How to Convince Your Parents to Get a Dog: 7 Vet-Approved Tips

You have decided that you’re ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet dog. However, your parents haven’t been too receptive to the idea in the past. So, how can you convince them?

The most important thing that you can do is prove to them that you can live up to the responsibilities of caring for a canine companion. That said, this can take time and may even open your eyes as to whether you’re really ready to have such a high-maintenance pet. If you think you’re up to the task, though, here are a few important tips to help you prove to your parents that you’re responsible enough to care for a dog.

The 7 Tips to Convince Your Parents to Get a Dog

1.  Do Your Research

All dogs are different when it comes to their temperament and care requirements, but doing your research on the different breeds will give you some idea of the likely personality of your possible new dog. You’ll need to determine what kind of dog will be right for your family so you can create a care plan and prove to your parents that you have what it takes to be a good caretaker.

If your family is active and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, or hanging out at the beach, a small breed like a Chihuahua may not be the best fit for you. Conversely, if you live in an apartment, you probably don’t have enough room to accommodate a large breed like a Golden Retriever.

2.  Create a Daily Routine

Once you have an idea of what kind of breed you want to get, create a daily routine that you will follow once the dog is living with you. Doing so will accomplish multiple things:

• It will show your parents that you’re serious about caring for a dog and that you’re prepared to take on that responsibility.
• You’ll understand exactly what it will take to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout their life.
• It’ll give you an opportunity to start practicing the routine so you can get the hang of things before your new dog arrives.

Make sure to include daily walks, meals, grooming tasks, and quality time together when creating your schedule. Everything that must be done to keep your dog in good shape should be added to the routine. Type it up calendar style, print a few copies, and give one to your parents.

3.  Explain How You’ll Implement the Routine

It isn’t enough just to plan a routine for your parents to peruse, as the new routine is likely to take up time that you don't currently have. So, you should explain how you'll make time for things like daily walks. Will you wake up half an hour earlier each morning or cut out an after-school program that you’re currently participating in? How will you make sure the dog will be cared for during the weekends when you usually spend your free time with friends?

What steps will you take to make sure the dog is cleaned up after inside the house? Too many times, parents end up caring for the household pet because their kids don't realize how much responsibility it takes. Explaining how you'll implement your created routine will open their eyes to your commitment and your understanding of what you'll be doing as a new dog owner.

4.  Prove That You Are Responsible Now

A great way to show your parents that you are ready for the responsibility of caring for a household dog is to show them that you are committed to the responsibilities that you already have now. Make sure your bed is made daily and your room stays clean. Take out the garbage, and/or do the dishes without having to be reminded. You may impress them even more by asking to take on an extra responsibility or two around the house—at least until you get your dog.

5.  Come Up With a Way to Help Cover Expenses

If you are old enough to get a part-time job or find a way to make extra money, consider offering to cover a few of the expenses of owning a dog. If you are willing to pay for the food and toys, for example, it will take a bit of pressure off your parents and might open their minds more to the possibility of bringing a new pet home. Even offering $20 a month to help cover expenses can make a good impression on your parents as they make their final decision.

6.  Talk About the Pros and Cons

Make sure your parents know you understand that there are good and bad aspects to being a dog owner. Highlight the positive factors, such as teaching you more responsibility and making sure you get the exercise that you need for good health.

You should also recognize possible negative factors, such as the possibility that you’ll have less time to spend with friends and that you won’t have the same flexible freedom as you’ve enjoyed thus far. Make sure you talk through each pro and con together to ensure that you’re all on the same page.

7.  Address Your Parents’ Concerns

Make sure you thoroughly address all your parents’ concerns about bringing a pup into the home. Ask them to make a list so you can respond in writing. Then, sit down, and go over the list with your parents so you can ask each other questions and really dig into the concerns until everyone comes to a consensus.

Conclusion

With a great deal of planning, in-depth discussions, a bit of luck, and the help of these tips, you’ll be able to show your parents that you’re ready to care for a dog, and you’ll be the proud owner of your own furry family member in no time!

• See Also: How to Convince Someone to Get a Dog: Vet-Reviewed Tips & Considerations

Featured Photo Credit: Robert Kneschke, Shutterstock