Getting a new dog during CA bar study Forum

[Judge Philip Banks]

I think I know the answer to this, but I'll ask anyway. What are your thoughts on getting a new dog this weekend (i.e., right as CA bar exam study is getting under way)? If anyone has done this, how was the experience studying while acclimating a new dog to your home?

[papercut]

0L here, but I know dogs.

Get an adult dog that's already been trained from the shelter.

You'll get all the companionship without the early pain of training.

[dreakol]

if you are working full time and bar studying, i'd wait. If your only obligation this summer is to study for the bar, I cant imagine why this would be a problem.

[Judge Philip Banks]

I appreciate the replies. My only obligation this summer is studying for the bar. My concern is that having a dog could be a distraction, especially because I would be getting the dog and trying to acclimate him to his new home right as I am starting bar prep. Both of these tasks require a lot of effort and attention. I obviously don't want to jeopardize my shot at passing the bar because I took effort away from studying and was distracted by training my dog. My gut is telling me to not get a dog, but I would still like to hear what others have to say on the matter.

[ITrollPatentTrolls]

Distractions in moderation are good. You need to find something (exercise? new hobby?) that will let you distract yourself from studying sometimes--otherwise, you'll risk stressing yourself out. Depending on your circumstances, no reason a new dog can't be that distraction. Now, if you're in a 50-story apartment complex and taking the puppy outside is a 30-minute process, well, maybe you should rethink that.

[Judge Philip Banks]

Distractions in moderation are good. You need to find something (exercise? new hobby?) that will let you distract yourself from studying sometimes--otherwise, you'll risk stressing yourself out. Depending on your circumstances, no reason a new dog can't be that distraction. Now, if you're in a 50-story apartment complex and taking the puppy outside is a 30-minute process, well, maybe you should rethink that.

Good points. I do exercise and plan to continue doing so during bar prep. Taking the dog out for a walk a few times a day would definitely be a nice break from studying (I am doing the online only BarBri course). Still a tough decision...

[forty-two]

I got puppy last summer when I was studying for the bar. It was perfect timing really because I was home a lot so it was easier to potty train her and everything else that goes along with getting a puppy. She was a distraction sometimes, but she was a great companion and made sure I went outside and interacted with people instead of just hiding and studying all day. The bar I took was easier than the CA bar, but I ended up passing by a ton (they give you your score breakdown in my state), so the puppy obviously didn't hurt anything. And if you're planning on getting an adult dog instead of a puppy I'd imagine it would be even better/less stressful as long as there aren't any huge behavior issues.

[SilverE2]

I say go for it. Honestly (and this is said from the perspective of someone who has only been studying for a week, so take it with a grain of salt) bar exam study doesn't seem that bad, about the same as holding a full-time job, + a few hours on the weekends. If you would have time to adopt a dog with a job, you should have time during bar exam study too. Maybe even more so, because you're at home studying.

[dtl]

If anything, it might be therapeutic. I am currently studying for the bar next to a box containing 5 baby chicks. It is kind of calming.

[Foosters Galore]

I picked up a wife while studying for the CA bar, and it worked out for me.