Why should you adopt older dogs?
Because...
What are some of the reasons often given for not adopting an older dog?
"Because they won't live as long" This is actually reason why I love them so much. We don't take our time together for granted. We make sure we pack in extra fun, love and cuddles into the time that we do have together. There are no guarantees in life. Sometimes young dogs die, too.
"They cost more." Maybe, but maybe not. True, older dogs are more likely to need medication, but they are not tearing up your shoes or gnawing a table leg, which is also an expense. And there is no guarantee that a young dog will not contract diabetes or a heart murmur and need meds, too. Also, older dogs are less likely to have sporty injuries which need veterinary care.
"I want a puppy." Why? You don't know what their adult temperament will be. If it is an ill fit with your family, you will bear this mis-match for 10 or more years. Also, puppy potty training is hard work.
"They will be set in their ways, and hard to train." It takes less time to train an adult dog than a puppy. Really. Every dog is different, but training an older dog is easier. They are less distracted, and are more likely to be able to focus during your training sessions. Dogs are more resilient that people. Just because they were previously mistreated, does not sentence them to bad behavior forever. Yes you might need to reverse some bad habits, or overcome mistrust. They have been disappointed before. But the pride of shaping them into a good citizen will fill your heart.
Because...
- they are not teething and are less likely to chew your stuff
- typically they've had some form of previous training
- there is no guessing about their future size or cuteness
- they have a calmer, more relaxed personality
- training an older dog takes less time than training a puppy
- There is a need. Unfortunately, there is a bias against the old.
- You get to do more stuff with them. Chilled out dogs are better house guests, and can attend festivals and events. Puppies and juvenile dogs are more unpredictable.
- dogs are not iPhones. You do not need the latest model.
- someday YOU will be old, and hopefully someone will hang out with you
What are some of the reasons often given for not adopting an older dog?
"Because they won't live as long" This is actually reason why I love them so much. We don't take our time together for granted. We make sure we pack in extra fun, love and cuddles into the time that we do have together. There are no guarantees in life. Sometimes young dogs die, too.
"They cost more." Maybe, but maybe not. True, older dogs are more likely to need medication, but they are not tearing up your shoes or gnawing a table leg, which is also an expense. And there is no guarantee that a young dog will not contract diabetes or a heart murmur and need meds, too. Also, older dogs are less likely to have sporty injuries which need veterinary care.
"I want a puppy." Why? You don't know what their adult temperament will be. If it is an ill fit with your family, you will bear this mis-match for 10 or more years. Also, puppy potty training is hard work.
"They will be set in their ways, and hard to train." It takes less time to train an adult dog than a puppy. Really. Every dog is different, but training an older dog is easier. They are less distracted, and are more likely to be able to focus during your training sessions. Dogs are more resilient that people. Just because they were previously mistreated, does not sentence them to bad behavior forever. Yes you might need to reverse some bad habits, or overcome mistrust. They have been disappointed before. But the pride of shaping them into a good citizen will fill your heart.