Steps
- Research the dog you want to get. Compile as much information as you can about the breed-- care, feeding, trainability, size, good and bad traits, and availability.
- Make sure you know where you plan to get your dog.
- Show responsible behavior for at least a month before bringing up the subject.
- Remember: a dog, especially a small dog, is a living being that is totally dependent on you for food, comfort, and good health. You need to show you're mature and together enough to take care of yourself before you can care for an animal.
- Make your case for the dog
- Point to examples of your responsible behavior that shows you'll take care of the dog. For example, point out that you don't need to be reminded to take out the garbage, so you won't need to be reminded to feed your dog.
- Budget for your dog. Lay out your plan to pay for food, vet care, etc. using your own money.
- Work out logistical problems ahead of time. For example, if you have no yard, explain that you plan to train your dog to use a litterbox indoors.
- Explain the virtues of your chosen breed. Toy poodles, for example, don't shed; some terriers are excellent watchdogs.
- Discuss important lessons to be learned from the dog. For example, training the dog teaches important skills, like patience, positive reenforcement, and teamwork.
- Remind your parents that a small dog won't break stuff in the house like a medium or large dog (or even a cat that jumps on things) would.
- If necessary, explain to your parents that not all small dogs bark excessively. Because they're small, many people "baby" them and they become spoiled, barking whenever they want. Insist that you will train your dog and not spoil it--and mean it.
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