Should There Be A Parent's Argument For Not Getting A Dog?

Everyone at one point in their life has either seen advertisements or argued for a furry, four-legged animal around the Christmas time. A parent’s main argument is usually that it is a lot of responsibility, and that it is a big decision. From a parent’s point of view, it is very costly, can require time to train, and commitment to keep up with a dog’s necessities. Although it is a big decision, a dog would be a great animal to have in a household because they improve mental and physical health, as well as improving a child’s responsibility.

A parent’s argument for not getting a dog is a very valid reason, but the statistics say otherwise. Purina says that, “Children who have a furry friend have fewer days off school due to sickness” (www.purina.co.uk).

Owning a dog can help a child and their family having a better immune system and lessen the risk of other health problems. They are also a great social activity because many of them are excited to see people and enjoy running around, as children usually do. The child can not take care of the dog on their own, but they can certainly do things such as bathing and taking the dog out that can lighten the parents load of dog ownership. Owning a dog should be a joint-ownership and fun for the whole family and not just work for one person.
The next time a child begs for a dog and promises that they will take care of them, do the dishes for a month, and clean up after themselves, it is important to weigh the options. Owning a dog should be a family responsibility and not just one individual’s responsibility. It is a lot of work to own a dog, but the statistics show that the pros of owning a dog outweighs the cons. So, let’s remember that each time the Christmas season comes around and a child goes into the same argument.