Should i take a dog?

Question

I have seen a very cute dog in my local pet shop.It's soooo adorable and i try to convince my parents to take it.But they say no because we live in an appartment and the dog will probably hate it here as the house isn't big.I really need a dog.Should i take one or it would suffer here?How can i convince my parents that i can take good care of it?

I'm 16 years old and the puppy i have seen is like the dog in the movie The mask only it's smaller.It isn't hairy and i don't think that it's very noisy.Is the size of the dog suitable for an apartment?

Answer 1

Your parents know you best. There really is no way to convince them otherwise, unless you (in your everyday activities) show them that you are boming a more responsible young adult.

Answer 2

Some dogs are actually well suited for apartment life. I'm a fan of dogbreedinfo.com. They have information that can help you out on this question.

But equally important is understanding the costs in time and money that having a pet incurs. A purebred dog can cost $1000 or more. Shots and periodic medical care are also very expensive. Some dogs require much more attention than others.

Bottom line: nobody can answer that question but you. Hopefully, with the website I'm attaching as a source (there are others like it), you'll be equipped to answer that question yourself.

If you do decide to get a dog, I would recommend getting a purebred because their behavior is a bit more predictable. Be sure to get one from a well-researched, high-quality breeder.

I just noticed you're interested in the breed of dog from the The Mask, he's a Jack Russell terrier. Dogbreedinfo.com says they're very active and do best with a small yard, but they can be trained to do ok in an apartment. Toy Fox Terrier's have a similar temperament, but fare much better in apartment life.

I would also recommend contacting some people that own the particular breeds that interest you. You can find a wealth of information at some of the links below.

Answer 3

My suggestion is everyone needs a dog. There are many repsonsibilities to a dog that many do not think about. You have to walk it a couple times a day, work on potty training, get up during the night to let it outside, plus the cost factor (cage, food, shots expense, spay or neurter, heartworm med)
I also NEVER recomend getting a dog from a pet shop. When you buy a dog from a Pet Shop you are keeping Puppy Mills in business. This is so crusal to animals. My suggestion if you really think you can handle a puppy and the cost, go to your local humane society and look for a dog. If you do not see one you like let the shelter know what you are looking for and call you when you a dog of that type comes in. Or go through a reputable breeder, where the parents are on site with the puppies. Dogs are a BIG responsibility, however they are the BEST reward to you could ever have!!

Answer 4

I have a dog and live in an apartment and he is very happy. Somethings to consider are whether you will be able to give him the right amount of exercise. If you don't have room inside, or a yard, that means finding a park, and lots of walks. It is a lot of work! Also, be careful getting a pet from a pet shop. I have heard lots of scary stories about sick puppies coming from pet shops. (not sure where you are from so maybe it is different there!) Anyway, maybe you can convince your parents to let you get a smaller pet so you can show them you are responsible enough to have a dog of your own! i'm sure the pup in the shop is cute, but there will be others in the future. getting a dog isn't something to rush into. Good luck!

Answer 5

You should never buy a dog from a pet store. They are most likely from a backyard breeder. No reputable pet store sells dogs and cats anymore...they offer adoptions instead from local shelters and rescue groups.

Dogs can thrive in apartments, just depends on what type you get. They do require a little more work as well in an apartment as you have to seek out ways to exercise them without a backyard. There is also the noise factor you have to consider. A loud dog is not usually appreciated in such close quarters.

I think as long as you are living with your parents, you need to respect their wishes and opinions. If they don't want a dog and don't think it's right, then you just need to wait until you are on your own.

Answer 6

First of all, you should never disrespect your parents. But, you might talk to them about a small dog with short hair. If you've never had a dog before, they are a lot of work. House breaking them, teaching them that they can not eat from the table and to have good manners. In stead of buying a dog from a pet store, you might call your local animal shelter and rescue a dog that is going to be "put to sleep." A very sweet and liberal way to say, destroy the animal. They sometimes have dogs that have already been house broke and trained to stay off the couch. Good luck.

Answer 7

Never, ever buy a puppy from a pet store - no matter how much they decrease the price, how cute the pup is, how much you want it. All puppies in pet shops come from PUPPY MILLS. If you want a dog, I highly recommend you find yourself a REPUTABLE breeder to buy a puppy from. A small dog can be great in an apartment. So can larger dogs, if sufficiently exercised. Why do you NEED a dog? Educate yourself on the dog breeds you're interested in. You need to think about a LOT of things before buying a puppy. Money can be a big issue. Looking after a dog for 12 years+ is a BIG commitment and costs a lot. To feed a small breed a high quality dog food can cost over $20 per WEEK. A dog needs so many things. Exercise, food, toys, shelter, vet checks, etc. I'm guessing you're only young. If you are around 10-15 years old, you need to think about where you will be in 5-10+ years time. Will you be married? Will you have kids? Will you have moved out? Will you have a job? Will you have the time, money and energy to continue looking after this dog? Will you be busy with boys, relationships etc.? Will you still be in school? You MUST educate yourself. I can't express this enough. You need to make sure the dog will suit your lifestyle. Getting a puppy requires a lot of time. Will you have time everyday to walk it for 1 hour+? Will you have time and money to take it to obedience classes? House breaking a SMALL dog can take a LOT of time. Months, even YEARS in some cases. Are you going to be patient enough to housebreak this pup, even though it could take MONTHS?
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ is an amazing site for heaps of information on different dog breeds. Please take the time to educate yourself on the breed you want.
You need to show your parents that you are responsible enough to look after the dog. Start going for a walk everyday to show them that you will be willing to walk it each day. Get a part time or start to volenteer at the animal shelters to save money to pay for the dog. Volenteering at an animal shelter (you must be 15 years old or over) can be a great experience. You can meet other people, educate yourself and can help out with sick, homeless or injured dogs.
Remember that a dog from a reputable breeder who screens their dogs of all hereditary health problems, shows their dogs, breeds for QUALITY NOT QUANTITY can cost a LOT of money. For example, in Australia, a Labrador Retriever puppy from a reputable breeder costs $700 - $1300+. A Yorkshire Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder over here can cost between $900 and $2000.
You should save money (although it may take a few months/years) and offer to pay for all/most of the price of the puppy. You also need to make sure you can afford things like food, toys, a kennel/crate/bed, leash, food bowls, vaccinations, micro-chip, de-sexing, vet checks (incl. emergencies that can cost between $300 and $5000+) and SO much more.

Answer 8

please don't ever buy a dog from a pet store. their dogs come from puppy mills and even though you think you're helping that particular animal you're still perpetuating puppy mills. i'm sure the dog is adorable (most puppies are!) but if you're serious about getting a puppy or a dog then go to you local shelter with your parents and maybe they will see all the dogs in need and agree to let you rescue one. you could even foster a dog for a few weeks to see if a dog is right for you and your family. i have had many dogs in apartments (small and very large) and they have been perfectly happy with plenty of daily walks. please do not rush into something as serious as getting a dog. (or any animal for that matter)

Answer 9

A dog is a comitment.DAily walks etc .HOw big is the dog ? Reason I am asking is smaller dogs) ie their called lap dogs are suitable for apartment living .Mayb eyour parents are more worried about you being responsible in the long run for it .If you have proven you are responsible in the past ...then bring that up to them .Good luck

Answer 10

i asked my brother because he trains dogs and have a school for training German Shepherds dogs and he sad:
YES, he will suffer an apartment is too Small for a dog and he could be bored. I tried to bring a cat to my house but is got crazy and jumped out from the balcony, thank goodness that it didn't die.
So i think bringing the dog to an apartment is a bad idea

Answer 11

NEVER buy a petstore puppy. They come from puppy mills, and you never know what kind of problems you could run into. At least with a breeder or shelter you know what you're getting.But if you really don't have the room for a dog, try a smaller animal, like a ferret. They are wonderful.