I'm just about to start general surgery residency with my 7 year-old German shepherd. We're trying to figure out the same issues that you're thinking about. During med school, I always had roomates who covered for me when I was on call (they had dogs too, and I'd do the same for them). I know my dog is extremely well-behaved and is really good about the housebreaking issue--ie, she's not going to tear the place up or have an accident if she's left alone for long periods of time (yeah, that has been put to the test--during 3rd year--and I feel guilty as hell about having to do it to her even more). It's the call nights that have me worried.
So far, one of my neighbors has offered to take her running with him in the mornings, and his wife has said she will feed the dog and let her out when needed. They happened to come over while I was moving in--they knew one of the residents that was helping me with the heavy stuff--and just volunteered out of the blue. Since I don't want to impose on them, I'll probably only take advantage of their offer once in a while and pay them to do it.
My next best thought is that there have got to be other residents who also have dogs and therefore have the same conflict--why not try and arrange a sort of dog sitting co-op? Not taking the dog home with you, but just walking it and making sure it has food and water while its owner is on call. A lot of residents where I am are married (and have kids), so I was also thinking that perhaps a spouse might be interested in making a few extra bucks each week to walk the dog. Additionally, the town that I am in seems to have a service for absolutely everything you can think of, including lots of dog-walkers. If I need to, I will consider hiring one for my call days.
At any rate, asking neighbors, fellow residents, and exploring the options of the city you end up in seem to be the best options as far as I can tell. I'll let you know in about a month how they're working out.
Oh, yeah--if you happen to choose a small breed, I saw an actual box training kit at Petco the other day. Yes, it appears to be for real: you can box train a dog, just like a cat! How's that for nifty? I actually think it's doable, but the size limit stated was 35 lbs--my dog tops out at about 85.
Just as an aside, a 6 month-old puppy really isn't going to be old enough to be thoroughly trained and you won't know how he or she is going to handle the situation. Have you considered an older dog? Also, think about breed characteristics--energy level, need for stimulation, coat care requirements, amount of space required, general temperment of the breed, etc.
(I hate cats too!) :wink:
