Really Want A Dog But My Parents Wont Let Me?
September 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I have been wanting a dog for several months now. I have had 2 dogs in the past but my dad got rid of them. One of them had brain damage and the other we couldnt potty train. But that was about 2 years ago. They were our first dogs so we had no idea how to potty train them so… bye bye! But i have been on Petfinder.com and have watched all the dog traing and care videos. i watched them all so much, i practically memorized them! i really want a small dog like a bichon friese or cockapoo. sumthing like that. i have good grades and am very responsible. i have a 3 year old tiger cat who i feed, excersise, and clean the litter box for. ive had him for 2 1\2 years. i have researched dogs and breeds and i know im ready? but how do i persuade my mom and dad? ive tried EVERYTHING!!!
~Amy
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lf your parents say no, then it’s no, their house, their rules.
lf they gave away a dog that they couldn’t toilet train then it doesn’t sound like they are that interested in dogs, so it’s better that you don’t get one because as soon as the novelty wears off and it pees and poos in the house it’ll be off to the shelter.
You need to wait until you are older and in a position to buy and look after a dog by yourself.
Before you they let you get a dog they need to know that you can take care of it. Tell them that you want to start walking dogs for neighbors, and watching dogs for people going away. They will see you are serious about caring for a dog and you will also earn some money to help pay for it, after you prove yourself ask them again and tell them how much it really means to you to get a dog.
ok so 1. grades dont have anything to do with it. 2. cats are WAY different from dogs and 3. if you cant even potty train a dog than how the hell do you think you will properly be able to care for a dog?????
a dog is a huge responsibility. and you sound like you dont know anything about it. so go to a dog shelter, trainer or vet and ask questionsss!!! ask about food, vet bills, training, costs, toys, equitment, breeds ect. read lots!
i dont think you are ready.
Hi Amy,
Just keep telling them how much you want a dog and how much training you have done. Maybe ask for a dog for Christmas!!!!
I hope they agree very soon!
Amy-
Though you did a lot of research, learning how to do things for dogs and actually having a dog are very different.
For starters, you need to make sure you will still properly care for your dog after the novelty wears off. Taking care of a dog is really like taking care of a baby. You need to take it out often (especially if you want a small dog who has a small bladder), daily walks, groom it, and take care of it. There’s much more than you expect! And if you want a small dog, their eyes can get easily get gunked up, like morning smutz for you or I. It can really bother them, so you need to clean it out. Which is hard, unless you train them from day 1. You will also need to do some basic grooming, like brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, and knowing how to clip their nails and give them a bath (which theoretically can be done by a groomer, but it gets REALLY expensive). You also need to be really patient.
Here are a few scenarios that probably/might occur.
You are out with your friends at the mall. But your dog has been in his/her kennel for 4 hours. He/she needs to go out. But there are 4 stores with sales that you haven’t gone to. Since your parents didn’t want a dog in the first place, they probably will not be interested in doing your chores. So know you have to make a decision. My guess is that you would go home (but begrudgingly). That’s just one of the sacrifices you might have to make. Also, your dog will be need to go out in rain, snow, and below 30 degree weather. You will need to take her out then.
Scenario #2:
Your dog had an accident in house. Your parents will not want to clean it up (in my household: YOUR dog has just peed in the living room. Clean it up). So you have to. And you probably get yelled at (because its your dog). And then your parents will ask how you are going to fix it.
Don’t get me wrong- dogs are a joy to have and I love my Sammy very much. But its A LOT of responsibilty.
Good luck!
PS you can email me if you have any questions. try going to the animal shelter and guilting them into saving a dog’s life. or present a slide show. be honest with the pros/cons of a breed. call ppl u know with dogs and ask them
1. how much do you spend per year on dog supplies, medicine, etc.
2. what vet they go to
3. what dog food they use (i suggest candidae, eagle, or other hollistic)
4. best advice on ownership
share this with your parents (this is what i did to get my dog)
Make a schedule showing that you CAN do homework, chores, and balance a dog.
What an amazing young lady you are Amy! You have a real passion and should feel so proud of yourself. It must be hard for you, but from a parents point of view, they will be with it when you are at school and doing other things, especially if you are in your teens and will soon be starting to be busy out and about more. Just as an idea, and with your obvious love you have for dogs, would you volunteer at an animal shelter, giving unloved dogs a bit more attention, take them for walks and making them feel special for a couple of hours a week, it’s also another way of seeing dogs different personalities and maybe finding the dog of your dreams (if Mum and Dad see you putting in all the extra comittment – well you never know) Best of luck, you’re going to go a long way in life with your awesome attitude and compassion!
I would advise you not to get a dog. Especially if you gave one away in the past 2 years because you couldn’t potty train it. That means that you and/or your family is not ready for a dog. Watching dog training videos and training a real dog are very, very different things. And especially the dog breeds that you want, are known for being hard to potty train. What are you going to do when it doesn’t get potty trained?
I know it is hard to want something and not get it, but soon you will be an adult and you will be able to have animals if you still want them. I am 23 and I just got my first dog! He was a breed that was very easy to potty train, but even then he is a lot of work. It’s almost like having a baby. You need to respect your parents wishes, it is their house. In the mean time, volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue and then you can play with all the dogs you want and not have to worry about all the hard work and responsibility that goes along with owning them.