I have always had cats in my family (mine I have now since '95), but I have been brought up around dogs too (other family members/friends)
I recently got out of the military and went through a somewhat devastating break up.
I'm an active-body person but I'm relatively lonely and bored now (I moved somewhere where I know not many people)
I was thinking of getting a boxer dog (the type that my family members have) either a puppy or a rescue.
I have never taken care of a dog full-time or trained a dog to do anything.
I'm almost 25 and have been wanting a dog for years.
Is now the right time, or should I wait?
I know they take your time and energy, but I feel like I need that right now.
The problem is, later down the road, a year or less from now, I want to go back to college and get a new job.
Any comments and/or criticism is appreciated, it doesn't just have to be positive stuff.

Do you live in an apartment or house?

Aslong as you can set aside some play / walk and training time then its fine. Since you wont be home all day i would say do 3 walks per day ( time depends on size / breed but say 20+ mins )

Its extremely important you satisy the dogs needs so the dog doesnt get bored and pee / poo and destroy things ( this is were Kong toys are good )

This post was edited by Sire on May 29 2013 02:58pm

I live in an apartment that allows dogs.
I will be getting a place soon once I find a place in my range.

Dogs require A LOT of time. If you plan on going back to school/work, I suggest don't do it. Not fair for the dog.

I just have to say this. If you are seriously considering a dog, I would not go for a breed of dog just because your friends have it or you like the look. Since it would be your first dog, I would do a TON of research and find a dog that is very easy-going and easy to train. For example, you wouldn't want to get any Terrier because they typically are headstrong.

And another thing- since it would be your first dog I wouldn't go with a rescue. Rescue dogs typically come with issues and that takes a lot of time, patience, and experience. Your best bet would be a puppy from a reputable dog breeder who can give you tips on how to train, keep healthy, etc. etc.

Also consider what that breed of dog was bred for: Herding dogs will require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Sporting dogs and working dogs need the same- they WANT to work. If you have an apartment, you should probably go with a non-sporting dog or a toy breed. Just be careful with the toys because they tend to have little dog syndrome and can get super protective of their owners.

listen dude if you actually do get a dog...dont take a puppy...they need aLOT of attention and honestly it sounds like in a year ur gonna have some changes and thats bad...but a dog would be fun i have a dog and no matter how lonely i feel sometimes he always cheers me up and gives a feeling that u need to take care of him like a child or even more...so think if you are ready for the responsibility

like people have said already, dogs take ALOT of time. they aren't like cats atall- they need you to teach them how to do pretty much EVERYTHING
my friend has 2 dogs, they're EXTREMELY well behaved. but she said it took her YEARS of training and whatnot to get them that way.
and like bunny said, i'd go for an easy to train, easy going dog. if you are going to get one. but you have to walk it alot, and with you going back to school i don't know how that would work out.

be prepared for sacrifices, you need to be there every few hours, you can't just leave them for the night if you decide to go out etc

, cooping one up in an apartment for any size dog will drive them nuts,

there are tons of rescue organizations as well, good luck

Just be fair to the dog as you would to yourself, I mean you know every dog has it's day and some just do different things.

ive had a dog for almost my whole life and i love them

but they need 40-60 mins of exercise spread thru the day to avoid behavioral problems...i do 20 min walk in the morn, 10 min walk in afternoon, and 20-30 min walk at night depending on the route i take

this is a huge commitment and can be a hindrance on your social life. I've had to cut many nights short because i had to go home and walk the dog.

if you do get a dog please walk them everyday, dont just let them outside in your small yard (if you live in cali) to do their business.

they are meant to walk around and hate being cooped up in what is essentially a very large cage.

also medical bills are ridiculous. my dog swallowed my mom's panty hose or w/e and we had to give him surgery....thousands of dollars...also theres food, grooming, flea medicine, shots...shit adds up quick i just spent $400 on my dog last week cuz of those 4 things....prob wont have to shell out that much for a while but still...every so often itll take a chunk of change...like car maintenance

This post was edited by DavidOTC on Jul 11 2013 12:08am