The Dogfather: What would your dog really like for Christmas

New Year In the snow 2010 020

Listening to the radio this morning I heard a lady owner had spent £3,500 on Christmas presents for her three dogs. I have no idea what she bought but I'm betting the dogs will be wearing most of it.

Putting a silly hat on your dog for 30 seconds while you take a family photo may be fine but splashing out on an outfit the poor dog must wear all day or worse still being strapped in an expensive pushchair is just another form of cruelty.

Let's be honest none of this is for the benefit of the dog it's for the gratification of the owner. I never met a dog who had any idea Christmas Day celebrated the birth of Christ.

I have however met dogs desperate for a long walk in the outdoors on Christmas Day. No... make that any day.

I get up early on Christmas Day to ensure my dogs don't miss out during the celebrations. At first light they will be padding the footpaths around Teggs Nose and looking forward to a good feed once back home.

If you REALLY want to buy your dog a present for Christmas get him/her a challenging new toy (I bought a ball that bounces randomly in different directions).

A new dental kit might be good or a reflective collar and lead for walking at night. Unless you are considering a move to Alaska don't buy your dog shoes and heavy coats. A dog's coat adapts to the environment and constantly wrapping him up is going to interfere with that process.

Some working dogs repeatedly swimming in cold water may need thermal protection but pet dogs rarely engage in such extreme activity.

Before you splash out on a gift your dog won't really appreciate ask yourself what would he/she would really benefit from.

I guarantee it won't cost £3,500.

NB: All our New Year classes commence Saturday January 7 Congleton, Sunday January 8 Wilmslow Outdoor, Tuesday evening January 10 Indoor.

Tags:
The Dogfather, Vic Barlow
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Terry Roeves
Wednesday 14th December 2016 at 12:54 pm
Our Hearing Dog for Deaf People puppy, Daphne, currently in training, is a cocker spaniel, loves cold water, even breaks ice.
Jack Russell right to her end at 16years, to the last, loved her swims. Another ice breaker. Rescued her once from a hole in an iced up pond. Bitterly cold!
I shivered, she did not. Much tail wagging....