Why do I get the feeling that a bunch of us use this tactic?
A somewhat different tactic works with a new bird dog, though. Pick up your new pointer or setter puppy at the age of seven weeks, take it home, push it through the front door, close the door, ring the bell, and leave for several hours. When you get back, the puppy will be the newest member of your household.
You may be out on your ear, but the puppy will be IN!
Much like going out to dinner with the wife (outfit, shoes, jewelry, "Honey, you look great, new outfit?" "No, I got this for XXXXX's wedding last year, don't you remember? (of course I don't remember, Hell I don't even remember the wedding!))