How can I convince my mother to get me a dog?

Question

About 8 years ago when I was much younger my mother had got a dog for my brother and I. Since we were young we really didn't do that much to help out with the dog and my mother ended up being the primary care giver. She ended up calling the SPCA to come get the dog because she was tired of having to take care of him and he had also bit my grandmother when she came over (something which I think was here fault because whenever the dog would run up to her she would smack him away). However, now I'm 17 and I am much more mature and responsible than I was back then and know I can handle being the caretaker of a dog. I have even been reading up on how to take care of dogs and train them properly. However, my mother can not seem to get past her memories and experiences with the old dog and she believes that since I wasn't responsible many years ago that I won't be responsible this time around. How can I convince her, or what can I say to change her mind and make her see that I can handle a dog.

10 points for best suggestions

Answer 1

Talk to her about companions and how a dog would provide her with joy.  

Answer 2

What do you do around the house NOW to show her that you are responsible? Reading and research is a good start, but that just proves that you can read and digest information - not that you'll do it! So pick up a few chores, try to write up a contract saying what you'll do for the dog and what you'll need help with.

Be honest - you can't do it all by yourself (for instance, you need to be 18/21 to purchase/adopt a dog and you need to be 18/21 to sign for vet bills and stuff like that.) Tell her that, but also tell her that you'll be responsible for most stuff.

Does your grandma just not like dogs? If that's the case you may have to put up with not having one - it certainly isn't fair to tell her "hey, you can't come over any more because we're getting a dog" and it isn't fair to the dog if she swats at it every time it goes to say hello.

But on the other end of the scale, it isn't fair that your mom is saying that you guys can't have a pet just because grandma (who doesn't live with you anymore) doesn't want us to have one (if that's her only reason.)

I would try to come to some sort of agreement. Like the dog goes on a lead when grandma comes over so he doesn't bother her. Or he goes in the backyard (if she doesn't stay for very long of course.) YOu can easily train a dog to avoid certain people or at LEAST to steer clear of them once they say hello.

You can also talk to grandma and see why she swats at the dog - that could certainly anger a dog into biting her, although if your mom noticed this was happening she should have been more active about keeping the pair apart.

Other than that, if mom says no she means no. If you can't convince her through your actions then you'll have to wait until you have your own home. Mom pays the bills and supports you and your brother, she works hard to do so - if she doesn't want to spend more money on a dog then that's her choice. It's her house. Get yourself a job and help out, then try again next year.

Add - There IS the option of staying at home while you go to college. I am - it's a buttload cheaper than living in a dorm or apartment while you're trying to learn and earn money. Then when you save up some of your own money you can get an apartment after college (or at least after first year of) and bring the dog with you.

Answer 3

You shouldn't get a dog!! You are going to college in a year or 2 and your mom will end up taking care of it again. Wait until you are done college and school before you get a dog!

Answer 4

Your mom knows best if she said no she means no! When you are old enough to own your own place get a dog then. I think if you had one and didnt care for it it will end the same way!  When you can afford your own pet/food and vet bills then get one!

Answer 5

Buy your own house. At least in the UK, you are legally permitted to buy a dog when you're 16.  

Answer 6

You're 17 now and it's not much longer until you go to college. When you leave your mom will once again become the primary caregiver. Just be patient and wait until you have your own house. Then you can get your own dog.  

Answer 7

I think you should wait for a dog.

You are 17 now.  In the next few years you will be looking at moving out and going to college.  What will happen to the dog then?  Very few colleges allow dogs in the dorms.. and they have a looong waiting list of kids wanting those dorms!

Its hard to find affordable housing when you are young and starting it.  Its next to impossible to find affordable housing that will allow pets, much less a dog.

Mom doesnt want to be "stuck" with the dog while you are transitioning yourself to become an independant adult.

Answer 8

Tell her you will care for it, give it and yourself excersice, feed and give it water and totally care for it. Tell her it will help you become more responsible.

Answer 9

Easy answer. Volunteer at a shelter. Show your mom your commitment and your willingness to even handle the boring, icky parts of dog ownership (they'll have you doing grunt work like cleaing cages and walking dogs) Once she sees you keep this commitment up, it may show her that you're ready for one of your own. And even if the answer stays no, you'll still have a job that lets you play with animals! (Many of whom may have been abused and could use a little sunshine in their lives)

Answer 10

Write a big report on how mature you are now and do a lot of research so she realizes you are serious. My mom got us a bunch of pets in our lifetime and it wasn't a very good record, but i convinced her by saying i will get all a's this year and now i am getting one next summer! Good luck!

Answer 11

Tell her how you have changed and if you don't have a job I would suggest you get one, just show her how responsible you are now. Just ask her. If you get a job maybe you should buy the dog and all the stuff it needs. do extra things for your mother also. I think if you pay for it all and take responsibility for all of the dog I think she will be fine with it.  That's how I got my mom to let me get my rotty. :)  

Answer 12

you should help your mom with the dog  when you had one now is a bit too late that's why your mon don't want a dog again beacause she think is gonna be again the same she need to take care for the dog