Adopting Older Dogs Rather Than Puppies
Reasons to Choose a Mature Dog
With many families struggling to survive financially, more and more dog owners are dropping off their pets at animal shelters. Tragically, many (or most) of these dogs will be put to sleep because of overcrowding, as well as the reality that most owners prefer puppies to older dogs.
However, there are many advantages to adopting an older dog. If you don’t have the time or energy to break in a puppy, then choosing a more mature dog may be a better choice.
Why Adopt an Older Dog?
- Already housebroken – Adopting a puppy is exciting, but most owners don’t enjoy the breaking-in stage. By adopting an older dog who’s (usually) already housebroken, you don’t have the anxiety of worrying about your carpets being destroyed. What’s more, they’re also past the chewing and digging stage, making for more desirable pets
- Calmer – Older dogs aren’t as hyperactive as when they were puppies, making for calmer pets. They’re less likely to run after cats, reducing stress on both the dog owner, as well as the cat owner.
- Gentler with small children – Often older dogs are gentler with small children than rambunctious puppies.
- More loyal – With an older dog you don’t have to spend as much time worrying about him (or her) escaping. Because older dogs are more settled, they’re less likely to venture out, or tunnel under a fence, running away to other homes.
- Less demanding – This leaves you more time for yourself.
- Less curious – Whereas puppies and younger dogs do dumb stunts such as drinking toilet water and checking out dangerous situations, older dogs are more mature.
- Personality already developed – With an older dog, what you see is what you get. On the other hand, a young puppy has to develop his own particular personality, so what you see as a puppy could evolve into another personality later. Knowing a dog’s personality upfront is beneficial in judging how he’ll adjust to your household. For example, if you have children, you don’t want a puppy that will later on change into a dog that isn’t kid friendly.
Best Older Breeds to Adopt
There are just as many different personalities of dog breeds as there are owners. While some owners may actually prefer an active dog (who’s also older), others opt for less athletic, smaller dogs such as toy breeds. Realizing that older dogs already have some time on them, it’s probably better to choose smaller breeds simply because they generally have a longer lifespan. In other words, you may love large breeds, such as Great Danes, but unfortunately, such big breeds last only less than ten years, whereas smaller dogs, such as fox terriers, can live up to 14 years.
Establish a Routine Early
Don’t hesitate to establish a routine as soon as you bring your new dog home. Also, let each family member get to know the new addition on a one-on-one basis (rather than the whole clan descending on Fido at once.) For additional tips, study books on the subject to help your dog adjust to his new home.
You’re Saving a Life
Although there are many good reasons for adopting an older dog, the best reason is that you’re saving a life. You can feel good that you’re giving an older dog another chance at life. Maybe his original owner couldn’t afford him, but you can make a comfortable home not only for a lovable new pet, but also help your local animal shelter have one less dog to feed or even worse, to put to sleep.
