I want to adopt a dog from a shelter

[alexhecht]

Okay, I wanted some insight from people who have done this before. I really want to adopt a dog between the ages of 2-6 that is active enough to join me on my runs every morning and a good companion when I am home. I work a max of 16 hours a week and a little more over the summer's. And during school I average about 29 hours for school which adds up to 45 hours a week not at home. The rest of the time I am at home either studying or outside de-stressing (I do not go out very often). I think a dog is exactly what I need, and I was wondering what other's opinions are. I would definitely want a dog that is already potty-trained, but that doesn't seem to be hard to find at a shelter. Also, would crate training be a good idea? I live with my parents and they have varying hours of being home (school is twenty minutes away, so why not). We live on a 2 acre plot of land in a small valley. I think having a companion would be super beneficial to me. Any opinions would be appreciated. :)

[Wrench Party]

Sure- I adopted a high energy pointer mix right before I started nursing school. Just make sure your family's on board with letting him out when you're not there. Normally when I work, my fiance lets out the dogs, but when he's away on business trips

I bribe friends to come over and let them out.

If I didn't have friends, I'd have a pet daycare come by.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Thanks you guys that was helpful :) I think I am going to go through with it and I will be super careful picking out a dog, thanks for the warning Hpy_Vly_RNBSN

I am a dog/pet lover. There is nothing better than to come home to a happy pet.

I beleive in crate training. Dogs are den animals and need their space as well. The time to crae train an animal is NOT when you need it. If there is any reason yo need to leave your home for any length of time....like a natural disaster of fire.....a crated calm dog is welcome any where. It is also best to have your dog in a seat belt or crate when traveling.

KNOW your breed and mixes. Dogs are never far behind their genetics. Don't expect a weimaraner like my baby or a dalmatian to be couch potatoes. When left bored and alone they can be extremely destructive. If you don't want a constant shadow everywhere (and I mean everywhere....they are velcro dogs) who can open the pantry for their own treats....don't get a weimy.

Hunting dogs hunt. Goldens love to please. Retrievers retrieve. Dachshunds dig. LISTEN to the rescue staff. Dogs are a huge responsibility. They need to be fed loved exercised and played with every day. '

Older dogs are calmer...usually. There are pure bred rescues for every breed Current Adoptables - Weimaraner Rescue of the North- New York State Weimaraner Rescue as well consider an older dog...they need love too and are usually happy to be left sleeping after some exercise.

All breed rescue through the AKC....http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

[Hpy_Vly_RNBSN]

I have a Boxer Pit mix Very high energy She jumped a 4 foot fence once to go on a jog with a random jogger passing our house. While I was in school she was on a very regimented schedule Crate for 4 hours out to pee at lunch and create again till end of the workday. As soon as I graduated and my boyfriend got orders to change jobs in the Military all hell broke loose. I can't get her near a crate now She's broken out of every metal one we've gotten and the plastic travel one she licks her paws and drools to the point of dehydration in. I only work 3 12s a week but it's all random She hates not having a set schedule I take her to doggy day care when I can but it's not open when I leave at 5 am to go to work I've taken her to the vet and to a trainer to try to help her out but I tend to feel guilty that she's at the mercy of my nursing life

[Wrench Party]

^ If she's leash trained, consider having a dog walker or petsitter come over and tire her out with a good walk and play on the days you work. Works especially well if you live in a college town and there are cash hungry, trustworthy grad students around.

Even if it's something like $60/week (think 3 hours of your pay), totally worth it to come home to a tired, contented pup.

[Irish_Mist, BSN, RN]

Adopting a dog from the shelter is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Adopting the dog in the age range you specified is even better because so many of them are overlooked due to many adopters wanting a puppy. You've got the space, the time and the resources. Why not? Go for it!

[alexhecht]

I'm glad you guys are so encouraging, thank you. I think as soon as this semester is over I'll get one so I can spend a lot of time with it before fall starts

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

You might also tool on over the the Breakroom to the Pets forum. This whole discussion belongs there anyway. :)

[alexhecht]

Oh sorry I didn't know that :) thanks

[kp1987]

I think it's a win win! You get a companion and the doggy gets a good home!

At a local university by me they did studies which includes dogs and student playing during exam time and the stress of the students went way down!

[mikasa]

I love my dog and I got him at the animal humane society as a puppy pretty much around the time I just entered the nursing program.

Dogs are hard work especially puppies. Make sure you have time for them. My dog is very energetic, he loves walks, he loves running around the house, he LOVES attention. Sometimes I don't have time for that due to school and work. He is crate trained but I don't like leaving him in there for long periods of time. When he was a puppy I was SO stressed. I even broke down and cried because I felt like I was doing everything wrong and felt that I wasn't good enough for him. Now about 2 years later things have gotten much better. I'm use to my dog's good/bad habits and he is use to my schedule. It's almost like having a kid around the house. You have to be there for them and thinking about them all the time. But of course I love my dog and wouldn't change a thing but just be prepared and do your research because I didn't!!! Lol Good luck :)