If my entire family wants a dog but I don't, it won't work, right?

[Anonymous]

My older child has been asking for a dog for about 2 years but has done nothing to prove he can handle the responsibility like take care of his room and the play/school room.

I last owned a dog 30 years ago and I liked it but had cats since. I don't want dog fur, dog smell, dog walk/poo responsibilities. I like going barefoot in my backyard. I don't like dog licks or breath...so I shouldn't get a dog even though my kids want one, right?

Please be nice. I would love to want a dog and make my kids happy but I just can't find a way to want one. And yes, I like dogs; other peoples'.

Is there a way around this issue? Therapy? Could 3 in the family make up for one not participating in dog ownership? When we had cats, my husband did not participate in cat ownership responsibilities and I was fine with that.

[Anonymous]

Therapy? For whom? You, the family or the dog?

[Anonymous]

What does your DH say?

[Anonymous]

How old is your kid? 9 years and up, with a responsible personality and it could be okay. It’s a huge commitment. What about fostering a couple dogs to help them out and test out what having a dog in the house would really be like?

[Anonymous]

I always feel like one of the adults in the house has to want the dog in order for it to work. Sometimes the other adult comes around and helps (and may even love the dog) but, to start, someone has to see it as a good idea and not a job.

[Anonymous]

My dog doesn't poop in our yard, is non-shedding, and we brush her teeth so her breath is not bad (plus she eats a Dentabone). We taught her the command "No face" for when we want her to stop licking our faces.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it. I was 9 when my 14 year old sister wanted a dog and promised to take care of it. My parents did not know much about dogs, and by the time I was 11, I was taking care of the dog pretty much by myself. I was responsible, my sister was anything but. I loved that dog, but it was way too much work and whenever I could not take care of him, he was neglected. I felt bad, but you really need to have one very responsible adult or two semi-responsible people in the house to take care of a dog, especially if one of the semi-responsible people is a child.

If your DH will not commit to being at least semi-responsible for the dog, then I would say your veto overrides them, unless you are willing to relax your resistance.

This is why since my spouse does not want a dog, we are not getting a dog, even though the kids want it. I just know that I would end up doing the lion's share of the work for the dog and I'm not willing to do that, so although I would love a dog, I'm not willing to take on that much responsibility. So I'll just enjoy visiting with friends' dogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My older child has been asking for a dog for about 2 years but has done nothing to prove he can handle the responsibility like take care of his room and the play/school room.

I last owned a dog 30 years ago and I liked it but had cats since. I don't want dog fur, dog smell, dog walk/poo responsibilities. I like going barefoot in my backyard. I don't like dog licks or breath...so I shouldn't get a dog even though my kids want one, right?

Please be nice. I would love to want a dog and make my kids happy but I just can't find a way to want one. And yes, I like dogs; other peoples'.

Is there a way around this issue? Therapy? Could 3 in the family make up for one not participating in dog ownership? When we had cats, my husband did not participate in cat ownership responsibilities and I was fine with that.

Absolutely no dog. Or you're showing your children that they can "over-rule" their mother. They can get their own pets in their own home.

[Anonymous]

Offer to "pet sit" for a friend's dog when they go on vacation. Even a responsible kid will lose enthusiasm for pet chores after a short time, and then it will all fall on you.

[Anonymous]

Kids and DH wanted one for years and I did not. Grew up with dogs and did not bond with them or ever play with them. I finally acquiesced and now I love the dog. Has become part of the family.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it. Dog responsibility falls squarely on parents. If you do not want the responsibility then say no.

A dog is a sentient being and it needs care, love, company. It is a responsibility not only for your daily life but also if you have to to go on a vacation or a trip.

My SIL died recently and she left behind a dog and a cat. My brother is not happy to be taking care of them with his own health problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My older child has been asking for a dog for about 2 years but has done nothing to prove he can handle the responsibility like take care of his room and the play/school room.

I last owned a dog 30 years ago and I liked it but had cats since. I don't want dog fur, dog smell, dog walk/poo responsibilities. I like going barefoot in my backyard. I don't like dog licks or breath...so I shouldn't get a dog even though my kids want one, right?

Please be nice. I would love to want a dog and make my kids happy but I just can't find a way to want one. And yes, I like dogs; other peoples'.

Is there a way around this issue? Therapy? Could 3 in the family make up for one not participating in dog ownership? When we had cats, my husband did not participate in cat ownership responsibilities and I was fine with that.

No. If he won’t do the work then he doesn’t really want the responsibility.

[Anonymous]

I gave in and our lab is sleeping at my feet right now, which makes me very happy. I think you have to at least like dogs, but I was pretty opposed to having one in the house. Now I cannot imagine our house without him even though I am the one that walks him every day--which is probably good for my overall health.

[Anonymous]

No. Dogs live at least 10 years—probably more. That’s a long time to be picking up poop and going on early morning walks when you’re not into it and your kids are in college.

[Anonymous]

How old are your children?

Does your husband want a dog? Does he want to be the primary point person for the dog?(Even responsible kids need guidance from a parent.) If the answer to either of those questions are no, then there’s your answer.