Help! My Child Wants a Dog – What Should I Do? Tips and Tricks

If your child wants a dog, it can lead to endless discussions, hurt feelings, slammed doors, and constant pleading. Here’s how to handle the situation without having to say a straight yes or no – plus, some alternatives to getting a dog of your own.

My Child Desperately Wants a Dog – What Now?

Most parents eventually face their child’s wish for a pet. While a small aquarium or terrarium is relatively easy to agree to, it’s a different story when your child insists on getting a dog. Instead of immediately saying no or giving in right away, consider the following tips.

Bringing a dog into your family is a big decision that comes with significant responsibility and, not least, considerable costs. So put some effort in the preparation and see how serios your child is about getting a dog.

My Child Wants a Pet – Tip #1: Ask Why

What does your child expect from having their own dog? Do they just think dogs are cute? Then pictures or time spent with other dog owners may be enough. Do they just want to play with a dog occasionally? That doesn’t necessarily mean you need one at home.

Encourage your child to seriously think about it and give an honest answer. „Because I want one“ is not a valid reason. Nor is „because my friend has one.“

Go through the reality of dog ownership together: how much work it takes, the effort needed to train them, how often they need to go outside, and the common problems dog owners face. That’s where the next tip comes in.

My Child Wants a Pet – Tip #2: Have Your Child Research (and Learn Yourself)

If you’ve never owned a dog, you’re just as inexperienced as your child. Before making any decisions, it’s important to do your research.

Ask questions like:

How much does a dog cost initially and monthly?
Are there breed restrictions where you live?
At what age can children walk dogs alone?
Which breed would be suitable?
How much time do you need to dedicate each day?
What are common problems dog owners face?

If your child is old enough to research online, assign them the task of finding out what challenges dog owners face and how they would plan to deal with them.

Also gather information from:

Conversations with dog owners, breeders, and shelter staff
Online dog forums
Dog trainers and training schools
Pet exhibitions

My Child Wants a Pet – Tip #3: Really Get to Know Dogs and Other Animals

Thanks to the internet, anyone can access millions of adorable animal pictures and videos at any time. This can create the illusion that owning a pet is just fun and cuteness all the time.

But the hard work, difficulties, and worries that come with animal care are rarely shown in those clips.

So: get out and learn as much as you can about potential pets – not just dogs. Explore the pros and cons of cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, chipmunks, rats and mice, fish, insects, reptiles, or amphibians.

Did you know you can keep African pygmy hedgehogs as pets? Or that rabbit agility is a real thing? Do your research – you may discover your child would actually prefer a freshwater ray aquarium or wants to teach parakeets how to talk.

Visit pet stores, breeders, animal owners, and exhibitions as a family. You’ll learn more, test the seriousness of the dog wish, and maybe even find a more manageable and affordable alternative.

My Child Wants a Pet – Tip #4: Does a Dog Fit the Budget and Other Practical Questions?

Whether it’s a dog or another pet, your child needs to understand that certain practical considerations must come first. These include:

Who will walk the dog? Is there enough time? Is your child allowed to walk the dog alone?
How much does a dog cost monthly – including insurance, taxes, food, training, and vet bills?
Does anyone in the family have allergies?
What happens if the dog can’t be left alone? Do you have someone to help or money for professional care?
What will you do with the dog during vacations?
Who takes care of the dog when your child is sick, away on a school trip, busy with friends or hobbies?

Instead of saying „a dog isn’t possible,“ work together to answer these questions. This way, your child may come to understand on their own that a dog might be too expensive or time-consuming right now.

My Child Wants a Pet – Tip #5: Gain Practical Experience

Do you know any dog owners? Take advantage of that and offer to help with care as often as possible – ideally even overnight on weekends. Many dog owners are glad to have trustworthy help. If you get a dog later, they can return the favor.

However, not all dog owners are comfortable leaving their pets with people who lack experience. So start slow: go for walks together, learn the basics, and begin by caring for the dog for one to three hours. If that goes well, you can increase the time.

If you don’t know any dog owners, try dog walking apps, ask at dog schools, or look for notices at supermarkets and pet stores.

My Child Wants a Pet – Tip #6: Explore Alternatives

Have you realized a dog might not be the right fit right now? Maybe your child’s desire was more spontaneous than serious. Or maybe the required time and money just aren’t available.

But there are alternatives that allow your child to spend time with dogs without owning one:

Help other dog owners with walking, entertaining, or caring for their pets
Ask animal shelters or rescue organizations how you can help
Contact dog trainers, dog parks, or schools to see if they need volunteers or allow visitors
Learn about dog sharing

Also, remember that there are many other great pets out there. You don’t need to get a dog to become a caring and responsible pet owner.

My Child Wants a Pet – Tip #7: Do Trial Runs

Think a dog might be right for you? Already have some hands-on experience and maybe even a breed in mind? Then it’s time for a trial run. Send your child outside at least four times a day – in all weather. Have them keep their room tidy to avoid choking hazards or chewed-up homework and slippers. Get them involved in cleaning, since accidents and vomit are part of pet life.

If your child is approaching or in puberty, they’ll likely find this prep phase silly and push back. But this step is important to demonstrate the commitment required.

If it falls apart by day three, be open and honest about your concerns.

My Child Wants a Dog – Do I Want One Too?

Growing up with animals can be a wonderful experience. Kids get a companion, learn to consider the needs of other living beings, gain knowledge, and develop responsibility and empathy.

What’s crucial is that no pet is treated like a toy. You need to be fully aware that you are responsible for both the animal’s well-being and everyone’s safety.

So don’t half-heartedly agree just to avoid being the “bad guy” if you’re not up for it. Instead, think about what alternatives you could live with – and offer those instead.

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