Teen as Dog Owner - Page 1

Just wanted to know you thoughts/ opinions on a teenager taking complete responsibilty for a dog. Do you think it is right for them to register a dog with them as the owner? Do you think it is okay for them to breed their female with or without a mentor? What do you think about a 17 yr old who has this early interest about breeding and training their dog?

Thanks.

Teenages 17 ! Not yet of legal age,
Vets need to know who will pay bills if the dog becomes sick, has an accident, requires a c section.
Canine Council will not register a dog to an underaged person.
Don't know if dog clubs will allow under aged person to be a legal member.

Teenagers change their minds daily:) as we all know, go off to collage, move interstate,
Forget about the dog when they are involved with the opposit sex.

Do I need to go on?

No, no, no

I think it'd be possible to be a co-owner? I'm not sure on the specifics.

I got my first dog when I was 10... obviously I couldn't drive to clubs and whatnot, however I would bag ice at my dads work to earn money to care for her. She was my best friend and constant companion through some very tough times, and I am soooo grateful that I had her through them. My interest in dogs since then has only grown. I don't see why not, if the teen has proved to be responsible and whatnot... and that they would care for the dog no matter what (ie. through college, moving, etc) and didn't drop their dog on mommy and daddy when they decided that they had better things to do.

I have never been part of a club (mainly because I'm not sure if there is one around here and have never been able to successfully make contact with one), so I don't know if a teen could participate in one or not, however they are only a year away from being 18 (assuming that is legal adulthood where you are? it is 19 here) so if they waited to register for a year, I would think that would work out.

It would depend on the kid.  I got my first GSD when I was 11 and was responsible for everything .  That meant vet bills and everything.  I worked to pay my parents for entry fees etc.  It really would depend on the teen.  At 16 I bought my own car and attended dog shows out of town.  Even drove to California for one show 21 hour drive.  But those were the days that a teen was expected to act like a positive member of society.  Teens are so babied now it is rediculas.  So again it would really depend on the individual.

I agree, depends on the kid.
Talk of Vets, legal age, what a crock.
Could a 17 year old do any worst than some , most of the adults of today?
Hell no.
If you don't know your 17 year old by now that's your mistake, not theirs.

Like the other posters, I think it depends on the teenager and the parents. A plan for the care of the dog when (or if) the teen goes away to school is important. In terms of breeding, could the teen assist an established breeder to obtain experience about raising puppies before breeding his/her own? If the teen does breed, are the parents willing to house the puppies if they don't sell?

My parents bought me a lab when I was 7 years old from the humane society. I still remember the conversation my dad had with me on the day we brought her home. He said in a very flat matter of fact voice that a dog was a serious life long committment and that he was only inclined to take care of one of us. If he had to choose whether to take care of me or the dog then he was choosing the dog so I had better look after her. My folks both grew up in a series of awful foster homes so that really shaped their view of pet care (ie. animals aren't disposable).

My dog's first owner was a 12 year old female junior handler who trained her and showed her to most of her AKC points. She also competed with her in junior showmanship and trained her for her CGC and TC titles.

certainly does depend on the individual, teenager or not.  
I placed my POL female on co-ownership with a teen who had success in showing hounds in UKC.  The teen did not follow any of the advice I gave, nor did he uphold his end of the contract at all.  His parents pretty much did nothing to guide or parent their kid (which I didn't know until later) so I ended up taking my dog and full ownership back.  
But I know of other teens who are more responsible and have better parents.  

I was always very responsible with my animals, even as a kid. I think if the teen is reliable, responsible and has a part time job to pay for the dogs upkeep, including an emergency fund that it should be ok.
Parent's should only allow it if in the worst case, they are prepared to end up having to care for the dog themselves. I know a lot of teenagers who are more responsible than some of hte adults I know.

But breeding? I don't think so! How on earth would they have the time to spend raising puppies when they are in school?!