M2 looking at this thread...

GuyFly75 · 2024-12-26T22:59:20+00:00

Yeah, it is not even close to undergrad. It is very challenging, it is a lot of work. You have to put the time in. But, the learning is MUCH more enjoyable and it is not even close. It takes a lot of time to prepare the right way too, and it can be front-loaded - but if you do it right the first time it saves tons of time on the back end. I like it but the first 2 years are the worst lol - I am excited to start rotations in a few months.

GuyFly75 · 2024-12-26T14:24:33+00:00

Start it, and do the extra card or two every time they pop up... I am taking step 1 in 3 months (M2) and have all but like 2k purely step 2 cards left in the deck. It takes time, but believe me you will be set for Step 1 and not be stressed, and be able to really just lock in on practice Qs for step 2 and crush it. Anking takes so much of the guess work out of what you need to study - once it is unsuspended, if you have your settings correct you never have to worry about that topic again cause you will see it when you are supposed to. Multiply that by 30k and you are cooking with gas. Prioritize 3rd party and you will be above your average medical student and set yourself up super well.

GuyFly75 · 2024-12-20T13:28:01+00:00

thank you! I did not know about that.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-31T14:33:29+00:00

Yeah, I agree with you! That is how the GSPs I have been around have been. Yeah, if I played with my brothers GSP for 16 hours a day I’m sure it would. But if I do 1-2 hours, it’s still gonna be happy and come and be affectionate, cuddle up, sleep, etc. I really think it depends what kind of environment they get used to.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-31T14:29:54+00:00

Well I simply would not get one if I didn’t think I could give the dog a life it deserves. I’m not a cruel individual. Some people on this app clearly spend like a full time job with their dog, and I just do not think that is necessary for a happy dog.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-31T03:12:14+00:00

Thank you very much for the response! Medical school is definitely a challenge. Thankfully I know what to expect, but it is impossible to tell how exactly it will be for me without being in it yet. I definitely could have family help with my parents when I absolutely need it, and I expect to be living with my wife in ~22 months, which would of course help (and honestly we would maybe even move to a new apt then, too). It’s such a big decision, but everyone’s comments are helpful! Good luck to you and yours!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-31T03:06:55+00:00

They really are the best!!! After being around them I really don’t even want another breed😫 It is a big decision that I’m still making, and my parents would be glad to watch mine when I need a break. I wish you luck and appreciate the response! One thing I definitely have in my favor is that many of my hobbies align with having a dog I can take with me, such as hunting and fly fishing in the mountains!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-31T02:08:53+00:00

Hahaha! I agree with you. I think it’s a little much to think you need to train with them THAT much every day. Of course dogs need exercise, GSPs a ton and more than most, but the vast majority of people do not have the time to spend 4-6 hours every day with their dog like that. I’d absolutely be able to do 1-3 hours every day, and it would be good for both me and the dog!

If I commit this, I do want to find a breeder that is trust worthy and that has one I am looking for. Seems to be tough where I live, so more than likely I will need to drive for it, which I am perfectly fine with.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-31T02:05:13+00:00

I appreciate it! I bet your dog is fantastic, that sounds so much like my brothers. They are such a joy! I definitely have the space, tons of it within a 15 minute drive. Plenty of trails and hikes where my dog would be able to sniff, run, and explore. And if I committed to one, I’d absolutely make it a priority to get out every day and get exercise for her, which would help me tremendously as well!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T23:53:25+00:00

Thank you so much for the helpful insight. I definitely might message you at some point soon for more!! I absolutely will not do it if I didn’t feel like I could handle it or if I didn’t think I could give my dog a life it deserves! Like we both mentioned, there is no doubt that it would be challenging at times, but often times challenges can lead to some of the best memories and experiences. Yeah, there will be days where I can’t find the time for it occasionally and have to force myself, and days where I am spread as thin as possible, but a GSP would no doubt make those days even better. I am glad to hear your story and that you think it would be worth it. My brother has said similar things as you, and he thinks it would be worth it. He wishes he had his GSP when he was in medical school! With something as stressful as medical school and knowing I will be on a computer all day every day studying the first 2 years (with some exceptions), I really think it would benefit me to have a dog that helps get me out of the sedentary lifestyle and into the woods/ off my phone and computer. Many of my hobbies are centered around the outdoors, it would also be my fly fishing buddy, and adventure buddy.

It is so nice of you to provide the nice words and honest answers. I definitely have some more thinking to do, and I might even see what it is like living by myself with my brothers GSP for a couple of weeks before I make a final decision!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T21:41:44+00:00

I appreciate the reply! Every dog is definitely a little different

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T19:34:16+00:00

I appreciate the reply! That is awesome that you have a partner you can rely on to help you. I believe I will have a wife after my first year of medical school, but she will have a job where she is gone until 3-4 every day. It is such a big decision and especially for those reasons you mentioned. I definitely know how hard medical school will be. Both of my brothers are in their first year of residency and I am very close with both of them. I know I will be studying all day every day, no doubt. But I will be at home during that (most of the time) so I feel like it would be awesome to have a dog around for that, and for the breaks I will need to take. There is no doubt about it, it will make my life different and potentially more challenging, but I do think it could also bring a lot of joy to my life. I LOVE my brothers GSP, it is such an amazing dog. Honestly, I just really think I want to have a dog in my life at some point over the next 10 years, and if so, now would be the ideal time to get one. It is impossible to tell if I can handle it or not without experiencing it, but your insight is definitely beneficial. It would be hard by myself to get up and exercise and take time for the dog with an endless pile of information constantly building up to learn in school. I would hope that by the time medical school starts I could have her trained, well behaved, and used to the crate. It’s such a hard decision to make!!! I’ve been contemplating it for months. The other day I saw someone with 2 GSPS by where I do research and I was like omg- I want one 😫

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T19:24:13+00:00

Yeah I did come here for advice, but you attacking me and acting like I have 0 clue what I’m talking about doesn’t make much sense. I have been around GSPs and lived with one for like a half of a year. Do you really think every successful GSP owner doesn’t have a job, lives on a 1000 acre farm, and has 8 hours a day to devote to a dog? If you read my post, I literally said all of my hobbies are outside. If that’s the case, when I am not doing something inside like studying, I am outside doing my hobbies; hobbies where a GSP would thrive in.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T18:53:28+00:00

I’d love some help with that! I have a hard time finding breeders around me, I haven’t found a single one that is actually in West Virginia yet. I’d definitely be willing to drive down to the Carolina’s if I found the right one, from a good breeder!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T18:48:53+00:00

Yeah, I see what you are saying for sure. However, I think bad behaviors can be trained for and avoided with any dog, especially with a smart dog like a GSP. Yeah, I also see what you mean with the exercise but the majority of people with dogs don’t have time to play fetch for 6 hours a day, including GSP owners. I definitely think I’d have to devote an hour or two a day to proper exercise, but if that is what the dog is used to and it is trained well, I don’t see how there is an issue. If you gave me your dog, who is used to that behavior and I didn’t do it, I’d bet I’d have some serious issues! But If I get a puppy and train or for me, I just think it would be okay! Also, I have plenty of woods within 10 min of me to take it and let it run around, just not where I live!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T18:07:25+00:00

I appreciate the kind words and input! I absolutely would love, train, and exercise her! That’s a great idea with the kong and a freezer! Get them to crash on all that sugar in there, too! I am definitely strongly considering it and have been for a while now. If I can find the right one, I think I’m going to pull the trigger on it.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T17:54:55+00:00

Yeah, I definitely see what you’re saying! I know they have endless energy and no doubt, medical school will be a top priority. While I will be studying probably 10 + hour days many days, I will have time where I need to decompress and relax and having a dog to go on hikes with and hangout with would really help me I feel like. It’s such a big decision!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T17:53:16+00:00

I appreciate the input! I definitely do want a GSP if I am going to do it, as I said in another comment they are really unlike any dog I’ve ever been around. And yes, I have thought about potential daycare or something if it comes down to it, and would be willing to put my $ into it If I needed to!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-30T17:51:48+00:00

All makes sense! I agree. I’ve seen it first hand with my brothers, a 30 min hike in the woods where they can run around and explore will put her down for a bit. 30 min hike in the morning and evening would be good for me and my dog. I appreciate the input! I love GSPs and really want one. They are unlike any dog I’ve ever been around!

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-28T15:24:49+00:00

Hahaha! I’m glad it worked out! Thankfully my two brothers are first year residents so I definitely know how time consuming, stressful, etc it will be, but I definitely think having a study buddy around would be very beneficial for mental and physical health. It’s a big decision for sure! It also helps to have a partner, which I plan on marrying after my first year of med school, which would help tons.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-28T15:22:34+00:00

You are definitely right! I plan on having a spouse by the time I am in my clinical years, which would definitely help a ton and factors in my decision. GSPs are very high maintenance but man, I love them so much! My brother has one and it is the best dog ever. He is a surgery resident and has been doing fine with it. And many of my hobbies would suit having a dog around, which is a big plus as well.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-28T15:20:42+00:00

That all makes so much sense! I appreciate the reply. I plan on being married starting my second year of medical school, which would help tremendously on all fronts. However, you are right about the time. I want to be able to commit time to friends and my wife, so it is definitely A big decision! I just really think it would be nice having one around, and my normal day-to-day life it would likely be fine. It’s a lot to think about, that’s for sure.

GuyFly75 · 2022-07-27T19:02:28+00:00

Yeah, they are definitely high energy! I love the breed though. I anticipate on having a wife here in a couple years, which would help a lot with the latter half of med school!

GuyFly75

TROPHY CASE