How do I convince my parents to let me get a dog?

Question

I know I'm responsible enough, and that I can handle a dog, as I've been preparing and researching for one for years. For some reason, my parents still don't think I can handle it. I think the real reason they don't want one is because they don't have time, even though I've already assured them both that they wouldn't even have to touch the dog. Any suggestions? I've already made a list of all the costs of a dog, made a pros and cons chart for the breeds I'm interested in, listed all my responsibilities as an owner, and offered to help pay for it. Niether of them will tell me why they wont let me get one, and I don't know what to do.
And by the way, thanks for the advice everyone who answered my last question. :)

Answer 1

Wow it does sound like you are being responsible about the decision. Do you think they think you will get sick of all the work after a while? Maybe you can foster a dog to show them how well you will do. I know many shelters prefer to foster dogs until they can find a new home. Maybe this way your parents can see first hand how you will do with a dog. Also it could be to your benefit, if it works out you can probably adopt the one you take care of. Also maybe sit them down and tell them you want a specific answer. I think you deserve one since you have gone to all of this trouble to show them you want one. Maybe talk over dinner one night, they can't just leave the table if you all are eating. Be calm and just ask why. Don't keep talking, make them give you an answer. Good luck, I love dogs too and you sound like you would be a great owner!

Answer 2

You sound mature and organized, so I don't think you are very young. I don't know if this is what your parent's problem is, but my first thought was..Wow, if we get a dog now, our kid will be in college soon, or married to who-knows- who, and lives who-knows- where, by the time the dog is grown, and then guess who wold be stuck with it..??

As dogs live into their teens, there is no way to tell where you will be when it is 14 years old, and needing the most care..
I have no idea why your parents feel the way they do, as you seem really responsible..but if I were the parents, those thoughts above would be my biggest consideration..

One solution might be to volunteer at your local shelter..
Ask if you can bring a dog home to foster until it finds a home through the shelter.
Perhaps you could adopt an older dog from the shelter, that really needs your help..

Your parents might see your dedication and give in..

Answer 3

How old are you? Getting a dog is like getting a child --especially if you get a puppy. Sure everyone would love to have a pup to play with and love but can they handle getting up in the middle of the night to take care of the dog's needs? Owning a dog can be expensive: buying it things it needs and potential vet bills.... Many parents refuse to let their kids get a dog because after a few weeks, the kids don't keep their promise to take care of the dog and then they (the parents) have to do all the work. Not to mention, they also have to deal with an animal that needs a lot of attention, barks, and has to relieve himself... If your parents really believe you can't handle a dog, have you asked them specifically why they feel that way? If your parents feel that you are not a reliable person, no amount of reasons will convince them. Furthermore, when you become an adult and live on your own, you can (hopefully) own all the dogs you want as long as you can provide them with everything they need. Have you considered getting a cat (less needy)? Whatever you decide to do, I hope you don't get a puppy because they REALLY are a lot of work. My 9 1/2 wk old puppy wakes me up at 2, 4, and 6 a.m. to go potty. I have had to deal with him urinating on my floor and carpet (but he is doing really well now)... Good luck and I hope you make the right decision.

Answer 4

Hello. I was in your situation when i lived with my parents, and i did all the same things. AND i never got a dog. My parents gave me every reason in the book why they didn't want a dog, and i came up with all the solutions. No matter what i did they always just said no. For them it is just for the plane fact that they don't Like dogs. But it took me until now to realize that. I volunteered at an animal shelter while i was living at home, and i even took them to the shelter to see all the cute puppies and dogs who needed homes, or they would be euthanized. They had an ice cold heart, and didn't care. I'm sorry that your parents won't allow you to have a dog. If you are anything like me, no matter what they say you will keep trying, and i hope for you it works out. Good Luck in getting a dog. you sound very responsible, and you deserve a dog.

Answer 5

To demonstrate that you are willing to invest the time & effort, you might consider volunteering at a no-kill animal shelter. They need people to help walk & socialize the dogs waiting for 'forever homes' all the time. Eventually your folks might allow you to bring a dog home to foster until it gets a forever home. Then --if you've been Totally responsible about the Entire issue-- Maybe they would be Okay with you getting your Own dog. Even if not, you could learn some things from your experience.
It may also help to share with your folks --calmly & assertively, as opposed to demanding or begging-- your feelings & reasons in wanting the dog. Have you factored in the cost of veterinary care? That consideration may be a factor in this. Perhaps you could discuss one or more of the following articles with them:

Pets---How Do You View Them? :
~ Animals--A Gift From God
~ Pets--Keeping a Balanced View of Them
~ Animals--A Pleasure Forever!
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2004/2/22a/article_01.htm

Answer 6

How old are you? High school age? What are you going to do after high school? Go away to college? Get your own apartment? Whichever one you choose, it's very likely dogs won't be allowed. Dogs live for awhile, so what willl happen to it when you no longer live at home but you can't bring it with you? If I were your parent, that's what I'd be thinking--that as much as you insist you'll take care of the dog, in a few years you'll be gone and it will be totally their problem.

Answer 7

Hey, I'm having the same problem right now. My parents won't let me get a dog for the same reason. But it's mainly because I don't do anything with the animals I have now. Do you have animals that you don't take care of? If you do, try petting them and stuff and taking them for walks (if you have a dog). Good luck!

Answer 8

try donating your time to the local shelters helping them walk their dogs that need exercise let them see you in action walking the dogs for the shelter not saying this will work but it's worth a try maybe they'll see your responsibilitys good luck

Answer 9

my parent were the same way but i got my dog my trick was to wait until they got drunk and asked and them i told them taht they said that i could get one and they didnt remember but ya thats how i got min ebut really try to pay for like the dog food umm buy the leash and all the starter stuff and also do all the chore without having them to tell you and clean your room make the bed their bed to and clean kitchen living room and stuff like that and also make sure to have a name thought for the dog and plz try to get one from the humaine society or shleter to save one i regret not doing that, but i got a great dog out of it... What dog were you thinking of getting? oh yes basically do everything for you parents and it should help to get the dog! good luck!

Answer 10

hi i know what ur going through i just got my parents to get me a puppy if your parents think that you would be overwhelmed by a dog tell them that u are sure of ur self that you could take care of one and tell them that u are responsible enough and you now that you love and care for it......in other words persuade them with heart touching stuff