Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience. While some of us want young puppies to dote over, others prefer recusing an older pooch. After all, every dog deserves a loving home. Use this guide to weigh the pros and cons of adopting a senior dog.
Pro: They’re Usually Trained
The younger the dog, the less training they have, which is normal. At a few months old, puppies don’t understand commands like “sit” or “heel;” they’re not even leash trained yet. Obedience school is expensive and takes a lot of patience. Senior dogs are your top pick if you’d rather skip over all that hassle! Most already understand the basic commands, and despite the saying, an old dog can learn new tricks.
Best of all, you don’t have to worry about all the trouble of potty training a young pup. This process is headache-inducing for some owners and often includes constant cleaning.
Accidents Can Happen
Sometimes when you bring a dog into a new space, they have accidents. Canines may do this due to distress or confusion regarding their new surroundings. As they adjust to their new surroundings, this should stop happening, but if it continues, discuss it with your vet.
Con: They May Have a Bad Past
Sadly, some dogs suffer from abuse or neglect, which can shape how they act. An elder pooch may appear skittish or distrustful of people they don’t know. Dispelling this behavior often requires behavioral training, positive reinforcement, and loads of love.
Talk with the rescue or shelter worker about the dog you want to adopt to learn more about its personality and past. While some senior dogs are perfect for a growing family, others need an adult-only home.
Pro: You Know Their Personality
Adopting a puppy is exciting, but you don’t know the dog’s whole personality yet. All you know is the adorable love nearly all young dogs shower their owners with. On the other hand, senior dogs have already developed into who they are.
You’ll know whether the pooch likes to play or prefers to cuddle up with you on the couch. Understanding the dog’s personality allows you to adopt the right buddy that fits your lifestyle.
Con: They Could Have Health Conditions
Just like people, animals develop more health complications as they get older. Senior dogs are more prone to diabetes, arthritis, and kidney failure. However, with proper care from you, your pooch can still live a happy life. For example, if your dog has diabetes, one benefit of at-home health tests is that you can measure their glucose levels and give them medication as needed.
Pro: They’ll Love You Forever
Of all the pros and cons of adopting a senior dog, the most important thing to remember is that no matter how old a dog is, it’ll love you with all its being. To a dog, its human family is the entire world. Your pooch will love you for welcoming them into your home so they can blissfully live out their golden years.
