calvin88

I'm not sure if this thread belongs in general discussion but since there isnt really a pets place I decided this would probably be best. Im basically 21 and was just wondering if many people my age have dogs and are able to take care and spend time with their dog. I've researched different breeds and thought about what it would take to have a dog for about the last 8 months and I pretty much have come down to two or three different breeds I want and I've thought about my daily schedule and future schedule and have decided that I would take my dog wherever I go and I have enough time to leave the dog alone for less than 6 hours a day.
O yea I also have two cats. I just want to know if there are others around my age that have a dog and have enough time to dedicate to them.
thanks

ratbastid

People leave their dogs alone for that long. A properly crate-trained dog can go six hours, as long as you totally make it up to them when you get home.

Breed and individual temperment will make a huge difference in this. Our dog, a three year old chow mix, wouldn't mind being left alone for days at a time. Our friend's dog, a 1-year-old collie/lab would destroy the house if left alone for more than half a day. You also want to choose a breed with a low prey drive, because of your cats. What breeds do you have in mind?

amonkie

What type of living accomodations do you have? If renting, remember to have the permission of your landlord, and there are usually additional fees for pet deposits, and possible restrictions on certain breeds. Will you have yard space, and are you sharing your living space with someone else who may object or be allergic to dogs?

I am a graduate student who would LOVE to have a dog ... but I do not have the time ... thus I just watch them from the window.

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Cynthetiq

remember that having a pet isn't just for 1-2 years, some animals live for almost 20 years.

remember that it may impact your places for renting in the future as some places will not allow pets, and some restrict specifically dogs.

remember it's a long long term friend.

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maleficent

also the cost of the pet is more than just food and a leash... it's annual checkups and shots, some places require dogs to be registered and that is an additional yearly fee... plus any healthcare costs for the dog (some breeds have more health problems than others)

you already have 2 cats... the cats aren't going to be fond of you bringing in a new furry beast that will vie for your attention and not all dogs are fond of cats...

Dogs, especially at the beginning, require a lot of time for training them... they do not just train themselves...

Suggestion: Volunteer at the local humane society walking dogs, playing with dogs, cleaning up after them... that'd give you some puppy love andnot have to worry about thelong term committment

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ratbastid

You definitely need to find a cat-compatible dog, but I've found that even the most bitchy and territorial cats will accept a dog after just a few months. Hell, our Queen Alpha Cat now "owns" our dog--rubs up against her and marks her, she'll yeowl at the dog until the dog licks her on the head. They're best pals. And our youngest cat loves wrestling with the collie/lab I mentioned above.

calvin88

Yea my cats have been around dogs in my previous apartment where there was a dashund. So i'm reasonably sure that they would adapt to a dog. I was thinking about a miniature pinscher or a american staffodshire terrier. I would be most likely adopting an older dog that is already housetrained and good with cats because I know i do not have time to housetrain a pup. I also realize that having a pet is a long term commitment and I will not move into anywhere that does not allow pets. I have even asked 2 friends with dog experience if they would be able to house my dog for a few days if I need to go somewhere and they have agreed.
If anyone has any other breeds in mind that would be good for condo living with a small backyard but i'm pretty active so the dog would be able to get in at least 2 miles of jogging/walking a day. So to recap, breeds in mind are miniature pinscher/ smaller staffodshire terrier. I really want a doberman, however due to their size I highly doubt I will be able to accomodate one.

empathyxoxo

i'm 21 & i have a 1 year old chihuahua... i raised her since she was a small puppy and it was very time-consuming (especially since i also work) but it was all worth it for me : )

but i definitely have to say... think VERY HARD about whether you want to dedicate that much time and effort to a pet. it's a lot more stress on top of other things a student has to worry about.

jorgelito

Minis tend to have bad temperments and need a lot of room for exercise. Don't be fooled by the small size. EX: Jack Russell Terriers are small - BUT they are high energy and need tons of room!! Minis may not like cats either. All the ones I've seen/met were terribly irritable. My staffie loves cats - as in love to kill them. And squirrels, and small dogs etc..... Staffies were bred to be a fighting breed. Think about it. A dog's intended use (what they were bred for)will tell you a lot about what their behavior may/can be like. EX: Herding dogs will try and herd other animals, even small children. Guard dogs guard (may attack people etc), watch dogs watch (bark, howl), sporting dogs will want to fetch, run, dig, etc - water dogs will take every opportunity to jump in water, including water bowls.

I walk my dog in the morning everyday around 7am. Come back from school around 2-3pm to walk her again. Then back to school. Come home. Then walk again around 10pm. In the 2-3 years I've had her, I've spent thousands on her for food, toys, treats, shots, vet bills (dogs inevitably get into mischief and have to go to the hospital). She consumes my life. Everything I do has to revolve around her. Sitters cost $35 for 9-5pm time slot. Overnight costs more. Dogs are very different than cats. My friend can leave his cat alone for weeks. He just leaves food and water and a litter box.

It definitely has affected my college life. I had to come home early from the big UCLA basketball chamopinship game because I had to feed her. Talk about missing out on an event! I tried to go to some after parties but then I had to come back early to walk her.

Before I got the dog, I researched for 2-3 years on breeds etc to see what kind of dog I wanted. I talked with dog experts, trainers and spent a year and a half at the shelter. Then I spent some time as a dog sitter. Finally, after all that, my ex and I adopted a dog from a rescue.

Taking a dog everywhere is not easy, especially in uptight conservative cities like LA wher I live. My dog also hates escalators. Many places don't allow dogs and leaving the dog in a car is not the best idea either. Instead, i take my dog to the park. Every day. Even then, she has to be on a leash. Before, we used to go to the off-leash park everyday where she could socialize with her doggie friends.

Also, a staffie may cause your insurance to go up or you lease may not allow that breed. For some reason, my dog's papers have her listed as a lab mix (!). My guess is for the insurance and lease reasons.

Hope this helps.

ratbastid

Enthusiastically, I'll bet, right?

Yeah, dog people are always looking for new suckers.

Infinite_Loser

I'm 21 and a college student but I had to leave my dog at home, mainly because I don't have the time to take care of it, not to mention that the cost of food, vet bills, shots etc. really start to add up.