GSD pup right for me?

Salty · 07-04-2011, 08:35 PM

Hey guys! I stumbled upon this forum while trying to find some good answers regarding GSD ownership but what I found via google seem to be conflicting opinions toward my situation, so I figure making a post would be a wise decision before jumping to any conclusions.

Anyway, my family has had quite a few dogs growing up but I've always been closest with our GSDs; we've had three that have all been incredible pets. I've been on my own for a while now and I've decided that I'd really like a pet for companionship (no showline breeds necessary, just looking for a loyal, energetic, intelligent dog). My situation is unique, however, for a couple reasons:

I am a college student. I will be in class on MWF from approx. 11-12, 2:30-5; TTh 2-3:30, and a couple hours in the evenings. As an engineering major, I spend a LOT of time doing homework/studying as well.
I will be in a 3 bedroom apartment with my two roommates. There is no yard but a small balcony. Across the street (literally, one road) is a large dog park/field.

Do you think I could make this work? I have plenty of experience caring for and training GSDs, so that isn't much of a worry for me. Apart from my fairly rigorous studies, I do prefer a somewhat active lifestyle so frequent jogs/play time would be no problem for me, either. I also plan (if I go through with this) to convert my spacious walk-in closet to a sort of large kennel of sorts, so when I'm not available at least he/she won't be entirely caged up. However, when I'm in class or doing homework, I will probably not be able to do more for him/her besides putting some busy toys in the closet/kennel. (Also, I would have to pick up a fairly small dog, possibly a female? because my apartment complex has a roughly 60 lb limit on dogs, though I've seen a fairly large black GSD owned by a resident already; the complex seems pretty flexible with their rules)

Do you think this is a workable living situation for a GSD? I won't look any further if this is considered an inadequate environment.

Elaine · 07-04-2011, 09:08 PM

I would really recommend you wait until you are done with school, get a job, get a house, and then have a stable home life before you get a big dog. It's so hard to manage a dog in an apartment. With all the people walking by in the hallway and close neighbors it's so hard to keep them quiet and give them the exercise they need. You don't have a fenced yard to let them out in so you have to potty them yourself in all weather at all hours of the day and night which is so not fun.

Once you finish school you are going to be looking for a job, probably have to move, and find another rental to live in. I do rescue and you would not believe how many people dump their dogs at this point in their lives. It's so hard when you want to be out having fun with your friends, working a new job, and try to find a place that takes big dogs. There are people that do manage to do this, but they are definitely in the minority.

I would highly suggest you wait until you are in a very stable spot in your life where you can give your new dog the time and attention he will need and you will be more financially stable to support that new dog. This will give your new dog the best chance of succeeding.

billsharp · 07-04-2011, 09:28 PM

Elaine speaks truth. My kids are in college and recent grads looking for jobs, getting condos, dating, etc. so I've seen first-hand what a conflict that time of life can be with raising a dog. Let me ask your question back to you like this:

"Hey, guys, I'm thinking of adopting a little baby boy. But I'll be in class from x to y, and I'll make him a little play space in my closet, ... etc." Get the picture?

From the tenor of your post it sounds like you are really thoughtful and conscientious and would give it your best, but this is just not a good time for you to get a dog, esp a GSD pup.

Best of luck in your studies!

neiltus · 07-05-2011, 12:05 AM

ditto, wait

MustLoveGSDs · 07-05-2011, 12:18 AM

I am 24 and have 4 dogs in an apartment. I've always had 2-3 with me while living on my own in apartments since I was 19. Let me tell you from my experience, it is a TON of work and requires a LOT of dedication. Unless you are a true blue dog lover then do not attempt it. My life pretty much revolves around my dogs, I have no yard so they have to be leash walked 3-4 times a day, every single day. Granted I have 4 and you are talking about one, but still there are some things you need to think about like your roommates. Can you trust them with your dog and will they be on the same page as far as training and treatment goes? Would they flip if your dog messed inside? What happens if you get into a relationship and your SO doesn't like your dog? There are so many people who dump their dog because their fiance or husband/wife says "me or the dog". Are you really going to put your pet first if/when you have to move? Many people take the easy way out and dump their pets when they are too lazy to find an apartment that allows dogs or their specific breed. There are many times when I have wanted to take random trips or stay out somewhere all night but I am not able to because of the dogs.

Just some things to think about..

Glacier · 07-05-2011, 12:57 AM

I'm in the same situation as you, I think you should wait. The dog deserves to have a stable living arrangement and I also think you should wait, which is what I'm doing.

Freestep · 07-05-2011, 11:06 AM

When I was 18 years old and I'd just moved out of my parents' house, the first thing I did was to go get a puppy. I lived in an apartment that didn't allow dogs, but by God, I was going to have the GSD I'd always wanted, come heck or high water! I was in college at the time, I went to school during the day and my boyfriend worked nights, so it was perfect.

Shortly after getting the pup, we moved into a house with a backyard that allowed dogs. That was great. The puppy was able to destroy the entire backyard. The landlord decided that he didn't want a puppy destroying his property and evicted us. I moved back in with my mom for a couple of months while I looked for another pet-friendly rental. Finally found one, and that was great, until the landlord got mad that said puppy was destroying the yard. Got evicted again, and this time, I was out of money, out of time, and out of luck. I lived in a van with my dog for about a year because I couldn't find a rental that allowed dogs, and to get rid of my dog didn't even occur to me.

For all the years I rented, it was really a struggle having a dog. But if I had to go back and do it all over again, I would still get a dog. I'd do things a little differently, but a dog was all I ever wanted. She was my constant companion, loyal through thick and thin, went with me everywhere including college classes, and was my protector when I was alone. I don't know what I would have done without her.

Your mileage may vary.

Mac's Mom · 07-05-2011, 11:50 AM

Salty - To answer the question in your thread title - I think a GSD pup is right for you. But not sure if this is the right time for you. And to answer the question in your post - I do think this is a workable living situation for a GSD. But its not going to be easy.

I actually think your class schedule will make it easier to raise a puppy then if you worked a full time job (gone for 8 plus hours at a time). That is if you can come home and spend time with the puppy between classes. It will be a pain to walk down the stairs and outside everytime you have to take the puppy out but again...people do it.

I think roommates will be the biggest challenge. Puppies can be very mouthy and destructive. Also, what if you get a puppy and it exceed 60lbs? Will you have to move?

All of the concerns and issues mentioned in previous posts are valid and I think you should seriously think about them. And if you decide to take on the challenge, the best of luck to you.

idahospud49 · 07-05-2011, 11:53 AM

I agree with Mac's Mom. It definitely is workable, but will take just that, some work. I agree that your roommates may be a challenge. It is always hard raising a puppy the way you want when you have to deal with other people who may not be on the same page as you. It is impossible to be with your puppy 24/7 so there will be times when those people are around him/her and you aren't.
I think that if you are willing to put the work into it and overcome and difficulties a puppy could be a great reward. I know I love having Glock's happy face and goofy personality to come home to after work.
Good Luck!!

marshies · 07-05-2011, 01:32 PM

I have a similar situation, and posted another thread. Student/New Professional Schedule...GSD a good idea?

I am studying accounting in undergrad, and like you, will graduate to a professional career. One of the things that I NEED to get done before I get a dog is full-time recruitment. I'm not sure what it's like in engineering, but here in accounting, recruitment is one solid month of stress. You go to class, dash home and shower, eat appetizers/cheese, crackers and wine for dinner, and stay and smooze until 10. At that point, you go home and catch up on the courses you NEED to do well in before becoming an accountant. Last year, I was only doing summer recruitment, and felt too tired to do anything other than recruit and school for the entire month. I will be doing full-time recruitment this fall, and am getting stressed just thinking about it.

I don't think I could get a dog until I got past that point in my life, and had a job lined up for graduation. As stressful as recruitment is, graduating without a job is 200 times more stressful. I don't think I would provide a good environment for my dog to live in because I would be too stressed all the time to really be a good companion to my dog.

The other aspect of this job thing, is that you can finalize your post-graduate living circumstances based on your job offers. If you have to move to another city, or take a particularly demanding job, you might have to rethink the dog situation.

I think students can be dog owners, because I can see all these chunks of times during the day when I've wished I had a dog to keep my company. But as aspiring young professionals, I think we need to consider our career path, and whether the path we chose will allow us to be GOOD dog owners. I can love GSDs all I want, but if I can't be a good owner, I won't get one.

07-04-2011, 08:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Salty New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 3	GSD pup right for me? Hey guys! I stumbled upon this forum while trying to find some good answers regarding GSD ownership but what I found via google seem to be conflicting opinions toward my situation, so I figure making a post would be a wise decision before jumping to any conclusions. Anyway, my family has had quite a few dogs growing up but I've always been closest with our GSDs; we've had three that have all been incredible pets. I've been on my own for a while now and I've decided that I'd really like a pet for companionship (no showline breeds necessary, just looking for a loyal, energetic, intelligent dog). My situation is unique, however, for a couple reasons: I am a college student. I will be in class on MWF from approx. 11-12, 2:30-5; TTh 2-3:30, and a couple hours in the evenings. As an engineering major, I spend a LOT of time doing homework/studying as well. I will be in a 3 bedroom apartment with my two roommates. There is no yard but a small balcony. Across the street (literally, one road) is a large dog park/field. Do you think I could make this work? I have plenty of experience caring for and training GSDs, so that isn't much of a worry for me. Apart from my fairly rigorous studies, I do prefer a somewhat active lifestyle so frequent jogs/play time would be no problem for me, either. I also plan (if I go through with this) to convert my spacious walk-in closet to a sort of large kennel of sorts, so when I'm not available at least he/she won't be entirely caged up. However, when I'm in class or doing homework, I will probably not be able to do more for him/her besides putting some busy toys in the closet/kennel. (Also, I would have to pick up a fairly small dog, possibly a female? because my apartment complex has a roughly 60 lb limit on dogs, though I've seen a fairly large black GSD owned by a resident already; the complex seems pretty flexible with their rules) Do you think this is a workable living situation for a GSD? I won't look any further if this is considered an inadequate environment.

07-04-2011, 09:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elaine Crowned Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,784	I would really recommend you wait until you are done with school, get a job, get a house, and then have a stable home life before you get a big dog. It's so hard to manage a dog in an apartment. With all the people walking by in the hallway and close neighbors it's so hard to keep them quiet and give them the exercise they need. You don't have a fenced yard to let them out in so you have to potty them yourself in all weather at all hours of the day and night which is so not fun. Once you finish school you are going to be looking for a job, probably have to move, and find another rental to live in. I do rescue and you would not believe how many people dump their dogs at this point in their lives. It's so hard when you want to be out having fun with your friends, working a new job, and try to find a place that takes big dogs. There are people that do manage to do this, but they are definitely in the minority. I would highly suggest you wait until you are in a very stable spot in your life where you can give your new dog the time and attention he will need and you will be more financially stable to support that new dog. This will give your new dog the best chance of succeeding. __________________ Elaine and the herd

07-04-2011, 09:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
billsharp Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 347	Elaine speaks truth. My kids are in college and recent grads looking for jobs, getting condos, dating, etc. so I've seen first-hand what a conflict that time of life can be with raising a dog. Let me ask your question back to you like this: "Hey, guys, I'm thinking of adopting a little baby boy. But I'll be in class from x to y, and I'll make him a little play space in my closet, ... etc." Get the picture? From the tenor of your post it sounds like you are really thoughtful and conscientious and would give it your best, but this is just not a good time for you to get a dog, esp a GSD pup. Best of luck in your studies! __________________ Liesl, b. 1/1/11 Maxie, 1994-2009 King, 1963-1968

07-05-2011, 12:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
MustLoveGSDs Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston,TX Posts: 1,381	I am 24 and have 4 dogs in an apartment. I've always had 2-3 with me while living on my own in apartments since I was 19. Let me tell you from my experience, it is a TON of work and requires a LOT of dedication. Unless you are a true blue dog lover then do not attempt it. My life pretty much revolves around my dogs, I have no yard so they have to be leash walked 3-4 times a day, every single day. Granted I have 4 and you are talking about one, but still there are some things you need to think about like your roommates. Can you trust them with your dog and will they be on the same page as far as training and treatment goes? Would they flip if your dog messed inside? What happens if you get into a relationship and your SO doesn't like your dog? There are so many people who dump their dog because their fiance or husband/wife says "me or the dog". Are you really going to put your pet first if/when you have to move? Many people take the easy way out and dump their pets when they are too lazy to find an apartment that allows dogs or their specific breed. There are many times when I have wanted to take random trips or stay out somewhere all night but I am not able to because of the dogs. Just some things to think about.. __________________ http://www.secondchanceshepherds.org/index.html "If you don't train them, don't blame them" Zelda(husky), Optimus Prime(doberman),Rogue(BGSD)

07-05-2011, 12:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
Glacier Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 116	I'm in the same situation as you, I think you should wait. The dog deserves to have a stable living arrangement and I also think you should wait, which is what I'm doing. __________________ An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

07-05-2011, 12:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
neiltus Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 233	ditto, wait

07-05-2011, 11:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
Freestep Knighted Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,087	When I was 18 years old and I'd just moved out of my parents' house, the first thing I did was to go get a puppy. I lived in an apartment that didn't allow dogs, but by God, I was going to have the GSD I'd always wanted, come heck or high water! I was in college at the time, I went to school during the day and my boyfriend worked nights, so it was perfect. Shortly after getting the pup, we moved into a house with a backyard that allowed dogs. That was great. The puppy was able to destroy the entire backyard. The landlord decided that he didn't want a puppy destroying his property and evicted us. I moved back in with my mom for a couple of months while I looked for another pet-friendly rental. Finally found one, and that was great, until the landlord got mad that said puppy was destroying the yard. Got evicted again, and this time, I was out of money, out of time, and out of luck. I lived in a van with my dog for about a year because I couldn't find a rental that allowed dogs, and to get rid of my dog didn't even occur to me. For all the years I rented, it was really a struggle having a dog. But if I had to go back and do it all over again, I would still get a dog. I'd do things a little differently, but a dog was all I ever wanted. She was my constant companion, loyal through thick and thin, went with me everywhere including college classes, and was my protector when I was alone. I don't know what I would have done without her. Your mileage may vary. __________________ Luka von Sontausen, CD Vinca von Sontausen, CGC Freestep's Beluga Whale, BWD

07-05-2011, 11:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mac's Mom Knighted Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Midwest Posts: 2,035	Salty - To answer the question in your thread title - I think a GSD pup is right for you. But not sure if this is the right time for you. And to answer the question in your post - I do think this is a workable living situation for a GSD. But its not going to be easy. I actually think your class schedule will make it easier to raise a puppy then if you worked a full time job (gone for 8 plus hours at a time). That is if you can come home and spend time with the puppy between classes. It will be a pain to walk down the stairs and outside everytime you have to take the puppy out but again...people do it. I think roommates will be the biggest challenge. Puppies can be very mouthy and destructive. Also, what if you get a puppy and it exceed 60lbs? Will you have to move? All of the concerns and issues mentioned in previous posts are valid and I think you should seriously think about them. And if you decide to take on the challenge, the best of luck to you. __________________ Carrie Mac - 2 year old GSD Bart - 4 year old GSD/Akita & 3 Cats Buffy, Rusty & Magoo

07-05-2011, 11:53 AM	#9 (permalink)
idahospud49 Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Linden, Arizona Posts: 1,690	I agree with Mac's Mom. It definitely is workable, but will take just that, some work. I agree that your roommates may be a challenge. It is always hard raising a puppy the way you want when you have to deal with other people who may not be on the same page as you. It is impossible to be with your puppy 24/7 so there will be times when those people are around him/her and you aren't. I think that if you are willing to put the work into it and overcome and difficulties a puppy could be a great reward. I know I love having Glock's happy face and goofy personality to come home to after work. Good Luck!! __________________ Megan Amadeus 1/13/2003-10/20/2010 RIP Glock 1/25/2011

07-05-2011, 01:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
marshies Elite Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,026	I have a similar situation, and posted another thread. Student/New Professional Schedule...GSD a good idea? I am studying accounting in undergrad, and like you, will graduate to a professional career. One of the things that I NEED to get done before I get a dog is full-time recruitment. I'm not sure what it's like in engineering, but here in accounting, recruitment is one solid month of stress. You go to class, dash home and shower, eat appetizers/cheese, crackers and wine for dinner, and stay and smooze until 10. At that point, you go home and catch up on the courses you NEED to do well in before becoming an accountant. Last year, I was only doing summer recruitment, and felt too tired to do anything other than recruit and school for the entire month. I will be doing full-time recruitment this fall, and am getting stressed just thinking about it. I don't think I could get a dog until I got past that point in my life, and had a job lined up for graduation. As stressful as recruitment is, graduating without a job is 200 times more stressful. I don't think I would provide a good environment for my dog to live in because I would be too stressed all the time to really be a good companion to my dog. The other aspect of this job thing, is that you can finalize your post-graduate living circumstances based on your job offers. If you have to move to another city, or take a particularly demanding job, you might have to rethink the dog situation. I think students can be dog owners, because I can see all these chunks of times during the day when I've wished I had a dog to keep my company. But as aspiring young professionals, I think we need to consider our career path, and whether the path we chose will allow us to be GOOD dog owners. I can love GSDs all I want, but if I can't be a good owner, I won't get one.

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