In college, it seems to be a thing for everyone to want to get a dog. Well, there are some things you need to know before you commit, or if you have already committed then here are some tips. Some of these are meant for humor but others are actually serious! I hope all my doggy parents out there can agree and enjoy! Remember – they might only be there for a part of your life, but you are there for their whole life.
1. Adopt, don't shop!
If you haven't already picked out your pup, go to your local shelter or humane society to find your new furry friend! I rescued one of my pups and it was the greatest decision I have ever made. If you are a busy person, maybe an older dog is the one for you. I love this because the older dogs often have the biggest hearts and love to be loved!
2. Get ready for potty training.
Prepare to take your pup outside every hour, on the hour. Wait until they have done something and they act like this is the greatest thing since sliced bread and praise them like never before! Except you praised them like that last time and you will do it again in an hour.
3. Don't own shag carpet.
Apparently dogs find this stuff to be a lot like grass and they love to use it to potty indoors. Beware.
4. Don't rush them to the vet at the first sign of extreme tiredness.
This is true. When you are a doggy parent and it's your first go around, you get so worried about the smallest things. Don't get too worried when you doggy WebMD their symptoms and think that this is the end of the world. Watch them carefully, call your mom and keep calm.
5. Start shopping at Goodwill because you can't have nice things.
Oh, how true this is. Having a puppy with nice things all around is definitely a recipe for a disaster. Start getting things from Goodwill so when your dog destroys them, it won't be that big of an upset.
6. Have supportive doggy co-parent/partner.
This is huge. Whether it is your roommate, parent or girlfriend/boyfriend, you need someone to help you take care of this new living being that you have acquired. You also need someone to vent to about the pup when they push your buttons and truly stress you out! But beware if you get a dog with your significant other because that breakup now involves more than just the two of you. It is going to be a full-blown custody battle over the furry child. Just hope you don't get a deadbeat doggy dad! Or just get two dogs!
7. Do not leave your shoes on the floor!
This is something that we all learn the hard way, unfortunately. You come in from a long day or night and just kick off your shoes and lay down, and the next thing you know, one is toast! And of course, there isn't an option to go buy just one shoe. So, here you are, SOL.
8. If you have a job where you are gone a lot, don't even get a dog.
If this is your situation, and you don't have someone to help you walk the dog and give them attention then maybe you should get a cat. Cats are actually pretty great and a lot less maintenance. Doggies need lots of love and attention because they are truly like a newborn.
9. Dogs are great listeners, they will never argue with you.
This is one plus of having a dog. You can yell at them all you want about how they pooped on the floor, and they won't ever talk back to you. You can also complain to them about all of your problems and they won't tell you that you bitch too much.
9. You will find yourself shopping more for your dog than for yourself.
This is sad but true. You go out somewhere and think, "Oh my gosh, my pup would love this! I have to get it!" Then you find yourself spending $50 on toys and treats when you actually just went to get their dog food.
10. No matter what your parents say, they will end up falling in love with your new pup.
Your parents can protest this adoption all they want, but once they see their face and receive some kisses they are sold. Then you will be getting calls asking when the puppy is coming to the grandparents for the weekend.
11. They teach you responsibility.
This is something that will make or break the situation. You learn what it is like to revolve your life around someone else's schedule, be completely selfless and do many, many things that you really don't want to do. But it is all worth it to have a life long friend.
12. You are their best friend.
This is probably the best part. You have a newfound love and bestie within your dog and because they're a dog they have no choice but for you to be their best friend too. They'll show you unconditional love and always put a smile on your face!
