i want a dog ...

tsu_girl82 · Dec 7, 2004

I have a mini dasch- in the pic! I don't work-just school, and I don't have much time to spend with him. I feel bad cuz when I am studying and he wants to play, I have to keep blowing him off. On the other hand, you're probably less busy now than when you actually will be working as a nurse. They sure do make you feel better when you had a bad day or bombed a test!

I want a daschund but i am a full time nursing student . do you think it is doable and still be fair to the dog. I found a doggy day care for long days but i want to be realistic about the total time that is involved with dog care. I have 2 cats but of course they are different to care for. The dog is six and partially potty trained.
Please advise.

Mandylpn · Dec 8, 2004

I am a dog lover, have two myself. Please DO NOT get the dog unless you can fully commit to keeping him until he passes on. Believe me, a lot of dogs who "don't work out" end up in the dog pound being euthanized. A dog (animal) is a comittment for life. :nono:

hrrizen · Dec 8, 2004

Woundnt get a dog with out considering all involved , definatly would not think of giving it back once i got it. I love my cats like my kids lol. cant give family away even when you may want to :chuckle

Thanks for the input

Donna

I am a dog lover, have two myself. Please DO NOT get the dog unless you can fully commit to keeping him until he passes on. Believe me, a lot of dogs who "don't work out" end up in the dog pound being euthanized. A dog (animal) is a comittment for life.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Dec 9, 2004

I've always had cats, even during nursing school, but wouldn't have even considered getting a dog then. In fact, we didn't get one until this autumn, and now we're so nuts about our little guy that we wonder why we ever hesitated. He's a miniature-pinscher/Dachsund mix, and although he has some quirks, he's a lot of fun. I just adore Toby's 'puppy kisses' and his way of greeting me whenever he sees me---his tail starts, and pretty soon his entire body gets into the act.

Still, I'm glad we didn't have a dog when I was working part-time, going to school full-time AND raising four small children. I barely had enough energy left over for my husband and the kids, let alone a four-legged furbaby that wants to go for walks and play all day. I'd wait if I were you. JMHO.

LPN1974, LPN · Dec 12, 2004

I am a dog lover in the 1st degree. I couldn't live without a dog. I love cats too, which I had one in nursing school. They can pretty much take care of themselves, but a dog takes alot of commitment. I have at times had up to 3 dogs at once, but do not want to get in that situation again. One dog is enough. The one I have now is very hyper, but I wouldn't trade him for the world. You have to figure out what works about the potty situation. My dog is also partially trained...if I'm home he lets me know he needs to go out. When I was at work I was leaving him in the kitchen {linoleum floor} and a gate locking him away from the rest of the house. But I was coming home every night and mopping up pee cause he just couldn't hold it 9 hours, now I'm on a 10 hour shift so I'm gone about 11. Finally, I just did what I should have done and had a doggy door installed in backdoor....now he has access to the fenced backyard, and we are both happy. No more pee puddles, and he goes out when he wants. He loves to play outside, so that gives him some entertainement while I'm at work. When I come in at midnight he's always inside ready to meet me. It's worked out well. That's all I can suggest....maybe this will help you think of a solution for your situation.

Antelope · Dec 12, 2004

I have at times had up to 3 dogs at once, but do not want to get in that situation again. One dog is enough. .

Having a second dog does have advantages. Although it is more work, it isn't as much extra work as you would think. It is not double the work. I find that my first dog is much happier, and doesn't need my attention as much, since I have gotten my second dog. They spend so much time playing together. No he only needs me for food and cuddles. My playing skills don't compare to his new sister. Of course, I still enjoy playing with them, but I don't have him putting his tug rope in my lap while I am studying and then giving me the sad eyes anymore.

KrisRNwannabe · Dec 12, 2004

my husband and i have a four year old cocker spaniel that we got as a puppy. he has a crate that he goes in when we are gone during the day. before i started school this fall he was in the crate 10-12 hours day. when never have any probs with him going potty in the cage or barking (we live in a condo so the neighbors would tell us). it is just something that he is used too. we put toys in there but i think he just sleeps the whole time (i am convinced he is part cat!!!). he doesn't fuss at all, we just open the basement door and say get in your house and he goes. i think it all depends on what they are used a older dog might have issues if that has never been the routine. but if you have a puppy and that is what they are used too, there usually isn't problems. When i lived at home we had lab that was the same way. also the dog has never developed bas behaviors in response to being left alone. i think enjoys time away from our cats!!! they just love to screw with him. they are maine coons and both around 15 pounds and he is 20 pounds so it is a pretty fair fight.

my 2 cents

Kris

DZcarrie · Dec 14, 2004

my beagle doesn't smell bad :( :crying2:

hrrizen · Dec 14, 2004

I didnt mean to offend :imbar ....Just speaking about my friends dog who is stinky even when its clean....I asked about the beagles smelling that way and a groomer told me thats the way they smell. Some are stonger than others but thats a beagle... It wont me

my beagle doesn't smell bad :(