Purchasing a Dog in College

So you're thinking about getting a dog while in college? Your family may not be on the same page with this great idea you have, and it might be causing some controversy. You don't want to go against your parents wishes, but you really think you're ready for the big responsibility. TRUST ME - I've been there. 

I was a junior in college and had my heart set on getting my very first personal dog for Christmas. I thought my parents would totally be on the same page, but little did I know, they absolutely were not on the same page with this decision I had already made my mind up on. 

SO - here's my advice if this is your situation, and a few tips to help convince your parents (it worked for mine ;-)).

PREPARE: Take the time to really think about the responsibility you want to take on. When you're getting ready to go out next time, think what would be happening if you had a puppy in your apartment. Before heading out the door for a night on the town, you'd have to make sure your new companion is fed, has water, has gone potty, and is in the crate with nothing that he/she could chew up that could cause harm like choking. Puppy's also like to bark, so if you leave to go out, is your dog going to tick off your neighbors by barking all night? These are all things to think about BEFORE welcoming your first dog into your life. From my experience, I got Sully in February and did not go pretty much anywhere, besides class, that I couldn't take him with me. I also didn't go to parties or out to bars for a few months because I knew the the time I could to train him while he was a puppy would shape him into the dog he is today.

RESEARCH: I did SO much research on the Goldendoodle breed before deciding that was the breed I wanted. Picking the kind of dog you want is a big deal. Do you have allergies? Kids? Think about the location of where you live. Is it hot or cold? There are so many factors that go in to picking your dogs breed. Personally I picked a goldendoodle because they are hypoallergenic, smart, and loving. Sully is great with kids, and that is something important to me because I have 7 siblings and nieces and nephews. I also have allergies to dog hair, not to mention I am a clean freak, so a non shedding dog was a no brainer for me. 

COST: If you are thinking about getting a dog in college, and your parents are still supporting you, then maybe that is why they are against the idea. I convinced my parents by promising they would not take on the cost of a puppy. I assumed all cost were mine, and while I did get some help from my parents here and there, I mainly paid for everything for Sully while in college, which meant sacrificing some nights out on the town. If YOU are deciding to welcome a puppy into YOUR life, then YOU need to pay for it. 

HAVE FUN: Finally, remember to HAVE FUN! A puppy is a lot of work, potty training sucks, and the first few vet bills aren't cheap, but if you have decided to go ahead with your decision to get a dog while in college, and have really thought about the responsibility, then have confidence that you are making the right decision. Sully is now 4 years old, and literally sitting right by me as I write this blog post. He is my absolute best friend, and I thank God everyday I made the decision to welcome him into my life when I did because of the time I had with him as a puppy. You'll never live the way you do in college ever again. You have a few classes a day and that is really your only responsibility unless you are working, but chances are, it's a part time job, so you have more time now to train a puppy than you will after you graduate and accept a full time job. I hope this was helpful in making your decision to get a dog in college or not!