My kids keep asking me for a dog!!

United States
October 1, 2011 2:19pm CST
I mean really, I told my kids no for the fact that they are enough work in their self I mean my kids are age 7,2,1 and what in the world I look maintaining a dog and kids I would really lose my head, maybe when they get much older, because I am not walking no dog in the middle of the night, they are expensive to keep up, and they chew on everything, I just don't have the patients to deal with another responsibility, I mean am I by myself here I don't think I am hurting their feelings, but me and my fiance was like we can't do it not right now, I mean how many of you have kids with animals, and how many without?
10 responses
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
1 Oct 11
Hello Walking, The chewing problem may be solved if you adopt an adult dog that overcame this problem. Chewing is more frequent in young dogs and puppies so if you bring home an adult, your things won't be destroyed. Dogs are not necessarily expensive to take care of, unless they have medical problems and you have to pay for vet bills. But once you decided to get a dog, you must be prepared for any expenses. Your kids won't be too happy with your decision but they'll survive. My folks never wanted to buy me a dog but I got a dog as soon as I was able to take care of it by myself.
• United States
1 Oct 11
LOL i understand that, and see the thing about getting a dog that is fully grown is that they have to get use to the house hold and I don't want to take that chance of putting my kids in a situation to where they have to defend their self because it takes a while for a dog to get use to them, then I don't know what that dog has been through shoot he might have flash backs one day LOL, LOL, and flip on us.
1 person likes this
@buddha3 (1026)
• India
2 Oct 11
Lot of kids ask for the things that they see their friends possess. That is tne natural trend and we also used to plead for literally everything that we saw in our friends' houses. It's just a matter of kids growing up and understanding what is worth and what not. We can try to make them understand that we can afford only that which we can take care of.
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
2 Oct 11
But you don't bring home any adult dog. The stuff from the shelter knows what dog fits a family with small children and they wouldn't give for adoption a dog that might harm his new family.
• Philippines
2 Oct 11
When i was a kid, i really wanted to have a dog because it brings a lot of happiness in me. Kids wanted everything they see, even the most little thing they see, they like it. Sometime we loss the patience in dealing with this. I dont have my kid right know, obviously because im still single, but girl mind you this, when you're still a kid you want this also, I assume. So why not give them what they want.
• United States
2 Oct 11
Ok this response is different one thing about being a kid you have to learn that you can't have anything you want, you have to learn the word No, and deal with it and that is how I grew up, of course I didn't like it,but I got over it to. But right now I don't the time to manage a dog, LOL..
@picjim (3002)
• India
2 Oct 11
I have two teenage children and a dog.But we got our dog when our elder child was 14 and the younger around nine and a half.Your kids are a lot younger.The reason I say this is because you have to take care of the children as well as the dog.The dog has to be properly trained as a pup else he'll create a nuisance and this is in addition to the time you have to devote on the kids.It will be advisable to opt for the dog when the kids are a lot more older so they can share the work of looking after the dog with you.
• United States
2 Oct 11
Yes I do agree thank you for that. Yes I Will wait until they get older.
@helloiam (21)
• United States
1 Oct 11
My brothers and I have been asking for a dog from our parents for practically our whole lives. I'm glad to see an adults perspective on raising a pet. As I gradually grew older I realized dogs were a lot to take care of. You should tell your kids that they should show responsibility first.
• United States
1 Oct 11
Yes you are right it is a lot because you have the little ones getting into everything, then to run behind a dog, I don't think so LOL, it is crazy.. it will be a lot on me, and my fiance, because we would have a lot more to clean up.
1 Oct 11
I totally understand why your kids want a dog. But I think you would be wise to wait until your youngest is a little older. I have 2 dogs but my youngest is now 14 so it's pretty easy for me to deal with. I love dogs, but am allergic to them that's why my 2 dogs are poodles. Don't feel guilty about not wanting to take on the extra responsibility, I think your very wise to appreciate you have some very young children who need all your time and care at the moment. A dog will wait, you'll know when the time is right.
• United States
1 Oct 11
LOL thank you for that because I might be ready to pull my hair out LOL.
• Philippines
2 Oct 11
I guess you should just wait until all your kids will get a little older. But the decision still depends on you. Dogs can be easily trained especially if they are still puppies. They are not only cute, but they are also considered "man's bestfriend". I believe this quotation is true because believe it or not, we have 11 dogs here in our house. Dogs can be really expensive but I can say it's worth the price. They will surely protect you if properly trained. But if you think that it's still not the right time to have one, then maybe in the future.
• United States
2 Oct 11
Yes I will wait for now because, it's enough to change Pampers all day and make dinner for everyone in the house..
• Canada
2 Oct 11
Fellings have nothing to do with it... If you DON'T HAVE TIME FOR A PET, DON'T GET ONE. Expenceis just one thing to do with it, TRAINING HaS EVERYTHING TO DO WIH IT, you r haviving enough with kids at this time...
• Philippines
2 Oct 11
Dogs are really difficult to keep especially dogs need attention too. They need a vet for regular check up for anti rabies and other sickness so that your family is safe also. You need a lot of time for dogs since it needs grooming and budget for their food. If all those things are okay with you, then you can keep a dog. But since your kids are still so young, they won't be able to help you with maintaining your dog, unless you have a house helper who would be taking care of that pet. Just tell your kids that you can get them a dog if you are ready and if they grow a bit bigger to help you with keeping a pet dog. Just explain them that you are not closing your doors for a pet dog, it only needs good timing, so ask them to wait.
@ranilo70 (177)
3 Oct 11
I am a dog lover. since I was a kid i used to have a dog (either local breed or high breed dogs). Dogs are nice companion.They make us happy. Even though we are busy then with household chores while our parents are working but still we can manage them. and for now, I have 3 dogs. We still can keep the dogs at ease and discipline them. they don't even bother tearing on anything or making mess. so as an owner , you should be patient too for dogs are smart and are keeping their patients too. they guard you during night time. Just balance or budget your time for you to take care of your dogs, by then you'll love them.
• Vietnam
3 Oct 11
I also had a dog when I was very small just 5 or 6 years old, but it's fantastic and I still remember until now, when I am 26 years old ready and mom of a 6-month boy.