Getting a puppy during bar exam prep. Bad idea? Forum

[Linen Walnut]

I am considering getting a puppy in May after graduation when I start preparing for the bar exam. I've never had a dog, but my understanding is that puppies are a big time commitment and have to be taken out to use the bathroom as often as the number of hours that is their age (so 2 months old = every 2 hours). If I get a 2-3 month old puppy in May, I'll be home more often to take care of them and they'll be 6 months old by the time I start work, which will be a lot easier. If I wait until after the bar exam to get a 2-3 month old puppy, it will be difficult once I start work.

So for people who have taken the bar exam and/or have had a puppy, can you please weigh in? Is the bar prep schedule really hectic? Do you think getting a puppy that I alone will be taking care of, which obviously will be a bit of a distraction, is a bad idea?

I can't get a puppy now because my apartment isn't dog-friendly, so I would have to move to a new dog-friendly apartment (in a different state; the state where I will practice law) in May after I graduate.

[Desert Fox]

I am considering getting a puppy in May after graduation when I start preparing for the bar exam. I've never had a dog, but my understanding is that puppies are a big time commitment and have to be taken out to use the bathroom as often as the number of hours that is their age (so 2 months old = every 2 hours). If I get a 2-3 month old puppy in May, I'll be home more often to take care of them and they'll be 6 months old by the time I start work, which will be a lot easier. If I wait until after the bar exam to get a 2-3 month old puppy, it will be impossible to come home every 2-3 hours once I start work.

So for people who have taken the bar exam and/or have had a puppy, can you please weigh in? Is the bar prep schedule really hectic? Do you think getting a puppy that I alone will be taking care of, which obviously will be a bit of a distraction, is a bad idea?

I can't get a puppy now because my apartment isn't dog-friendly, so I would have to move to a new dog-friendly apartment (in a different state; the state where I will practice law) in May after I graduate.

Won't be an issue. The bigger issue is what type of job will you have? If it's private practice, that might not work.

[Johann]

if you want to get a puppy in the near future, before the bar exam is def the way to go.

[Linen Walnut]

Won't be an issue. The bigger issue is what type of job will you have? If it's private practice, that might not work.

It's private practice with hectic hours, but I'll live 5-10 minutes from the office.

[Desert Fox]

Won't be an issue. The bigger issue is what type of job will you have? If it's private practice, that might not work.

It's private practice with hectic hours, but I'll live 5-10 minutes from the office.

Get a cat.

[Linen Walnut]

I would prefer a dog haha.

[Desert Fox]

I would prefer a dog haha.

That is selfish. You'll never see the lil dude. And randomly taking 30-40 minute dog walking breaks is not going to fly in a hectic firm.

[Linen Walnut]

I would prefer a dog haha.

That is selfish. You'll never see the lil dude. And randomly taking 30-40 minute dog walking breaks is not going to fly in a hectic firm.

I figured I could come home during lunch breaks or do doggy care care or get a dog walker a few times each week, and I'll be home working in the evenings/weekends.

[fats provolone]

check the exam rules for your state. most won't let you bring dogs into the testing facility unless they are registered service animals.

[Dr. Review]

I got my pup the same week that I started bar prep. I did Themis, which let me take him out on my own schedule. I found that he was a great stress reliever and a good distraction. By the time I started working, he was pretty good with a mid-day dog walker visit until I (or my wife) got home.

[akili]

If you are going to be the sole caretaker of the dog and can't afford doggie daycare/a walker, I wouldn't do it.

[Mal Reynolds]

I would prefer a dog haha.

That is selfish. You'll never see the lil dude. And randomly taking 30-40 minute dog walking breaks is not going to fly in a hectic firm.

I figured I could come home during lunch breaks or do doggy care care or get a dog walker a few times each week, and I'll be home working in the evenings/weekends.

Your dog will love sitting bored by your side when your work!

[encore1101]

If you are going to be the sole caretaker of the dog and can't afford doggie daycare/a walker, I wouldn't do it.

As someone with two dogs (see left), this.

[Desert Fox]

I would prefer a dog haha.

That is selfish. You'll never see the lil dude. And randomly taking 30-40 minute dog walking breaks is not going to fly in a hectic firm.

I figured I could come home during lunch breaks or do doggy care care or get a dog walker a few times each week, and I'll be home working in the evenings/weekends.

Your dog will love sitting bored by your side when your work!

One of my dogs actually does. The other just keeps dumping his chicken toy on my laptop.

[Ron Don Volante]

cats are tcr here (and always)

[GOATlawman]

check the exam rules for your state. most won't let you bring dogs into the testing facility unless they are registered service animals.

pretty sure you can get an official service dog certificate online for like $30

[Linen Walnut]

Bumping this once in case there is anyone who hasn't seen this who can weigh in

[akili]

Bumping this once in case there is anyone who hasn't seen this who can weigh in

I had a full grown dog during bar prep and it was tough. He was a good study break, but he's also old enough to leave me alone when I work. I still had to take him to the dog park or send him to daycare at least 2x a week.

Definitely would not recommend a puppy. A full grown trained dog would be doable though.

[Desert Fox]

My dog stole stale gummybears from my briefcase last night. Then vomited them all up and shit everywhere. I strolled into work at 1pm.

[Killingly]

I asked some people at my firm about this. One of the juniors told me not to do it because no one will understand needing to go home to walk/feed the dog. I don't know about doggie daycare in your area, but those in mine typically only operate until like 6-7pm.

I got a cat. Best decision ever.

Will one day (hopefully) get a dog when things are more stable.

[AreJay711]

Why would you want another living thing dependent on you for sustenance and support? Just have a kid if that's what you want.

[valen]

Why would you want another living thing dependent on you for sustenance and support? Just have a kid if that's what you want.

This is most definitely not tcr

+1 to the comment about getting an adult dog. Even one that is 1-2 years old will make a big difference. There are so many adult dogs who need loving homes!

[courtneylove]

I got a puppy in the last few months of 3L. She was a great stress reliever during bar review, and honestly helped keep me on a schedule because as soon as she fell asleep I knew I had to study. I did Kaplan though, from home, and sat there with her all day. I had a job in the fall with a really flexible schedule too, working two four hour blocks with an hour lunch break at home in between. I keep a similar schedule at my current job... I would not recommend a dog if you're going to be gone longer than that, and working irregular hours.

If you want a dog for the summer, why don't you foster one from a rescue?