Having a pet and training questions

[Tuckervill]

I wouldn't do it. You don't have time for a dog. Eventually you will give up the training to be with the dog, or you will ignore the dog more to continue training, and may even give up the dog at some point. It's not fair to the dog, and if you're anything like me, you'll have a constant feeling of being pulled in two directions. Why put yourself through that, much less the dog?

There's no rush to get a dog. Finish your training, and when you're in a place where you can be home more, then consider it.

Karen

[Selkie]

I agree with Karen---the time might not be right for you to get a dog. If you decide that you want dogs, I highly recommend getting two if you aren't around much. In addition, having a mid-day dog walker is a MUST if you cannot make it home to give your dog a bathroom break at noon.

Most dogs really need human interaction. Getting one is a huge commitment (financial, emotional, and otherwise).

[tctrek]

How about a cat?

[Tuckervill]

My son's wife just became pregnant with their third child, and the second is not even one yet. And they have a 14 week old puppy. Talk about piling it on. lol. It's a good thing we do those things when we're young and have stamina.

If there's a baby in your future, then you really don't need a dog. Right now.

Karen