Adopting an Older Dog - You Won’t Regret It
February 17th, 2008There are many benefits to adopting an older dog. First and foremost, is the fact that you will probably be saving a life if he is a shelter dog. It is no secret that the pet population is on the rise. Each year, hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals are euthanized. Every time an older dog is adopted, we are one step closer to controlling the situation.
Shelters are not the only place to find the perfect dog, to welcome into your family. Contact local breeders in your area. Many times they will have older dogs for sale, for a variety of reasons. Usually it is because the dog is too old to compete in show or beyond breeding age.
When you adopt an older dog, chances are you won’t have to deal with normal puppy behavior. For the most part, older dogs are housebroken, don’t chew on the furniture and are calmer in temperament.
Before making a final decision you should learn as much as you can about the dog you are considering. Of course, it might be impossible if he is a shelter dog, but if you are adopting him from an individual there are questions you should ask.
Inquire about his temperament. Does he get along well with small children and other animals? You should ask about his daily routine. Does he require a special diet or room outside to run?
If it all possible, it is also advisable to introduce the dog to other family members before the final adoption procedure. This will eliminate the inconvenience of returning the animal, due to an incompatibility of some sort.
When you adopt an older dog, you should give him several days to get used to his new environment, before beginning any new obedience training. It will take him a bit of time to get settled in… to understand where he eats, sleeps, etc.
One drawback of adopting an older dog is the fact that he may have medical problems, not associated with a puppy. Even so, he should not let that stop you from doing so. As long as the medical condition is not catastrophic, many times you will find it quite easy to deal with. The rewards are much greater than the possible inconvenience of minor health issues.
Adopting an older dog is perfect for individuals or families who don’t want to deal with the stress of raising a puppy.
