I'm looking to get a dog and need some advice, but I didn't want to just make a thread for myself so I figured I'd make it a general thread for anyone looking to get a new dog or cat.

I'm looking to get a medium sized dog for companionship and to have someone to take on runs and hikes. However, I live in a smaller-sized studio apartment and I'm in college. I want to know if having a high physical activity level and giving it a good level of mental stimulation would negate the size of the apartment. My daily schedule would look something like this:

>Wake up at 530, walk 15 minutes to a trail, run for 15-30 minutes, 15 min walk back
>630-730 shower, shave, breakfast, then leave for school
>1200-1300 I'm back at my apartment, take the dog out to take a dump, make myself some lunch
>1300-1430 Take the dog out for lower intensity physical exercise with more mental stimulation
(in particular, take the dog to my college the to play catch and interact with people, to a near by dog park that also has some walking trails, to some nature trails that are very undeveloped and have a lot of wild animals, creeks, ect, and for a walk around downtown Nashville)
(those would be the four main activities for that time frame that I could choose from to keep things fresh and mentally stimulating)
>1430-1900 I would mostly just be in my apartment studying, occasionally taking breaks to hang out with the dog or watch YouTube or something
>at 1900 take the dog out for a quick 15-20 minute walk and then spend the next couple of hours making dinner and getting ready for bed
>on the weekends at least two casual walks per day and one long hike in the hills on Saturday or Sunday

This is a schedule that I'm confident that I can maintain with some slight variations. I know I can keep to this schedule no less than 80% of the week. I want to know if this is a reasonable amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation for a medium sized dog to offset the small living space.

1/2

2/2

Just some more info.

I hate when people have big or high energy dogs in small apartments and don't give them the fulfillment they deserve so I do take this seriously. I just don't know enough to know if this situation would be appropriate or not. Also, the lease is up on my apartment in 10 months so I could find a bigger place by then, however this would come at the cost of not having as many of these trails and parks nearby and I'd spend more time on a daily basis commuting so there's an opportunity cost associated with that. I'm very confident that in 5-6 years I'll be living in a much more normal and spacious place.

Also, I know that this is also very dog breed specific too. I'd appreciate anyone giving me suggestions on what breed of dog this kind of situation would work for. I'd like a dog that can eventually be trained up to do some light endurance running in the 5-8 mile range and hiking/camping trips. Only after a gradual build up to that point and at the appropriate age of course. I don't want to be the reason my dog develops joint problems so I'd look into how to go about it the right way.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. I've always had dogs growing up but I moved out of my parents home about seven years ago and haven't really had the opportunity to get a dog until now because my previous living conditions were worse than this or didn't allow for any pets. I'd love to have a dog of my own. I just want to make sure I'm going about it the right way.

>>5029021 (OP)
>>5029028
no it doesnt matter
just get the dog

Does anybody else's dog run sideways? Like head and butt both leading the way... what's the reason for this?

Your schedule seems fine to me maybe bump up the walks another 10-15 minutes that way your dog doesn't just get more exercise they get time to sniff around and smell the roses

>>5029050
retardation. you dog is retarded

>>5029021 (OP)
uni only lasts for a couple years, a dog can live for 10

>>5029021 (OP)
>can having a high activity level make up for a small living space
absolutely, just be sure you're not lying to yourself about your activity level.
Dogs are denning animals and are not concerned with having a relatively small living/resting space. I have a coworker who has a malamute in a studio. I was very judgmental at first but after meeting the dog he's in very good shape both physically and mentally, and is one of the most obedient examples of the breed I've ever met.

>>5029313 makes a valid point. A dog is a constraint on your life for its entire lifespan. One that's worth it if you're a dog lover for sure but just be aware.
>breed
get the breed you like. Unless it's a pitbull, akita, or some other breed with a predilection towards violence because a lot of those will either be banned by apartments or will constrain you when trying to rent somewhere in the future.

My recommendation is to avoid something too intelligent, working breeds in particular do poorly without consistent stimulation.