When you talk to your parents, you will want to be as specific as possible. You will sound more convincing if you are able to make definitive statements such as, “Mom, Dad, the Jack Russell Terrier is the right dog for us. " Or, “The Shih Poo is a great dog for us. " Start by looking at different dog breeds online. You can even take a quiz about what type of dog is right for you. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Use some websites such as the American Kennel Club site to figure out what type of dog you should ask for. For example, if your sister might be allergic, look into a Yorkshire Terrier. If your mom is worried that a dog will be messy, you can look for a dog that doesn’t shed heavily. Research dachshunds, which are a small, neat dog. Go to your local or school library. Ask the reference librarian to help you find some books that offer information about different breeds of small dogs.
Once you have an idea about some of the breeds you are interested in, contact your local animal shelter. The staff and volunteers there will be able to provide you with some helpful information. State that you are looking for a small dog and offer any other specific requirements that you have. For example, tell the staff whether you are looking for a puppy or an older dog. Ask if they regularly have a wide selection of dogs that might fit your needs. For example, you can say, “Will it be fairly easy to adopt a small dog such as a dachshund or terrier?” Collect other information. Find out what information you and your parents will need to provide in order to adopt a dog. You can also ask how long the process takes.
Talk to the experts. You can ask the staff at the shelter how much the adoption fees are and if you will need to pay for vaccinations. Contact a local vet. You can phone the office and ask for general pricing information. Ask how much it will cost to spay or neuter a dog, and how much regular office check-ups cost. Visit a local pet store. You can price food, toys, and grooming products. Combine all of your information to figure out the monthly cost of dog ownership. If you plan to pay for part of the dog’s care, make that part of your presentation, too.
Think about how much time it will take to exercise your dog each day. Do you have a yard where he can play independently? Or will you need to make sure to walk him? If you are asking for a puppy, think about how long it will take to train the dog. Are you planning to spend some time each day helping to house train the dog? Make a calendar that shows the breakdown of how much time you will spend caring for the dog. If you are asking other family members to help, make sure to make that clear.
Ask your parents to schedule some time to hear your presentation. Try saying, “Mom, Dad, do you have some free time Wednesday after dinner? Could I talk to you for about 30 minutes?” Avoid trying to have an important discussion when your parents are busy. Don’t try to bring up the subject when they are heading out the door or trying to make dinner. Choose a time when there will be few interruptions. For example, don’t ask your parents to listen to you right before it is time for your mom’s friends to come over for book club.
Notes will help you remember all of the facts that you have collected. Don’t be afraid to refer to them while you are talking. Make some visual aids. If you are good with computers, you can make a Power Point presentation. Include pictures of the type of dog you would like to get. You can also make a chart that describes the breakdown of costs. If you don’t know how to make a Power Point, that’s ok. You can use poster board to help show your information. Use brightly colored markers to highlight some of the most important facts.
Practice your presentation. Take some time to run through your information the day before you speak to your parents. Rehearse it to make sure it’s dog-worthy. Rehearsing will help you feel and sound more confident. Try asking a friend or other family member to listen. They might be able to offer you some helpful advice. Don’t worry if you get nervous. Just pause for a moment, take a deep breath, smile, and keep going.
For example, your parents might say, “How are you going to fit this in around soccer practice?” You can say, “That’s a great question. I plan to start getting up earlier in the morning to spend quality time with the new dog. " When it is your parents turn to talk, show them that you are listening. Make eye contact and nod your head when they make an important point. Let your parents know that you are happy to answer any questions that they have. This shows that you are willing to have a mature conversation.
Demonstrate that you are patient. Say, “I know this is a big decision, so I understand if you need to take some time to discuss it with each other. " Your parents might have other requirements. For example, they might say, “You will have to let your sister help you choose the dog. " Be prepared to compromise on these sorts of qualifications. You can suggest your own compromises, too. For example, you could say, “If you let me get a dog, I will be happy to have my allowance reduced. I understand dogs are expensive. "
Completing your chores when asked is a great way to show that you are capable of handling a dog. Make sure you set aside time each day to take care of your housework. Do things without being asked. For example, if you are in charge of taking out the trash, go ahead and do that anytime you notice that it is full. Volunteer for extra responsibility. You can say, “Mom, I want to show you I am responsible. How about you let me be in charge of packing my own lunch this week?”
Make a study schedule for yourself. This will show your parents you are capable of sticking to a routine. Wake up on time. Don’t make your parents come in to your room several times to get you out of bed. Getting up early will be important once you have a dog. Show that you are ready to handle early morning walks.
Show consideration for your family members. If you see your dad out mowing the yard on a hot day, bring him a glass of iced tea. If you have siblings, be nice to them. If you fight less with your brother, it shows that you are a kind, responsible person. Be a good friend. Showing kindness to your friends will help your parents see what a great kid you are. Offer to let your buddy ride your new bike.
Don’t throw fits. If you don’t get your way, don’t stomp off. Instead say, “Ok, I accept your decision. " Use your words. If you are upset by something, talk to your parents. You can say, “I’m upset that I can’t spend the night at Sarah’s this weekend. Is there something I can do to earn the privilege?” Work on creating a relationship based on trust. This will help your parents see that you deserve to adopt a dog.
