For thousands of years dogs have stood by man’s side as the ultimate animal companion. College students often want dogs for their homes, especially if they grew up with dogs.Picking the type of breed you want is vital to a good relationship with your dog. If you are a neat freak, you should probably stay away from short-haired mutts that shed all over the place. If you love hunting in the great outdoors, then you probably will go with a Labrador or golden retriever.Be sure to pick the right dog for you – a Chihuahua isn’t going to want to play Frisbee on the Parade Ground, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback or Great Dane will hate to be crammed inside a one bedroom apartment.A great option is adopting a dog from a local shelter. You would be amazed at the number of dogs available at the Baton Rouge Animal Shelter. It happens to be right next to the parish prison — go figure.For a relatively low price, you can go home with a new pup complete with up-to-date shots.Training a puppy can be a daunting task.
Potty training is obviously the most aggravating aspect of it, but with stern, clear commands it isn’t as hard as some may think. I feel like a dog whisperer writing this, which I definitely am not. It’s funny to see a dog adjust to your time schedule, as he will stay up while you party into the late hours of the night and will also sleep until 3 p.m. when you finally wake up.If you have an apartment or condo with no backyard, walking your dog every day is important. Dogs will go insane if they are left indoors all day.
Thankfully, the University area offers a plethora of areas perfect for walking dogs, from the scenic lakes to the Mississippi River levee. Many types of breeds are suitable to become running partners. Jogging around the lakes with your dog is a great exercise for the both of you. Someone once told me every walk a dog goes on is the best walk of his life. That statement definitely rings true as dogs go wild with excitement whenever their owners take out the leash before a run.
Make sure your dog interacts with other dogs often. This is not only supreme fun for dogs but also makes them more sociable. The dog park off Dalryrmple can be very entertaining. Some dogs seem to get rowdy around each other and may appear to be fighting, but they’re just having fun.Just don’t make any bets on whose dog will win or you might have a Michael Vick/Bad Newz Kennels case on your hands.I always forget to go to the human doctor. I’m probably three or four years behind on my shots and immunizations. So it’s hard for me to remember to bring my dog to the vet. If you’re anything like this, your best bet is to find a yearly event (often found at pet stores) that offers cheap immunizations.Another major issue with dog owners, especially students in the summer, is what to do with your pet when you travel. You can always board your dog at an animal shelter, and I’ve heard there is a new dog “hotel” in Baton Rouge if you’re into that kind of pampering. The best option is to leave him with someone your trust like a friend — or, even better, a parent.Once you get a dog, you have a friend for life — actually I guess it’s more like 10 to 15 years. Psychologically, a dog can relax your mind. After you’ve come home from bombing your physics final, you’ll still have your dog wagging his tail and eager to greet you.  And even after he lays a massive deuce on your carpet, you’ll still love him.–Contact Cory Cox at [email protected]