I'd like to add though... If you talk about it with your parents and they accept to have one, it would still be a good thing. You just have to ask yourself what will happen in 6 years when you go to college. I had to leave my two cats at my parents when I left the house and I really wasn't happy about it... but it was better for them because they just couldn't go from a house to a small apartment.
....whoa...
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Really good point Smkie. The problem is that some parents are really not fond of the idea of keeping their kid's pets when they are in college. My mom still has the cats, but she keeps complaining about them, and I don't think she takes care of them as I would. Keep in mind that the dog would probably spend half his life with the parents... so it's important that the parents like the dog, too. But yeah, if you take a 4-5 year old dog, it should be no problem, he would sure be really happy for the next few years.
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and unless the parents ar enot only willing to allow a dog, but also willing to be educated about dogs and dog care...leaving the dog with them is not an option. if you get a 4-6 year old dog, depending on the breed, it could die of old age before you leave for college and would have had a very happy life with you, or it could live for a couple of years after you leave for school and possibly still be alive when you are done. it just depends on a lot of factors, and the decision is ultimately up too you. and I for one am certain that you will make a well informed decision about what is best for YOU, wether you get one now and take it to school with you, get one now and leave it with your parents, or wait untill you finish school. you seem like a very intelligent, caring young man.
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probably a very responsible decision, atleast for now. you never know, tomorrow or 3 years from now your parents could change and actually try to learn about dogs and even want one. keep hanging out here and asking questions though, learn all you can and it will be that much easier to decide what breed and age to go with when you do get one.
Oh, Richie... I just read through the thread. But I do have to say... you have the most wisdom of a 12 year old I've ever witnessed! Only YOU know your situation at home. Only YOU know your parents' true character. What I've been reading (in and between the lines) is that they don't understand dogs and now may not be the time (for the sake of the dog... and YOU). If you do move forward, I think you need to be careful of the breed you choose. For instance, you thought if your Dad would play with the dog, it would be rough play. Well, doing that with a pit you don't know the background of could be iffy. And on the flip side, if it were, say, a golden you were getting, they don't like rough play. Unfortunately, you are still under their roof with their rules and their ways and means. Your heart is good and you've got so much knowledge about dogs to make such decisions! It really does need to be a "family" decision on the pet... because all will be involved with this pet's well-being. However, I know Nedim was up against much of the same and "I think" his parents really love Peanut (Nedim?). Hang in there. Maybe you could babysit people's dogs at your house for a fix until you're in a situation to have one of your own???
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thats a great idea...babysitting (or doggie sitting) untill you can get your own. I think the msot amazing thing is not that you are a 12 year old who knows so much about dogs and is making such responsible and well thought out decisions...but the fact that you are doing that when your parents are the opposite. thats amazing!!! most 12 year olds dont think the way you do even if their parents DO think responsibly and know a lot of facts. Im truly impressed.
another idea is find a dog training facility or boarding facility and volonteer for them, dont know if you could work (get paid) at 12, is that a child labor problem? but volonteering could be a lot of fun and you could learn a lot of general dog info, and it could help you decide which breed/breeds might be best for you.
another idea is find a dog training facility or boarding facility and volonteer for them, dont know if you could work (get paid) at 12, is that a child labor problem? but volonteering could be a lot of fun and you could learn a lot of general dog info, and it could help you decide which breed/breeds might be best for you.
i think it will..i do recomend a no-kill shelter to start off in. IF i had to walk into an overloaded shelter like the raytown animal control that does all of kansas city..id cry myself to sleep everynight. Here tho the way side waifs are picking up EACH WEEK animals that would otherwise be euthanized and taking them to their shelter (this is such a huge big deal) and working with them, giving them a second chance. That would be the perfect place for you..you will learn how to care for, house break, and basic obedience as well as how to socialize from the pros..then you will know when your time is right. i talked with my friend Kelly (one person whom's perspective i respect completely) and her daughter is her age. I asked her if i was wrong..that a pitbull rescue would be too much..and we debated the point back and forth for awhile..she said that pitbulls are like labradors in their willingness to want to please..(something a lot of breeds are not) and can make a marvelous dog..which i agree..but a rescue could be a dog that has been chained, scared, already has the scars of being left to a shelter...and could whip you right off your feet the first time you put one on a leash..there are some benefits to being an expereinced handler for such beginnings or even about a hundred lbs heavier then her daughter...she finally said no..tho Gil is a great girl, and well behaved, knows dogs (they have 4) very well, she didn't believe that physically she would be ready for such a powerhouse. plus you have an advantage here that a lot of people will never get. If your parents were willing to get you a harrier hound..then your happiness must be of some importance to them..and as i pmed u..they have raised an extrodinary (sp?) young man. If they are willing to get you the pup of your choice..and know that you will background check the breeder..are obviously not impulsive..(always a good dog owner sign) then you should take avantage of getting a great pup. I didn't want to say this before..becuase a lot of beagle people are about to slam me i am sure, but they are a very stubborn breed..i have always advised for a first dog that you look at breeds that are easy to train..have a strong desire to please..are breed for intelligence as well as looks and manners..that makes your learning just that much easier. Hunting dogs are unique..they have a strong drive. Victor is a prime example..and the first two months i thought he was going to be the end of me ..i was exhausted. My mom said are you sure you are up to this..for pity sake i lost 10 lbs walking alone..they call his breed the fararri (sp? again) of the pointers...no kidding..my heart just swells with pride tho that i can take him to the dog park, take off the leash and he can outrun..with a beauty that turns EVERYONE'S heads..as he races thru the brush..leaps 5 feet in the air after dragon flies..and yet i can put him on a leash..hold it with the end of my pinky as we walk down the street..a slight tap on the leash and he goes straight to sit until i say heel..you have the time now before you start working and driving and all to learn something very special about life (no better teacher then your dog) and how to support, educate, someone besides yourself, and yourself at the same time. you could go to training classes..they have them at community centers as well as places like pet smart..it doens't take long, a few short lessons each day..before school, after school, 10 15 minutes a time. I hate to see you lose this opportunity..what ever you decide..i will respect your decision and i won't bring this up anymore..but to have a dog to grow up with is priceless..i got my CHarlie when i was your age...i wouldn't trade his being in my life for all the dollars in the world, and i mean that. He has had a large part in raising me while i raised him.
Oh... dog boarding facilities... you could take dogs out in the turnout areas and play with them (many a day so you can get acclimated to different breeds, personalities, etc.) when they're left in their little cells while their owners are vacationing, or whatever. Or... do you live in a neighborhood? Where you could walk or ride a bike to a neighbor's house and watch their dog when they're out of town? You could even charge for your services! When Grammy's gone (crying), I don't know WHAT I will do for my pets. But I do know that kenneling them is NOT something I want to do. I would rather have someone come into my home (that I can trust) and give them their play and lovin' time and feed them, etc. Heck... some people may not even be out of town... just a late meeting, or something, and want your services. You could make up a flyer and distribute it to your neighbors advertising your services. I would help you make that flyer up! (I have an advertising background 
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Richie, I'm late getting into this too. My heart bleeds for you as I know how much you want a dog. But I agree, unless you parents support you 100% it's not worth the time and worry you put into this. I chose our family dog ( a golden ) after we lost our 17 year old Irish Setter . I was 13 yrs. old. When I went off to college it was sooooooooo hard to leave him !! But my parents were dog lovers and I knew he was fine. You are a wise boy and will do what's right for you and your dog to be. Do you have any bros or sisters who can help ??? I know you'll make the right choice ....