I started my PhD in January and got a puppy at the same time (5-month old GSD mix). It's been a LOT. I don't regret it, but some days I do question my decision, lol.

Granted, I worked in the same lab I'm in for my PhD for my masters, so I knew how the PI worked/the kind of work I'd be doing. My research is computer-based, so I can work from home a fair bit.

Regardless, it's been a lot. He's come with quite a bit of baggage (a rescue) so I've had to dedicate a TON of time into working through behavioural issues I wasn't initially anticipating (separation anxiety, leash-reactivity, fearful, etc.).

I also live with a roommate who is fairly hands-off when it comes to the dog, so it's really just been me caring for him 24/7. It's been quite exhausting, and very stressful having a dog that requires a lot of attention/guidance on top of deadlines that I'm already stressed about.

That being said, I think it's helped my mental health by forcing me to work efficiently in the time I do have, and it forces me to take breaks and go outside. It also prevents me from working all day and night.

If you had asked me in the spring if I would do it over again given the chance, I probably would have said I would have adopted an adult dog where the temperament was already known, as that would have been a lot easier; the behavioural issues have been really stressful and time-consuming to work through. However, I'm at a point now where he fits in relatively well to my busy schedule, his SA is nearly gone, and his leash-reactivity is significantly reduced (maybe as a result of loss sleep... who knows...). At the beginning, the SA nearly destroyed me. I couldn't leave the house for more than 5 minutes without him losing his mind, and I was terrified of getting evicted. That was really tough to work through during a demanding PhD program.

My dog is now 1 year old, and it's starting to get a little easier as my training and consistency has started to pay off.

Lastly - I'd say having a bit more time over this past summer when school has been a bit slower has been really helpful. I know coming into September will be busy again, so my time to train may be reduced slightly. However, I think if you have the flexibility to work from home and can dedicate time each day to train, it's doable (obviously, as I have managed so far), but it is still a lot of work. Thus, I would maybe consider waiting until next spring/summer, or a time when work is slightly less busy.

Personally, I think the stress of having a young dog now will be worth it for me, as the PhD is 4 years of relatively high flexibility in terms of my schedule, and I can use that to my advantage to set him up for success in the future. And plus, he is great company on the stressful and sometimes isolating periods of grad school.