Dog? Forum

[TedBuckland]

Ok so I will be a 1L this fall and wondering about how feasible it is to have a dog during law school. Some things to note: I know this depends pretty heavily on where I go to school which isn't set yet, I don't currently have a dog but have been looking to adopt one for some time now, it would not be a puppy, I've had a dog previously and am aware of the responsibility and time that goes with it (the only reason I don't have one now is because, until recently, I wouldn't have had the time and it would be unfair to the dog).

So, I'm accepting all thoughts on the proposition of adopting a grown dog now-ish, and having that dog for about 7 months before going to school. Thanks.

[JamesBlahDeBlah]

Don't get a dog right before a major life change. The time to get a dog is when you have an established stable life and can accurately understand how that commitment will change things.

[vwhorley]

Ok so I will be a 1L this fall and wondering about how feasible it is to have a dog during law school. Some things to note: I know this depends pretty heavily on where I go to school which isn't set yet, I don't currently have a dog but have been looking to adopt one for some time now, it would not be a puppy, I've had a dog previously and am aware of the responsibility and time that goes with it (the only reason I don't have one now is because, until recently, I wouldn't have had the time and it would be unfair to the dog).

So, I'm accepting all thoughts on the proposition of adopting a grown dog now-ish, and having that dog for about 7 months before going to school. Thanks.

I am also a 0L, but I have a dog and I think it's a perfectly fine idea. If you adopt an older dog they will be happy to snooze most of the day and it will force you to exercise a bit. Plus the mental health benefits of having a dog during a stressful time are incredible. Just make sure it wouldn't be a housing issue/you have savings to cover any surprise health issues. You've had a dog before, so you know if you can do it. Plus there are so many older dogs in shelters who are looking for loving homes- I think you have the right idea.

[mcmand]

I think it's a bad idea, unless you have a stable apartment that allows pets and you are willing to sacrifice time you would spend physically at law school to get home to your dog and attend to his or her needs. Some people don't have a problem with that and try to not be at campus longer than a "work day," but sometimes that isn't so feasible, such as when you're doing competitions (mock trial, moot court) or other events/work that requires you to be there late.

If you have a stable pet friendly apartment that is close to campus and the dog you get has no issues with separation anxiety or being alone generally during the day, maybe. But those are all major factors that are difficult to line up, especially when adopting a shelter dog.

[jjcorvino]

I have a dog as a 1L (check the profile picture), but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone else unless they know what they are getting into. I pay for walks during my class days which come out to hundreds per month, on top of the time he commands and other expenses. In general I am so glad that I have him because he relieves my stress, but don't do it unless you know that you can handle it.

[Mullens]

Wait until 2L. Your 1L schedule will be much more hectic and rigid. Very easy to get a dog during 2/3L when your acclimated to law school and have more control over your schedule.

If you already had the dog then I’d say nbd since you would understand if your dog could handle it better

[BasilHallward]

I agree with the idea that you should wait until 2L. Also, the school/location plays a big role in my opinion. Everyone here in Austin has a dog and it doesn't hinder students with them from my observations. Other cities in the north, colder cities, etc. could present a larger problem

[wmbuff]

So, if I have an established dog, and have worked through the separation anxiety, and have him well crate-trained, we should be okay? (Especially since I'm probably landing below the Mason-Dixon line.)

[mcmand]

So, if I have an established dog, and have worked through the separation anxiety, and have him well crate-trained, we should be okay? (Especially since I'm probably landing below the Mason-Dixon line.)

Probably. Have you moved cross country before? Moves are stressful for animals and there can be an adaptation period (or new maladaptive behaviors might crop up.)

[wmbuff]

So, if I have an established dog, and have worked through the separation anxiety, and have him well crate-trained, we should be okay? (Especially since I'm probably landing below the Mason-Dixon line.)

Probably. Have you moved cross country before? Moves are stressful for animals and there can be an adaptation period (or new maladaptive behaviors might crop up.)

We've moved to a totally different situation across state lines (about four hours away). He took that in stride.

[mcmand]

So, if I have an established dog, and have worked through the separation anxiety, and have him well crate-trained, we should be okay? (Especially since I'm probably landing below the Mason-Dixon line.)

Probably. Have you moved cross country before? Moves are stressful for animals and there can be an adaptation period (or new maladaptive behaviors might crop up.)

We've moved to a totally different situation across state lines (about four hours away). He took that in stride.

Then he's probably fine.

[jjcorvino]

So, if I have an established dog, and have worked through the separation anxiety, and have him well crate-trained, we should be okay? (Especially since I'm probably landing below the Mason-Dixon line.)

Every dog is different, but my dog was fine moving from DC to NYC.

[mcmand]

Can we turn this thread into one where we share pics of our dogs? Because that would really make my week.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Can we turn this thread into one where we share pics of our dogs? Because that would really make my week.

Dude! How have you missed this thread?
http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... lit=Pepito


(Everyone go there and post dog pics. A MOD COMMANDS IT.)

[wmbuff]

Can we turn this thread into one where we share pics of our dogs? Because that would really make my week.

Dude! How have you missed this thread?
http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... lit=Pepito


(Everyone go there and post dog pics. A MOD COMMANDS IT.)

As requested, I've posted one of my favorite pictures of Banjo.

[airwrecka]

Another 1L with a dog here. It only works for me because I have a partner who is home all day and basically does all dog-related tasks for me (I'm a terrible dog mom ). If you don't have a partner/roommate (non-law student) who can help you out, I would strongly advise against it (unless you live literally next to your law school or something).

[Teacher]

So, if I have an established dog, and have worked through the separation anxiety, and have him well crate-trained, we should be okay? (Especially since I'm probably landing below the Mason-Dixon line.)

This is my dog too. He is my favorite thing in the whole world and I don’t think I could make it through law school without him!

[snarfing]

I have a dog as a 1L (check the profile picture), but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone else unless they know what they are getting into. I pay for walks during my class days which come out to hundreds per month, on top of the time he commands and other expenses. In general I am so glad that I have him because he relieves my stress, but don't do it unless you know that you can handle it.

I also have a heeler mix! I feel very similarly to you. I love that I have my dog because we do dog sports and thats my hobby, but she costs a lot and she needs a ton of attention, so I wouldnt get one if you dont really know what youre getting into.

[wmbuff]

I have a dog as a 1L (check the profile picture), but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone else unless they know what they are getting into. I pay for walks during my class days which come out to hundreds per month, on top of the time he commands and other expenses. In general I am so glad that I have him because he relieves my stress, but don't do it unless you know that you can handle it.

I also have a heeler mix! I feel very similarly to you. I love that I have my dog because we do dog sports and thats my hobby, but she costs a lot and she needs a ton of attention, so I wouldnt get one if you dont really know what youre getting into.

Check the link I posted in the thread Nony linked for a picture of my heeler power sliding under a sheep.

[snarfing]

Check the link I posted in the thread Nony linked for a picture of my heeler power sliding under a sheep.

sweet! I have no pictures of my dog in an action shot because I suck at taking pictures. I posted some of her just existing. I do have some of her doing nosework but it just looks like shes staring at something, not terribly exciting. We're on a break from agility because she needed knee surgery

[wmbuff]

Removed post...

[BigTex1980]

Get a cat.

[dogger]

I know 1Ls that have dogs; it seems more common for 2Ls and 3Ls. It's definitely feasible, but you will probably just need a house or big apartment. I'd also recommend schools with a lot of open land like Duke and UVA.

[DKM]

Get a goldfish

[BigTex1980]

Get a goldfish

And feed it to the cat.