How to get my parents to want a Lab?

Question

I know this is one of those greatly hated questions, but i've ran out of ideas. So, as some of you might know, I had a chocolate lab, who passed away about 4 years ago. (I miss her dearly) I'm trying to convince my parents to get a Labrador Retriever. They say house is too small, puppies are wwaayy too much work, labs shed too much, theyre too big, they eat everything, they go nuts when ever some one comes to the door AND you wont take care of it.

Well, when we had our other lab, (i was newborn-9 years old) my parents didn't really know too much about how to properly care for those problems. We brushed her about once a month, if even, fed her a generic dog food with many fillers, & never trained her when she was a pup (except sit and housebreaking).

Their biggest thing is the responsibility factor. I AM respnsible. I have been researching this dog breed and training, housebreaking, etc. etc... I get straight A's, and am really responsible. How do i show them that?

Sorry it's so long, you can just read the beginning and end =). And i've already wrote a paper (like 4 pages) and do many chores everyday (and don't get allowence) I also have quite a bit of money saved up for this dog.

Yes, thank you, but i've already looked into all of my local shelters and you have to be 16 or 18 to volunteer at any of them =(

I have lots of time to put into excersize. A walk in the morning and one mid-afternoon (3:30 ish) and boating (swimming, playing on the beach) on the weekends. [and my brother is a little overweight, and plays baseball, but isn't too interested. He wants a dog to keep him active too. It's pretty cute.]

Answer 1

I can understand them not wanting to deal with a puppy again esp if the house is crowded/gets messy easy already..

well if my daughter wanted a lab and i didnt, these things would help change my mind:
1. if my daughter found one in a shelter or rescue vs breeder or petstore
2. if my daughter routinely did housework without being told (including keeping her room clean but she'd also have to show she cleans other rooms too) And made room in her room for dog bed & play
3. if she wrote up a schedule (when she'd walk the dog,feed, train, play)

one problem with your schedule is when would the lab be walked at night and by who?

Answer 2

First of all, you don't need a puppy. They're right about puppies being way too much work. There are lots of lovely adult dogs that need homes! Go to petfinder.com.

You can find a nice dog who is already housebroken and trained (or at least beginning to).

However, you might have no choice but to wait until you are on your own before you can get another dog. Your parents just might not budge.

Good luck!

P.S. I thought I posted this, but it's not showing up. The rescue group I volunteer with has junior volunteers. They raise money for the group, etc. They don't get to be with the dogs, but it is a way to start and get involved!

Answer 3

While you have the willing and enthusiasm for a dog, there are a lot of questions which you may or may not have thought of.
Labs need a LOT of exercise - daily long walks (regardless of the weather). Are you willing to give up time with your friends to walk the dog every day?
In addition, time will be needed for training, brushing, and feeding. Do you have this time?
Dogs are a lot of money - estimate in the midwest USA is roughly $2,000/year for food, supplies, routine vet visits and routine medications for fleas, heartworm, ticks, etc. From what I can tell, it sounds like you are in your early teen years - so your parents will have to assist with the cost of this dog.
Are you willing to make a commitment for the next 10-12 years? What happens when you go away to college? Or on vacation?

While I'm not trying to put the knock on dogs - they are wonderful companions and a great source of love and affection, they are also a lot of time and financial commitments.

Is there a local shelter or humane society that you can volunteer at? This will help get you the "dog exposure" you are looking for, as well as give you an outlet for your love for dogs.

Don't lose your enthusiasm or your love for dogs. Just make sure that when the time is right and you get a dog, that you are ready for the comitment that comes with it.

Answer 4

Consider the next step: Volunteering at a local animal shelter. Because you sound responsible, I am agreeing to this one "hated" question.

I had a problem convincing my parents to get a dog as well. It was after I spent five months (and most of my time) at a local shelter that they realized I wasn't kidding when I said I would take care of it.

Also: Consider adopting. I'm sure you'll want to after volunteering at the shelter, but it is never to early to start researching dogs available in your area. Check out www.petfinder.com.

EDIT: Oh gosh, you're young. Perhaps a local private rescue? I understand, even more now, what you're going through. I had to wait until I was 18 to volunteer at the shelter I am with now.

Answer 5

I have a black lab. Yes they are tons of work but.... they are great dogs. You have to tell them all the great qualities these type of dogs have. They are great with children, very smart, great protectors and learn quickly with persistents. They need to be walked EVERYDAY, fed at certain times, played with and some type of training (you or professional) You can go to the library and find tons of books on how to train a lab. They are a lot of work, but they are soo worth it if you take the time. Tell your parents that you are aware of all the responsibilities and mean it. Good luck.

Answer 6

cool, i have a chocolate lad puppy that i got about 2 weeks a go, ya its ture they do everything you say, but you have to love it, ask them to get you one for the holidays, show them how good you are by taking care of some else dog, if they are not sure they want a dog and want to find out more about it have them read these books

How to train your labrador retriever by liz palika

Your lab's life by Joanne Howl

good luck!!!!

Answer 7

Try voulnteering at a local shelter. Yes, puppies are a lot of work. Please consider adopting a adult Lab from a shelter. Good luck !