Has anyone else had a dog in college?

Question

I'm going to be in my junior year next year and I am moving into a pet friendly apartment. I was considering getting a small dog like a papillon or chihuahua. I'm not the type of person that would ditch my pet for a party, and I have had dogs in the past. I was wondering if anyone else had a dog in college and if so, do you have any tips for me?

Answer 1

I didn't. In fact, college was the only time in my life I didn't have a dog.

I wouldn't really recommend it though. Dogs can be expensive, and if you are supporting yourself by working and attending school both (like I was during college), you are probably not too stable financially.

I didn't realize how expensive having a dog was. Growing up, my parents typically paid for everything for the pets. I've had my dog 6 months now and have spent a good $1500-2000 on her in vet visits, training classes, food, toys, supplies, day-camp once a week, etc..

Answer 2

My cousin is living in a pet friendly apartment, and he is currently a full time college student, and he also has a part time job. He rescued a puppy from an abuse situation. He kept the puppy, and tried to make it work. This puppy was perfect too. He was completely potty trained within a few days, he was friendly and layed back, and very low maintenance. Just an all around good dog. He has two other room mates, so he thought between the three of them they would be able to keep this puppy. But it ended up not working out. They just don't have enough time to give the puppy the time and attention he deserves. They love the puppy very much, but they have to find him a new home because that is what is best for the pup.

I think that getting a puppy while you are in college is not the best idea. You might have enough time to take the pup out a few times during the day, and maybe a short walk too. But you will find that you aren't devoting enough time to your puppy as he deserves. It is best to wait until you graduate college and get a more stable situation. I know it is hard, because that is what I did. But trust me, it is better in the end to wait a few more years.

Answer 3

I did. Get things like kong toys and stuff them with treats so the dog has something to do while you are in class and studying--also make a habit to take at least a half hour at the end of your school day to play with your dog before hitting the books! Let the dog sleep beside you while you study and read aloud on and off so that he/she will hear your voice and by being near you is not neglected at all while you work.

Answer 4

I'm in the same situation. We actually just rescued a dog yesterday and I'm a junior in college. I would just suggest you get a dog that is independent and can handle the long hours you're gone (assuming you work too) or have a roommate that can help you out. I find having a roomies does wonders when trying to raise a dog.

Answer 5

Never had a dog but I hid a cat in my dorm for a year and never got caught. Just expect to clean up accidents constantly and possibly have your stuff chewed up and there will be no going in unexpected weekend trips. I would say wait until you are out of college you never know what you might want to do and can't. Plus do you really want to explain to your study group that you have to leave the library early to walk your dog it could get in the way. Good Luck............

Answer 6

I did and it wasnt bad. I lived away from home so it was nice to have something in the apartment with me since i was used to a house with more people. It's a little hard at first training and going to school so you might want to wait until you have a break so that you can spend several weeks really spending time with your dog so that you can train them. Good luck and enjoy your new baby!

Answer 7

I adopted a dog in college from a gal that was not really interested in the dog. I named her Sugar. She was a small English setter and was by far one of the smartest dogs that I have ever had. She loved to catch birds and would swim after the birds if she couldn't catch them on land.
I ended up taking her home to my moms house and eventually my mom fell in love with her too.
Then I ended up getting married and she lived with my husband and me until one day she just dropped dead.
She went hiking with us, she was wonderful with our kids and was a very good teacher to our other two dogs. If there was ever a dog that I would love to bring back to life it would be my Sugar.

Answer 8

yes, its not easy its actually really hard but rewarding-- make sure you arrange to have time in between your classes to let your dog out- make sure you wake up early enough in the morning to feed it and make sure that you are able to give it the proper love and attention that it needs.. its much like someone that works and owns a dog-- very possible just takes a little more effort! good luck and hopefully you are rescuing a dog and not buying!

Answer 9

Jojo's final sentence sums it up. And it reinforces what i've got study on NILIF - generally the single that provides each and all of the attention, care, and affection isn't the single the canine will save on with. She (NILIF) attributes it to what Jojo stated - a solid and beneficial chief (to a canine) is often aloof - and withholds affection. the common challenge she describes is the spouse receives the canine, spends all day with it, cares for it and the husband comes residing house and ignores it. And the canine LIVES for that guy's interest . over the years, the husband starts to attain the canine exists, and starts to furnish it instructions - and the canine obeys - which strengthens the bond. i don't have confidence in the "dominance" concept in the experience that canine attempt to take over the international, yet I do have confidence canine work together with people based on ok-9 cues and thus, social isolation. it quite is the basis of NILIF . And your father could have all those traits - potential, reserve, firmness - yet additionally compassion and while the canine earns it, affection. when you consider that her website seems to be out of order on the 2d, i would be unable to link it. notwithstanding that's clever. to respond to your question - no, my canine have in no way stumbled on yet another. YEars in the past I lived at residing house with my mothers and fathers for a short era with my previous Doberman and jointly as I worked all day, my mom doted on the canine and each and each night I got here residing house the canine could be mendacity on the floor below my mothers ft. The canine did look after my mom, and it made me happy- however the canine nonetheless lit up like a christmas tree once I got here residing house and remained dependable to me.

Answer 10

i took my lab to college with me from my freshman year till i graduated. you just have to make sure you have a loyal dog and one that isn't vicious