How to convince my parents I'm ready for a dog...?

Question

I wrote a three-page essay and researched 5 breeds that would be appropraite for our lifestyle, complete with pictures. I've been super-responsible lately. Nothing seems to be working! It feels like they keep putting off making a desicion. I don't know how to explain to them that I WANT to get up at the crack of dawn and go for a walk and I WANT to have the responsibility. PLEASE HELP!

...I'm 14 years old. I've been looking into rescue groups, because I feel that a middle-aged dog would be best for my family. I know how to tell a reputable source from one that is not. I know generally which health problems many breeds are prone to. I've help to take care of my friend's Springer Spaniel since she was a pup. Truly, I understand the immense responsibility of owning a dog. I would say I'm prepared.

Answer 1

It sounds like you really did your research and made a good case for getting a dog, but, unfortunately, at your age your parents still get the last say. And they are the ones that will have to cover vet bills and food and the extra costs associated with a dog. There is also the issue of having to adjust your schedule around a dog. You have to watch your time to make sure you are not gone longer than the dog can hold it between potty breaks, when you go on vacation, you need to find some one to watch the dog or board it some where. Maybe your parents have enough going on with out worrying about these types of things.

I think volunteering at the local shelter would be a good next step to show your parents that you really are serious about taking on the responsibilities.

Or you can see if they would be willing to foster a dog for one of the local rescue groups. The rescues usually pay for all the vet care and some provide the food. All your family would have to do is provide the love. And it wouldn't be a forever thing, just until the dog found a permanent home.

Answer 2

Perhaps it's your parents who aren't ready for a dog! I can't tell you how many times I've sold a dog to a family where the child is the one wanting the dog and within a week or 10 days the only one caring for the dog is one of the parents. If you have a history of moving from one thing to another to another, your parents may be afraid this is just another of your wishes that will not pan out in the long run. But if you are indeed a very responsible young person all you can do is keep asking. Also remember: when you "grow up" and go away to school or to your first job and move out, it will be your parents who are left holding the dog!

Answer 3

Dogs are a huge responsibility, they can't be left alone like a cat if you're gone for a few days. Puppies are a considerable amount of work, it's like having a baby that goes to the bathroom outside at all hours of the night and day, not to mention the expense of having a dog.

I wanted a dog for as long as I can remember as a child. I was the neighborhood dog walker and dog sitter, anyone that moved in that had a dog, I was their new best friend and begged to walk their dog. When I was 12 we moved to a neighborhood in Chicago. The neighbors had a dog that they kept chained up outside 24/7. I took on the responsibility of looking after this dog, feeding, walking and caring for him, when we moved to Florida my parents wouldn't let me take him with me and I was heartbroken. However, being in my teens I was out with friends all the time, going to their house, going to the movies, the mall and everything a teenager should be doing, I would have had little time to be with the dog between school and studies and a social life. What happens when you go off to college or get a summer job? The care of the dog would then lie with your parents. Maybe they aren't dog people and/or they know what a HUGE responsibility a dog can be. Dogs are social creatures once they bond with their human they want to be with them all the time, they get lonely and frustrated when they can't be with their owner. When you go to college the dog will then be the responsibility of your parents and maybe they don't want that.

I am now much older and own a home of my own and I finally got my first dog, I knew it would be a huge responsibility but I just didn't realize HOW big a responsibility it is. She is my main concern, I tend to her needs before I tend to mine. However, it's hard to plan vacations when you have the expense of boarding.

My recommendation to you would be, if you think you're ready and you want to prove to your parents that you can do it, you should volunteer at your local rescue group or at a shelter to become a "Foster parent" Since you are under age you'll need to have your parents do this with you. If it doesn't work out then you can give the animal back, if it does you could have the opportunity to adopt the dog you're caring for. All rescue groups offer links to be an foster parent.

But most of all, talk to your parents, research different options and try fostering a dog. Your parents will then see how responsible you are and you'll get an idea of the responsibility with none of the commitment.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

Answer 4

You need to say how old you are - it makes a huge difference. It sounds like you have done your research and understand the technical details of dog ownership. Sadly though, there is a lot more to it, and you are probably not ready for a puppy. The things you listed are only the big things. The potty-training will drive you nuts, and you will need your parents to help with it. They may not be ready for that. They also know that while you are going to make your best attempt to do everything the dog needs, you are a kid and probably in school, have other activities, need time for homework, etc. The first few days with my puppy was a "constant attention" kind of thing. No kid can provide that, which means they will have to fill in when you are not there.

It sounds like your parents are responsible people who know and accept that it's probably not appropriate for your family to get a dog right now. I commend them for that. Many people do not have that wisdom and they end up with animals they can not care for.

Answer 5

Your parents don't want a dog because they know they will have to take care of it!!!

in 5 years you will have a completely different lifestyle and 9 times out of 10 you will probably be living away from home either at a colledge campus that doesn't allow dogs or in your own appartment that doesn't care for dogs.

It sucks, I was in the same boat. I managed to convince my parents after a nag marathon but sadly, I couldn't live up to my end of the bargain when the going got tough and I had to get a job, go to school and get my life in order.

What I suggest if they don't relent is volunteer at a dog shelter or contact somewhere you can FOSTER a dog. That way there is not a long term commitment impact.

Also, can you garantee them if you get a puppy that you will wake up 3:00 AM to take it potty AND not be a sour puss in the morning when they wake you up to go to school? Replace their valuables not if but when he destroys them? It is very much like a two year old kid for 10 -18 years of your life. Good luck in convincing them!!

Answer 6

Your parents are looking out for you in the best way they know. It sounds to me that you are very responsible and could care for a dog well.

Doing research is good for all prospectant dog owners. Perhaps purchasing a book on the top 1-2 breeds would be another step in the right direction. Also, doing some sort of budget and training plan would be good as well (i.e. how do you plan to house train the dog, cost of food and if you can contribute in any way, cost of dog toys/supplies, grooming, vet costs, etc.), which will show that you are aware of the long term commitment required.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

Ive been in ur shoes before... i think u should volunteer at an animal shelter and "fall in love" with a dog there and then explain to ur parents that u want the responsibility of THAT dog.
ALso what i tried is (its kinda extreme...) pretend u have a dog, buy dog food, get up early for walks, get a leash, bed, etc. Thats what i did and after 10 years of doing it...it worked. i know have a long-haired Chihuahua!! Good luck

Answer 8

It sounds to me that you are very smart for your age and are beyond ready to make this commitment. If it is a responsibility issue, maybe there is a reason that your parents don't think you are ready. You may already have your hands full and they may think that a dog would just add stress and that eventually you would give up and a dog is not something you can just quit! Find out for sure exactly why they don't want you to have a dog and then work on proving to them that you are ready. Good luck sweety.

Answer 9

If you were my daughter you would love it here, I breed Chihuahuas. Maybe a small dog would work even better, as you can paper train them or litter box train them. Some people get really nervous about cleaning alot of dog poop up, so I would say your research is good, but have you ever thought of a small toy dog. You can bring it with you places, so it won't bother your parents, you can keep it in your room only and when you get home from school take he or she outsdie to play and exercise. Seriously though, I admire your research and it shows your intelligence level is high. Email me with any other questions [e-mail]... Little dogs with big hearts rock!!

Answer 10

OK here's what I did and it worked:

FIRST I started dropping little hints like "OH look mom there's a a puppy for sale in the newspaper.
SECOND when I would be over @ my friends house I would show my mom I knew how to take care of a dog. Like helping my friend take him for a walk or something then I'd ask my friends mom to tell my mom how good I was with the puppy.
THIRD I printed out this (official-looking) agreement between me and my parents saying that i'd always look after the pup and clean up after it and eventually they gave in.