Thoughts on Young Dog Owners

[JustaLilBitaLuck]

I was 17 when I got Sassy, and 18 when I got Jack - both are 100% mine. I take care of them, I pay for their food/vet/etc. Both were rescues, so there were no breeders I had to convince. I got them through the rescue that I was volunteering with, so they knew me already.

I knew that by getting a dog while I was in high school meant that I would be staying at home for college (something I was considering anyways), and that I would be living at home until I was able to find a pet-friendly place, and have the financial situation/schedule to be able to have a dog.

A few people I knew in high school were like "Well, who's going to take care of Jack while you're in college?" Ummm...me. My vet was extremely surprised when she learned how old I was, but surprised in an impressed way lol.

I was, however, denied by a rescue that I applied with because I was "lacking a stable/permanent environment", assumedly because of my age. I did state on the application that I was living with my mother, and we own the house - it's not like I was hopping from rental to rental, or living with a bunch of friends/roommates/etc.

 

[RD]

I don't think about it much. I'm almost 22 and I've been a dog owner all my life, and a service dog handler for the last 4-5 years.

You will get some breeders and a lot of rescues who will not want to give you a chance because of your age. I am saying this as kindly as possible, but there is a reason for that. I got my dog shortly after I turned 17. She has been the light of my life, my best friend and my unconditional partner. I am so so glad I got her.

That being said, I have gone through the last 3 years under pretty heavy financial strain. I'm living in a foreign country and I don't always make enough money to buy the best things for my dog. Some days she lives on tortillas and ramen like I do. If there were to be an emergency and she were to need expensive medical care, currently I could not provide it without going into significant debt, further putting my (expensive) life goals on hold. I will always try to do right by my dog, but as a young person going through rough times I can completely understand why some people say it's easier not to have a dog when you're a teen or young adult.


If you're like me, and can't imagine being without a dog, and are willing to go without a few things at some point for the sake of your dog, then talk openly with breeders and I know you'll find one who will gladly entrust you with a puppy. Dedication and being a loving forever home to a dog is more important than guaranteeing that you'll always buy the dog expensive things and have a perfect environment for it to live in.

 

[Jules]

I don't think much about it either, but most young adults I know who have dogs, are people on here. I think it all depends. I don't think rescues should deny 20 year-olds a dog as a blanket policy, because there are a lot of young, responsible individuals out there. The rescue I fostered with had additional questions on their application if someone under 25 applied for a dog. And yes, I denied an application more than once because a 20 year old could not answer what would be if they had to move and couldn't find a place to live that would take the dog as well. Or 18 year-olds who couldn't tell me what would happen with the dog if they went to college.

But again, I try to make up my opinion on a case by case scenario.

 

[monkeys23]

I never really thought about it honestly. I look younger than I am, actually got asked if I was old enough to sit by the wing exits last time I was on the plane lol. I got Lily when I was 23. Never once have I been asked if she's anyone's but mine. And I dress pretty funky too.

I actually got her because I was sick of the heartache of being the only one who cared that dogs owned by other people in my life got proper care and I needed to step away from all that b.s. and have my own dog to care for for my own sanity.

I knew I wanted a second dog pretty quickly on, but I thought it would be a well bred young adult GSD several more years down the line. I did not anticipate my best friend's mother running out and adopting a dog because she loved Lily. Very sad because she had zero concept of what it takes to properly exercise, train, and for a dog like this. Nevermind how messed up Scout was from inept pet owners who just didn't know any better and hadn't trained or socialized her at all. She never did form an attachment to that woman, except maybe fear. Its even sadder that a young adult that is freaking working temp jobs and couch hopping can provide a home ten times more stable than that family could. Really sad!

I've had rough times for sure, but my dogs go where I go and are always cared for properly. I bet I would have been a lot less stressed if I'd had one in college, but hey I lived on campus all five years! It is something of a problem figuring out how the whole grad school thing is going to work. I want to go out of state (Seattle or Bozeman are my top choices) and while I know I would probably manage fine, its just a scary proposition to move me and all three animals out of state...

 

[Beanie]

I was 21 when I got Auggie... nobody thought anything of it as far as I know. Auggie's breeder never even mentioned how old I was.
I look really young too. I'm 27 now and the last trial I was at, a person I don't know was nearby and she says "Do you do 4H, hon?" I was like "Uhhh well I'm 27 so I'm about a decade too late for 4H." LOL. The first time I trialed with Auggie somebody said to my breeder "We should tell her about the junior handler program!!!" and Auggie's breeder was like "Ummm she's 23..."

So I know people think I look ridiculously young but nobody has ever really said anything about it. I also sometimes worry about how my students are going to react in classes since I DO look so young, but so far nobody has been like "Uh aren't you like in middle school?" and not wanted me to teach them LMAO. It's actually gone a lot better than I thought. I think as soon as people hear "I work in radio during the day" they realize I'm not actually 12... XD


Honestly I've never thought much about it. I don't think anything of it when I see other young dog owners either. Maybe because I'm young myself though, I dunno.

 

[MandyPug]

I was 16 when i got Izzie and really haven't ever been questioned about her belonging to not me. Likely because i had been bringing her to work since she was 12 weeks and because i am her sun and moon and stars and it very much shows.

 

[Laurelin]

I will say it hasn't always gone the way I expected it to. I moved back in with parents after school so having a dad that was understanding and willing to house my two for a time was good. Summer has moved with me 4 times now in the 4 years I've had her. So I think you DO definitely need to think about what you'll do if you have to move or move to another town, especially with a large mastiff or a BSL breed type. If you're dedicated then it should work, but it's definitely something to think about and plan for.

 

[dignity]

I think it depends more on the person and their environment (mostly the person though).

If the person is still under their parents roof - things they need to take into consideration:

• Will I be going to college while living at home or going off to college?
• If I'm going off to college, will my parents care for the dog?
• If the dog gets sick, Will I be able to afford care (sicknesses do range, when Denali was facing terminal cancer I was paying $1000+ a month for her care)?
• When I move out of my parents house - will I be able to find a place to live that will take me and my dog (most apartments have weight and breed restrictions. Even if you plan on renting a house, most will not take bully breeds, GSDs, Dobes, Rotties, etc because it can affect insurance pricing - plus liability suits and so forth)?
• If I go out with friends or on dates, will somebody be willing to watch my dog?
• Is everybody in the house on board with me getting a dog (know that if you get a dog and it destroys another family members items and they didn't want the dog - that can start fights)?

That's just off the top of my head. I know my story - after I graduated high school, I went away to college. After college I rented apartments, I had a cat and for me to find an apartment that accepted cats was pretty tough - the last apartment I was in accepted dogs up to 75lbs (approved breeds only). I didn't get my first dog until 26 and purchasing a house.

 

[Katkoota]

I was not even a teenager when I got MY first dog. I really was a kid. She was initially the family's dog who my parents got for me and my siblings, but the person who spent the most time with her taking care of her, feeding her, playing with her, holding her leash when walking or going to the vet, teaching her tricks ...etc was actaully me. I was the one who made herself responsible for EVERYTHING for her (except Financially of course... That my parents were responsible for), but Melon saw herself as mine too she was closer to me the most. Oh i loved her. She was my childhood buddy who I sadly lost in 2006 ... yet still miss so much!!

I am also in my early twenties currently, but in *looks* some people can easily mistake me with a much younger person. For 18 and above movies, the door man has to double check on my driving license to make sure I am not under age. It sucks. But when it comes to owning my dogs, people do not make a big deal out of it, which is cool

 

[Catsi]

I spent three years dogless whilst I moved town and studied for a while. I of course left the family dog with the family.
I came back home and my parents actually suggested getting a dog for myself, but under the conditions that they would have her if I couldn't. I jumped at the chance, but being very ignorant I went with a BYB Chi x. It's nice to have the comfort knowing that my folks will absolutely have her if necessary, but I'm fairly sure it won't be. Just nice to have that piece of mind.

I should add that Abby has some issues that make renting problematic, not impossible. I'm not sure that I would take her out of her current environment, at least not until may our older dog goes to the bridge. It's something that I'll have to play by ear, but so far we are all happy to stay together. Does anyone hear house share with a dog? How do you find it? I wouldn't house share with Abby, but with the right dog I would consider it. So with Abby I wait for when I'll rent on my own.

 

[Katkoota]

One thing one should consider I think wether to leave home for college before deciding on gettting a dog. For me personally, I did not have to leave. College is in the same city. I got Snowy when I was still in school, before going to college, so I did ot have to go through leaving him with my parents as I left to another place for college.

 

[PetDogPro]

This is something I never really thought about. When I was 19 I was managing a security dog company and when I was just a little older I was the head dog trainer at two kennels. I did have some trouble with clients not taking me seriously, but I never had anyone think the dog I had wasn’t mine. When I was that age I personally knew a lot of breeders and most of them wanted me to have one of their dogs.

I believe that the majority of reputable breeders would give you a hard time getting one of their dogs. Probably most rescues would too, at least in California. If you want a dog from a breeder I would start getting to know breeders. It would also be a good idea to get involved in activities that will build your reputation within the breeder’s community.

 

[Whisper]

I really relate to Devan.

Dogs have always been my world. I was given a Rottweiler pup when I was 6, and obviously I couldn't provide for him in any way, and he wasn't really my dog (regardless of the fact that he was bought to be mine), but from that age I was already training him. Even at 6 I knew more about dog training than the adults who took care of him.

Millie was the first dog I consider my own, and I got her when I was 10. I trained her, I worked odd little jobs to buy her things, did everything but pay for food and vet care. Now at 19, I do everything for her. She is 100% my dog. It's been this way for a while now. Even at 15 I was a more responsible dog owner than a lot of adults. I've talked to several breeders and none of them have had a problem with my age.

I think young people can make great dog owners, but as was said, we have to make serious decisions about our life's path and how we are going to be able to manage dogs and college, housing, finances, and stability.
I'm adding a new dog soon, and I'm comfortable with it and my ability to to make the right choices for my dogs and me.

 

[Southpaw]

She was initially the family's dog who my parents got for me and my siblings, but the person who spent the most time with her taking care of her, feeding her, playing with her, holding her leash when walking or going to the vet, teaching her tricks ...etc was actaully me. I was the one who made herself responsible for EVERYTHING for her (except Financially of course... That my parents were responsible for), but Melon saw herself as mine too she was closer to me the most.

This is basically what happened with Juno. She was meant as the family dog. I am not financially responsible for her YET (although my mom only buys the bare necessities, so anything "extra" I pay for), but because I'm the only one in the family that does anything with her, naturally she has attached herself to me. So it only makes sense that I take her with when I move out... if that ever happens.

The benefit of this is that, if I ever needed it, I know my parents would be willing to help out--whether that means financially, or giving Juno a place to live if I can't have her. I think they would always be willing to help regardless of which pet it was, but because Juno was not purchased FOR me, I didn't ASK for her to be mine... I think it makes it easier for them.

 

[Whisper]

I worry more about my mom than me when I move out. She considers all the animals mine, and knows they should be with me when I go, but she loves them all deeply, and I know she'll really miss them.
But, I do have a plan. She wants a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel very much, she's just drawn to them deeply. So, before I go, I'm making sure she has a puppy of her own.

 

[cloudcandy]

Totally relate to this,slightly different though.I get people commenting as if I'm not responsible or knowladgeable because I'm a young girl,who is into fashion and wears pink.I think they assume Coco is a little hand bag dog.It is annoying,because I feel like I'm being judged and that I need to say something clever that will prove otherwise but I cant be bothered to care.

 

[PlottMom]

I look young-ish, and I have three dogs. The first dog I "stole" from my ex when I was 20 and moved into my first apartment... that was 6 years ago, and Daisy remains the light of my life.

Eerie the ex and I bought together, on a whim, and so when we purchased Liz (her mother) the breeder had actually emailed me to let me know she was up for sale.

Rage, the breeders are friends of mine - I waited for a pup from this cross for 2+ years, come hell or high water I was getting a Jebb/Dawn puppy

I like to think my track record speaks for itself and I wouldn't have a problem getting a dog from anyone at this point, even though I look like one of the teenage girls I work with!

 

[dreameyce]

I chose the Cardigan as 'my breed' when I was just 15, and got on a waitlist with a great breeder. I got my first Cardigan right after I turned 18. He's almost 10 now, best decision of my life!

There's *NOTHING* wrong with being a young dog owner (Or hell, young parent either), if you put the dog(s) first, and are sure to be responsible. Make sure housing is worked out, make sure if you plan on kids the dog is kid-socialized and kid safe. Have emergency funds, all these really are common sense things for all dog owners, IMO. Don't get in over your head, have backup plans in case poo happens to hit fans, and always make mindful choices. Hell, I wish more older adults were as mindful about adding to their lives/families as you're being! Sounds like you're doing it right.

If you really want to learn, see about fostering a Bullmastiff, or borrowing some from a breeder. See if you can/want to live with them. Get hands-on experience before bringing a pup home.

 

[hops523]

dreameyce: I would love to foster a Bullmastiff, but there really aren't too many BM rescues close to me. I did however find a breeder in my area and will be getting into contact with them.

Thank you for all the replies, I really enjoy reading this thread.

 

[dreameyce]

dreameyce: I would love to foster a Bullmastiff, but there really aren't too many BM rescues close to me. I did however find a breeder in my area and will be getting into contact with them.

Thank you for all the replies, I really enjoy reading this thread.

There's not many Cardi rescues either, but I got lucky and got to foster a breeder-return for a breeder out of state. Not quite a "rescue", but the dog needed some place to go between the ill owner unable to keep him, and going to his breeder or a new home. Worked out perfectly!

Plus, some breeders are willing to let people borrow dogs. I know as an example, a lady interested in Cardis local to me has been taking Maegan out on "field trips", since Maegan is so much of a Mama's girl and needs to get away from me more. Works out perfect, as she's learned she is really interested in a Cardigan, and I get more socialization for my spoiled rotten puppy!