Explaining to Children Why They Cannot Have a Dog

Young children often beg their parents for a dog, without understanding how much care and attention is needed.

I heard recently from a parent of a little girl who keeps asking for a dog. Both parents are out at work all day, and they live in an apartment with no outdoor access.

There is no way, in their present circumstances, that this family can own a dog. They might consider asking an elderly dog owner if the little girl could assist with walking and looking after the dog.

Another idea was to take the girl to a dog shelter, where she could watch the work of the volunteers, and she would begin to understand some of the regular needs of a pet dog.

How would you deal with a similar situation?