Dog in Grad School

[LGPsychology]

This question might sound weird in the midst of all these urgent getting-into-grad-school related posts, but does anyone have or know someone who has had experience owning a dog during grad school? I really love dogs and want to get one, but I'm not sure how my hours will be, whether I'd be able to run home midday to walk it, etc. I know all schools vary in terms of how demanding they are, but any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

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[neuropsyance]

I really want one too, but the way I figure if you want to properly train your dog, you may want to wait until a more opportune time. Unless you have a spouse or kids or w/e, it might get kind of hard to fit into your life right now.

Neuropsyance

 

[krisrox]

I plan on getting a dog when I go to grad school, too. I want to get a breed of dog that's easy to train and housebreak, but that doesn't mean it's not going to be a lot of work to raise a puppy. I expect my roommates to help me out, and they're willing to do so. I'm excited! I know my schedule is going to be tight, but I've really wanted to own a dog for quite some time, so I'm going to make the time for my puppy : )

 

[cara susanna]

A lot of people in my program have dogs and it seems to be fine for them.

 

[neuropsyance]

Well why doesn't everyone on the board go and disagree with me 😀!

More power to you!

 

[Cobblestone]

You could always get a well-behaved older rescue dog! Our beagle-basset mix is the perfect apartment dog. Housebroken, laid back, doesn't bug the neighbors too much, happy to hang out wherever you are in the house and sleep. Unlike a puppy, he didn't really need to be trained. I think he was just happy to have a home again.

I don't think a grad school schedule will be too different for him than my current "full-time job & a second job" schedule.

 

[Sed8&Intub8]

Just please keep one only if you can give him or her the proper attention that they need. Yes, a lot of people can keep them, but they are just lonely and getting fed and not much else. I have had friends who have done this and it made me sad, so I would go take their dogs and take them out to play and for a walk. As long as you can schedule doggy time and stick to it, you are good to go.

 

[TenaciousGirl]

several of my classmates have dogs and I was told many times last year that I needed to get a dog. I'm not really sure why they were all so vehement about me getting a dog ... but, now I have one. Kind of. My roommate got a dog (large breed) and I help take care of it. It makes me wonder why I didn't get a dog sooner.

Do you like cats? A cat would give you the companion of a pet but cats are quite a bit less maintenance than dogs.

Either way, I think having a pet during grad school is a good idea, as long as you can take care of it properly like the previous poster said.

 

[6SAnthony]

My plan is to wait until the 2nd or 3rd year when I know how my schedule would play out and how much free time I would have. Plus I want to get a rescue greyhound, so he/she would be older and greyhounds are great apartment dogs. But who knows how things will play out in 2 years. Best of luck. 👍

 

[Ollie123]

If people can manage to have kids in grad school, people can manage to have dogs in grad school. Tons of people here have dogs. It seems like there is some schedule-finangling they have to do but it doesn't seem unreasonable. The bigger issue seems to be cost....stipends aren't a lot, so if anything WERE to happen, vet bills can get quite expensive.

I am pet-less but would probably get a cat for the reason stated above...they are generally more flexible for scheduling, and I like to stay late if I am being productive.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Having dog is great (my old roommate had one), though it is really important to make time for him/her. I'd recommend living close to campus so you can run home to let him/her out. I'd also recommend getting an older dog, as a puppy can be a handful and need more training. There are many great older dogs at local shelters who may be a good match for a busy grad student, just make sure you can give it the attention and exercise he/she needs.

Having a dog can also be great for socializing; we had a Doggy Happy Hour where many of the residents in my building and surrounding buildings all brought their dogs to the dog park after work. I was usually home earlier than my roommate, so I'd take his dog out and catch up with my neighbors, etc.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

I agree with whomever said make sure you can give that dog the attention needed. Its a bad thing, yeah you might be able to sustain the dog, but 1) there is no way you can properly train a dog, you need consistency in the reinforcement, but how could you possibly be consistent with an inconsistent schedule? 2) You cannot expect roommates to help you with this, that is just plain rude. 3) why limit your housing availabilities? remember a LOT of places do not allow dogs (maybe cats, but not dogs) and it is already hard enough to live or find living at an affordable price, add in a pet and the price goes up 4) what's the point? to have a companion? you will be gone most of the time anyways? what ends up happening is either you lock the dog in a kennel or in the bedroom all day, then you see them for a couple hours at night before bed, but wont you be studying during that time?

Having been one of those people in a position of trying to take care of a dog but not having the time, its awful, just not worth the added stress in life.

remember dogs are EXPENSIVE, vaccinations, medications, especially if youre in an area where ticks exist, heartworm treatment, and what happens if the dog is sick and needs vet attention, you really think grad student salary will be completely sufficient to cover a vet bill? Lemme tell ya it isnt, not an expensive one at least.

So again I garee with whomever said please seriously consider all of these things, I know how cute puppies and dogs are, but its a huge commitment during a time you will already have immense stress.

J

 

[HopefulStudent8]

I'm not in grad school yet, but I decided to adopt a puppy right after I graduated college and began a full-time RA position. While I love my dog to death and would never give her up, I have to say if I could turn back time I would hold off on getting a dog until after grad school. When I first got her, I went home every day to take her out for lunch until she was fully potty trained, and even then every time I came home there were happy surprises on the floor. Now that she is nearly 2, having a dog still makes many situations much more complicated than they should be. For instance, visiting friends from out of town is nearly impossible because boarding can become expensive (anywhere from $20-50/night, which is a lot on my RA salary). We had to stop using one of her seemingly-friendly kennels after she came home deathly afraid of all men, possibly because the boarder abused her during the two nights she was there. Finding pet friendly hotels is a nightmare as they are few and far between and the conditions at many of them are atrocious. If you want your dog to have extra fun at the dog park, be prepared for enormous vet bills because the communal environments allow your pet to catch anything from doggie pink-eye (who knew that existed) to canine viral papilloma (a gem of a condition where your dog can't be around other dogs for 1-5 months after catching these mouth warts). In the past year, my vet bills have been nearly $2,000 due to vaccines and a ton of other health conditions that surfaced for her. The financial factor doesn't even take into account the amount of guilt that I feel when I go out with my friends after work rather than staying home with her. Like I said, I love her to death, but especially if you're planning on raising a dog alone, I would strongly advise you to wait until you're in a 9-5 situation.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

I'm not in grad school yet, but I decided to adopt a puppy right after I graduated college and began a full-time RA position. While I love my dog to death and would never give her up, I have to say if I could turn back time I would hold off on getting a dog until after grad school. When I first got her, I went home every day to take her out for lunch until she was fully potty trained, and even then every time I came home there were happy surprises on the floor. Now that she is nearly 2, having a dog still makes many situations much more complicated than they should be. For instance, visiting friends from out of town is nearly impossible because boarding can become expensive (anywhere from $20-50/night, which is a lot on my RA salary). We had to stop using one of her seemingly-friendly kennels after she came home deathly afraid of all men, possibly because the boarder abused her during the two nights she was there. Finding pet friendly hotels is a nightmare as they are few and far between and the conditions at many of them are atrocious. If you want your dog to have extra fun at the dog park, be prepared for enormous vet bills because the communal environments allow your pet to catch anything from doggie pink-eye (who knew that existed) to canine viral papilloma (a gem of a condition where your dog can't be around other dogs for 1-5 months after catching these mouth warts). In the past year, my vet bills have been nearly $2,000 due to vaccines and a ton of other health conditions that surfaced for her. The financial factor doesn't even take into account the amount of guilt that I feel when I go out with my friends after work rather than staying home with her. Like I said, I love her to death, but especially if you're planning on raising a dog alone, I would strongly advise you to wait until you're in a 9-5 situation.

eerily similar to our situation, I miss my cocker no doubt, but as an IRTA Fellow there just wasnt time, he actually became de-conditioned 🙁

 

[cara susanna]

IIRC the dogs that the people in my program have are puppies.

I have a guinea pig, myself. 😀

 

[AlaskanJustin]

IIRC the dogs that the people in my program have are puppies.

I have a guinea pig, myself. 😀

I know I miss my two rats, they rocked... and no not sewer rats i hope you psych people know the kinds of rats I speak of. Mine had a skinner box 🙂

 

[clinicalpsyapp]

I agree with whomever said make sure you can give that dog the attention needed. Its a bad thing, yeah you might be able to sustain the dog, but 1) there is no way you can properly train a dog, you need consistency in the reinforcement, but how could you possibly be consistent with an inconsistent schedule? 2) You cannot expect roommates to help you with this, that is just plain rude. 3) why limit your housing availabilities? remember a LOT of places do not allow dogs (maybe cats, but not dogs) and it is already hard enough to live or find living at an affordable price, add in a pet and the price goes up 4) what's the point? to have a companion? you will be gone most of the time anyways? what ends up happening is either you lock the dog in a kennel or in the bedroom all day, then you see them for a couple hours at night before bed, but wont you be studying during that time?

Having been one of those people in a position of trying to take care of a dog but not having the time, its awful, just not worth the added stress in life.

remember dogs are EXPENSIVE, vaccinations, medications, especially if youre in an area where ticks exist, heartworm treatment, and what happens if the dog is sick and needs vet attention, you really think grad student salary will be completely sufficient to cover a vet bill? Lemme tell ya it isnt, not an expensive one at least.

So again I garee with whomever said please seriously consider all of these things, I know how cute puppies and dogs are, but its a huge commitment during a time you will already have immense stress.

J

I second this. I am in a master's program right now (applying for phd) and as much as I love my dog it has been a huge hassle. I definitely have time to take her out and feed her everyday, but it's not at the same time. Dogs don't really understand that one day you have class late and the other you have time mid-afternoon, whatever. Therefore she ended up going to the bathroom in our apartment a few times which ended up costing us our deposit when we moved out. Also, it severely limits housing opportunities. We lived in a crappy, expensive apartment our first year because it was the only one in the area that allowed dogs. If you do get a dog, I suggest looking for an apartment with hard wood floors!

 

[Wildcat06]

I would definitely NOT get a puppy. I adopted a 9-year-old dog after graduating college and she's a perfect companion but I would not get a dog if I didn't already have one. The biggest thing you should consider is how inconsistent your schedule will be. I've had classes starting as early as 8:30 and ending as late as 7:00, and that's not even taking into account lab hours, meetings, clinic hours, etc.

Others in my cohort have cats and they seem to have a lot fewer pet-related stresses. (Plus cats are also awesome.)

 

[chasingadream]

GET A RESCUE DOG!!!!!! I was waiting to get into grad school to get a dog but, after trolling petfinder for 5 years I caved and got one after my applications were in. It's only been a month but we've had a great experience! He came house trained and lasts all day while I work full time. (My friend got a puppy a few months ago and further reinforced that getting a 2 year old was the way to go) He is so eager to please and learning so fast! I have already lost all my application-pudge (from all the take-out and microwave food) going on our walks and I have never met a dog that loved to cuddle so much! Rescue dogs are so much better than puppy mills, much cheaper, and usually come vaccinate and spayed/neutered. I'd be happy to talk to anyone about my experience getting a rescue if you have questions.

 

[PsychPhDone]

Other students in my program have pets, including some dogs. I'd either try to move early and use the summer to train them, or hold off until at least second semester. It can be done. 🙂

 

[HVD2011]

I got my dog during grad school. I have never had a dog before, but he is a little life saver. I love that he curls up next to me while I study. I have had him sit in front of me while I stand and practice a class presentation to him. When school life gets rough and I have had enough, I walk through the door and see his little wagging tail and all the day's ails just wash away. I am gone for 12-16 hours at a time some days because I also work full time. But he is really good and does not do his business inside the house. My dog is a saving grace in this stressful time and I definately recommend getting one.

 

[HVD2011]

GET A RESCUE DOG!!!!!! I was waiting to get into grad school to get a dog but, after trolling petfinder for 5 years I caved and got one after my applications were in. It's only been a month but we've had a great experience! He came house trained and lasts all day while I work full time. (My friend got a puppy a few months ago and further reinforced that getting a 2 year old was the way to go) He is so eager to please and learning so fast! I have already lost all my application-pudge (from all the take-out and microwave food) going on our walks and I have never met a dog that loved to cuddle so much! Rescue dogs are so much better than puppy mills, much cheaper, and usually come vaccinate and spayed/neutered. I'd be happy to talk to anyone about my experience getting a rescue if you have questions.

My little dog did come from a puppy mill 🙁 and he was four months when I got him. I trained him in about 2 months to be house broken. I agree to get dogs from the pound. I looked for months at the pound, but none seem to respond to me the way Benji did. I felt the response of the dog to me was important. But the writer is correct; you save a dog's life and they come with shots etc when you get them from a pound.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

GET A RESCUE DOG!!!!!! I was waiting to get into grad school to get a dog but, after trolling petfinder for 5 years I caved and got one after my applications were in. It's only been a month but we've had a great experience! He came house trained and lasts all day while I work full time. (My friend got a puppy a few months ago and further reinforced that getting a 2 year old was the way to go) He is so eager to please and learning so fast! I have already lost all my application-pudge (from all the take-out and microwave food) going on our walks and I have never met a dog that loved to cuddle so much! Rescue dogs are so much better than puppy mills, much cheaper, and usually come vaccinate and spayed/neutered. I'd be happy to talk to anyone about my experience getting a rescue if you have questions.

See I DID get mine from a rescue, a really good cocker rescue (Oldies but goodies) he was 7 when we got him but full of life and energy, almost too much energy. Even still, it COULD and most likely does depend on breed, cause our cocker couldnt handle being alone too long.

I dont think we are saying that it cant work because clearly for some it does, but are you in grad school already? From the sounds of it you are only applying, meaning you havent actually experienced it yet, I think there is a lot to be said for the randomness of a schedule. I guess if one of the parents is home more frequent that helps, but even so I would just rather see the rescued dogs go to a family with a back yard and more attention.

Note: many of the rescue dogs came from a puppy mill, even more frequent is that the rescued dogs were breeders at a puppy mill, so sad 🙁 especially our doggy, damned pure breeds have the hardest lives.

 

[summerssun]

I sadly have to agree that financial constraints can and SHOULD be a large factor in this decision. I'm a full-time paid research assistant right now (and may continue to be so, if I don't get into a program this round of admissions), and there's just no way I could get a dog on my salary. Vet bills are expensive, apartment fees for pets can be expensive, etc. I know plenty of grad students that have dogs (and wish I could be one of them!) but it's important to think about the commitment you're making... if you get a puppy, you'll need to provide for it for the next 12 or more years. Can you afford to board it if you fly to conferences for weekends or home on vacations? Can you walk it EVERY DAY for at least 30-60 minutes, no matter the weather? Are you financially prepared for unexpected vet bills (as in, do you have an extra thousand dollars in the bank for this sort of emergency), or losing your security deposit to a dog that's acting out and destroying things? If you have kids during this period, are you okay with having a baby around your pet? A dog is a huge responsibility, and having one is great... but not so great for the dog if he has to spend 15 hours a day roaming a small apartment without bathroom breaks, walks, or anyone to interact with. It's not just about your life right now, but about your life for the next decade.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

I sadly have to agree that financial constraints can and SHOULD be a large factor in this decision. I'm a full-time paid research assistant right now (and may continue to be so, if I don't get into a program this round of admissions), and there's just no way I could get a dog on my salary. Vet bills are expensive, apartment fees for pets can be expensive, etc. I know plenty of grad students that have dogs (and wish I could be one of them!) but it's important to think about the commitment you're making... if you get a puppy, you'll need to provide for it for the next 12 or more years. Can you afford to board it if you fly to conferences for weekends or home on vacations? Can you walk it EVERY DAY for at least 30-60 minutes, no matter the weather? Are you financially prepared for unexpected vet bills (as in, do you have an extra thousand dollars in the bank for this sort of emergency), or losing your security deposit to a dog that's acting out and destroying things? If you have kids during this period, are you okay with having a baby around your pet? A dog is a huge responsibility, and having one is great... but not so great for the dog if he has to spend 15 hours a day roaming a small apartment without bathroom breaks, walks, or anyone to interact with. It's not just about your life right now, but about your life for the next decade.

oh man I had completely forgotten about the cost of boarding dogs, its ridiculous! especially if everyone else goes home, say for christmas, then there is no one there to watch your pet. It is really rough.

 

[aagman01]

Dogs can be expensive and time consuming! Even though I love dogs (had them growing up), I got a cat (2 actually, siblings 😍). They keep each company when I am gone or busy, which can be all too common in grad school! And they are cheaper than dogs too!

 

[hamsterpants]

Cats Rock! and some can be very dog-like, a lot depends on how you treat them.

 

[Neuropsych2be]

I'd recommend a dog from a rescue association. I got a wonderful golden retriever named Maslow (no comments on the name please). He rocks my world! Plus being an older dog he is so much lower maintenance than a puppy wold ever be. Plus a dog gives you so much in stress relief! But you hvae to be in a position to care for the pet properly!

 

[futureapppsy2]

My family has rescued two Great Danes. One was lovely, well-trained, and sweet (though he had have some disgestive issues). The second one, however, came from a really questionable home (never walked, left outside), and she has been kind of nightmare (actually failed obidence school--I didn't know that was possible!), though my parents are committed to sticking with her.

I'll miss my parrot--I'm her "human" (parrots are monogamous, and thus tend to have one human that can touch them, touch their cage, etc.), and she's always so excited when I come for breaks (note: parrots are very violent compared to domesticate species like dogs and cats--I love mine, but I would never recommend one to most people. Even as the preffered human, I've had every one of my knuckles, lots of places on my fingers, and chunks of my chest, ears, and nose bitten to the point of bleeding over the past few years, and my parrot isn't especially aggressive!).

 

[PrisonPsych]

I'd recommend a dog from a rescue association. I got a wonderful golden retriever named Maslow (no comments on the name please). He rocks my world! Plus being an older dog he is so much lower maintenance than a puppy wold ever be. Plus a dog gives you so much in stress relief! But you hvae to be in a position to care for the pet properly!

I have a lab-border collie mix named Lexapro, so no comments here.

 

[Cmvramirez]

I came into grad school with 2 dogs and, while it can be super hectic, I'm lucky enough to have a flexible schedule & a husband who can come home periodically to walk the boys. It's possible to own a dog, but make sure that you do a LOT of research to make sure you get a breed that doesn't require a ton of exercise & avoid getting a puppy at all costs! An adult dog would be perfect--you won't have to deal with the teething, potty training (well, you might have to deal with it, but it doesn't last as long as it does with a puppy).

Just be sure to take the cost into consideration--dogs cost a LOT between buying good quality food, vet care for routine shots & exams on top of when they're sick, grooming, licensing, teeth cleaning...you get the picture. Still, I love my boys & I couldn't see myself getting through the stress without their love to come home to at the end of the day. 🙂

 

[Wildcat06]

I am gone for 12-16 hours at a time some days because I also work full time. But he is really good and does not do his business inside the house.

I REALLY hate to be this person, but please don't get a dog if you plan to leave him/her alone for 12 or 16 hours a day. Yes a dog can hold themselves that long if necessary but it's neither pleasant nor healthy. Unless you can train them on puppy pads or have a dog door...

 

[LGPsychology]

Thanks for the great feedback everyone!
Of course I would never leave a dog alone for that long. I've been considering getting one for years, but it's just never been the right time. Maybe I'll just have to wait until I have kids so they can walk the dog after school!
P.S. I love the names Maslow and Lexapro -- those are riots! I was thinking about naming mine Rufio (the kid from "Hook" that I thought was a total fox when I was a kid, and who am I kidding, still do) if I ever get one.

 

[deleted176373]

Thanks for the great feedback everyone!
Of course I would never leave a dog alone for that long. I've been considering getting one for years, but it's just never been the right time. Maybe I'll just have to wait until I have kids so they can walk the dog after school!
P.S. I love the names Maslow and Lexapro -- those are riots! I was thinking about naming mine Rufio (the kid from "Hook" that I thought was a total fox when I was a kid, and who am I kidding, still do) if I ever get one.

Sometimes I am gone all day... My dogs can go in and out at will through the doggy door. They always have food and water though, so you can leave them all day if need be. Both my dogs are rescues.

Cindy and Pooh Bear (I named neither.) They are great dogs.

Mark

 

[phillydave]

This question might sound weird in the midst of all these urgent getting-into-grad-school related posts, but does anyone have or know someone who has had experience owning a dog during grad school? I really love dogs and want to get one, but I'm not sure how my hours will be, whether I'd be able to run home midday to walk it, etc. I know all schools vary in terms of how demanding they are, but any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

I feel misled by the title of this thread... hahahaha

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Lexapro....Lexi for short!

 

[PrisonPsych]

Lexapro....Lexi for short!

We do it as Lexxie, but yes. 🙂

 

[phillydave]

Glad to see this thread back from a week-long nap 🙂

 

[Featheredwyngs]

Of course you can have a dog in graduate school. It's completely doable! I had a dog growing up, I have a dog now with a full time job, and I will have (the same) dog when I enter graduate school (just as my sister has a dog in vet school). Although some people might consider it an unnecessary stress, I can't imagine my life without a dog and I know I can manage it. Of course.... I don't have a lifestyle (aside from work/study) that would interfere with investing time in my pet (i.e., going out late at night, traveling a lot, etc.).

I wouldn't adopt one before you begin school if you haven't had a pet on your own yet. Wait until you feel settled in and see if you can financially and emotionally manage it once you're there. (This might be waiting at least one semester). Make sure you have the social supports in place, have looked into the costs of a dog in the area you'll be living (boarding, vetting, renting, city licensing) and make a budget, and definitely research the known pros and cons of the type of dog you get (breed/age/sex - and keep in mind Breed Specific Legislation in your area). On top of that, if you apply to adopt from a rescue, it could easily be a couple of months before some rescues match you to a dog that will suit your lifestyle.

However, aside from adopting a dog, I am surprised no one has mentioned this option: FOSTERING.

You can foster a dog or cat in need for a short period of time (a couple of weeks etc.) for quite a few organizations. It will give you an idea of how well you can manage a pet with your schedule and it's extremely helpful as fosters are always needed. And although it can be hard to part with a pet - there is always the option to adopt an animal you foster down the road.

Good luck!