You may feel ready to have a dog, but in some cases it's not easy to convince your parents. To do this, you can start by highlighting the qualities recognized by all, such as the companionship and affection that these animals offer. Then, demonstrate maturity and responsibility by doing housework more willingly. Show your parents that you are ready to become a dog owner by thinking about what you need to do to take care of them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Introduce a New Pet Idea
Step 1. Explain that a dog is a pet for the whole family
Convince your parents that with a new four-legged friend you will spend more time at home and, consequently, with them. Family life will be more fun for everyone: you can walk in the park together, or organize barbecues in the garden while playing fetch with him.
Describe what a great scene would be a family dinner with the dog by your side, or a movie night all together on the sofa, with the dog sitting at your feet
Step 2. Explain that if you have a dog, you will need to go out more often
Are your parents tired of always seeing you locked alone in your dark room, staring at the computer monitor or playing on the PlayStation? Do they often tell you that you should go out and enjoy the sun? In that case, convince them that having a dog would be the perfect motivation to go to the park, stay in the sun and exercise more, instead of spending all the time texting your friends or eating snacks.
Explain that having a dog would help you reduce the use of all digital devices; you will have a simpler adolescence, outdoors, with your four-legged friend
Step 3. Prove that having a dog can improve your mental health
Having a dog is therapeutic - pet owners have been shown to live longer and be happier. These animals are able to understand when you are upset and can comfort you in times of stress; they also have great intuition and always know when to cheer their masters. Maybe your parents spend a lot of time at work; convince them that a four-legged friend can make the home environment more pleasant and can keep you company when you are alone at home.
Step 4. Emphasize that a dog can make your home safer
These animals are instinctively inclined to protect their herd and do everything they can to ensure the safety of their family, so having one by your side will make you feel safer at home. Through training, they can learn to recognize who is not a welcome guest.
Homes protected by a dog are less prone to theft. Show your parents that a well-trained specimen is not only a companion for life, but also a skilled guardian. If you are old enough to be left alone at home, explain to your parents that you will feel much safer with "Fido" by your side
Step 5. Explain that having a dog will help you become more responsible
While you need to show your parents that you are mature by convincing them that you are capable of looking after a dog, you can also say that having a dog will make you an even more responsible and caring person. Here because:
- Having a dog will teach you to follow a routine. You have to feed him, take him out and play with him at fixed times.
- Having a dog will lead you to go to bed early and wake up earlier so you can walk him out. You will no longer be able to stay up late in front of your computer screen or television.
- Having a dog will teach you how to take care of another living thing.
Step 6. Discuss the type of dog you want
Do your research to find out what breed you would like and why. Whether you prefer small ones, such as miniature schnauzers or larger ones, such as Labradors, explain the reasons for choosing a particular breed. This way your parents will understand that you have thought through the decision to get a dog. When talking to them about the breed you would like you can also:
- Describe the best characteristics and qualities of a particular breed. Is she known for being easy to train, very loyal, or just plain adorable?
- Explain what is the best training strategy for the breed you have chosen. Show that you already know how to teach your dog to clean up outside the house and to respect the simplest commands like "sit" and "stop".
- Show them a picture of the dog or breed you have chosen. This will break their hearts - who can resist an image of an adorable puppy?
Method 2 of 3: Prove You Are Responsible
Step 1. Make sure you are ready to have a dog
It is very easy to let yourself be conquered by the idea of having a pet as a friend, especially after having seen a good movie with a dog as a protagonist, but the reality is that an owner has to work hard. Even if the prospect appeals to you, are you really ready to sacrifice your time, your money and commit to looking after it? Are you willing to give up a few outings with friends to look after him?
Step 2. Find ways to contribute to the expenses
Dogs can be quite expensive, considering the cost of food, grooming, the vet, and toys. Think about how you might participate, then offer your parents to pay some or all of the dog's expenses. You have to keep your word, so make sure your "business" ideas are achievable.
You can go for jobs in the neighborhood, deliver newspapers, save some pocket money, or use the money that was given to you for your birthday
Step 3. Get busy around the house
If you want to show your parents that you would be a great owner for a dog, you need to be able to take care of the simplest tasks: make the bed, keep your room tidy, wash the dishes and do whatever is asked of you. However, don't settle for it: do other chores around the house, help prepare dinner, mow the lawn, do the laundry, maybe make coffee for your parents when you see them tired; do everything possible and don't limit yourself to the bare minimum.
Step 4. Get good grades in school
If you want to show your parents that you are capable of taking responsibility for a dog, you need to make sure you do well in school. If you have the opportunity, try to improve your grades so that they understand that you are willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to get your new four-legged friend.
If you decide to make a promise to your parents, try to be very specific. You could say, "I'll get 8 in math by the end of the year" or "I'll get 8 in all science homework."
Step 5. Prove that you are capable of taking care of something
Ask your parents to give you an item to take care of for a while. It can be an egg (don't break it!), A sack of flour, a plant, or even a hamster. If you behave well on this test, let your parents know that you are responsible and that you really want a pet. Even if it seems like a silly challenge to you, take it very seriously.
Step 6. Give it a try
If a friend or relative needs someone to take care of their dog for some time, you should volunteer. Taking care of the pet for a couple of days will show your parents that you are ready for this responsibility and they will see how happy you are with a four-legged friend.
Step 7. Give your parents a few days to think
Don't repeat your request every day, or they will stop listening to you. If they said no, be mature and understanding, keep busy around the house, and only talk about the dog from time to time so they get used to the idea. By being patient, you will show that you are willing to wait for what you want.
Method 3 of 3: Addressing Their Concerns
Step 1. Show that you will be walking the dog
Your parents are probably worried that you will persuade them to take the pet, but that they will have to look after the new family member. Explain that you have already thought about the best times to take him out and that you promise to do it every day; if your brother agrees, you can say that you will share the effort. To show that you are serious, you can start walking alone at the times you indicated.
Step 2. Reassure your parents that the dog will not destroy the house
They may think that it will bite all the furniture and electrical cables, that it will dirty inside the house and that it will shed hair everywhere. It's your job to make sure that doesn't happen. When discussing their concerns, be sure to touch on the following topics:
- Explain that you will be purchasing lots of chew toys for the dog so that he does not bite the furniture. As for the cables, propose to cover them with tape or other solutions, so the house will seem even more tidy.
- Describe how you will prevent the dog from bringing soil into the house. Explain that you will clean the animal's paws in the garage or yard before allowing it to enter.
- Discuss what you will do to prevent your dog from shedding too much hair. Unfortunately, dogs leave their hair around the house, but you can assure your parents that you will clean them at regular intervals.
- Let them know that you will bathe the dog once a week, or as many times as is appropriate for the specific breed.
Step 3. Create a Dog Feeding Schedule
He will need to eat at least once a day, but more often twice. Do your research and decide whether to buy dry, wet, or a combination of the two. Develop a diet that is nutritious, but one that fits within the family budget. At that point, write a table explaining how much and when the animal will eat. You can also make a cost estimate.
Step 4. Think about how to train him to go to the toilet outside the home
If you are planning to adopt an adult specimen, this will probably not be a problem. Puppies, on the other hand, need training to learn where to free themselves. Be prepared to explain to your parents that you are ready to pick up droppings, clean up when it gets dirty, and put litter boxes around the house.
Step 5. Provide your parents with the list of recommended veterinarians
Show that you are able to think about the health of the dog. Do your research in advance and find the best professional in your area. Ask your friends who have dogs which vets they recommend, or research this information yourself. Find a doctor near your home that you can walk to, and show your parents that you have thought about this as well.
Step 6. Think about how you will look after the dog during holidays and other times away from home
Show that you are ready for this eventuality. Your mom might ask you, "What are we going to do when we go to the beach for a week?" Don't get caught off guard and think ahead about the problem. Find out about dog kennels where you can leave your four-legged friend, or make arrangements with a friend or neighbor who is willing to take care of him.
Step 7. Be patient
Prove that you won't be bored after a short time. Your parents may worry that after a few weeks of purchase, you will stop caring for it. To reassure them, explain that you are willing to wait a few months and talk about the matter again at that moment, so that they understand that it is not a passing passion; you are really interested in having a dog and are willing to wait to show your parents how much you care.
Advice
- Learn about adoptions from local animal shelters. The costs are usually much lower than buying a puppy from a breeder or pet shop and you will also be helping a dog that needs a cozy home.
- Include news about local trainers in your information pack. Your parents will appreciate that you don't want just any dog, but a well-trained one.
- While you wait for your parents' approval, here are some ways to get in touch with dogs: Go to the animal shelter and volunteer, or find a neighbor who needs help for his dog.
- Visit local animal shelters and compromise with your parents if they want a different breed than your favorite or a specimen from a different shelter.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter to show that you will take care of the dog. Do this regularly (for example once a week) to show that you are responsible.
- Parents usually have a good reason if they tell you no. Hear what they have to say! Ask for a list of reasons why they prefer not to have a dog, then try to find solutions to all their concerns.
- Be responsible! Take care of your little brother, wash the dishes and look after the hamster! Do the housework when your parents can see you. You will positively impress them if you start making gestures of generosity.
- Be patient! Parents need time to get used to the idea of having a dog. Adopting an animal is a great responsibility. Don't push too hard.
Warnings
- Make sure you are willing to take responsibility for caring for a pet.
- If one of your parents is allergic to dogs or their dandruff, you can't overlook their concerns. Look for a hypoallergenic breed and be prepared for more expense than a traditional one.
