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Full time college student and job. Can I get a Doberman?
I've had a dog in my life since birth. I'm in college as a Pre-Vet student and next summer, I'll be a Junior, I plan on getting my own house/apartment with a friend or two. I own a Doberman at my parents home in the country, but I don't trust her to be a city dog or to take her from the other dogs for that matter. I love the Doberman, it's just such an outstanding breed. I plan on adopting instead of buying a puppy (advisable?) in hopes that because I'll go to school/work during the day, it will be ok to leave them at home for extended hours (return for lunch). Any feedback?
Asked by
Mischa
on Aug 11th 2011
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in Doberman Pinscher
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Is the Doberman your dog, or your parents dog? My parents would kill me if I left my dog with them. You should make sure they are comfortable taking care of him.
Do you feel that you will be able to give the dog enough attention? Will the dog be left alone too long? If you feel like you are ready to handle a dog, then get one. It is your choice. Really think about it though!
Adopting is a great idea. :) There are many purebred rescue groups who have many unwanted dogs needing a home.
Shiloh ITD
answered on 8/11/11.
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By what you're telling us about your schedule, I have to be brutally honest and say you'd be better off getting a cat.
Dogs can be home during work/school hours as long as you leave them a toy for mental stimulation. However, you sound like your life is going to be rather busy, and while you may only be at school and work for 6-8 hours a day, how many more hours will you be studying or doing homework? On top of this, veterinary schooling and work doesn't stop at a bachelor's degree as you probably already know. You're only looking at more busy time ahead.
Really think about it. Do you have time for a dog currently? Will you have time for a dog in 2 to 3 years? This is a 10+ year commitment you'll be making.
Charlie
answered on 8/11/11.
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Congratulations on your plan to be a vet! You clearly are a hard-working and responsible person. That said, I agree with the 'best to wait a while' approach as it seems that you'll be really busy for the next few years and money may be tight at times. As a pre-vet student, could you volunteer in the vet school at your university? Or, as you plan to have a house and, I hope, roommates who love dogs also, could you foster for a rescue and have the company of dog(s) without the worry of expenses while knowing that you are making a huge difference in the life of one/many dogs? Not the same as having your own dog, but something that might be a worthwhile trade-off until you finish school. Best wishes for the future.
Member 167210
answered on 8/12/11.
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It can be done. You will need to be very committed & make a schedule so you can give full attention to every aspect..school, job, & dog. Your plan to adopt an adult, rather than a puppy, is a good start. While it would not be the ideal set-up, if you are willing to take on the responsibility..go for it, & good luck!
Wiley
answered on 8/12/11.
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Probably not the answer you want:
1. My current college student is fostering dogs. However, his class schedule allows him to come home frequently during the day, AND since we live in the same town, if he is going to be away, he brings the dog to our house.
2. My college student son already knows that he won't be adopting a permanent dog anytime soon -- he will no doubt be getting a job, and it could be in a city away from us. What hours will the job have? Will the job involve travel?
3. As for you, where is Vet school? What are the hours?
4. The best option for my son, after considering the REAL possibilities of schedule changes, moving to a city with no back-up plan other than a kennel (and first jobs often do not pay much money, plus kennels may not have pick-up/drop off times conducive to a specific work schedule,) etc; was to FOSTER, rather than adopt.
4. A college student/then Vet-school student is a life in flux -- not ideal for committing to a dog. I suggest fostering.
Pennie
answered on 8/12/11.
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adopting is a grate idea adoped pets can be just as good a beat freind as a puppy if u r deticated then of cource u can
Stumpy
answered on 8/12/11.
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I got a dog as soon as I could. Still in college, at age 20, had at least a part time job, purposely GOT jobs that allowed me to take Koa to work (dog daycare facilities, dog boutiques, even a certain nannying situation, with a crate). I made it work, and extraordinarily well. Koa was so flexible and good. I always managed to manifest a house with a large yard and always insisted on a dog door. Never paid a pet deposit until later in life! I ran him up to 10 miles a day next to my bike (less on average, but always sufficiently), biked with him to class, got permission from several teachers to take him to class. He's been in some of my presentations. It has always been really important to me to give him a social life. He has been a therapy dog for 4 years. My life with my dog has been extraordinary. I believe that it's because I expected no less. You've got to make the effort. That's for sure. We've got to set high standards for ourselves and our dogs.
Koa Leung
answered on 8/12/11.
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I had a dog all through my pre-vet career in college. Had two for the last year. Only because I decided I wanted to go the behavior route and not the vet school route. I also had a husband so he was sometimes able to help... but not much. I believe when you get into vet school it's basically a 9-5 type of deal like work??? I can't rightly remember at the moment. It is a lot of work, however dogs really help release my stress and I think a dog would help me more than hinder me in those times of my life. I say go for it, especially since it is not a puppy. You have to be fully committed and realize your dog will be your life outside of school, but if you're cool with that. Awesome!!!
Delta and Doc
answered on 8/12/11.
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I have an amazing large mutt, Jackson, and work full time, while going to grad school and doing my field work. However, I wake up at 6:30 am both weekend mornings to take Jackson to his favorite dog park for a few hours, have a pet sitter who walks him every weekday, and spend most of my free time with him (and my 3 cats). I live alone, which is a plus and a minus, but Jackson is still the happiest, most loved dog I know. Rescue an adult dog who is calm and confident- he will love you forever no matter how many hours you have to spend out of the home. Just be sure to spend your free time with the dog and have a sitter to walk him on long days.Also, make sure he gets plenty of exercise. I'm sure, as a vet student, you will make sure the dog is very well loved and cared for :)
Jackson
answered on 8/13/11.
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I think that if you make the decision to get a dog when you're a full time student and job holder, you need to ask this question: is it fair to the dog?
I understand craving a dog in your life, and currently have a Doberman and full time job of my own, in my own house. If I were to add full time school, Elka would have a sudden lack of attention, lack of activity, and lack of exercise. She would be bored and unhappy and likely become destructive. So, I don't think a "new" Doberman, adult or no, would be all that happy in this situation. I could be wrong; individual dogs vary.
However, since you're open to adopting an adult dog, I would perhaps suggest rescuing a Greyhound. From what I've heard, they need minimal exercise daily, are used to being crated/sleeping for long hours, and can overall be pretty mellow.
Elka, NTD
answered on 8/13/11.
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It can be done, but you have to make sure your schedule is right for a dog. Im currently in college full time and work full time. I got Kashmir when i was 17. I do plan on moving out soon and taking her with me but having my dad stay with me so she can have someone there to watch her while i work. My schedule is back to back work 8-4:30 then classes 6-10pm. So i only have an hour or so to spare. Right now i live at home and my mom will feed and let her out while im at work and school. Just make sure you can have some time for your dog.
Kashmir ♥ CGC
answered on 8/13/11.
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Also a college student with multiple pet dogs. I agree you should not transplant a country dog to the city if your parents are happy to keep her. I recommend adopting an older dog who can handle being alone for long hours, and look into daycare or dog walkers. A dog who spends long hours home alone, if well cared for when you are home, is happier than a homeless dog! Provide lots of interactive toys while you are gone, and lots of love and walks when you are home; it can work if you put the time in!
Teddy
answered on 8/13/11.
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Bol, don't ask if you don't want to hear the answer! It doesn't sound as though you will be able to give quality time to a dog that you own, so what makes you think fostering is a good idea? You would need just as much time for a foster dog, if not more. A foster dog will be insecure and may come with baggage that needs extra time to address.
Tessa
answered on 8/14/11.
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As a college student working on a triple major, caring for my mother who is in ill health, and doing workstudy I say YES you can have a dog! My Mom has a lab & 2 cats & I have 2 dogs. They surround me as I study. I make time for walking & playing. I wouldn't get a puppy though.
Josie, NPC
answered on 8/14/11.
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