Step up and take on more responsibility in terms of caring for your current dog. For example, if your mother usually takes the dog for its nightly walk, start volunteering to do so. You can also be vigilant about feeding the dog at the right times. You should also spend time with your dog. Your parents may worry a second dog will take attention away from the first. Showing how much you value your current dog can help reassure your parents both dogs will get plenty of love and attention.
Cover the basics. Talk about how often to feed a new dog, let a dog out, and things like grooming, bathing, and playing with your new dog. You should also consider how to best introduce dogs. Do some research on website like the ASPCA and have a game plan in place for introducing two dogs. For example, you should keep the dogs in separate rooms for a few days before a face-to-face interaction.
It can help to jot down your thoughts and then read them over. This can help you identify what you need and want out of the situation, allowing you task more effectively.
For example, if you have a quiet dining room in your house, try asking here. If your parents, say, sit in the dining room and have coffee on Saturday mornings, this will be a good time to ask as they’ll be relatively relaxed.
Talk about how you understand there will be extra work. For example, say, “I’ll make sure to let the dog out and feed it. " Bring up anything you learned while researching introducing a new dog into the home. For example, say, “We can introduce the dogs slowly. The new dog can stay in my room until Sparky gets used to having another dog here. "
For example, say something like, “I know how hard you two work and I really appreciate you getting me one dog. I know raising a kid and a dog is hard when you’re both working full time. "
Let your parents speak. After you’ve stated your case, be quiet and allow your parents to contribute to the conversation. Try to empathize with your parents when they talk. Your parents work hard to make money, and want to spend it wisely. A new dog may be costly. It will also take a lot of time to introduce a new dog to the home. Your parents’ time may be limited, so they may be hesitant to get a new dog. You need to accept this and try to come up with a solution to financial struggles.
Instead of arguing, listen to your parents in a calm fashion. Do not say, “It’s so unfair you won’t let me get another dog. " Instead, say, “Okay, I understand why it would be a lot of work for you. "
Ask respectfully. Say something like, “I understand you don’t want to get a second dog. Could we please talk about why?”
If your parents say “No” initially, gently introduce the topic of you earning the dog. Try asking first. Say something like, “Is there any way I could earn the dog as a reward?” Provide your parents with some examples of what you would do to earn the dog. For example, “I know you’re not happy with my math grade. What if I tried to bring that up in exchange for the dog?”
Say something like, “If money is an issue, I can pay for the adoption fee. I can start saving money from my paper route until I have enough. "
End the conversation on a good note. Say something like, “Okay, I understand you don’t want a new dog right now. Thank you for listening to me anyway. I appreciate it. "
