3 Great Reasons You Should Consider Adopting An Older Dog Instead Of A Puppy
When it comes to adopting a dog, puppies tend to steal the spotlight because they're small, playful, friendly, and of course, irresistibly cute. Many adopters also assume that the younger the pup, the more years they'll have together (which isn't always necessarily true, by the way). While puppies have their perks, adopting an older dog can be just as beneficial, if not more. These seasoned canines are usually already housebroken, calmer, and behaviorally trained.
Not everyone can handle the demands of a puppy, but some people don't realize it until after they've adopted one. In some ways, having a puppy around the house is like having a baby. They both look endearing, but they bring a long list of responsibilities. Sure, that 7-year-old German shepherd mix might not be as adorable as the rat terrier puppy with the floppy ear, but that doesn't mean it won't be a great companion. It might even end up being your next soul pet.
One of the most obvious benefits of adopting an older dog over a puppy is that older dogs are more likely to be housebroken. Some had previous owners who trained them or spent enough time at the shelter to learn the do's and don'ts from the staff and volunteers. This can save you time and give you peace of mind, but this only scratches the surface of why you should consider adopting an older dog.
Older dogs are typically calmer than puppies
When someone adopts a young puppy, they usually know that potty training will be a must. It's not a surprise when a 2-month-old corgi poops in the kitchen or pees in the living room. What does sometimes come as a surprise is the amount of hyperactive energy that a puppy can have. In fact, hyperactivity and behavioral issues are among the most common reasons that dogs are returned to shelters after being recently adopted.
Yes, some breeds are naturally more zippy than others, but puppies in general tend to be more high-strung than adult dogs. Dogs typically start to calm down after their 1st birthday. Some can take longer. Either way, if you adopt an adult dog instead of a puppy, chances are high that you'll have a calmer, more manageable dog. This is especially true if you choose a senior, since these dogs tend to be even less active and less playful.
Perhaps you don't have enough time or energy every day to devote to a young dog. Just like children, puppies crave hours of play time throughout the week and seem to never tire. This typically isn't the case with a dog that's 7 or 8 years old, though. So, if you usually spend your free time relaxing at home, an older dog could be the perfect snuggle companion for you because guess what? It probably wants to do the exact same thing.
Older dogs are more likely to be behaviorally trained than puppies
Think of all the ways puppies can misbehave. They can chew on shoes, gnaw on the legs of the dining room chairs, completely gut the sofa cushions, or shred other things around the house. Some nip and bite the hands and fingers of whoever is playing with them, bark excessively, jump up on guests, or unravel an entire roll of toilet paper. Yes, as a new puppy parent, you'll be saying "stop" a lot.
As a new parent of a mature dog, however, you won't have to worry as much about these destructive behaviors. Although it's possible for a dog of any age to misbehave, especially if they've had a rough past, many older dogs are more likely to have some level of behavioral training than puppies. This includes basic commands and being able to decipher between what's an appropriate and inappropriate thing to chew on, how to behave with guests and during walks, etc.
Even if you have your heart set on bringing home and taking care of a puppy, it won't hurt to give an older dog a chance. You could even test the waters first before committing to a full adoption. Ask the shelter if it allows short-term fostering or day getaways. Both of these options give you the opportunity to take the dog to your home for a few hours or a few days. The experience might be better than you expected, and even better, you could fall in love and find your perfect match with a mature and mellow canine.