Here’s a sure-fire way to convince your partner to get a dog
So, you want a dog? There’s just one roadblock: your partner’s not so receptive. You can either sulk about living a dog-less – let’s be honest, far less fulfilling – life, or you can do something about it. After all, the heart wants what the heart wants – and you want a dog.
Generally, when it comes to pet ownership, there are two camps of people:
Camp A) Those who want a pet now
Camp B) Those who will want a pet…just not yet.
Most of the time, it’s a case of getting your partner from camp B to A, which can be a drawn-out process – but you get there overtime. However, it’s made a lot easier if you’re prepared and offer up a solid case.
For those more gung-ho about getting a dog than their partner, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to shifting their perspective. The only condition? Send us ALL the cute dog snaps.
1. The benefits
Unconditional love. Devoted companionship. Constant entertainment. There are SO benefits to owning a dog, to name a few more…
- They keep you fit and active
- You’ll be more social
- More time together
- You’ll be happier (did you know dogs release oxytocin, the love hormone, in their owners?)
- It’s the perfect baby step into parenting
Amanda Seyfried @Mingey
2. Address their pain points
“I’ll be the one left having to walk it”
Make your partner fully aware of your intended commitment. Tell them you’ll bear the brunt of the responsibility. Or, better yet, treat it as a bonding experience and walk the dog together. Remember, actions speak louder than words though. Pull together a proposed walking schedule and prove your commitment by sticking to it yourself for a few weeks. Take on more responsibility in other ways too, like around the house. Keep the plants watered, remember to take out the bins, start meal prepping lunches in advance. Trust us, they’ll notice.
Cute couple bonding? Zendaya and Taylor Hill are a huge mood.
“We don’t need the stress right now”
It’s actually quite the opposite! There’s a reason dogs are go-to support pets - they’re ‘man’s best friend’. Not only do canines consistently demonstrate unconditional loyalty (arguably even more so than kids!), they’re also proven to reduce stress. Spending just a few minutes with a pet can lower anxiety and blood pressure, as well as increase levels of serotonin and dopamine. Plus, dogs are so excited to see you when you get home, that all your day’s stresses will be left at the door.
‘So stressful’ @joejonas @sophieturner
“They’ll ruin the house”
Sure, there might be some initial ‘teething issues’, but the mental benefits of doggie ownership vastly outweigh your furniture’s importance. Also, if you want kids one day, the puppy phase is over a lot quicker than their human counterparts…
“How much will it cost? Aren’t they expensive?”
‘Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity’…right?
“But, what about all the travel we do?”
Well, that’s a bit redundant right now. There’s never been a better time to get a four-legged companion!
- Present your case
So, you’ve communicated the benefits and prepped your rebuttal…now what? Now, it’s time to present your case. Here’s a handy, totally unbiased presentation the team at Pedigree Parenting have prepared – it’s thoroughly researched and backed by science*. Below is a wee snippet of the comprehensive research Pedigree has put into pleading your case for a four-legged friend.
View the full presentation here.
*The facts in the presentation may have been embellished or even fabricated, for the good of dogs.
We also recommend showing them a few cute videos…like this one…for good measure.
Then, if you really want to tug on the ol’ heartstrings, take the personalised quiz to see what dogs are waiting for their forever home in a shelter right now.
With all of the above in mind, remember delivery is key. Don’t be too forceful – it’s about starting a new and exciting chapter after all!
Fingers (and paws) crossed, with a little luck, you’ll be on the same page soon.
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