While it is a wonderful experience to own a dog, it is a lot of rsponsibility, both in time and money. When you own a dog, you have to have the financial means for food, routine vet bills, training, equipment, toys, bones, etc. The average medium size dog in the midwest USA can cost average of $1,500 for normal every day life. If the dog needs special medications or surgery, then add at least $1,000 to that.
In addition, it is a lot of time. The dog needs to be trained for a lot of things, not just going outside to go potty. They also need a lot of exercise, daily walks (year round, not just when the weather is good), brushing, etc. also, if you are on vacation, etc., then someone will need to paid to watch the dog.
So, keep your dream, however, be realistic about it. Do you have the financial means to support the dog?
In the meantime, check with your local shelter or humane society of there is a volunteer program, most of them do. This will give you the opportunity to work with the dogs, help socialize them, etc.
2007-10-12 05:17:04
·
answer #1
·
answered by rjn529 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
I used to really, really want a dog and I'd beg my family all the time. However, having a dog affects the whole household. You won't be the only one caring for the dog, even if you try your best to be responsible... I'm sure it would be a great experience for you personally to have a dog, but having a pet isn't a great experience if you don't want it in your house! Not everyone enjoys having dogs, and I think it could cause a lot of tension. Will you be going to college soon? That's another thing to consider. When you go to college, chances are you wouldn't be able to bring a dog with you. That's one thing that has kept me from getting more pets. I would wait until you have your own home, and then you can have whatever pets you want. That's what I'm going to do! It's too bad that you can't have a dog now, but since it's their house, it's their decision if they'd rather not bring another living thing into it.
2007-10-12 05:12:48
·
answer #2
·
answered by Julianne X. 2
·
1⤊
0⤋
Ya' know... I really hate questions like this. As a minor child, your parents have the 'say' as to what happens in their home. If they do not want you to get a dog, then that's their decision. I hate children who try and undermine what their parents decide. Kind of like, "If I don't get the answer I want, I'll go some place else until I do".
Dog COST $$, and they require a lot of time and attention. As being a new pet owner, I paid $1000 for my dog. The first vet bill was about $100 for a check-up and shots. His next couple of shots were about $30 a peice. Then we got him fixed $500. Not too soon after that, he had a bad allergic reaction... $200. Then some how he got a yeast infection on his skin at the cost of $300. Oh, and I forgot the $60 in puppy training classes.
At 10 months old, and having only had him for 8 months, he's cost me over $2200. And that's NOT including food and toys and crates, pottie pads, treats, etc.
Do you have that kind of money laying around? Do you make $3000 in 8 months?
2007-10-12 05:14:42
·
answer #3
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
When someone gets a dog in they family it belongs to everyone. You go to school? Who is going to take care of you dog. Mom? or is she working. Dogs live a long time and someone has to be there for that dog. Maybe mom and dad just think it would be best for you to wait until you have your own place. How about a hamster, bird, Guinea pig, gerbil. Look around for other options. Options that are easier and less destructive. Dogs can be rough while potty training and chewing. Mom and Dad just don't want a dog. Sorry
2007-10-12 05:47:58
·
answer #4
·
answered by Kim S 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Become a dog walker - mail drop houses with dogs around your neighbourhood and put notices on Supermarket boards - that way you'll earn money, get fit, and prove to your parents that you are responsible.
We have an animal rescue centre close to us and they are always advertising for volunteers to help - go and clean up after the animals and see if you still have the commitment.
Pets are a terrible tie - our last dog lived till it was 18 years old - injections, vets bills (it costs £20 just to sit a dog on the vet's examination table before the medication starts), kennels if you want to go on holiday. Who is going to pay for its food when you want to spend your money on dresses, parties, etc? How old will you be in 18 years time when your dog, maybe , dies?
What happens when you go off to Uni and are living on campus or in digs? Who looks after the dog for 2 or 3 years?
2007-10-12 05:15:48
·
answer #5
·
answered by Veronica Alicia 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
It will probably take time to convince them that a dog would be a nice addition to the family.
In the meantime, don't push too much, you can annoy your family to the point of being more anti-dog than they were before.
You could volunteer your time to get more experience with animals while you wait for you family to come around. Try volunteering at a shelter! If you volunteer your time than your family may see that you have dedication, and care for the animals you are around.
2007-10-12 05:08:43
·
answer #6
·
answered by chemicalhal0 1
·
0⤊
0⤋
What's their reasons though? I see yours but not theirs have you asked them that? Dogs can be expensive we have paid as much as $1500 for one emergency vet bill. Are you in alot of activities will you have the time to devote to this dog. Like i told my kids before they got their dogs it's just like having a child they are your responsibility 24/7. I have one daughter who got her dog at 6 years old and has been devoted to her ever since, while my 13 year old daughter just got her first dog this year and is already having trouble making time for her, with her school, friends and 5 after school activities. Plus just the food for two dogs is expensive. I'd sit down and talk to them find out their reasoning and go from there.
2007-10-12 05:08:39
·
answer #7
·
answered by crzyluci2000 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
Having a dog is a lot of work. Don't make it be your 'dream,' because everyone in your family is going to have to live with the dog, and if not everyone is willing, it won't work. Find something else to fill your time for now.
2007-10-12 05:06:11
·
answer #8
·
answered by Flatpaw 7
·
2⤊
0⤋
Take some animal training classes and other classes related toward dogs that way you'll know what to do when the time comes and you'll be ble to show your parents(guardians, etc.) a certificate of completion or something. They might be more inclined toward getting you a dog, maybe two...
2007-10-12 05:22:13
·
answer #9
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Well, how old are you? the thing about having a dog is that everyone is affected and everyone will have to help. If not everyone wants to help, then you're out of luck. Besides, who will be paying for the dog food? The vet bills? The dog? There's a lot involved...
2007-10-12 05:11:14
·
answer #10
·
answered by Alecto 5
·
1⤊
1⤋