Should I get a dog?

[krotchy]

So, I have always loved dogs my whole life, and have had 2 growing up. The first was a female Beagle my parents got when I was 7. She died of cancer on her spine when I was 17. About 3 weeks later we got another female beagle, and I have loved her since. However when I was 18 I went to college and haven't had much time to spend with her for obvious reasons.

Now however I am 23 and graduating from my MS program in December of this year and I also work part time at a good paying job. The whole time I was in college I couldn't get a dog due to rental restrictions and time restraints. However with my parents help I am buying a house which I will move into sometime this summer. Finally having a place of my own I feel I can now get a dog with no restrictions.

The only problem is I cannot guarantee him/her alot of time if I still have 1 semester of school following the summer and I am starting my career. Do any dog owners here feel that getting a dog despite the fact that you might be too busy to care for them the way you hoped seem like it should make me wait? Opinions?

Cliffs:
Love dogs
Haven't had one of my own since college (5 years)
Getting my own place, 1 semester left. Work and School time problems.

 

[nutxo]

Id wait. Dogs need company all the time.

 

[f4phantom2500]

Most dogs are very social so need attention, and typically you wouldn't want one that's not. Basically if you get a dog you'd be asking it to be your companion but wouldn't be able to live up to your end of the deal.

 

[Azraele]

Wait. Pets are a commitment.

 

[Shortcut]

don't get a dog if you will not have the time to care for it.

 

[YetioDoom]

How are you going to train it? Those things pee and poo constantly for like the first 3 months of their life.

 

[Cooler]

Get a fish or a easy pet if you really need one now.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Cooler
Get a fish or a easy pet if you really need one now.

i have a tarantula, and its the only pet ill ever have.

if i had a house with a huge yard i may get a dog. i dont like small breeds that stay inside, and would probably want a mastiff or a great dane or some such.

wait til you have the time, though

 

[Gooberlx2]

Dogs certainly do need a lot of attention. With that said, I have many friends who are single, and own dogs and work full time. Usually they either crate train them for during the day and/or take them to doggy day care. Many will treat the dogs to doggy day care maybe once or twice week for socialization, but not everyday. It's expensive and they always come back with the runs.

 

[fallenangel99]

Personally, I can't wait to get a dog..Dogs are the greatest therapy ever!!!

 

[GTaudiophile]

Dogs are like infants. Could you handle an infant?