How do I persuade a 5yo and 8yo we don't want a dog?

[Apocalypto]

They keep banging on about this and I need good arguments why they can't have a dog.

I had a dog when I was a kid. They are a lot of work. A 5yo and an 8yo will not be able to take the dog for a walk on their own (I used to when I was 7, but I don't think this is allowed any more), so this means it will be me, getting up early to do this before work and doing it in the evenings. I have no time to myself as it is and this will take up even more of it.

So what convinces small children dogs are a bad idea?

Why do some people think that you can't have nice holidays or days out if you own a dog???

What bizarre comments!!!

There are lots of places you can leave dogs while you go on holiday, Kennels, Dog boarding business's ran in peoples homes and people to come into your home and look after them. Also there are lots of holidays where you can take your dog!!! and there are also plenty of dog friendly places to go on days out too!!! your not completely limited and you know the dogs aren't children they can be left alone for a limited time!!

My dd wanted a dog since she was 7 years old.We had a dog when she was a baby and then moved abroad to an apartment in Asia where we didn't really think it was fair to have a dog.She didn't forget!.Now she is 12 [we promised her a dog if she did well in her sats-she did] and then we had nearly a year of building work done and we got the puppy a week ago.Some kids don't forget!.But what you can do is delay it until it is a suitable time for you.My dd is really good with the dog [and picks up the poo] and wants to be a vet when older.

nothing. i am 34 and am still pining for the dog i've wanted since i was about 10.

i will have one one day... i hope...

AandK - I never said I told the children the truth! The idea of the thread is to put the kids off having a dog, not to be 100% factually accurate

OK, how about dog sitting for a friend when they go away on holiday. Then make them do all the stuff that needs doing with a dog. It will either prove to you that they are capable of helping out and taking responsibility or prove to them that it's too big a commitment.