How Do I convince My Parents to let me get a DOg?

Question

My parentsa said if I be responsible for 60 days they would consirder it. The 60 days is up and I have been responsible and I am still being responsible I have done research gotten books and every thing I 'm not getting the yes I am hoping for I am getting the very unliikely that i was dreading at least it's not a no but I need to change the very unlikely to a may be or even yes any ideas?

uh ppl I cant even drive stop telling me to get my own place! if you have good answer post if stupid keep it to your self also my mom hate hamsters rats and she doesn't think rabbits should be kept in cages we tried fish and she accidentaly killed them sh says she doesn't want fish again soooo there is turtles she says she doesnt want it in the house.

ok people I'm not saying I have been responsible my parents have made it clear that they think I have been responsible

A shelter dog would be fine FOR ME but my parents want a pure breed. And there is no possible way I could go to the shelter its down town and what happens in down town is scary so I couldn't go by myself but my parents cant wait around watching me walk dogs they have a bussiness to run

I Talked to my mo asked about her reservations she said that she was afraid it woud poop on the carpet my mom is a total neat freak

Also I;m an only child just a note

also im finding out that my parents are becoming alot more open to getting a dog my mom said there a much bigger possibility of gettting a dog if there was a place in the house that were gonna move in has pretty nice sized non carpet area that the dogs kennel could go in so any one got any ideas I think i MAY have ONE the laudry room? i dont know

Oh and people in defence of my parents they have kept their side they have been considering it. they never said if I can be responsible i get dog. this my dad's quote exactly we can talk about after you show responsibility and we have been talking about it alot so they have kept their side im just hoping they do more than talk if you know what i mean like accually get the dog

Answer 1

The primary concern for me as a parent when my kids wanted a dog was, am I going to end up walking it and taking care of it? I knew that I did not have a lot of free time (at the time) and the time I did have I did not want to spend walking a dog.

The thing that you have to realize is that a dog is the best thing in the world, but they require a daily commitment. It is not unlike, although to a lesser degree, having a child. Unless you have a yard with a lot of room for them to run and play in, you will have to walk them at least twice a day for 30 minutes each time. If you do have a large, fenced in yard, you will need to pick up the doggie treasure every couple of days.

Are you thinking about a puppy? If so, they will require a lot more care and patience than an older dog. They are more prone to accidents and require more attention. They also need to be taught what is and what is not appropriate. This must be done lovingly, and requires a great deal of patience.
There are veterinarian needs and shots that must be given.

Don't get me wrong, if you have love to give, then a dog is a great pet.

The only way to reassure your parents is for you to continue in your dialog with them and show them that you have the knowledge and commitment necessary.

But find out what their concerns are by asking them what their reservations are, and then go from there. Also, make sure that the breed of dog that you want will fit in both with your lifestyle and facilities that you have.

Be patient. Pursue tactful diplomacy. My family is very much "dog people". We have two golden retrievers and a boxer. They are wonderful and great companions. I take Lilly (golden) out to the beach with me on my walks. She is my dog, and the best companion I have ever had.

Good luck !

Answer 2

You said that your parents want a pure breed. So there you are then - they ARE considering getting a dog. Obviously you have behaved responsibly! This is good as the dog needs to be loved and wanted by everyone in the house, because they will need to look after it when you are not home.

Now that they are considering it then talk to them reasonably about it without going on too much. You may alienate them if you mention it too often and get on their nerves. It will be good if you can all decide on the breed of dog together and think of it as a family pet rather than just your dog. Talk about the positive things that a dog can bring, such as it being a loving companion, help to protect the house, help with everyone's fitness (taking it for a walk) etc. tell your parents that you will be responsible for walking it, feeding it and cleaning up any messes - and MEAN IT. Chances are they will help you take care of it and will enjoy walking it themselves anyway but give them the chance to do that if they want to not because they have to.
If they are worried about the dog hairs around the house then talk about getting a non-shedding breed. Suggest that now would be a good time of year to get a puppy so that you can leave the back door open to let the dog go out when it needs to. Alternatively get an adult dog that is already toilet trained.
Show your parents that you have thought this through and are willing to come up with sensible sollutions to any doubts they have. But also be realistic - there may be times when the dog may poop./pee/vomit on the carpet. A puppy may chew furniture, shoes or other belongings. Discuss how you will try to prevent this happening but don't promise that it never will. This will show your parents that you are aware of the problems and needs of the dog and not taking it on too lightly.
Whatever you do do not get the dog unless you really are prepared to look after it and do everything that you promise, as it would be incredibly sad (for the dog as well as you) if your parents have to re-home it because you are not looking after it properly. Personally I think they will love it as much as you, but don't take that chance.
Good luck and I hope you get the dog you want.

Answer 3

That's a toughy - you have kept your side of the deal and they have not kept their side. Have you sat them down and pointed this out to them? Parents should not make promises (or threats) that they do not intend to keep. It is irresponsible of them to do this.

You sound like a nice kid who has been brought up properly but they are letting you down at the moment. Do they have anything else going on in their lives at the moment that has them distracted?

A puppy will make a mess, but if you were to get an older dog then that will be less likely. Would you consider getting one say 18 months old? The shelter will have dogs that are looking for homes, and you may even get a pure breed from there. I have had a couple of pure breeds from the shelter. If you were to register with the shelter (which you may be able to do on line or by phone) then they would tell you if a pure breed came in. Can't help much more than that, sorry.

Answer 4

Do this--ask to prove yourself with a small animal like a hamster first. If you prove that you can take great care of it, they will see you are responsible enough.

OR
If you have a friend with a good dog, talk your parents into letting you keep it for a week or so & prove you're responsible.
OR
You & your parents could talk to a shelter, and offer to be "foster owners" until the dog is adopted. It will break your heart to see them go, but in a GOOD way, since the dog found a home. Or your FAMILY could even decide to adopt the foster dog, if your folks see how good you are with it.

Good luck--its not all fun (like picking up poop or puke), but dogs are the best friends you will ever have!!
(and they never tell others the secrets you tell THEM!!)

Answer 5

I had that same problem growing up. This is what helped me:
Volunteer at shelters exc... Any way you can so you can get experience with dogs and how to train them. My folks biggest problem was that they thought that the dog would be disobedient and rec things. You need to sit down with them with a dog book, go through the pros and cons of different breads of dogs that you both like. If they like the breed there more open to a yes then a no way. Also make a list of pros and cons of why a dog would be good for you and your life style. But remember pros and cons, they know the good but if they see that you are looking at this from there side too there more open and see that you understand. Remember a dog is a dog so baggers can not be choosers. Know that a dog is a big responsibility; they do get sick and need to go to the vet. They should be crate trained, they eat and poop. So be prepared for the answer we can’t afford it. I recommend if that is there answer get a job and offer to pay for things your self. Good luck

Answer 6

I keep telling kids the same thing- go to petfinder.com or the local shelter. Find a dog you really seem to like/want to meet. Do research on the breed/mix of breeds it is. Tell your parents how you want to save this dog and if no one adopts it, it may be euthanized. Make a schedule of your day and prove you can give him the attention he needs. He'll need a walk in the morning, someone to let him/her out at lunch (you may need to ask your parents to help with that), a walk when you get home from school, and a walk before he/she goes to bed. Plus he/she will want attention while you in between you getting home and bedtime. Show them you know all this and have found a way to make it work. . . Show them you are mature enough to know a shelter dog needs your love as much as you want a dog to love.

Answer 7

If you are really serious you want one, go to the library and take out as many books as possible on looking after dogs and dog care. Be seen in front of your parents swatting up and reading these. This will really show responsiblility.

It may take a few months but keep it up and really do the reading or at least some, so you can answer any trick questions on dog care that your parents may ask.

Good luck future dog owner!

Answer 8

what have you been doing to be responsible? maybe your parents don't think its enough. Even though its you that wants the dog, the real responsibility to the dog is your parents. You need to show that you are responsible for everything and I mean everything but really without knowing what you have done and are doing we cant really give a real answer.

Answer 9

They probably didnt think you could hack it!! Keep on at them!! In the meantime is it possible for to go to an animal shelter and help them with walking dogs? It would prove you are serious, give you experience and help the poor little dogs!

Answer 10

Mmm thats not very fair if you kept to your side of the bargain. However, they are expensive and time consuming and your parents are probably taking that into account. My children pestered me for a dog and we got a beautiful little Patterdale in the end for them. They idolised her when she was a puppy but as she started growing up they got fed up- they didn't want to walk her, or clean up behind her, or let her into the garden when she wanted to go. Me and their dad ended up with all the hard work- they really are hard work!!