Owning a dog in college is a lot of work, owning a fresh off the nipple puppy is twice that. My emotional support animal, Jinx, was just 10 weeks old when I got her. Her original name was “Hercules” so the folks who had the litter could tell all the mix of splotches apart. At times, I think she acts just like her original name—strong, defiant of order and like she’s meant to be a "God." But other times, Jinx, is just the sweetest love bug she can be. Since October, we have meshed into each other’s lives. I know each sound she makes and what it means and know what each look she gives me means. She knows my routine and now she's learned how to beg and circle through tricks to get treats. But most of the learning was happening as I watched and learned the world around me, all while owning my first pet.
Here’s some tips on how to take care of a puppy, in college:
1. Know that puppies are JUST like babies, but with four legs.
Puppies need a lot of attention, to be taken out every half hour, and to (only sometimes) be calmed down when they wine. For example, it’s understandable that babies have diapers because they cannot control their bladder and because they cannot move themselves to get to an appropriate place to use the restroom. Puppies can move. They will not only move but hide. And even if you turn away for a second, they’ll scamper off someplace, take a neat little poop, and saunter back like they didn’t do a thing. The smell of puppy poop is obviously in the air, but now you have the task of checking behind desk and couches to locate this aroma. Before you take the task of cleaning, take your pet right outside—they usually will have to go again in a few minutes or they didn’t fully empty their bladder. I also suggest some “no more marking” spray; one that gets rid of their scent trail and eliminates stain and orders.
2. Think about your support system
Do you have all day on the job training one day? You cannot be at home to take care of your puppy that moment? Have someone who is by your side and willing to help when needed. Though I am a “single mother puppy parent,” as in this was solely my idea and my major responsibility, I would not have made it without the support of my partners or my friends or helpful hands. I would say, don’t let anyone tell you you are too busy. This is your decision—not theirs—and only you will know how much this means to you and how much you are willing to fight for this animal.
3. Society’s rules do not like animals.
Think about the rules and regulations against pets. Puppies cannot go in most public public places and even my emotional support animal is restricted to certain areas on campus. Work with what you know and stay updated on all the legal laws surrounding your breed. My breed, an American Staffordshire terrier mixed with blue heeler, is just shy of the breed that is banned in most places. This is because of all the negative media that surrounds Pit Bull Terriers and their mixes. Understand that some people may have this stigma too.
There are other tips such as training and behavior that can be found all over the internet, but not a lot of articles talk about these. These are outside forces that may work against you. But at the end of the day, it’s you and your newly found love-of-your-life sitting on the couch sharing an apple watching something on television, or you and your puppy going for mid-day run. Every journey that you take will not have you and a four-legged companion. I know that I did not know my capacity for love before I met my dog Jinx and how much more mature and structured I can be. I think the best thing about owning my dog is that I found out so much more about myself and those around me. Plus, there’s endless puppy kisses.
