Running out of excuses on why you should not get a dog for Junior when you know perfectly that you can? I suggest that you give in gracefully to the pesky whining of your child. Besides, you can always have a say on evaluating which mutt is the best for your kid and your self-preservation.

Remember however, that coming up with the final decision does not have to happen in a flash. Before anything else, have a preliminary family meeting. Involve everyone since the pet will eventually be a shared responsibility. Ask input from everyone.

Remind the kids that there are factors to be considered such as the size of the dog vis-à-vis the size of the home, the dog’s temperament, and not to mention the time, cost, and effort to keep a pet in the house. The children should be aware that it’s like having another baby at home and is not a light matter.

Give everyone some time to think. If the kids are of school-age, you can assign them to research a specific breed of dog they like and list down reasons why they would make a good pet, always bearing in mind the factors you’ve pointed out during the meeting.

As for you or the spouse, consulting your friendly neighborhood vet is another good idea. He or she can always gladly assist you on getting information about the different breeds of dogs. Knowing that each breed has its particular physical characteristics, temperament, and possible medical issues later on will help you narrow your choice down.

Armed with relevant information, your family can now meet again and confidently make a decision. Let everyone present his or her case. Better if you have a whiteboard or blackboard with you so you can write down important points (such as advantages and disadvantages) that everyone can read. Use these details to make a decision that will make everyone happy.

If, in any case, you have reached an impasse, meet again on another day. Leave the notes in a place where everyone can see them so that the next time you meet, you might finally come up with a decision.