|
How to Convince Your Parents to Get a Dog
Okay kids, here's how you can convince your parents to get a dog. First of all, realize that parents have a lot on their minds and they would prefer not to add anything else to their busy schedule. That includes figuring out the pros and cons of getting a dog. This is where you come in. You have to put together a thorough proposal.
The proposal has to be so complete that all the parent has to do is look at it and beam with pride at how thorough you were. If your proposal is good, and your parents are impressed enough, you will be one step closer to getting your dog.
Here are a few things to consider when preparing your proposal:
- Keeping things clean. Convince your parents that you will pick up after your dog. In addition to the obvious yard poop, let them know you will thoroughly clean any 'accidents' the dog has.
- Discuss dog training. Show off your dog training knowledge. Go to the library and get tons of books on dog training. Wow your parents with your knowledge. Assure them that you know all about dog training. To really impress them, throw around a few Ceasar Millan (Dog Whisperer) phrases like 'pack leader' or 'calm assertive energy.'
- Recommend a breed. Do your homework. Even if you end up getting a mutt, research the various breeds and their characteristics. Make a recommendation to your parents as to which breed will fit best with your family.
- Cost to own a dog. Find out how much it will cost to own a dog. When you're calculating the cost, be sure to include more than just the cost to buy the dog. Include things like veterinarian visits, food, dog toys, collars, leashes, doggie shampoo, vitamins, poop smell remover (of course you'll never need it because your dog won't poop inside the house) and any other dog-related cost. Talk to your friends who have dogs and ask them if you've missed anything.
Keep in mind that dogs live for several years, so the costs will occur each year. If you don't have a job to pay for maintaining the dog, offer your services to offset the cost. You can do things like wash the dishes, polish the furniture, take out the trash without being asked, you get the idea.
- Prove you are responsible. Before you even broach the subject of getting a dog to your parents, why don't you try a 30 to 60 day experiment? Show them how responsible you can be. Do things that your parents didn't even think you are capable of doing like consistently making your bed, cleaning up after yourself, help mom bring the groceries in the house, cut the grass without being asked, shovel the snow before Dad wakes up. Use your imagination. I'm sure you know what will please your parents.
After the 30 to 60 day experiment the first thing you will have to do is convince your parents that were not taken over by an alien for the past 30 to 60 days. Once convinced, your parents will be more receptive to getting a dog. After all, you've proven that you are a responsible individual.
Now that you've got them right where you want them, do you truly want the responsibility of taking care of a dog?
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Felicia A. Williams is a freelance writer and webmaster of this website, Visit Hudson Valley.com and No Job for Mom.com. She also blogs about Living Green one choice at a time.
Saturday, 08-Mar-2008 19:18:27 EST
| |
