A dog in college?

Question

I am planning on living alone in a one bedroom apartment next semester and I was wondering if it would be a wise decision to get a dog to live with me. I don't plan on taking too many classes and I don't work very much so the dog wouldn't be alone much. I was actually thinking about participating in a service dog program that way the dog could come with me to class as well. Please give me some input on the issue. All suggestions and recommendations are appreciated!

I have grown up with dogs as well as various other animals, I know for fact that if I was to go home for summer or break, the dog would be welcome. I also completely and fully understand the responsibilities of having a pet in college and I know the expenses of a pet can sometimes get quite high, I am prepared to deal with the challenges. I am a total pet person and I have thought about my future out of college with a dog, and it would fit in. Also, I'm not sure my question was completely clear, when I referred to a service dog, I meant train a service dog for the handicap.

Answer 1

No, it would not be wise, for several reasons.

1. What happens after you finish school? Do you plan on working full time? If so, what do you plan to do with a dog at that point? They can't be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. . .

2. What happens if there is an emergency? Do you have $2000 to cover emergency surgery and a hospital stay? What if it's during finals week? Can you take the time off of school and work to be with your dog for 2-10 days?

3. What if your situation changes and you have to move? It's much harder to find an apartment when you already have a dog. Especially if you get one over 25 lbs.

4. What happens if the perfect woman comes along and she's allergic to dogs? Or, you have kids 10 years down the road and your dog isn't kid friendly?

I'm all for adopting dogs, but I firmly believe that one should be stable before doing so. Getting them when just starting out in life is just a recipe for disaster. Hold off and when you are more situated and settled (like when you have a job, etc), then reconsider.

Good luck to you in school and in life! : )

Answer 2

It sounds like ur intentions r very good, but I would put off getting a dog until u r out of school. Would ur dog be welcome in ur home during summer break, do u really know if u could take ur dog to classes, r u handicapped and need a service dog, would u be certain that ur dog is 100% housebroken, would u be sure of what ur dog would do when left alone? These r all questions u need answers to before u get a dog. I live in a college town and have seen the results of students getting a pet for a semester then abandon them afterwards or worse yet, neglect care and feeding. Are u ready to commit urself to the care and expense for the duration of the dog`s life. They r not a throw-away toy, which I`m sure is not ur intent, but u need to think long and hard on ur decision. Finally, it is cruel and inhumane to leave a dog caged for hours, if u were thinking that route.

Answer 3

If you're serious and committed to giving that dog enough attention, then I believe you can do it. Making time to go back and walk him between classes and taking him out for exercise as necessary is just a commitment. Being in college only makes it harder, not impossible.

Getting a job or meeting a woman is the same thing. If you're really committed to your dog, you'll think of him when you're doing those things. I would never keep dating someone allergic to my dogs, much less marry him, personally.

What you need to do is make sure that the dog is going to be suited to adapting to your lifestyle as best as is possible. Some dogs make better apartment dogs than others, and size is NOT the most important indicator. For example, some breeds of mastiffs and hound dogs are very low energy and despite their size do very well in an apartment with just a couple of walks a day and a run to the park a couple of times a week. And there are many small to medium sized herding dogs and terriers that are just way too high-energy and would go crazy in an apartment.

Another thing to take into account is how independent-natured a dog is. Breeds that are very 'people-oriented,' like most toy dogs, will get lonely in an apartment alone and get not only miserable but destructive.

I recommend you research breed personalities and/or adopt an adult dog whose personality is already a known factor. And good luck!

Answer 4

It appears that you have seriously thought about this. That shows signs of maturity and common sense. The dog should not be left in a cage for more than an 8 hour period of time. If you are going to be out longer, make sure you have a trusted friend available to let them out.

If you have a smaller dog, there are ways to litter train, or potty pad train but I would refrain from these unless absolutely necessary!

You seem to be a pretty intelligent person, I am sure you will do what is best for your pet.

Do a 30 day journal of what time you leave the house and what time you get home. This will give you a good idea of how long you are gone on a normal day. Review your findings and make an educated, well thought out decision!

I don't want to say it is impossible, because it isn't. If you are willing to put the needs of your pet first, and make the decision knowing that this probably going to be a long term commitment then do what you feel is best.

Answer 5

I would think that if the dog or training of the dog if it is in the service dog program didn't interfere with your education then there would be no problem Unless for some reason you couldn't afford to feed and maintain the animal.

Answer 6

it really depends on what kinda dog you want. Small or huge? Labs and Retrievers are good large dogs...dunno if it would work in a small apartment. Some dogs really bark alot so have to watch out for that and some dogs really stink. I have a jack russel...needs alot of exercise (but we dun really let her out of the house since she always goes crazy) and she barks a lot. My bf has a minature shnauzer...its ADORABLE...and QUIET...and doesn't need much attention since he lives by himself and he also goes to college with a busy schedule. The pup just stays in his small play area (and I mean small) all day when his out. She's fine. Oh yea, males are harder to potty train cause they always wanna pee in places to leave a mark that they've been there or thats their place...but females get their period 2 times a year which kinda gets messy unless you spayed her...good luck!! its fun to have a pup running around when living alone.

Answer 7

Dog in College? Does that mean its only temporary? what if you graduate.. what then? I think its not a good idea. Can you give him the time /attention it needs?