Dog before Nursing School

[kendalrose8]

Hi, a bit of a random question but I'm just looking for some input from anyone who may have some advice on this topic or shared a similar experience.

I'm currently almost halfway through my pre-nursing sophomore year of college, and planning to apply at the end of this year to my nursing school which is an accelerated BSN program (4 consecutive semesters). I have been working as a CNA for a couple years now, and understand how long and demanding the shifts can get. I've also had a lot of studying this year so far with the difficult load of classes I've been taking and have thought about how a dog would fit into my lifestyle currently. 

I was planning on getting an older puppy this past Summer, but decided it was best to wait until I'm out of my apartment in April and have a fenced yard for a dog. I will be having a couple roommates who aren't going to be in nursing school and have much less demanding studies. I am a huge dog person and have been highly considering getting an older puppy when this year ends going into Summer, so I will have all Summer to focus on training and raising it before starting school again. If I do end up getting into the nursing program (which could even take a couple applications and mean I start senior year), I was curious if anyone could share their experiences of owning a dog in nursing school. My roommate is fully on board with helping take care of the dog when I have long days away from the house or long clinicals, she's aware of how demanding nursing school is, and also wanting a dog around. My boyfriend is also on board with helping watch the dog at his house on days where no one can be home all day. My parents are 30 mins away from my school, and willing to watch the dog if I ever need to leave town or nobody will be home. 

What are your guys thoughts on this? I am very responsible and have raised and fostered many dogs/puppies and fully aware of the commitment, but I just really think having a dog around to hike and hang out with while studying could be beneficial for me since they bring me so much happiness and could help with the stress. Do you think my circumstances will allow for this to work out? Any other input?

Thank you so much!! I appreciate it

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

My experience is boyfriends, friends etc are not as committed as I am to my dog. I found a good doggie day care and a reliable dog walker. Getting a puppy or very young dog isn’t the best idea and could create a nightmare for you. Training requires consistency.  I’m sure you know that a fenced in yard is no real substitute for training and paying attention to your doggo. 
Also, who will take the dog once you and your room mate part ways?  When you go to work, if it’s 3 twelves what’s the plan? You may end up on night shift and then doggy care gets more complex (I’m on night shift). I have had to plan ahead for all of this. 

I’m not saying don’t get a dog but consider your future. Most of my dogs have lived 12-15 years but I adopted them when they were 3-4 years old. There personalities were formed, they were chill and great dogs.  Their training and potty training was easy. 

All that being said my dogs have kept me sane through nursing school and ten years nursing. Totally worth the time, effort and money.