, as a parent, you don’t want to deny that experience to your own children. 

There are some very real benefits to growing up with a dog, including:

• Emotional Support. Dogs provide love and comfort.

• Physical Activity. Having a dog encourages a more active lifestyle through play and exercise.

• Companionship. Dogs offer non-judgmental companionship.

• Empathy. Caring for a pet fosters empathy and compassion in children.

• Stress Relief. The presence of dogs is linked to stress reduction in children.

But adding a dog to your family is not a decision that should be made lightly. Our romanticized ideas of a child and their loyal canine companion can often be at odds with the practicalities and responsibilities that accompany dog ownership. 

Here are some points to consider before gifting a dog to your kid.

1. Have Realistic Expectations. While many parents see dog ownership as a way to instill responsibility in their kids, the reality often falls short of that goal. Expectations that a child or teen will walk, feed, groom, and care for the family dog every day can lead to frustration and stress for all involved. It’s also unfair to the dog if their needs aren’t met. If your kid(s) cannot or will not do what is necessary, are you willing and able to take over? Can you do this without resentment?

2. Cost. Pet ownership is expensive, and the ongoing costs of owning a dog can add up. You’ll need to pay for food, vet care, pet insurance, vaccinations, grooming, leashes, harnesses, chews and toys, dog beds, etc. Costs can vary, of course, but the average dog owner spends nearly $2,000 per year on pet-related expenses. Are you ready to take that on?

3. Training Challenges and Behavioral Issues. Training a dog requires consistent effort and involvement from all family members. Children's short attention spans and teenagers' typical resistance to parental guidance can hinder effective training. As a family dog trainer and behavior consultant, I am often called in at this point, especially when the kids can’t walk the dog because it pulls on leash or it reacts to other dogs (or bicycles or skateboards). As a result, the dog gets fewer and shorter walks and soon becomes a nuisance inside the home. Parents are frustrated, the kids feel overwhelmed, and the dog suffers. Are you prepared to hire a trainer or behavior consultant, attend training sessions, and follow through with training?

4. Time and Effort. Dog ownership is almost like having another child in terms of time, money, and commitment. Puppies, in particular, require significant attention and all dogs need regular exercise. Dog ownership is a substantial responsibility akin to caring for another family member. Will you hire a dog walker if the dog needs a midday walk while your kids are at school? Are you prepared to pay for boarding or pet sitting when you go on vacation?

5. Long-Term Commitment. As your kids grow up and move away, the dog will likely become your sole responsibility. Dogs are not temporary fixtures; they are living beings with evolving needs that span many years. Are you prepared to care for a dog as they age?

In short, dogs are not possessions or accessories. They are sentient beings with emotions, needs, and desires. Acquiring a dog should be a conscious decision driven by your own desire for a canine companion. 

Before succumbing to the allure of a dog as a gift for your children, carefully consider the long-term implications, including commitment, time, and effort that may extend well beyond your children's time at home. Rather than fulfilling a childhood fantasy, getting a dog should be a thoughtful decision grounded in your personal and genuine desire for a four-legged family member.

Sharing your home with a dog is a gift in itself. But if you’re considering gifting a dog to your kids this holiday season, remember that you are actually giving yourself a present when looking for that dog - a lovable animal that will bring you years of joy and responsibility far beyond a single holiday.