Q&A for How to Persuade Your Parents to Get a Dog

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  • Question
    What should I do if one of my parents is open to getting a new dog but the other isn't?
    Community Answer
    Find a dog in a shelter and tell your parents that it won't get a home if you don't give it one. These dogs are cheaper than ones from a breeder and some are already potty trained.
  • Question
    What if my parents ask more questions than I can answer or don't even have an answer?
    Community Answer
    Smile sweetly and say: "That's a great question thank you. I'll go and research that, then give you the answer shortly". There is no shame in not knowing something, it's not going to sink your case. Your parents will be impressed by your level-headed manner and willingness to learn more.
  • Question
    My mum and I want a dog but my dad refuses, saying I won't walk it or clean it. How could I persuade him?
    Community Answer
    Prove to him that you are able to do those things, and will do them. Have a talk with him, and ask him why he thinks that. It may be that he believes you do not keep your bedroom clean, or something else. However, once you know his reasoning, you can figure out how to fix the problem at hand.
  • Question
    How can I persuade my parents to get a specific breed of dog?
    Community Answer
    If you want to persuade them to get a specific breed, do research on the dog breed, then tell them all of the great things about it. If they still say no, ask them what kind of dogs they like. Do research on those breeds, and see if you could enjoy having that type of dog. Some of the things parents worry about most with dogs are aggression, allergies and mess, so perhaps address these issues with respect to your desired breed.
  • Question
    My parents keep saying no, is there still hope?
    Community Answer
    Yes! your parents are going to keep turning you down. But, there is still hope. You can hope for the best and show them that you are responsible. Go on walks and tell them that you could get a to keep you company. There is always hope. And even of you don't get one now, you could consider walking neighbor's dogs, volunteering at a dog shelter or doing something else related to dogs.
  • Question
    My family dog died and my parents are resisting getting a new dog. What strategies can I use?
    Community Answer
    Your parents may be so upset about the loss that they're not yet ready for a new dog. In that case, waiting a bit might help. However, you could also mention that you feel sad without your dog and that not having one in your life makes you miserable. Talk about all the things you liked to do with your old dog. Keep on being patient; in time, they may realize that having a dog again is a good idea.
  • Question
    What else can I try when none of these tips work?
    Community Answer
    Try what you haven't yet tried. Wait a few months to let your parents think about it more. Ask if you could foster a dog for a short time, as a trial. This would provide a good chance to show how you would take care of a dog. Create a document on the household computer, complete with pictures, website references and straight up facts that help show you've done your research. Leave it up on the screen, so that they can see it whenever they use the computer. If you don't have a household computer, try writing it out or using the computers at a library to create the documents, then print them out to leave at home; put various copies where your parents will see them. You could also try writing an essay on why you should get a dog, then give it to your parents outright. This demonstrates responsibility.
  • Question
    How do I make my parents like the dog?
    Community Answer
    Tell them about the security reasons you should have one; or that it will keep you busy, and teach you responsibility. Encourage them to learn more about the dog.
  • Question
    What happens if I get the money but my parent still says no?
    Community Answer
    Keep the money in the bank, earning a tiny amount of interest. In the meantime, be as responsible as you can be around the house, doing chores without being asked and caring for siblings, the indoor plants, keeping the driveway clean, etc. Then raise it again in a month or two, after you've worked a lot to establish how responsible you are. If there is a household pet already, take care of it too.
  • Question
    What if the dog sheds?
    Community Answer
    You can reduce shedding by brushing your dog frequently; that way more of the hair will get caught in the brush and not all over your house. You can also get a low-shedding or non-shedding dog. Generally, any type of poodle mix will be a low-shedding dog. These dogs tend to shed only in the spring and fall; when they do shed, they shed in clumps, so you can just pick up the hair and put it in the garbage.
  • Question
    If we go away, what do we do with the dog(s)?
    Community Answer
    You can arrange for a friend or neighbor to pet sit, hire a professional pet sitter, or you can board your dog.
  • Question
    How can I convince somebody that a dog is a great pet?
    Community Answer
    You could share some of the things that are so great about dogs. For example, dogs can help keep you safe, and they make great companions.
  • Question
    My parents think it is expensive and my mom is grossed out when a dog poops or pees. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Show your parents a picture of a cute shelter dog. Tell them that many of them are already potty trained and are less expensive than dogs that come from a breeder. Remind them that many of these dogs will be put to sleep if they're not adopted. Promise your mom that you will take the dog on walks and pick up the poop.
  • Question
    What if I have tried most of what is above and failed?
    Community Answer
    Try what you haven't yet tried. And wait, wait a few months to let them have time to think more about it. Ask if you could foster a dog for a short time, to see how caring for a dog goes. This would present a good chance to show how you would take care of a dog.
  • Question
    What if my mom absolutely does NOT want a dog, but I do?
    Community Answer
    Explain that she would not have to look after it, but YOU would and how you will save the money to do so.
  • Question
    What should I research when looking at dogs?
    Community Answer
    Things that would be useful include the dog's natural instinctual behavioral traits, whether or not it's suitable to live where you do (for example, some may need a fenced-in yard and to be out all day or some may need just a small walk) and what is required for grooming (this can get expensive if you can't do it alone). Also look into the food you'd feed the dog and the costs involved and what sorts of veterinary costs will be involved each year.
  • Question
    What if they are allergic to dogs?
    Community Answer
    There are such dogs that called hypoallergenic dog breeds, These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander. Dander, which is attached to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in humans. Do some research into such dog breeds and explain this to your parents.
  • Question
    I have a cat, but I would also love a dog. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Find a dog that can get along with cats. A reputable breeder or an animal welfare shelter will be best placed to advise you on this.
  • Question
    My dad is repeating the same answer, no, because he thinks he will end up taking care of the dog. How can I convince him he won't?
    Community Answer
    Suck up. It sounds ridiculous, but it really works. I cleaned the house, my dad's car, and baked him a cake. The next day I was holding my new golden retriever puppy.
  • Question
    I have four cats and my mom thinks a corgi is going to hurt them even though I looked it up and it says it will not. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Show your mom the online source that says that this dog won't hurt cats. Find more than one source to back it up. If multiple sites say the same thing, most likely it is true. Also, make sure you get a puppy. By introducing the cats to the dog at a young age, they are much more likely to get along.
  • Question
    My dad and I want a dog, but we're not sure about mom yet. We already have a guinea pig that is just one year old. How do we take care of both animals? My mom does a lot for the guinea pig already.
    Community Answer
    Well, I myself have a dog and a guinea pig. Here's how we manage: don't neglect either animal (the guinea pig's cage is clean and has food and water, dog has food and water), make sure they're introduced properly, and honestly, that's just about it. My guinea pig and dog have lived together for years and have never had a single issue. Ensure that when the guinea pig is out to keep an eye on the dog, you never know when an accident may occur, and you don't want anyone getting hurt.
  • Question
    How do I convince my parents I am responsible?
    Community Answer
    You can prove to them you can handle more chores and that you are willing to help them as much as you can.
  • Question
    What if my dad says no because it will poo and pee all over the house and the house will smell?
    Community Answer
    Puppies need to be potty trained, so they will pee everywhere. Talk to him about getting an older dog that is already house trained, then he won't have to worry about the pee and poo in the house.
  • Question
    My cats hate other animals. But I need a dog. How do I protect it?
    Community Answer
    If your cats are aggressive and in control of the house, it won't be safe to bring a dog into that environment. But if you must have a dog, be prepared to keep it separated from the cats at all times.
  • Question
    My mom is scared of dogs but I really want one. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try to show her how gentle dogs can be before trying to persuade her. Once she feels comfortable around them, you can ask her if she is alright with one around all the time. Maybe getting one will change her whole opinion.
  • Question
    What type of dog should I get?
    Community Answer
    That depends mostly on what kind of dog do you like. If you like really big dogs, you might consider a Mastiff or a Great Dane. If you like small dogs, you might prefer a Chihuahua or a type of Terrier. If you like average sized dogs, you'll most likely prefer something like a Labrador or a Brittany.
  • Question
    My parents won't let me get a dog because they are concerned that no one is here to take care of it during school. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    You could try finding someone who is willing to take care of the dog during the day while you're in school. Dogs, especially puppies, do usually require at least some human interaction during the day, or at least plenty of room to run around inside, so it's best if someone can help take care of your dog.
  • Question
    My parents still say no to getting a dog for my birthday, how do I persuade them to get a dog?
    Community Answer
    I had the same problem for many years. I think I finally changed their mind when I promised I would wash the dog, feed the dog every morning and every night, walk the dog, and pick up its poop. if you aren't comfortable with any of these things, you should reconsider getting a dog. You could also offer to help pay for the dog's expenses with your allowance money.
  • Question
    What can I do if I really want a dog, but a family member is allergic?
    Community Answer
    You can get a hyponallergic dog, because their fur is special which helps people with allergies.
  • Question
    My mom doesn't want it in the house and we can't afford a kennel, what do I do?
    Community Answer
    If you have a garage, you could keep it in there, but that's not really fair to the dog. Try to convince your mom to let you keep it in the house. Promise to clean up after the dog and take care of all its needs.
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