The Pros and Cons of Getting a Dog in College

Getting a pet in college seems to be an unusually popular decision among students. They say owning a pet is like raising a child because life doesn’t really care about you anymore – it’s all about this thing you must try your hardest to take care of. If you are thinking about possibly getting a dog while you are attending college away from your hometown and family, I have a list of cons to buying a dog to think about before making that decisions.

There are a wide variety of dog breeds and types out there. There are small dogs, big dogs, fluffy dogs, short-haired dogs, long-haired dogs and dogs with severe and mild medical conditions to consider when picking out that certain dog. So, when shopping for a dog, it’s important to remember that whichever dog you choose, you are responsible for taking care of that dog. That’s when expenses come into play. We are talking about getting a dog groomed, feeding them, bathing them, getting them a collar and leash, etc.

Getting a dog also means having time management skills. Sometimes we have mornings when we over-sleep and are running out of the door in 30 minutes. When you get a dog, you must let them go to the bathroom in the morning before you leave and throughout the day.

Having a dog also means even if you are in the zone doing your homework and your dog needs to go outside, you must take them and risk losing your train of thought.

If you are of the legal drinking age and decide to go to the bar or to a house party, you shouldn’t stay the night at that person’s house. Chances are you weren’t allowed to bring your dog and they are at home waiting for you to let them walk around, stretch their legs and go to the bathroom one more time.

If you buy a dog while living with others, it’s respectful to make sure you aren’t getting a dog they are allergic to or even worse, you should make sure your roommate even likes dogs. Some people fear them. If everyone is on board with a new animal in the house, it’s courteous to warn visitors of a dog inside because those people may also have an allergy or a fear to dogs.

One of the biggest nuisances I have seen from my roommates and friends deal with because of their dog is traveling. If you plan a big trip to go somewhere, you either must make sure your dog is welcome at that hotel, campsite or home, or make sure you have alternative living arrangements. Otherwise, you probably aren’t going.

Training a dog is the most important part of raising a dog, in my opinion. Training a dog not to use the restroom in the house is crucial because that could result in spending a fortune on replacing the floor. It’s also important to make sure they know how to eat and drink their own water and food bowl, to not run off when unhooked from the leash and to follow any other rules. Training is the primary way to communicate with your dog.

Along the lines of training is making sure they don’t damage any belongings. This can be as simple as not chewing up your shoes and clothes to making sure they don’t tear up the walls or other furniture you may have in your apartment or home. Damages costs a lot of money, which can be avoided by showing you dog to stay away from chewing on these items.

With all of this said, dogs are not the worst-behaved creatures we have living among us. Most of them are cute and are fun to have around. I do not own a dog, but my parents and friends do, and those little puppies are awesome. Below are pros to having a dog.

Dogs are not only a man’s best friend, but also a woman’s best friend. Dogs are great little companions to have with you when you are feeling lonely or down. They are nice to have something to come home to after a long day at school and work. They can help forgive or waste away all the day’s burdens.

Dogs are good at giving us a sense of responsibility and commitment. If you find yourself laying around on the weekends without anything to do, dogs are good at making sure you get up and move around.

Dogs are good at helping us meet people. Everyone wants to pet a cute dog walking by especially if they are friendly dogs. Petting a dog potentially opens opportunity for small talk, which can then lead to a possible friendship.

Last, but certainly not least, dogs are relaxing. Most of them like to lay around and cuddle. If you are like most college students, you will allow them in your bed to sleep with you at night and that security blanket is nice to have.

So, I don’t want to discourage you from a purchase you may be “qualified” to make, but dogs are fun little stress relievers to have around when taken care of properly. It wouldn’t be fair to the dog if you bought them and couldn’t take care of it.

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