by Linda Finnegan

Created on: June 21, 2010   Last Updated: August 04, 2010

 Most often when perspective pet owners go looking for a new dog, they start looking at puppies. Why not? Puppies of all types are cute and cuddly. They have little history, are accepted more easily by older dogs, and can be the products of the owner’s training and shaping more completely. Who can resist them? But they also need housebreaking which might be slow coming in a very young puppy.  They whine, chew, scratch, and wrestle. Many puppy owners have lost shoes, the edges of cabinets, and chair legs as they wait for puppy to mature. Owning a puppy can be character-building sometimes.

Conversely, adopting an adult dog, even an older dog, is a very good option for many people. There are many sad but legitimate reasons why  adult dogs have been abandoned to a shelter or rescue so adopting an adult dog does not necessarily mean inheriting someone else’s problem.

 Additionally, there are many benefits to adopting an adult or older dog. Older animals may be already housebroken or are easier to housebreak because they have better control over their bodily functions. The potential adopter can also see the final size and weight of the dog. Foster homes and shelter workers can give input to the personalities and problems these dogs might have. They know the animal’s habits and whether he or she does well with children or other animals.

Many adult dogs are calmer, past the puppy rambunctiousness and chewing. They are happy with sedate walks around the block. Moreover, many rescue dogs have some training too. They already sit or lie down. The training attention span of adult dogs is longer than in puppies too. Old dogs do learn new tricks. Dogs provided with stimulation can learn throughout their lifetimes.

Many older dogs have many good years left. With good vet care, diet, and exercise dogs are living longer. In the past 50 years the lifespan of dogs has doubled.  Active dogs, like active people, remain young at heart and spirit.  Unfortunately many older dogs are often passed over.  People who work in animal rescue often say that older dogs are more appreciative of their new homes. They have a dignity that is special.

 Fortunately, there are multitudes of rescue organizations that can help prospective pet owners in their quest to find a new best friend. Most breeds have their own rescues with knowledgeable staffs and foster homes. Most large cities have rescue groups that handle hundreds of animals, both pure-bred and mixed breed, each year.

Ultimately, adopting an adult or older dog saves a life that might otherwise be forfeit. It is worthwhile and should be considered by all would-be dog owners.

Bibliography

Adamson, Eve. Your Outta Control Adopted Dog. Neptune City: T.F.H. Publications, Inc. 2003.

Wilcox, Bonnie, D.V.M. & Chris Walkowicz, Old Dogs, Old Friends: Enjoying Your Older Dog. New York: Howell Book House, 1991.

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