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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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

ITrollPatentTrolls wrote: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...

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.

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.

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.

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