rose

We are thinking about getting a dog as a house warming gift for a young couple friend that we have. They have hinted around it for a few months now but I am worried they are going to end up not having a way to properly take care of the pet (lack of fenced in yard).

OliviaT

I wouldn't get a dog or any animal for that matter for a gift. I think it is up to that person to decide if they want the responsibility and if they can handle it. If they don't have room for the dog to run they may take it for walks but that should be up to them.

AmandaBuckley

Yeah that is kinda a weird gift. But plenty of people without fences have pets. People in apartments have pets. They just go for walks, take to dog parks, etc.

Carmencita

A dog needs to be adopted or bought by the person who is going to take care of it. There is a big commitment in getting a pet and they need to be aware in what they are getting into.

smiler

I have to agree with everyone here. It's a wonderful thing that you want to do for your friends but they should get to choose the puppy. You could still give them this present but instead of buying it yourself, take them to the place where you intend to get the puppy but don't tell them until you get there. That way it will be a surprise. Also, if they really don't want a dog, they will be able to say so.

Mandy

That's a good idea Smile. You can tell them that you want their opinion about a puppy you are buying for yourself. Of course they will choose it based on their preference.

Greg

I know many friends who have no issue taking care of their dog though they don't have fenced yard. Anyway, pets are not only dogs and cats. What about gifting them fish? It would need no fence to pet them.

AmandaBuckley

Sarcasm? Haha