So me and my sister have always wanted a dog!
But my dad hates animals :'(
He made up a list of requirements to get one.
But like is it worth it? And fair to the dog?
and (aprox) how much would the cost be? Just from like owning a dog.
It would be a shelter dog, for sure, and not a "rat dog" or giant St. Bernard or anything.
Any breeds in particular that might be good?
Thanks so much
Requirements:
Dog will need to be an older/mellow dog with short hair and not known to promote allergies.
Dog will primarily live outdoors – okay for dog to sleep on the tiled area in the basement at night and play in parts of the basement (during very hot or very cold weather) as long as the dog does not go up the stairs or the hallway leading to the room. Kids are responsible for determining how the dog will meet this requirements. For the sleeping area (tiled area only), need to have something like old carpet between the dog and tile. Dog can spend the days in the shed. A doghouse can be built and placed in the shed area for added protection. A dog door can be cut in the shed.
Dog will be contained via an invisible fence that works. Lawn areas must be excluded from invisible fence containment so that the dog does not use the lawn areas.
All dog food/water will happen on the back/lower patio. Only enough food that will be immediately consumed will be put out. Any excess will be stored away to ensure rats etc do not get to the food. Food will be stored in an air tight plastic container.
Basement area where dog resides must be cleaned often enough there is no dog residue/fur etc. As a minimum it will need to be cleaned weekly. Basement carpet must be shampooed every couple months. Cleaning etc must be coordinated by kids – who are also responsible for getting the carpet ready for cleaning.
Dog poop etc will need to be picked up regularly – at least once a week.
Dog is not allowed in any other part of the house at any time. (Areas off limits to the dog in the basement include the guest room and dad's office. During bad weather, kids/dog can play in the other parts of the basement but if dog is loose in the basement, kids must be present 100 percent of the time and be fully responsible. Basement/stairs carpet etc must be vacuumed at least once a week. Carpet must be cleaned up immediately if dirt is visible.) Kids will rectify any damage caused by dog at their cost.
Kids will be responsible for working out any issues with the dog/neighbors etc.
All dog training must be properly done including proper use of electric fence. Dogs not properly trained are not effective with a dog fence.
Kids will ensure the dog is properly brushed etc regularly and kids will clean off any dog hair etc from themselves before coming into the house. If there are dog hairs or anything dog related in the house for whatever reason etc, kids will promptly clean it up.
Dog tools/brushes or any dog related items etc must be stored in the shed.
Costs
Dad will pay for the invisible fence
Kids to pay 25% of inside kennel/outside doghouse that resides in the shed.
Kids to pay 100 percent for the dog.
Kids to pay 100 percent of any training/dog toys etc.
Kids to pay 50 percent of all dog related expenses – food/vet/inside kennel/dog house/inside dog kennel etc. Please create a cost/budget sheet so you know exactly what your financial obligation is. Maximum contribution by kids is $xx a year with money put away. The maximum does not include damage caused by dog which is over and beyond this amount.
Kids will pay 100 percent of costs to rectify damage caused by dog.
A cost sheet must be reviewed signed off with proof of available funds by kids.
Kids are responsible for getting everything coordinated including the installation of the invisible fence. But, dad will need to approve it.
All things must be in place before a dog is brought home.
Kids will be responsible for anything not covered here. Dad may help but kids are ultimately responsible.
Dad may change this document as needed. Dad will be the only person making revisions to this document but input is welcome.
Failure to keep up with this and future requirements could result in the loss of privileges including giving up the dog.
Parties accepting responsibility for the dog must sign this.
Recommended Answer:
I would wait if it were me.
Read More...
But my dad hates animals :'(
He made up a list of requirements to get one.
But like is it worth it? And fair to the dog?
and (aprox) how much would the cost be? Just from like owning a dog.
It would be a shelter dog, for sure, and not a "rat dog" or giant St. Bernard or anything.
Any breeds in particular that might be good?
Thanks so much
Requirements:
Dog will need to be an older/mellow dog with short hair and not known to promote allergies.
Dog will primarily live outdoors – okay for dog to sleep on the tiled area in the basement at night and play in parts of the basement (during very hot or very cold weather) as long as the dog does not go up the stairs or the hallway leading to the room. Kids are responsible for determining how the dog will meet this requirements. For the sleeping area (tiled area only), need to have something like old carpet between the dog and tile. Dog can spend the days in the shed. A doghouse can be built and placed in the shed area for added protection. A dog door can be cut in the shed.
Dog will be contained via an invisible fence that works. Lawn areas must be excluded from invisible fence containment so that the dog does not use the lawn areas.
All dog food/water will happen on the back/lower patio. Only enough food that will be immediately consumed will be put out. Any excess will be stored away to ensure rats etc do not get to the food. Food will be stored in an air tight plastic container.
Basement area where dog resides must be cleaned often enough there is no dog residue/fur etc. As a minimum it will need to be cleaned weekly. Basement carpet must be shampooed every couple months. Cleaning etc must be coordinated by kids – who are also responsible for getting the carpet ready for cleaning.
Dog poop etc will need to be picked up regularly – at least once a week.
Dog is not allowed in any other part of the house at any time. (Areas off limits to the dog in the basement include the guest room and dad's office. During bad weather, kids/dog can play in the other parts of the basement but if dog is loose in the basement, kids must be present 100 percent of the time and be fully responsible. Basement/stairs carpet etc must be vacuumed at least once a week. Carpet must be cleaned up immediately if dirt is visible.) Kids will rectify any damage caused by dog at their cost.
Kids will be responsible for working out any issues with the dog/neighbors etc.
All dog training must be properly done including proper use of electric fence. Dogs not properly trained are not effective with a dog fence.
Kids will ensure the dog is properly brushed etc regularly and kids will clean off any dog hair etc from themselves before coming into the house. If there are dog hairs or anything dog related in the house for whatever reason etc, kids will promptly clean it up.
Dog tools/brushes or any dog related items etc must be stored in the shed.
Costs
Dad will pay for the invisible fence
Kids to pay 25% of inside kennel/outside doghouse that resides in the shed.
Kids to pay 100 percent for the dog.
Kids to pay 100 percent of any training/dog toys etc.
Kids to pay 50 percent of all dog related expenses – food/vet/inside kennel/dog house/inside dog kennel etc. Please create a cost/budget sheet so you know exactly what your financial obligation is. Maximum contribution by kids is $xx a year with money put away. The maximum does not include damage caused by dog which is over and beyond this amount.
Kids will pay 100 percent of costs to rectify damage caused by dog.
A cost sheet must be reviewed signed off with proof of available funds by kids.
Kids are responsible for getting everything coordinated including the installation of the invisible fence. But, dad will need to approve it.
All things must be in place before a dog is brought home.
Kids will be responsible for anything not covered here. Dad may help but kids are ultimately responsible.
Dad may change this document as needed. Dad will be the only person making revisions to this document but input is welcome.
Failure to keep up with this and future requirements could result in the loss of privileges including giving up the dog.
Parties accepting responsibility for the dog must sign this.
Dog Training - Three Stages of Dog Training
Recommended Answer:
I would wait if it were me.
Dog Training
- If it were me - I would wait. You're Dad is a wise man - he definitely thought everything thru!
- I got a mutt from a shelter. He is large/extra large. He cost $100 but came with a lot of stuff. (Good deal) Leashes, collar, neutered, shots, and everything.
If you are going to a shelter, there won't be much choice in a breed because they are mostly mutts.
In the beginning, you're going to be spending several hundred dollars. For things such as crates, food, bowls, toys, and other necessities.
It is totally fair to the dog. I wouldn't worry about it.
Give me time to read the requirements...
The shed would be okay as long as you make sure there is nothing harmful in there, such as sharp or pointy objects. I would clean it first.
If you don't want much shedding, get a shorter haired dog. (My mutt is a german shedder. No typo)
Or think about getting a longer haired dog because it will be outside when it's cold.
Make sure you have enough money to pay for items and damage. If going to a shelter, they usually cost around $100.
Try getting a dog that is not too high energy, such as huskies, to avoid destruction .
Tell me if you need any more info. Hope this helped.
Hey, sorry that everyone is being a little mean. But, they are a little right. Since it's going to be outside, try getting a dog that's not really a family dog. He will be craving attention and it wouldn't do good outside. Maybe get more of a guard dog or more reserved dog, such as Dobbie, Rott, Shepherd, so on.
That's great that you're volunteering. Maybe try to get to know one dog at that shelter. Then, you can see if it's the right dog for you. Also, you will be able to find out the responsibility of owning dogs. - I live in UTAH! LOL Coolio =)
i think the requirements are fair and good as long as you can keep up, I know I will when I buy my dog i'll add l8er - dont put a dog thru all that. i didnt even read it all but as soon as you said father hates animals and it would sleep outside thats awful. dogs, that are loved shouldnt be left outside. that is like loveless, what if your parents were like oh we want kids but we wanna keep them outside or even a basement! do you want to live in a basement your whole life? didnt think so. get a rabbit.
- no dog especially a small dog should live outside 24/7.
invisible fences are harmful. poop will need to be picked up more than once a week.
you and your dad dont know the first thing about care - From the looks of this list...no I don't think it's worth it.
The animals at the Best Friends shelter are usually not adoptable, that's why they are there. I'm sorry, but the restrictions are much to harsh for an 11 & 14 year old to handle. It also seems unfair to the animal. Just wait. Volunteer at your local shelter, maybe you can ask your father if you can 'foster' a dog for awhile, just to see how it all work. If you foster, there is no commitment, no adoption fee, you have the dogs usually only a couple of weeks. Do this with several different types of dogs until you find one that might 'fit' best.
However, honestly, with your father's attitude, unless he loosens up, it would not make for a pleasant situation for you or the animal. Wait until you have a place of your own, perhaps. - Although it's wonderful that you intent to adopt, no dog should be forced to live outside. The only 'outside' dogs I believe in are working dogs who are guarding sheep, otherwise dogs should live inside with their 'pack'.
The dog will end up being dumped back at the shelter in six months. I know it seems like a long time but wait until you move out of your house and get a dog. Then you can do whatever YOU want with it and won't have to force it to live in your basement. - I think it is a really good thing to get a dog because you always have a companion, it will love you if you love it back, but it does take some responsibility to feed it and wash it and when you go somewhere you would need to find someone to feed it while your out but other than the requirments it dosn't really matter because it is worth it, its like having your own little baby, and i recomend a shih Tzu because they don't cause allergies and they listen to you espessually when you cry, they are verry loyal and well behaved. and its ok if its long.
- If you would get a dog, let it live inside the house or w.e. If it's going to live outside, you shouldn't buy a dog. It'll be really sad.
- DEFINITELY wait. The number one reason is the fact your father does NOT like animals. A pet should be in a home where EVERYONE wants it.
As for the requirements just how do you and your sister plan to earn money for this dog? An 11 yr old and 14 yr old can only do so much and dogs are expensive.
Electric fences: They work only about 50% of the time depending on the dog itself more than the training and are 100% ineffective at keeping other animals OUT.
Being confined to only one part of the house, outside the majority of the time and a shed is NOT fair to the dog.
Dog feces should be picked up more often than once a week
And what is he going to inspect you two for dog hair all the time? Dogs have fur its going to get into the rest of the house whether he likes it or not.
This really is not a suitable situation to bring a dog into. - Its costs like 300 bucks so i would save it up and most animal shelters require the dog to live INSIDE. I know you really want a dog but think about the dog. Poor thing a shock collar and living outside with 1 family member hating him!!! Oh and only 1 dog that i know does not shed and that dog is a yorkie and that dog has to be an INSIDE dog!!! So its your choice choose wisely.
- This is the most rediculous thing I have heard of. Take my advice and stick with stuffed animals. Your dad is so unreasonable. There is no way you two kids can take on the cost of this dog. A dog should be a part of the family, not stuck outside or in a basement. Wait till your grown and get yourself a dog, but remember it needs attention and love. Don't ever stick it out in a shed or basement.
- For me, if I could afford it at that age and my dad laid down those requirements, it would DEFINITELY be worth it. I would have LOVED to have an animal at that age, and would have done everything required.
I'm glad your dad has thought this through and I hope you decide what to get.
Oh yeah, dogs with short hair promote more allergies. Since its shorter, it breaks easier and when it breaks, it floats around catching all of the allergens in the air...you breath in through your nose and BAM! Sneezing starts...might wanna bring that up to dad.
Good starter breeds are labrador retrievers, golden retrievers(but they require a bit of grooming upkeep), austrailian shepherds(grooming), beagles, border collies(grooming), or any dog mixed with one of these breeds would be a good first dog!
Good luck and you're doing a great thing by volunteering! - Sorry, but your Dad is totally neurotic about dog hair.
He is being very strict and unrealistic.
Short haired dogs shed. There will be dog hair. It can be cleaned up, but he sounds like such a perfectionist that it wouldn't be worth it.
There are some breeds that don't shed like poodles and schnauzers, but then they have high grooming costs. (Like $40-$50 every 6 weeks)
And having an 11 and 14 year old pay 50% of the vet bills. Really? My vet bills cost over $300 a year. (That includes flea preventative and heart worm preventative plus yearly shots.) My dog's annual dental work costs another $200.
Your Dad doesn't want a dog and is putting all the responsibility on you which I think is pretty unrealistic of him.
I would honestly wait because with that "contract" it is a disaster waiting to happen... it's just too strict. - you're father seems very strict over this situation. But his house his rules you know. I have been around dogs more than people throughout my life. one thing you need to know is that it's not a pet..it's a member of you're family someone that will love you and care for you no matter what. I have a 19 year old boxer called pretty boy and that is OLD for any dog 19 = 151 in dog years. I also work in a vet. so i can tell you it's a lot of work to care for dogs but definitely worth it. my dog sleeps in the house on a dog bed and some nights i'll fall asleep right next to him on the floor. it also takes a nice chunk of money to own a dog I really couldn't say how much exactly it all depends on the type of dog, any health problems, whatever brand of food you buy, any toys or beds you get it. and since you're father wants it to be an older dog it has a higher chance for health problems such as cancer
( which pretty boy has) it can be very expensive but I couldn't imagine my life without my dog so yes it does take $$$ but it's worth every dollar. - Shelter dogs come with a history, many of them have had tough lives until now. The last thing they need is to be left alone in a shed all day, unable to even wander onto some soft grass, electrically shocked if they try, and unloved by at least one member of the family. At this stage in their lives they deserve better, and they aren't going to get it based on those requirements.
Shelters will only adopt to adults, and they do that for an excellent reason. It's unreasonable to expect people of your age to be able to financially support a dog. It's highly likely you'll end up dumping him back to the shelter anyway, which is going to damage the poor thing even more, and only serve to teach you that pets are disposable, rather than the permanent members of the family that they truly are.
Are you still going to be caring for this dog in 15 or 20 years? Will he still be living in your shed? Do everyone a favor and wait until you can actually love this dog, don't force him out in the cold and isolate him. - Lauren,
Lauren,
Obviously you love animals and I think it is great that you are asking some question that all people should ask themselves before they get a dog.
Your Dad obviously put a lot of thought into this, too, such a long and detailed list of rules and regulations! What I miss in Dad's list are rules governing the mental well-being of the dog.
When you go to volunteer at the shelter this summer (what a wonderful thing of you to do!), you have an opportunity to learn a lot about dogs. One thing you will learn is that a dog is considered a pack-animal. That means dogs are happiest when they constantly live with other dogs and people. A dog is not happy when it is in a yard all by itself most of the day (no matter how big and beautiful the yard is) and alone in a basement at night. A dog needs a job, a purpose in life, just like peole do. In your situation, my biggest concern would be that the dog is alone too much. A dog is a living, feeling being, and you will be responsible for both its physical and mental well-being, Many people like dogs as pets because they can bond with them, and such a bond can be very rewarding for a person. The bond between a dog and its master is deeper the more time the two spend together. You can't expect to bond with a dog that is on its own at night and most of the day. Having a dog and taking good care of it takes a lot of time every day. Do you go to school? Do you have any after-school activities? How much time a day do you think you and your sister will spend with the dog?
The people at the shelter can probably tell you that while the dogs there are well taken care off, what they really need to be happiest is a family of their own to live WITH (not: always outside, basement at night).
An unhappy dog will be a troublesome dog. It might run away (some dogs can not be stopped by an electric fence), it might bark excessively, dig holes in the yard, or worse become agressive.
Also, think about the future. A dog can live to 15 years or longer. What happens as you and your sister get older? You will probably spend a lot more time with your friends. You will go to college. When you are not home to take care of your dog, who will?
Dogs also cost a lot of money. Well, not necessarily the dog itself. I have three dogs, two large ones and a medium sized one, that were relatively "cheap", I adopted them from shelters.
If you want your dog to be as healthy as possible you will need a premium quality dogfood, that's not cheap. They need good rawhide to chew on and toys to stimulate them, like Kongs.
Your dog needs obedience training. One course will cost you at least about $80.00.
What can get really expensive is veterinary care. There is minimum basic care like a yearly wellness exam, shots, and the very important heartworm preventive. When I take one of my dogs to the vet, I pay $45.00 just for the vet to examine my dog. Add a vaccination or a heartworm test and you are easily well over $100.00. At some point your dog might need a dental cleaning, that will cost about $300.00 or more.
One of my dogs completely tore a tendon last year and had surgery, I had to pay $4,000.00 for that. Is your family prepared for a medical emergency, would your dad be willing to pay for something like this?
I would recommend that you go to a vet in your area and ask him/her how much basic medical care is.
One more thing, there is no such thing as a "hypo-allergenic dog". It is only just a matter of how many irritants a dog gives off. A non-shedding breed only just spreads less irritants than a shedding dog. The length of a dog's hair does not necessarily relate to the amount of hair that is shedded. My short haired labs shed more than my long haired collie mix.
Wow, my answer got to be quite long, too, but there is a lot to consider here before making a decision.
You should probably let your Dad read this and discuss it with him and your sister. - is it wortyh it if you have to keep it one room all the time
