Is it a good idea to get a dog for a very self centered, lazy 12 year old boy?

Question

I say no, he wont take care of the dog, everyone around me seems to think it will "straighten him out" and "teach him responsibility"

he wants the dog but I still dont think ts a good idea, he is VERY selfish and LAZY.I also caught him teasing a neighbors dog, but that about a year ago, maybe he has outgrown that.

yes a year ago he terrorized my neighbors Chiuahua. He chased the 4 lb dog, who was on a leash in the neighbors yard around in circles. His father (my boyfriend) really yelled at him though.

Answer 1

I say no unless YOU want a dog...............I would be concerned that a year ago he was teasing an animal.He was old enough to know the difference. The other thing is ------IF he gets a dog you are encouraging his self centerness.,..he is still getting what he wants...........I say IF you let him have a dog.....make him pay for the dog and essentials himself with allowance.

Answer 2

NO!!!!!!!! a lot of animals end up in shelters because the owners weren't prepared to have it.......your son doesn't deserve a dog until he has proven that he can be mature and show responsibility and be less self-centered. A dog is JUST like a baby--it is still a life that needs attention and care--some people seem to forget that dogs are mammals with feelings and needs not just a toy. Tell your son that you will get him a dog when he has proven to you that he can be mature and responsible. But don't give in after a week, two weeks etc. Wait 6-8 months and if he is still on his best behavior then get him a dog. In the meantime get him one of those nanopets (if they still have them). He will have to take care of it, but if it dies/gets negelcted it isn't that big of a deal. And if you do decide to get a dog research and make sure you are fully prepared...........

Answer 3

No. Unless you like dogs and want to take care of it yourself. Does he seem like he is willing and able to take the dog out two to three times a day for walks? Yes or no? Does he have the responsibility to feed th dog properly and groom it? Can you afford to take it to the vet at least once a year and give it Frontline and Heartguard once a month. (both of which cost alot of money). Are you prepared to deal with the dog if he barks or bothers the neighbors? If the answer is no to any of this then don't get a dog.

Answer 4

it will probably work, it's like he's accepting the responsibilty of taking care of the dog. He might eventually learn the importance of being responsible. But better ask him first if he likes it otherwise, you'll end up taking care of the dog yourself

Answer 5

absolutely not. it would not be fair to the dog or you ( the dog will wind up being neglected and you will end up taking care of it) find some other way to teach the boy responsibility.

Answer 6

no it will not, he might do the job for about 2 weeks but then it will get old to him and you will be the one picking up the poop and taking it for a walk everyday brushing it every week, bad idea to get him one...I got my 9 year old an animal and she promised me she would take care of it and I am the one now that cleans the cage gives it food and water takes it out to play...etc...we are getting rid of it...

Answer 7

I am gonna go w/ no! Give him responsibility around the house..1st...does he want the dog? hmmmm Good Luck!

Answer 8

get him the dog and make sure he looks after it once you stop looking after it and feeding it he'll get worried about it and start feeding it walking it and grooming it it worked for all 5 of my kids the only thing i can't get them to do is pick up the poo at the park moms have all the bad jobs eh!

Answer 9

It could go either way ....depends on how bad he wants a dog

Answer 10

I'm with you, he will just ignore and you will end of taking care of it