Puppy in College

[sweetnlo]

I was wondering if I could get all of your's advice on this. I saw in a post below a member who got a Boxer in college so anyone with experience doing so I'd love to hear your opinions

I'm in almost the same boat as Beachshoer, 21 years old (this Saturday) and in college. I've decided I really want to pursue a Boxer this summer as long as I maintain my job schedule and what not. Unlike you, I won't be living ina frat house so there will not be a ton of people to play with him all day, but of course College is College, and people are always around and will be at my place frequently. From asking around, people say it's certtainly doable in College, and they are quite wise on Boxers, but I'd love to hear fromt his board.

I know the amount of exercise it needs and what not, and I'm sold on the apartment being ok. Also, I'm rarely out of the apartment more than a few hours at a time and work part time (currently working on my Boxer fund) before I make a committment.

 

[Lunasmom]

My sister got her shih tzu in college and now nyla has leadership issues and really had a hard time adjusting to life outside of college. she doesn't eat regularly (common for the shih tzus) even though food is offered to her twice a day.
But that being said, she is much better now...and she is great with people because she was around so many people her first year of life.

 

[Rosieren]

I just graduated last spring and got my two pups over the summer. The reason I waited was because there was some uncertainty with finding a job and a new place to live. So I would just advise to make sure that you have dog-friendly housing lined up if you are moving after school or have someone that would be willing to watch your pup while you found a place/moved. When I looked into adopting so many of the dogs at the rescues were given up due to "moving." The other consideration is all the vet care costs. Rocky isn't even 6 months yet and I have already spent $300+ on the routine shots, worming, and nueter. Other than that I totally think having a dog in school would be so fun! There would always be people wanting play with the pup and it is so fun to show them off! Good luck with school and deciding on a dog.

 

[Checkers]

Im at uni and have Lily. I do live with my parents so that makes it easier (dont pay rent) but I pay all of her expenses and look after her. I dont know what your schedule is like, but mine only keeps me out for a few hours a day, some times more sometimes less. One thing I am worried about is finding a rental when I move out, but ill deal with that when the time comes. With people always coming and going the dog will get a lot of socialisation too. Its no worse than having a full time job so dont let it put you off

 

[sweetnlo]

thanks everyone. I have 2 years left of school (took a year off) so I would have time to line something up after I graduated and I have a close friend and sisters who would jump at the opportunity to watch my dog for a brief period of time if worse comes to worse!

It just seems like now would be a perfect time. Granted I don't make a ton of money (just your average part time college student), but I don't spend it on anything. I of course apply for financial aid so I don't pay for anything as of now except groceries and random things when needed (including rent). Given my class schedule, I would be in and out of my place for an hour or two at a time, a few times a day. I might not be able to be around a puppy that much after graduating so this would make it alot more convenient to train!

The only expense I worry about is vet bills. But that's why i'm making a clear rule that if I can't save up around 1000 just for those costs before getting it then I'm going to wait until I have. That way, while that savings diminishes I can start another one and have a good amount of time to save more.

As you can see, I spend most of my day working out my Boxer plan...Maybe I should study some :D

 

[kassa]

But that's why i'm making a clear rule that if I can't save up around 1000 just for those costs before getting it then I'm going to wait until I have.​

I'm not sure what vet bills cost in your neck of the woods, but I'd certainly expect to spend $1000 in vet bills in the first year of a puppy's life, between regular checkups and vaccinations, heart worm pills, and unexpected minor incidents like eating/chewing the wrong thing. One emergency clinic visit (they always get into the most trouble on Sunday mornings in my house!) for a mystery ailment that requires tests can cost $500 ($100 to walk in the door before they even examine the dog) in a flash, and that's not counting followup care at the regular vet.

As a breeder, I couldn't in good conscience sell to a young person still in college unless I had personal knowledge of the family and student herself (as in she's been a dog person all her life, has parents I know who are zealous about their responsibility to their own pets and willing to assume responsibility, etc. etc.) Dog ownership can be overwhelming when you're financially and professionally secure -- they're a drain on your pocketbook and a drain on your time. Yes, they give a lot back, but when you're at a stage of your life in which you have endless possibilities in terms of where to go and what to do after graduation, dogs all too often end up shortchanged because priorities change -- there's a job offer in another city, or a great apartment to be had that doesn't allow pets, or the great new job has such long hours that daycare/dogwalkers are needed at $15-20/day and it's just not do-able. And even if the dog is always put first, that could mean shortchanging the person in terms of their ability to live near work, socialize, etc., and end up coming back to resentment of the dog.

I know it sounds harsh, but there are too many dogs in rescue whose owners were convinced that they were the exception to all the warning signs. I don't generally like comparisons to children, but having a puppy/dog at this stage of your life is much like committing to having a child, in terms of the moral obligations to its welfare. Few people in their early 20s can predict the course of the next 5 years, let alone the next 11.

For what it's worth, I didn't get my first dog until I was 30 -- went to dog shows, belonged to all the lists, read everything I could get my hands on, enjoyed friends' dogs, etc. I had more of a ticking biological clock when it came to getting a puppy than to having a baby! And when I finally did it was great and worth it. And still a financial and social burden, but one I could approach with steady employment and a stable home.

 

[betsyjean]

I almost thought getting a boxer (or any dog) while in college was almost better than while working fulltime! I had a boxer while in college, and it was great because classes don't last that long, and you have breaks where you can run home. So the dog was never home alone for more than a couple hours. It's harder for me now that I will start working fulltime and will be at work for 8 hours straight. Plus everyone wants you to bring your dog over, so he'll get lots of attention and socialization

 

[RonaldMM]

My son got our boxer Drake in college and it was not a good thing. Drake is now living with us and our son is in school. Drake needed MUCH more than a college student could offer Do the right thing

 

[Checkers]

Not every person and situation is the same. Just because some of you have had a bad experience with a person getting a dog while studying.. dont assume everyone is like that

 

[betsyjean]

I agree, I don't think being in school has anything to do with the way a dog is cared for, it's the maturity level and amount of responsibility a person can handle. We had the most loved, spoiled, cared for boxer while in college.