New Corgi for a New Life
Just a warning: this post is HUGE. I've broken it down into parts so you can read and respond to sections easily without feeling the need to respond to the whole thing. :]
Hey, everybody! I'm new to the site, and will soon be new to the world of dog ownership. I've only had cats growing up and have seriously wanted a corgi since I was 16 or 17, though I dreamt of owning one since I was 12. I'm 19 now (though I will be 20 by the time I can get a corgi), and a student at Virginia Tech. I'm moving off campus next school year specifically so I can have the opportunity of getting a dog.
Owner benefit: I've heard from a lot of people that college students shouldn't get a puppy. I disagree with that in my case. I'm an engineering student and have a LOT of homework to do. As such, I spend a lot of time in my room doing said homework. I'm not a party girl... I think the longest activity I do all weekend is play Dungeons and Dragons, and I can bring Waffle to that with no problems. I also have severe depression (and have had it for a while) and am finally seeking help. My medicine isn't doing anything except giving me insomnia... I was discussing the want and possibility of getting a puppy with my therapist. She seemed really positive and agreed with me when I mentioned how it would help me. The responsibility of taking care of a puppy would force me to get out of bed, go outside and exercise, be on a strict routine, and be mentally challenged but also immediately rewarded. So, Waffle would not only be a dream come true, but a treatment for this disease that's been plaguing me for years. Unlike medicine, it will actually work. Does anyone have any stories they can share about dogs helping depressed people function again? Just curious.
Expenses: Because I am a poor college student, money is kind of a big deal. I worked all summer at 7$/hr in a popcorn factory and managed to store $1000 in my savings account. This is and has always been specifically for dog purposes. I made an excel spreadsheet of all the things I would need for getting a dog initially. However, I am not sure of the biggest expenses at all. How much is neutering for a corgi pup? Shots? The corgi itself?? I snooped around the internet and guesstimated... Basically, does this expense sheet look right? If I forgot something IMPORTANT, let me know.
Moving: I can't move in to my apartment until August of 2010. As such, I really want to get my corgi in late spring/early summer so I can begin training him at my parents' house and he can be moderately well behaved and potty trained... It will be difficult (no, impossible) to return to my apartment every hour during classes, but doable every 3 or 4 hours. I was discussing this with my friend, and she brought up a slightly upsetting point. She has a friend who has a dog named Chubaca, not sure of the breed. Chubaca was a puppy that was trained at home and was brought up to Tech for living in an apartment. He was perfectly trained, but moving reverted him back to square 1--mostly peeing everywhere. Is this a problem for corgies? If so, or even if not, how can I minimize the trauma of moving and prevent this from happening? If it does happen, is there anything I can do to stop it besides getting super strict with the potty training?
Furry family members: I'm moving in with a friend from middle school and her roommate. They are both animal people, one studying animal science and one studying bio with intent to go to vet school, so of course they both want pets. VetSchool wants and is definitely getting a cat (I'm very happy about this!!), but AnimalScience wants to get a dog. She is unsure if she will be getting a dog, doesn't know what breed, and doesn't know what age. So, this is iffy but still a concern. Mostly, I'm afraid the other dog may ruin Waffle's training if AnimalScience isn't being very stern in making her dog a good citizen. I can eliminate the problem with toy stealing by keeping Waffle's all in my room... I also don't want them to eat each other's food. I don't know... Should I even be concerned?
Training: I'm really looking forward to training him and having that bonding time and control. I don't think I will be taking him to obedience classes... but I may if I'm having a hard time doing it on my own. (I watch "It's Me or the Dog" and am minoring in behavioral psychology... so I want to put my skills to the test before spending money.) Potty training, sit, stay, heel, drop it, leave it, etc are all basic and necessary. I was reading about "emergency recall training" on these forums and am definitely going to teach him that. Are there any other invaluable commands I need to teach him?
I think that's it. Of course I'll ask questions as they arise. :3
Hey, everybody! I'm new to the site, and will soon be new to the world of dog ownership. I've only had cats growing up and have seriously wanted a corgi since I was 16 or 17, though I dreamt of owning one since I was 12. I'm 19 now (though I will be 20 by the time I can get a corgi), and a student at Virginia Tech. I'm moving off campus next school year specifically so I can have the opportunity of getting a dog.
Owner benefit: I've heard from a lot of people that college students shouldn't get a puppy. I disagree with that in my case. I'm an engineering student and have a LOT of homework to do. As such, I spend a lot of time in my room doing said homework. I'm not a party girl... I think the longest activity I do all weekend is play Dungeons and Dragons, and I can bring Waffle to that with no problems. I also have severe depression (and have had it for a while) and am finally seeking help. My medicine isn't doing anything except giving me insomnia... I was discussing the want and possibility of getting a puppy with my therapist. She seemed really positive and agreed with me when I mentioned how it would help me. The responsibility of taking care of a puppy would force me to get out of bed, go outside and exercise, be on a strict routine, and be mentally challenged but also immediately rewarded. So, Waffle would not only be a dream come true, but a treatment for this disease that's been plaguing me for years. Unlike medicine, it will actually work. Does anyone have any stories they can share about dogs helping depressed people function again? Just curious.
Expenses: Because I am a poor college student, money is kind of a big deal. I worked all summer at 7$/hr in a popcorn factory and managed to store $1000 in my savings account. This is and has always been specifically for dog purposes. I made an excel spreadsheet of all the things I would need for getting a dog initially. However, I am not sure of the biggest expenses at all. How much is neutering for a corgi pup? Shots? The corgi itself?? I snooped around the internet and guesstimated... Basically, does this expense sheet look right? If I forgot something IMPORTANT, let me know.
Moving: I can't move in to my apartment until August of 2010. As such, I really want to get my corgi in late spring/early summer so I can begin training him at my parents' house and he can be moderately well behaved and potty trained... It will be difficult (no, impossible) to return to my apartment every hour during classes, but doable every 3 or 4 hours. I was discussing this with my friend, and she brought up a slightly upsetting point. She has a friend who has a dog named Chubaca, not sure of the breed. Chubaca was a puppy that was trained at home and was brought up to Tech for living in an apartment. He was perfectly trained, but moving reverted him back to square 1--mostly peeing everywhere. Is this a problem for corgies? If so, or even if not, how can I minimize the trauma of moving and prevent this from happening? If it does happen, is there anything I can do to stop it besides getting super strict with the potty training?
Furry family members: I'm moving in with a friend from middle school and her roommate. They are both animal people, one studying animal science and one studying bio with intent to go to vet school, so of course they both want pets. VetSchool wants and is definitely getting a cat (I'm very happy about this!!), but AnimalScience wants to get a dog. She is unsure if she will be getting a dog, doesn't know what breed, and doesn't know what age. So, this is iffy but still a concern. Mostly, I'm afraid the other dog may ruin Waffle's training if AnimalScience isn't being very stern in making her dog a good citizen. I can eliminate the problem with toy stealing by keeping Waffle's all in my room... I also don't want them to eat each other's food. I don't know... Should I even be concerned?
Training: I'm really looking forward to training him and having that bonding time and control. I don't think I will be taking him to obedience classes... but I may if I'm having a hard time doing it on my own. (I watch "It's Me or the Dog" and am minoring in behavioral psychology... so I want to put my skills to the test before spending money.) Potty training, sit, stay, heel, drop it, leave it, etc are all basic and necessary. I was reading about "emergency recall training" on these forums and am definitely going to teach him that. Are there any other invaluable commands I need to teach him?
I think that's it. Of course I'll ask questions as they arise. :3
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Judi, Dawn, Soffie & Griffyn on
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We are 1000% behind crate training!! We used a crate from the very 1st day. In fact we had it in the car with us when we picked up Soffie from the breeder. It was a 4 hour trip home. We made one stop on the way to visit a friend, and she did sleep in Dawn's lap for a little bit.... but she slept in the crate for most of the trip.
We put her to bed in it the very first night and every night there after until her 1st birthday. At 1 year old, I closed the door on the crate but didn't lock it. It didn't take her too long to push it open and .... lickety split she was up on the bed with me and has been my bed mate ever since!
We did the same for Griffyn. Had the puppy crate (same one we used for Soffie) with us when we picked him up. And we followed the same routine with him as we did with Soffie. At one year old we left his crate open too. And he chose to sleep with Dawn! But.... he will sometimes get up in the night and crawl into his crate and sleep there till morning.
We also use the crates in the vehicle. I have a Honda Odessey and before that a Pilot. We had changed to using harnesses but when Soffie tore the ligament in her knee we switched back to the crate. She was doing too much shifting and putting strain on her knee so we have put the crates back into use. The crates are great in motels and for any overnight visits too!
The important thing to remember about crate training is to always treat it as a good and positive thing. A safe place for them to be. Never, Never, Never!!!!! use it as punishment or time out.
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Permalink Reply by Rachael & Waffle on
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I have, actually. I want to get him in the summer when I'm still at home so I am able to come home every hour or so and let him out on days I have work. That way, I can bring him to school and he will be old enough to be alone for 3 or 4 hours before I need to come home, and I can certainly plan my classes to allow for those time periods. I'll have 2 roommates also, as I mentioned, and they shouldn't mind taking him out to go potty if I can't make it. One of them already said she would love to, even. lol
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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Crates are great ! I would never be with out 1 (ok I have4). I use in the car and 3 in my house my corgis can use as they want, they are in them several times a day just to get away, take a nap,or start the night there or keep a bone away from the others!. If your roomates will have animals too this can be a safe haven for your corgi!
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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I concur on the crate training.
Also, sometimes the show breeders will have older pups that they kept to run on with and then they don't work out for some reason; one breeder we know was placing an older pup because they were having trouble keeping an ear up. The breeder we used says she placed a male puppy once because she had kept him to go on with, then one of his testicles, which had been descended normally, went back up and of course a dog with only one descended can't show and shouldn't be used for breeding. These pups are already started in training but might be anywhere from 4-9 months old or so; still a puppy! Not sure if the prices might be cheaper on one of the older pups. Just a thought.
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Permalink Reply by Laura Jones on
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another idea is to check ebay for dog things. ecspec around the holidays when there are sales. I got KC a pink (xmas present) crate on there for half the price of the one I bought at Petsmart. and check out the after holiday sales for toys/beds etc.
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Yay, crate training and holiday sales!
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Permalink Reply by Nancy Geddes on
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Your corgi will love Virginia Tech and those Hokies will love knowing your corgi. Go for it! A Hokie Mom.
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Permalink Reply by Mary on
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I scanned through and might have missed the answers some people gave you. We bought her toothbrush as soon as we got her, to get her used to it. We also pay around 20 dollars for each months supply of Revolution. It is basically a kill-all anti-parasitic, it prevents heart worms, ticks and fleas, and I believe a few other parasites. When I looked it up it costs about the same amount to buy separate medications for each. Other than that, the best phrase we've taught Nibbler has to be "go potty". Invaluable for when you're getting ready to leave for a trip!
As for the depression thing. Having a dog actually has helped me pull out of my rut from time to time. It gives you a sense of purpose. I had been horrible about going on walks, but since I've gotten Nibbler I have taken her on daily walks. However, trust me on this, you first dog as a grown up can feel very overwhelming the first few days. I got Nibbler over summer vacation (I work as a teacher) and I felt like my entire day for 2 months straight was devoted to the dog, and I would have to wake up every night around 2:00 am to let her out. The first three days were the worst, because I went from getting to do things on my own time, to the dog having an accident while I was putting on my shoes to take her outside.
Please consider very carefully before you get your dog. Corgis are amazing pets. They really are. I love Nibbler dearly. However while I was in college I had to wait....and wait....and wait...until I graduated and had a steady job and a house. When my bf and I lived in our apartment I wanted a dog soooo bad. I'm really glad we didn't then, it would have been a lot harder in the apartment, and my life was more stressful when I was worrying about money and college. I am not saying to not get a dog, but I AM saying to consider it very carefully. I agree with Laura Jones, it might be easier to get an adult now and get a puppy later.
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We get revolution for our cats, and we're very pleased with it. The only problem we seem to have with it is the ticks that realize they don't want to bite him get stuck in his fur, and then they fall out and get in my bed or on me. Ugh. And a toothbrush, yes, good idea. :]
I'm planning on getting Waffle in the summer not too long after I go on summer break for the very reason of being able to manage my time easier. I stay home for the most part; I only go out for work and the occasional hangout with a friend or whatever Mom needs me to do.
I still have lots of time to figure out what I want to do. I personally think that because of my lifestyle and general lack of activity that requires me to be out of the house (over summer or during school) I can handle the stress of raising a puppy. However, what do I know? I'm 19 and have only ever had a cat. As such, I actually am heavily considering someone's idea (was it Beth's?) of getting an older puppy. The fortunate truth for me is that my only stress comes from my classes (and more recently, my medical and psychiatric appointments) because my family and scholarships take care of college expenses and living expenses. The money I have in my account is usually frittered away by careless buying of art supplies and food that goes stale before I can eat it. Anyways, like I said, I have 8 or 9 months to weigh the possibilities and will make the choice that's best for me and for the dog I end up getting in the end.
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Another "free" treat that I do all the time is when I'm shopping at Pet Expo they always have sample bags of food for free and I pick up 1 or more depending on the limit! I use the kibbles as treats! You could start collecting these now as long as they wouldn't be outdated by the time you get you corgi!
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Lol, that's a good idea. My sister always takes advantage of the free stuff they offer at Sam's Club... she gets handfuls of samples and Mom and I are always like ".........." when she rejoins us with a faceful of granola or whatever she was able to snag. Hahaha. I will be on the lookout!
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Rincker on
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I will address the owner benefit due to time today:
I am a 3rd year in medical school, so i do have a lot of studying to do as well. I also have many friends that have had some issues with depression since entering medical school. One such friend's doctor did suggest she get a dog; so her husband (also in med school), bought two cockapoo's, and this did wonders for her depression, which did seem recalcitrant to medical treatment. As far as studying, if you are committed to giving your pooch some quality time, and making sure you can take him/her out for a couple solid walks a day, I think you'll be fine. But keep in mind, depending on how rigorous your schedule is, it is very difficult to study with a cute corgi puppy next to your feet. It is doable, but it requires many toys an initially good training. Roommates will also be able to help since they can give your pup attention. I know that I couldn't handle having Rhys without my husband. He is a lifesaver.
As far as training: I would definitely teach your pup how to spin. I have Rhys spin on a mat before he comes into the house so that his feet are clean.
I guess as a total opinion: go for it if you are willing to put in the time. Corgi's are the most loveable pups ever, and they are very obedient and want to make you happy. I look forward to coming home to my little guy every day. He makes very bad days better. Hope this helps!
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