How to Convince Your Parents to Get a Dog

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Getting a dog is something most kids want. Their parents, on the other hand, are not so eager. Parents often think that they will be the ones taking care of the dog after the initial enthusiasm passes. That might often be the case, but you must have an honest conversation about getting a dog within the family.

Owning a dog is not all fun and games. Dogs can cost a lot of money, and it is a huge responsibility to get a dog. In most cases, kids have a lot of trouble convincing their parents to get a dog. If you are in that position, and you are thinking about how to convince your parents to get a dog, you should start by making a plan.

There are different things to think about and present to your parents. But first, you need to be absolutely sure you are prepared and ready for such a huge responsibility. If you follow this guide, you might just stand a chance of convincing your parents to get a dog. Check out these steps;

1. Research dog breeds

The first thing you should do is research dog breeds. There are over 400 registered breeds in the world, and each of them has unique needs, characteristics, personalities, and energy levels. Make sure you researched different breeds, and you pick one that will fit the family’s lifestyle. If you are an active family that goes on adventures, hiking, cycling, or running, getting an active dog might be a good idea. Perhaps one of these active dogs would be a great pick. If you live in an apartment, getting a huge dog might be a recipe for disaster. Luckily, there are different dog breeds that are ideal for apartments.

2. Propose a schedule

Dogs and puppies require a lot of time. They need to go for walks; they need to be fed, cleaned after, and groomed. Start by planning a schedule that will let your parents know you are thinking of every detail dogs need. That will show them you can focus on the facts and things dogs require. Keep in mind that dogs need to go out even if it is raining. Dogs don’t care if it is cold or warm. Dogs don’t understand you have homework or you want to play with your friends. They have their needs, and if you’re going to become a responsible dog owner, you need to fulfill them.

3. Show them which responsibilities will be yours

Parents are often reluctant to get a dog because most of the responsibilities fall on their shoulders. They already have busy lives working and providing for the family. They are often tired, yet they rarely show us how hard their lives are. Show them you are thinking about those things and let them know which dog responsibilities are you willing to take on yourself. Will you clean after the dog? Walk them? Get up earlier to do those things and play with the new dog? Will you learn about dog training? Let your parents know which of these things you will do, and you might know how to convince your parents to get a dog.

4. Demonstrate responsibility

Parents often don’t believe their kids when they say they will take care of the dog. Most kids will say anything to get what they want, and you need to make sure you are not like most kids. Show your parents you can do all your chores without them telling you to do it. Take out the trash if it is full, and clean the sink if there are dirty dishes. Show your parents you can do what you say you will do. The most important thing is not to expect results right away. Doing these things only one day won’t mean much. Keep at it, and really show your parents what a responsible kid you are.

5. Think about expanses

Dogs can cost a lot of money. There is dog food, insurance, leashes, collars, bowls, dog beds, brushes, shampoos, flea and tick medicine, and many more things dogs will need. If you are serious about getting a dog, talk to your parents about the budget. Let them know you are aware that dogs cost money. If you are old enough, you can take a part-time job to earn a bit of money and help with dog expenses.

6. Learn about advantages children with dogs get

Here is something that can strengthen your case in front of strict parent judges. These are some of the physical and mental benefits dogs offer kids, and if you remember them, that might be how you convince your parent to get a dog.

• Kids with dogs get more daily physical activity. You can tell your parents you are looking after your long-term physical health.
• Dogs make families spend more time together. Going for family walks and games in the backyard will make you spend more time with each other. You can say - We can be even closer as a family!
• Homes with dogs are safer! You don’t need to get a large guard dog, but there are small dogs that make fantastic watchdogs. It is always good to talk about this significant benefit dogs offer.
• Owning a dog teaches kids responsibility. Responsibility is one of the most essential virtue anyone can have. You don’t have to be the smartest or the prettiest, but you will end up on top if you are responsible and persistent.

If you want to learn more about the benefits kids get from owning a dog, check out this article from the foundation of one of the greatest tennis players that ever lived, Novak Djokovic - Benefits kids with dogs get.

7. Make a dog-owning family contract

To make your parents see how serious you are, draft a dog-owning family contract. Tell them which responsibilities you will take (skip the money parts at first) and let them know what you are prepared to do if you fail at them. Tell them you will give up your Xbox, Playstation, or computer games. Really let them know how much you would love to get a dog and what you are prepared to do to make it work.

8. Have an honest conversation

Sneaking and plotting is not the best way to get what you want. Manipulating your parents into getting a dog will not work. The best thing you can do after following these first 7 steps is to have an honest conversation about getting a dog. Maybe one of your parents has dog hair allergies. Luckily for you, there are hypoallergenic dog breeds you can choose from. Check them out in this article - Hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Most parents get worried about your grades and extracurricular activities. Don’t get defensive, and let them know you are aware the dog will take a lot of your time. Make sure you do well in school, and you can always tell them that kids with dogs have better communication skills and are more sociable. Dogs have a positive influence on their psychological development.

World Dog Finder team