Choosing a Dog – Do You Want An Older Dog Or A Puppy?

So you have made the all important decision to bring a dog into your life and family! Choosing a dog can be very exciting—but have you decided whether a puppy or older dog would be best for you and your children?

Some parents may have visions of taking their young ones to the local pound or animal shelter and choosing a dog from many lonely and loving dogs.

The truth is, adopting a dog can be risky, and may take a lot more commitment and patience then you might think. As wonderful and rewarding as it is to give an older dog a deserving home, sometimes this isn’t the best idea when you’re household includes small children.

Many dogs that have been surrendered recently to city animal shelters due to “life changes” or financial difficulties. Others have been captured as strays and may not have the training and temperament necessary for life among a family or be the best dogs for children. Some also, as unfortunate as it may be, are animals that have been abused or neglected, giving them insecurities and fears that may lead to neurotic or aggressive behavior.

This is definitely not true all of the time and there are absolutely wonderful dogs to be found at city shelter facilities, but it’s very important before choosing a dog to get a feel for the over all temperament and background of the dog.

You may also want to consider contacting local independent rescue groups when choosing a dog. These groups usually have more information on a dog’s history and current condition. They are also very good about working with dogs on training and temperament issues and have a better understanding of the dog’s needs and issues. There are organized rescue groups for most every breed, so it should be quite easy to find one in your area or region.

If you still feel that your family is ready to rescue an older dog, there are definitely positive experiences to be had. For example, older dogs will most likely not need to be house trained, giving your family the chance to simply bond with your new dog right from the start. Older dogs may also need less exercise and tend to be more independent in nature, making them a great fit for a young family that is busy and on the go.

Puppies are the more popular choice for a family, and for obvious reason, quite simply they’re really cute. However, adopting a puppy also means interrupted sleep, chewing, potty training, socializing, leash training, nipping or biting, training and discipline. The flip side to this is that if your family purchases a puppy there is no risk of bad temperament due to previous experiences, and your family can bond with their dog as he grows.

Which ever route your family decides to take, remember, choosing a dog is an all-important task. Whether, an older rescue dog or a puppy, both dogs will need training, commitment and patience—but over time will also bring a joyous new dynamic to your family.