Caring for a dog can be a life-changing experience as a kid! It teaches you responsibility while giving you a taste for what it's like to care for another living being. Plus, the unbridled love that dogs show to their caretakers is something that every kid can benefit from.
Unfortunately, not all parents are open to the idea of introducing a furry friend into the home! It's not uncommon to see kids desperately beg for a puppy to call their own.
While that can eventually work in some cases, many parents will continue to say, "No!"
So, how can you convince your parents to get a dog? While there's no surefire way to get your parents to cave, there are some things you can do to present a compelling argument.
Show Your Parents That You're Ready for the Responsibilities
There's a good chance that you'll hear something like this the first time you ask for a dog:
"You can barely keep your room clean and you think that you're responsible enough to care for a dog?"
That might sting a bit, but it's one of the biggest reasons parents aren't keen on introducing a dog into the mix. You need to do your part to show your parents that you're ready for those responsibilities.
Here are some ways you can do that:
Those are just a few ways to show that you're being responsible. It may take some time, but your parents will notice and appreciate the change.
Adapt Your Daily Schedule
Another common issue that parents have is a lack of time. Dogs are a big commitment. You can't just take care of them when you're feeling up to it.
Your furry friend will rely on you for everything, so you have to show that you can make time to take care of the essentials. You can start getting up early to show that you'll have time to take them for walks.
Or, you can start getting all your daily chores and schoolwork done early to show that you have ample time to train and play with a puppy.
The goal is to let your dog know that you will be the one to create time, not them.
Find a Way To Help With the Added Expenses
Let's face it; caring for a dog isn't cheap. Not only do you have to worry about paying for food and toys, but there are also the veterinary costs to consider.
While you may not be able to drop everything and get a job, you can do your part to help with some of those expenses.
Consider saving up your allowance if you have one. You can also pick up odd jobs around the neighborhood. Every little bit counts. If the upfront costs are a concern, you can always adopt a dog. There are plenty of ways to manage costs. Do your part and your parents may open up to the idea.
Do A Test Run
Do you have a friend with a dog? Why not see if your parents will let you watch them for a couple of hours every once in a while? This is a great opportunity to test the waters.
You'll be able to see what it'll be like to constantly care for a pup while your parents can get a better idea of what it's going to be like to have a pooch in the house.
Not only that, but you'll be able to show that you're responsible, which is a big plus.
Start dog-sitting for a couple of hours here and there. If possible, try to do some overnight stays as well.
Figure Out Why Your Parents Don't Want a Dog
Don't be afraid to have an honest discussion with your parents about why they aren't letting you get a dog. Ask your parents what their major concerns. This will give you the knowledge you need to address those concerns and convince your parents that you're ready for a dog.
There's a good chance that you'll hear all of the obvious reasons. Things like expenses, time, and responsibility are to be expected. However, you may also learn about other reasons you didn't think about.
Maybe one of your parents are allergic to pet hair or is scared of canine aggression. This leads us to the next point...
Do Some Research
Once you've found out what's keeping your parents from just saying, "Yes," you can do some research and find reasonable solutions.
For example, if allergies are the problem, you can present your parents with the idea of getting a hypoallergenic dog.
You should always do some research about the potential breed you want. It'll better prepare you for when you do get a dog. Not only that, but you can find a breed that matches your parent's concerns.
If aggression is the problem, go with a gentle breed that doesn't have a history of violence. If it's time that's the issue, find a breed that's chill and independent!
Use research to your advantage and address every concern your parents have.
Talk About the Benefits of Owning a Dog
Finally, you can present your parents with all of the benefits that owning a dog has to offer. Dog owners can probably find hundreds of advantages that their canine companions bring to their life. Here's are just a few that you can use to convince your parents.
1. More Family Time
What parent doesn't want to spend more time with their kids? With a dog, You'll have tons of opportunities for family time.
You can take the family out for a walk, spend an afternoon at the dog park, or work together to train your new pooch.
Those memories last a lifetime and can bring your family closer.
2. You'll Get More Exercise
Parents around the world complain about their kids not getting enough exercise or spending too much time inside with their electronics. Well, having a dog will force you to be more active.
You'll have to play with your dog outside, take them on long walks, and more.
3. A Less Stressful Home
Several studies have shown that canine companions are the perfect stress-relievers. Just being around a dog can lower your heart rate and reduce some of those stress hormones. This is great for everyone in the family, not just you.
4. Improved Mental Health
Thanks to dogs' abilities to reduce stress, everyone in your family can experience a boost in mental health. Dogs are overwhelmingly positive creatures.
As such, they've been known to reduce the chances of depression and give people a much more positive outlook.
5. Stronger Immune Systems
Did you know that kids raised around dogs typically suffer from fewer allergies in the future? Breathing in pet dander and being around all of those puppy messes helps to strengthen the immune system quite a bit.
6. More Security at Home
Whether you have a breed that's known for being a guard dog or not, having a pooch protecting your home can do wonders to make you feel safer.
Thanks to their exceptional sense of hearing, dogs can detect intruders long before you do. Not only that, but barking dogs are one of the best deterrents for would-be burglars.
7. Better Overall Health
In addition to improving your immunity, dogs can have a big effect on your health. Many studies have shown that dog owners often have better cholesterol levels. Plus, dogs have been known to detect cancer early on.
On top of that, the companionship that dogs provide can help elderly folks stay calm and stress-free. The health benefits dogs provide are immeasurable, so it's worth bringing up to your parents.
8. An Opportunity to Learn Responsibility
Finally, owning a dog will help you understand responsibility. We mentioned this earlier, but it's an important benefit to bring up. Caring for a living creature is the best way to build character.
The skills you obtain with your first dog will follow you for the rest of your life.
Conclusion
Convincing your parents to get a dog isn't the easiest thing to do. However, you can do your part to show them that you're more than ready to take on the challenge.
Take some time to do your research and show your parents what they need to see. If you do things right, you may come home one day to find your new best friend waiting for you.
