At 11 years of age, you are in 4th or 5th grade. The more responsibility you show for your grades / school, cleaning your room, and all the other chores and responsibilities given you - the more you will prove to your parents you are ready. You'll have to do this for a while, because remember, dogs live 11-20 years. By the way, what will you do with the dog when you are in middle and high school? Who will housetrain the dog? Who will ensure it is fed and always has water? Who will clean up after it? What will you do when it becomes ill?
I also work about 7:30 - 4:00, and I still feel I don't have enough time for my dog. And I rush home to walk her and spend time training her. And, don't let anyone fool you! Small dogs need exercise, too. Just letting them run around in the house is not enough. They will start getting into things, and showing imbalanced behaviors (chewing furniture, showing aggression, etc.) without regular exercise.
Your schedule seems pretty full. Who will care for - or what will you do with the dog while you are in school and doing your activities? Your Mom? That may be the problem.
Just prove yourself for a while. And worst case - you can look forward to getting a pet when you get your own place.
2007-01-21 11:16:55
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answer #1
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answered by CC 4
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I would ask your parents if you could show them that you would be responsible, would they then allow you. Ask your parents if there are any ways in which you could show that you would take responsibility. Some ways might be....saving the money not only for the cost of the dog and supplies but vet bills and emergency money and for the training. You could also ask a neighbor who has a dog if you could demonstrate to your parents how you would walk yours if you got one, by walking theirs every day for a set time. Most neighbors would jump at the chance not only to help out a kid who is trying to prove that he is responsible but to let someone else walk their dog and it would help you to get to know about what your responsibilities will be. it is not an easy task to take on the responsibility of a dog since they need to be walked whether it is hot, cold, rainy, snowy or nice out. Their needs unfortunately do not change because of the weather. You could ask your parents for some suggestions from them on how you can prove yourself and then maybe tell them any thoughts you may have on ways to show them.
Good luck to you, I think if you show them that you are truly serious and are up to the responsibility then they will let you. I just hope that the true reason that they don't want a dog is because of what they told you and not some other reason. They may have other reasons as well and just told you one of many just because it was an easier argument. if they have other reasons as well, those reasons may not have anything to do with you so you may not be able to change their minds no matter what you do so I would make sure that that is the only reason and if you proved yourself then they can't really argue about that point. Good luck, I wish you well.
2007-01-27 01:19:43
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answer #2
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answered by Dale d 3
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If you want them to allow you to get a dog, you have to prove that you can care for a pet. Would they let you get a hamster, guinea pig, or mouse? They are small, and easy to care for. If you showed impeccable care for a rodent, I'm sure that would go far in your argument to have a dog. You might also show that you really care about dogs. Try volunteering for your local animal shelter (playing with, walking, and feeding dogs). This will give you a taste of what it's like to actually own a dog, and will show your parents that you are prepared for the reality of dog care. Another option would be to foster a dog for a local animal rescue. Basically, you take care of the dog in your house until a permanent home is found. Your parents might be OK with this because it's a temporary dog, and you would be able to prove that you can care for a dog. You'd also be doing a really good thing for a homeless animal in need.
Hope this helps...
Edit: After reading your additonal notes, it sounds like you really are too busy for a dog. You can't leave a dog alone for most of the week and expect it to be happy. Wait until you are less busy before you attempt to care for a dog. If you get a dog now, it will be miserable and develop behavior problems such as barking, digging and chewing, which will make your parents very mad.
2007-01-21 11:08:30
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answer #3
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answered by rita_alabama 6
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With your schedule, when would you have time to devote to a dog? A dog needs more than just walking. It needs love, training, activities to do, fed, bathed, and taken to the vet. It would be selfish of you to have a dog that wouldn't really get the attention it needs. You would also not gain the full experience of having a dog, the responsibility, the love, etc. If you insist on still trying to convince your parents, maybe you have a friend or neighbor that you could "dog sit" for. If a dog owner goes on vacation, you could offer to watch their dog while they are away. Or, maybe, they would be willing to let you be a "foster" owner and take the dog for a day on the weekend.
Just remember, a dog is so much more than an animal, she is a companion, a friend, a family member, a loved one.
Good Luck!
2007-01-29 08:19:19
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answer #4
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answered by irishprincess777 1
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Do you have a neighbor or family friend who has a dog? Try asking if you can take care of the dog for them when they're out, or, since your reaaally wanting a dog, you might try a dog walking bussiness of some sort, or volunteer at the humane society! Also try being responcible in other ways around the house. If you have any chores, try doing them without having to be told or reminded. Keep up on homework or other things. Maybe your parents dont trust you all the way in some other area of your life, or have seen a trend.
Instead of whining to them about it to get there attention and make them see how much you WANT THAT DOG, try looking them in the eyes and say, I think Im ready for this dog because..(mention: staying on top of your grades, working hard at sports and sticking with it, getting all your cleaning done, keeping your room clean and fairly organised.) Things like that! Or, if you lack in these areas..start creating a better lifestyle! It'll make everything so much easier, and will give you more opportuties and respects from others. Show you are MATURE enough to handle a dog. That doesnt mean be someone your not, like your neighbor, or act like an adult 24/7, have some fun too, but let them know your stepping up in life, and that you really care about that dog. It doesnt hurt to let them know why your doing it too if they comment, but wait until you have really got there attention and their starting to notice you more to ask again, and make sure it's polite and patient.
If they still say no, just say ok, and wait a little bit longer. If your already doing your best to prove your point, make sure you keep it up. And if your feeling like something's unfair about it, TRY to calmly explain to them how good you've been doing, and how you plan to make it apart of your lifestyle.
And it's really really nice to have a pet, because they are kind of like that comfort for me and a good friend that lives with you.
I notice my home gets kind of boring when I dont have a kitty cat, and dogs are even more fun! Make sure there is room for one, and IF POSSIBLE, try even saving up for some of your own things for it, if your parents wont do it. If you dont have a job, try doing some extra chores, and ask them to pitch in a little.
I know it sounds like a lotta work, but it's really not! Just get into the lifestyle and after the conversion...you`ll find your life to start to look more ship-shape, and if you dont get that dog, it'll probably come soon, since you've proven so much! Dont forget about the extra rewards too.
HOPE I HELPED!!!
2007-01-21 11:19:25
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answer #5
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answered by Miss PIff 2
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First of all, from the schedule that you've given, you really don't have time for a dog. I hate to agree with your parents, as I feel that every child should have a pet to love. You really should consider a pet that isn't as time consuming as a dog.
Dogs require lots of time...especially as a puppy. If your parents aren't willing to spend time with your dog while you're at school and some of your activities, is it fair that your dog spend all of this time alone? There is more to having a dog than just walking it. Dogs are pack animals...they want to be with you. I know having a dog is really cool but you have to think about what's best for the dog as well.
2007-01-21 11:15:31
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answer #6
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answered by motomouth_1965 4
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I think your schedule indicates that you are too busy for a dog. Sorry.
Taking care of a dog is expensive and about more than just walking him.
Let me ask you this- who's going to pay for his vet bills? His shots? His food? And who's going to make time to drive you to the vet/pet store to take care of all of this. What about obedience training? Can you do it yourself?
I spent $600 to adopt my dogs and I spend $100/month on them for various reasons... now, if money isn't the issue with your parents, then this isn't a problem...
So, let's talk about time. What is your dog going to do when you are at school? He needs more exercise than just being walked. A dog should get 20-40 minutes of good exercise a day. Can you accomplish all of that?
If you're still convinced you can handle a dog, this is my suggestion. It sounds a little silly, but I think your parents will take you seriously if you do it. Pretend you have a dog. Go through the motions. Get up early and pretend to walk your dog, pretend to feed him, play with him, all the stuff you would really do with a dog... do this for awhile and I bet your parents come around... good luck.
2007-01-21 11:23:50
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answer #7
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answered by Tiff 5
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You seem like you wouldn't really have time for a dog because of all the work you seem to be doing so i wouldn't really try to get a dog at this point. You parents would have to watch the dog doing school days and they probably have to work and its not there responsibility because its your dog.
2007-01-28 07:40:32
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answer #8
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answered by missnell88 2
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Try writing a persuasive essay to convince them that you are responsible enough for a dog. Save up your money and show your parents that you help pay for the food and vet. In your essay say that when you travel you can have a neighbor watch your dog or you could board him at a kennel.
2007-01-21 11:07:37
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answer #9
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answered by Monica H 4
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i would say your schedual is too busy to have a dog you must first research the dogs habits and needs that you are seeking, to ask your parents to care for a very needful animal is wrong too, if you are unable to provide full care and attention to a animal would be reckless and wrong, this is a big decision and should be looked at very careful. giving up some of your very full schedual would be a start to get and being able to provide proper care. if you truly want a pet you will need to give a little!!!!!!!
2007-01-21 11:20:15
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answer #10
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answered by kiphyn b 3
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