Alrreaddy tried shelters but they don't let kids volunteer, although I hadn't thought of guide dogs

You could look up guide dogs and see if other organisations allow younger people to interact with pups in training like the hearding dogs for the deaf.

I do also think looking after people dogs is a bad idea, I'm pretty sure you'd get very hurt if you ended up with my dog to look after. I will only let certain adults handle him because he's so strong - I don't let my mum take his lead on walks due to the fact he can get distracted and lunge if he sees other things that get his attention before I do.

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Firstly, as said you are too young to take up anything like this.

Secondly, have you checked this website carefully? Most of these things run on a franchise so you would have to start off with paying them a lot of money to join.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, I think you have a rose-tinted idea of what a dog will be like. I mean no offence, but you are talking about a dog who is going to be in a strange environment, probably will not settle, will keep you and your family awake all night and possibly have separation anxiety and rip the place up.

Dogs have a lot of feelings not unlike our own, and if put into a strange environment could take the whole holiday period to settle. You could also get dogs who are aggressive, dogs who are not properly house trained, or if they are might well forget that in a strange house, dogs that have lots of issues.

I wouldn't do it, and I have had dogs of my own for over thirty years.

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http://www.gentle-newfoundland-dogs.com
http://www.royston-pet-care.co.uk



Will always miss you, my little Joshie Woshie xx

If you want real love, buy a dog

If you wouldn't use it on a child, don't use it on a dog

http://pettaxisg8.yolasite.com/
http://www.help-for-learner-drivers.yolasite.com/

I think it's lovely how much you want a dog to call your own! When I was 11, I wanted a dog more than ANYTHING in the world, but (sort of) like you, my parents were not prepared to take on the responsibility, and finacial side of keeping a dog. They flat out refused.

Instead, I cleaned kennels in a rescue centre (not a big one, a tiny tiny one), I think some of them would let you have a go, just nto the major ones. I was never ever left alone with the dogs though. Or even if your dad would agree to walk dogs with you for Dogs Trust, as in, your dad is the one responsible for the dogs, but you would "tag along" and still get the experience (and fun!) of doing something nice for someone, I do this sometimes with my neice.

Anyway, I finished school at 18, went to uni, graduated, and NOW I have my perfect puppy. Took 11 years to persuade my parents (I'm 21 now!), and I take the full responsiblilty for Lily.

Like the others have said, it's probably not a great idea to go ahead with your original idea. Although, had I known about this guide dog thing when I was 11 I would have been all over that like a rash! Haha!

Have you given any thought to working at a kennels during your holidays, you'd be around dogs, with supervision, and would be gaining valuable experience. Just an idea.

Aaaaw! You'll find your dream job of helping/working with dogs.

I admire your maturity and your determination!

All the best

Its a shame you dont live near me or you could come and walk my dogs with me, I'm always grateful for company

xxx

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Aww, wish I did live near you! I love JRTs!

Aaaaw!

Well you may have 2nd thoughts after meeting my 2

xxx

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Trust me, I'm a half-owner of a real little terror! I would be happy just looking after him, but I only get to see him in the hols and a few weekends every year.