I want a dog, SO BADLY!!! HELP!?

[SugarRushh<3]

I really, really want a dog, even my mom wants a dog, but both my parents agree that its too much work.

So, with people with dogs, how much work is it REALLY?

And are there any kind of mental benefits of having a dog around?

-ALSO, i have two cats, will they get along with a dog?

Any additional info too, please.

Thank you so much!!! <3

[Booya]

Get a poodle. they are incredibly smart and cute (mini poodles are at least). try not to go with a cock-a-poo they have a stubbornness of a cocker spaniel. I have a cock-a-poo-poo (one part coker 2 parts poodle) he's incredibly intelligent from the poodle side (learned to sit the first day we got him) but can be stubborn from the cocker spaniel side. he's a cute brat though. just train them well as a puppy and they're less work in the future. take them outside often. I'm though you can't avoid occasional accidents. give the dog a treat everytime he doo doos outside and anytime he/she jumps on you tell him down and hold him down. I hear a spray bottle works to when they do somthing you don't like but i've never tried it.

[mai-chi d]

If you already have 2 cats then a dog will probably be extra load.
You have to potty train him, give him your attention daily, walk him a few times a week, refill his food and water bowls, and bathe him once a week.

Mental benefits from dogs are that they're extremely loyal and a great source of comfort. :)

[summer]

Effortless....If you are truly committed. There is a range of 'work' from a chain out back to sleeping in your bed and sharing your supper..The dogs relive your stress and ease your mind, they will stick with you when a person wouldn't. If they get along with cats, thats up to the breed and the dogs/cats...so it's hard to answer.
You can go to this site to see some danes!!!

http://www.caesiadius.com/

[Irexiak]

Pets are clinically proven to lower depression levels.

They're LOADS of work. Dogs don't mean letting Foo fi out into the pen whenever she has to go potty, raking over her twice a year (brushing), plopping a glop of food in her bowl weekly, and changing her water when you remember. It's more of consistent care, all 8+ years of their life (the average being 15). Most dogs need to be groomed weekly, exception of SUPER short furred breeds, they need twice daily feeding, long and exaughsting walks. They need fresh water, and most of all, lots of play time.

Cats and dogs get along on a personal level. My cat will get along great with my dog, and even the hyper terrier I pet sit. (Sure, there's the occasional crazies, where my cat will bat at her through the chair) But my grandmother's cat hates dogs. She fluffs, she hisses, she bats, she wants nothing to do with it.

Some cats will sleep, curled up, next to a dog. some cats would rather the dog be dead then in their homes.

[Erika USAF Mom]

It is a lot of work especially if you get a puppy. Best thing to do is ask your parents to go with you to volunteer at a local shelter and learn first hand.