Choosing A Dog - The Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog

You like the idea of owning a dog, or the children have been begging for a pet, but you’re not sure you have the time or energy to handle a rambunctious puppy whom will need lots of attention and training. Consider adopting a senior dog who is calmer, has already learned the meaning of the word “NO” and is probably already housebroken.

The term “senior dog” may bring to mind a geriatric pooch who is slowing down and may not have much time left, but a more appropriate term would be “mature.” Any dog who is seven years old is considered a senior dog, but may still have plenty of years left. Most still have some playfulness in them, but not the wild, rowdy energy of a puppy. You can enjoy the companionship of a senior dog without the time-consuming training and socialization required when you adopt a new puppy. Senior dogs may have already had some obedience training and may need only occasional reminders or reinforcement of their training.

Senior dogs may be the best choice for families with very young children. They will not be as active and nippy as puppies who may knock small kids down or injure them accidentally. Choose a senior dog who has been raised around children and has a reputation for being gentle with them. Never leave infants or young children around any dog without supervision.

Dog owners in their own senior years may also prefer a senior dog. They will be in the same stage of life with similar energy levels. The dog will be content to lounge around with the owner or take a leisurely walk.

Older dogs may need to be placed in a new home for many reasons. The owner may have passed away, the family may have moved to a new home where dogs are not allowed, there may be allergy issues with a family member, the dog may have been chosen impulsively for its breed which was not compatible with the family’s lifestyle, or the kids may have gone off to college.

Many times such dogs are advertised in the classified ads, on bulletin boards at the vet’s office and other public places, or you may have a friend who must give up a dog. Adopting the dog may save it from a shelter, and possible euthanasia, and allow it to enjoy the rest of its natural years.

Many well-bred dogs end up in shelters because they may have outlived their usefulness as a show dog or breeding stock. Some unfortunate dogs are placed in shelters just because the owner would not take time to train and socialize the dog properly and considered it a behavior problem. The old adage that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” simply isn’t true. Although older dogs, like older people, tend to be set in their ways, they will benefit from patient, loving owners who care enough to teach their dogs to behave properly.

Don’t judge a shelter dog on first impressions. Any dog who is taken from a familiar home and placed in a barren cage will react with confusion and anxiety and is probably terrified. Most shelters will evaluate dogs in their care for true behavior issues, assess the dog’s personality, and try to find a dog to fit your desires and lifestyle.

Give the dog time to adjust to his new home. Some dogs will take more time than others to accept a new owner or family. After you bring him home show him lots of kindness and reassurance to create a special relationship with him. If you can get some of the dog’s familiar dishes, toys, bedding and other things from his old home it will help him to adjust more quickly.

One concern that prospective owners may have is that health issues associated with older dogs may create veterinary expenses. All dogs need regular checkups and veterinary care, and even puppies and younger dogs may have medical conditions that require treatment. It is recommended that all dogs have a thorough physical examination at six years old so that potential health problems may be addressed before they become more serious and expensive to treat. Get a health report from a veterinarian and decide if you can make a financial commitment to the dog’s health. Senior dogs may not be sick or weak but may have eye, ear, or dental conditions that need treatment.

Another concern is that the owner may become attached to the dog only to have it pass away within a few years. The same thing can happen with younger dogs who become seriously ill or get hit by a car in the road. It’s never easy to lose a beloved pet. Many smaller breeds and mixes can live into their teens so you may still have several years of companionship with your new friend. Larger dogs often have shorter life spans but you can take solace in the fact that you gave the dog a comfortable, loving home in his golden years.

Additional Resources Links: