urroner Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 So I've been thinking of getting a dog. I really want to get a Labrador Retriever (best animals in the world), but I'll be going to college next fall and I'm not sure if having a dog while working at least 30 hours a week and going to school part-time is a good idea—and there's also the problem of finding an affordable apartment complex that allows pets. I'm sure there's a way to make it work, though. Any thoughts or advice?Dogs are very social animals. If the dog is going to be alone a lot, it will drive them crazy. I know that this goes against the very being of every true man, but if you are going to get a dog and live in an apartment, get two small rug rat dogs. They will entertain each other while nobody else is home. Labradors are great, but let me tell you, a border collie is an awesome dog also and they're even smarter than a Labrador. They also are great sheepdogs and they like to herd things into groups, including little kids.
Garden Girl Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 Most dogs are social and like to be around their ' owners'. If you are going to be gone 6-8 hours a day definitely do not get an active dog breed.Labs are great dogs but also need to be exercised regularly. A cat ,on the other hand, doesn't really notice your absence until feeding time. In the cat world , a Siamese is as close to a dog as you will get. Besides,they are very pretty,( and a bit nuts ).I agree a Lab is wonderful but very social with its owner... you would do better with a cat, but I'm not so sure about a Siamese because they are sooo vocal. My cat, Bob, is very vocal also and sometimes he drives me crazy, but I love him because he is so smart and funny, and absolutely beautiful. I got him at the shelter and just can't believe I was so lucky.It's not true that they don't notice their owner except for feeding... depends on the cat... Bob is interested in everything I do and loves to sit on my lap in the evenings. Certain breeds are more social than others. If I leave Bob alone in the den and I go into the computer room and am gone too long, he comes looking for me and jumps up on the table and just stays with me.You can go online and view certain cat breeds for socialability. Tuxedo cats (black and white) are usually pretty social. So is a Ragdoll, and a Maine Coon. I'd stay away from the exotic type and just go to the shelter and spend some time with the various cats... give a dear one a good home... save a life...GG
Calm Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 (edited) So I've been thinking of getting a dog. I really want to get a Labrador Retriever (best animals in the world), but I'll be going to college next fall and I'm not sure if having a dog while working at least 30 hours a week and going to school part-time is a good idea—and there's also the problem of finding an affordable apartment complex that allows pets. I'm sure there's a way to make it work, though. Any thoughts or advice?I don't know about others, but I feel very guilty about not interacting with my dog as much as she needs due to my health issues. We didn't realize/know two things when we bought her...that she would be a chewer and thus could not be allowed free rein of the house and that my daughter's issues would be getting worse so she wouldn't have time or energy to interact with her. Don't get a dog, especially a big and intelligent dog if you aren't going to be able to provide significant interaction. They get bored and lonely just like we do. It isn't kind. I'd give my dog away if I didn't believe it would be more emotionally painful for her due to her reactions on the few times we've gone on vacation and left her at home with someone to care for her who were probably giving her more attention than we can manage.The vet just suggested we look into dog sharing, leaving the dog with another family during the day while we care for her at night. You might look into something like that but agree up front...have a written contract if there is any question...about what is to happen if one partner can't fulfill their side, who pays for what, who the dog goes with if one partner or both end up moving, that kind of stuff. Edited September 16, 2012 by calmoriah
ERayR Posted September 19, 2012 Posted September 19, 2012 So I've been thinking of getting a dog. I really want to get a Labrador Retriever (best animals in the world), but I'll be going to college next fall and I'm not sure if having a dog while working at least 30 hours a week and going to school part-time is a good idea—and there's also the problem of finding an affordable apartment complex that allows pets. I'm sure there's a way to make it work, though. Any thoughts or advice?I recommend you wait until your through with school. It really isn't fair to the dog if you have no time for them and you will only be frustrated taking care of it with no time to enjoy its company. My grandfather was great with dogs and horses but he spent a lot of time with both.
ERayR Posted September 19, 2012 Posted September 19, 2012 My wife has a miniature Dachshund. He likes us all but only adores my wife and my son-in-law. Both dote on him. Max is the ultimate lap dog. He spends most of his waking hours on my wife's lap. My wife can no longer do much but she can sit and hold grand children and Max and that is fine with Max.
The Nehor Posted September 19, 2012 Posted September 19, 2012 I love animals. I am having one for dinner tonight.Oh....wait........I will see myself out then.
blackstrap Posted September 20, 2012 Posted September 20, 2012 I love animals. I am having one for dinner tonight.Oh....wait........I will see myself out then.So,are you going to wok your dog,Nehor? 1
The Nehor Posted September 20, 2012 Posted September 20, 2012 So,are you going to wok your dog,Nehor?Turns out I had vegetable and potato stew with cheese. Turns out I do not like animals.
Saints Alive Posted September 20, 2012 Posted September 20, 2012 I thought this thread was about people who liked to eat animals It must be time for me to eat something.
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