advice on getting a puppy

[puppylove21]

Lately my husband and I have been talking a lot about getting a dog. It is something we would both love to do, however we have a lot of concerns about whether or not our schedules would allow us to spend as much time as we feel a dog deserves. I am currently a medical student, and will begin my residency in July--which means long and unpredictable hours during the day with few days and/or weekends off. My husband's schedule is more regular: he gets off at 4 everyday with weekends off. We live a 5 minute walk away from the hospital we work in and could get away once during the day to take the dog out. We were thinking of getting a puppy at the end of April, because I do have summer vacation in May and June and would be able to spend lots of time with a puppy. Our concern is adjusting to the change in July where the puppy would be alone between 8-4 with only a quick walk in the middle and all of our time to spend with the puppy would be in the evening. Opinions/advice very much appreciated, thanks for your help!

[queenkarlata]

do you have neighbors who could let the puppy out during the day? that would be a good idea so it could get out to go potty and whatnot. its really awesome that you guys are concerned with the time aspect. is your husband willing to take on alot of the responsibility since he will be home most often once you start your residency? i know that there are a lot of people out there that have dogs and work full time. it takes some compromise but you can find a way to make it work. especially since you live so close to where you work.

[Mrs. B]

my husband and I work wild hours. We manage our older dog pretty well. We take hims for long walks at least 3 times a week and he gets let out when we first get home and right before we leave. But remember, a younger dog has a smaller bladder. And even at the age of 8 my dog still chews when he is mad at me. And he don't care if it's my brand new pair of designer shoes that I have only worn once. Trust me...

You guys just have to do research on what kind of breed would work for you and figure out a schedule. Don't forget to stick to it!

[Tomba]

You could always get two small dogs. They'd keep each other company when you're working. That's what we did, back in the day when we both worked. It worked like a charm:) Tyler