I want to get a puppy SO BAD when I go to dental school (hopefully next fall if I get accepted soon). How manageable do you think it is? ESP with first year?
Hi! You should totally consider it -- having a dog in dental school has made my life SO MUCH BETTER, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't challenging.
It is manageable IF:
1. You crate train your dog immediately as a puppy. You cannot manage it whatsoever without crate training first -- pup will have to hang out in the crate so as to not destroy your apartment and have accidents all over.
2. You have A BARE MINIMUM of 1 full month of dedicated training (including crate training) prior to starting school -- I had one full month to do so and just barely made it to the "finish line" (in terms of having her prepared enough for the challenges of being in dental school with me) in time.
3. You live VERY close to the school, and/or have the funds to hire a dog walker during the day.
I didn't decide to get a dog until I knew exactly where I was going to go to school (Penn), and until I signed a lease. My apartment is almost directly across the street from the school, so during lunch I can go and eat a pre-prepared meal quickly, then take her on a nice 20-30 minute walk before heading back to the school. I also was lucky enough to get a place with a small yard out back, so I have an easy place to take her when she has to go potty. She's nearly 7 months old and still frequently needs a potty trip to relieve herself, so having this (esp in the middle of the night, because it's just not safe to walk your dog at 3am in Philadelphia) was a major deciding factor for me to "bite the bullet" and get a puppy.
I also made sure the school records lectures so I could skip as needed, and have kept close tabs on who requires attendance and who doesn't. It's more fun to watch lecture at home with a puppy on your lap anyway
so I usually watch from home, but sim labs, seminars, and clinic work are all required, so during those times she is in the crate. If I have a SUPER long day with TONS of required stuff, I bribe a friend to hang out with her at my house.
If you can ensure housing close by (or have the funds from friends/family to afford a dog walker as needed), are willing to give up the lunchtime "social hour" at the school to take care of your dog, you are sure you will have AT LEAST 1 full month of dedicated bonding/training time, AND you crate train your dog (this is totally non-negotiable in my opinion), then it is SO manageable and I would HIGHLY recommend it! Bonus: you should walk your dog twice a day, and so that is guaranteed 2x per day light exercise. Win-win.
Notable cons: Obviously, dogs are expensive. Most dental schools are in cities, and city vets cost A LOT MORE than small town vets do, which means having pet medical insurance is non-negotiable. I have a plan through trupanion and give them $70 per month just to *maybe* help with her vet bills if something major happens. Factor in grooming, food, toys, supplies, the occasional dog walker... it's not cheap. But again, in my opinion, so worth it.
Additionally, they can keep you up all night before an exam if they get sick. I had 3 exams in one day last week, and two nights before, she was up every hour with diarrhea. Paid $250 (then my insurance kicked in) just to find out she had an upset stomach. Went to school feeling delirious and literally on the brink of a panic attack all day because I was so tired. BUT I got some help from friends, some very good naps, and always stay on top of my studying, so it didn't totally kill me the way it probably should have.
And of course, it can limit your housing options UNLESS you get an ESA letter from your doctor. I got an ESA letter so I can live wherever I want with her, even if it's not pet-friendly housing (at least in my state -- pretty sure this is everywhere but I'd look into it first). I was fortunate enough to find a place right across the street with a back yard, but all of that means higher rent. Another major cost of having a dog -- esp a puppy. BUT I'll be honest, I probably would've gone for this place either way because I love living close to the school (I HATE commuting time).
Wouldn't really recommend having roommates if you have a dog just because they may not follow your training preferences (and thus it makes the dog confused -- mixed signals on what is acceptable where and with whom), and because they do tend to wake the whole house up when it's potty time. Puppies need lots of potty time, so it may just drive your roomies crazy. I live alone, so it works just fine.
You also may find yourself skipping social events because your pup needs to be taken care of. If being a social butterfly is totally important to you, then maybe reconsider (or consider a cat instead). I personally am not a big partier, so I don't mind skipping out sometimes because I need to take her on a walk or because I was just out of the house too much that day and feel bad crating her again. There are certainly financial, time, and social sacrifices you will make if you get a puppy.
For most, I'd say consider getting an adult dog / rescue dog. The older they are, the better they are at holding their bladders, and -- most importantly -- you'll have better information about their temperament from their fosters. Puppies have personalities that change SO MUCH over the course of just a few weeks! Mine started as a total lapdog / snuggle bug, thought she would just want to lay on my lap all day while I study -- NOT. She LOVES to exercise and needs a LOT of it, and is SUPER independent / not always down for cuddle sessions. I have to plan my days carefully to make sure I keep her happy with lots of play and walking time, but also have enough time to study and watch lectures myself. Older dogs already have more established personalities, so you can find out more reliable information on what their temperament is like and get the best 'fit' for you personality-wise. (Don't get me wrong, I am obsessed with my dog the way she is and plan to train her to run with me, but she is SOOOOO different from her 8 week old self!!)
Bottom line: I love having a dog and wouldn't do this any other way. It HELPS me to have a dog in dental school not just for the mental health benefits, but also because taking care of her restricts my time, and so I HAVE to use my time more wisely to study. I don't have a choice. This is motivational for me personally, so it's helped me. I can see how other people decide having a cat is a better option for them though lol.
I hope this helps!!! If you have any other questions, let me know.
