i am going to be a freshmen in college, and i will be living in an apartment, working, and going to school. i really really want to dog, but i hear that it is bad since i probably wont be home most of the time.
2007-05-28 11:47:18 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
As you said, you probably won't be at home a lot of the time and that isn't fair to the dog. Also, some apartments won't allow renters to have pets.
Have you ever considered volunteering at a shelter or rescue? They always need people willing to walk dogs, help socializing the animals or volunteer at adoption events. The dogs love the companionship and it gives you an opportunity to spend time without having to deal with some of the less 'joyful' aspects of pet-ownership during your freshman year. Good luck!
2007-05-28 12:00:52 · answer #1 · answered by endaira541 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have to ask the question, then the answer is DO NOT BUY THE DOG. Someone 100% committed to make it work and provide a good life for the dog would not have to reason it out in an online forum. Yes, it's been done successfully, but it's not easy, nor is it ideal.
Take the next few years and enjoy college. These are the last years of freedom you will have. Give yourself the freedom to live where you want, go out at night, take off on a whim for the weekend, and have time for schoolwork AND a social life. If it's finals week and the dog gets sick and needs to be taken to the vet what will you do? Money has a way of spending itself during college years, and you will probably find yourself short of funds for even your necessities, much less caring for a dog. Add in the hours you won't be able to work to spend time with the dog, and you're even worse off. If you have a dog and care for it properly, you will not have time for a social life, and you certainly will not have time for a job.
I've had dogs my whole life, and was fortunate enough that my parents cared for them while I attended college. Of course I missed them, but I would not trade the experiences I had in college for anything. You have the rest of your life to have a dog. Do yourself and the dog a favor and wait until after you have graduated and gotten settled before you bring a dog home.
If you miss animals, why not volunteer at a shelter or see if a local kennel club could use some volunteers at puppy classes or shows? There are lots of ways to enjoy animals without the committment of owning one at this time of your life.
2007-05-28 18:57:37 · answer #2 · answered by Beth K 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In a word, YES. It's a bad idea. I can understand wanting a pet, but you won't have the proper kind of time OR money to care for him.
Volunteer at a local animal shelter or rescue. Take the dogs for walks. Earn some money as a petsitter for others in the neighborhood. You'll still have contact with a dog, but won't have the responsibility for his care.
Good luck and I wish you all the best!
2007-05-28 20:17:12 · answer #3 · answered by clurty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now is probably not the best time for you to get a dog. Even if you think you'll have time, I doubt you will. In addition to work and school, you'll probably be making new friends and having lots of social stuff going on.
I really missed my dog, when I went away to college. My roommate missed her pets, too. My roommate found out about a rescue group and we started donating our time. We'd go out there, for a few hours, on Sundays. We'd clean kennels, give baths, & play with the dogs. We even spent a few Saturdays at a local pet store, with a few dogs from the shelter, and spoke with people about the rescue group and adoptions. It was very rewarding and it helped us not miss our own pets so much.
2007-05-28 19:21:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A puppy does take a good quality of time. Puppies need to go out about every 3 or so hours as they don't get control until 6-8 months. Also how is the pup going to be taght right from wrong if you are not there to train it?? No it would be very unfair to the puppy.
I wish you luck in college and my honest opinion is wait until you are out of college.
Good luck again. Maybe you can volunteer at a pound or something to be with dogs
2007-05-28 18:53:55 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having a dog is a HUGE responsibility. Yes, you should be concerened about the amount of time you will be around, because dogs are like kids, and they need attention. Honestly, don't bite off more than you can chew at once- not to say you cannot handle it, but maybe get started in the living/school situation, and see for yourself how much free time you will have once you get into your groove. Then decide from there.
2007-05-28 19:06:20 · answer #6 · answered by brenbean 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your not home most of the time then yes it would be a bad idea to get a dog. Dogs are companion animals and love to be with their owners not alone. So it would be unfair to the dog if you were to get it and then leave him alone most of the time. Plus if your busy you won't have time to train him properly. So yeah wait until your out of collage or at least until your life slows down some and you have more time to spend with the dog. You'll be able to enjoy him so much more.
2007-05-28 18:59:06 · answer #7 · answered by Chihiro00 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't fair to the dog. Wait until you are out of college, have a steady job, and are financially able to handle it. Make sure that you are prepared to spend alot of money on vet bills, just in case. If you can't afford a really expensive vet visit, you will have to put the dog to sleep. Accidents happen, hopefully not to your pet, but be prepared so you can be a responsible owner. I spent $2,500 in vet bills during the first year of my dogs life. He was in a very safe, very controlled, very loving environment, and he just happened to be a puppy with issues. Today he is a strong, healthy, happy 3 year old dog. I am so glad that I was able to care for him.
2007-05-28 18:57:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds irresponsible and unfair to the dog. Just because you want one is not a good reason to get a dog. You don't have the time,space or commitment level at this point in time. Do you have the financial resources for a dog? would you want a child at this time?
2007-05-28 18:52:03 · answer #9 · answered by mups mom 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I work at a shelter and it seems like one of our biggest sources of animals is people that weren't in the right situation to own a dog. You have so many other responsibilities right now, I'm sure :)
Keep in mind that even if you know you're going to love your dog, it's like having a child :)
2007-05-28 18:52:29 · answer #10 · answered by jennyjenblah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋