Young Puppy or Older Dog???

So…you’re ready to add to your family, and have decided to get a dog – congratulations! Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to get a puppy or adult:

Puppy Pros: cute, cuddly, starting from scratch, able to mold and grow (to some degree) with your guidance

Puppy Cons: house braking, teething, jumping, knows nothing – no commands or manners – everything has to be taught, chews, various stages to go through to maturity, will be awhile before you really know all about your dog’s true temperament

Adult Pros: may be house broken, may have been taught not to jump, past chewing phase, may already be crate trained, may know some commands, may have manners, you have a great idea of what the personality, energy level and temperament are like

Adult Cons: there may be little or no known history, there may be a serious reason why previous owners did not keep, if there are serious problems they may difficult to resolve or retrain, if the dog was a stray you MAY be starting from scratch but with a less impressionable dog

The fact is, there are pros and cons to both. Puppies can be tons of fun but also tons of work. Are you prepared to hire a dog walker if you work full time and your puppy has to go out every 2 hours? You may have a better idea of what you are getting with an adult dog, but it’s possible that there is little known about the disposition. It’s no fun to be bitten unexpectedly when a dog has an issue with something that you weren’t aware of.

What made me decide to write about this is I have a client who would never get a young puppy and can’t imagine why anyone would. She thinks there are too many unknowns. I’ve heard other people say that they would ONLY get a puppy so they can offer as much influence, guidance and training as possible. I think it really all depends on what YOU are ready for and what best fits YOUR lifestyle. They all require some time, effort and work. There are millions of dogs and puppies out there, and it is worth your while to do as much checking as possible to get one that suits you and your lifestyle. We want your home to be his forever home!

One final thought – where should you get your dog or puppy? Professionals in the dog business would suggest a reputable breeder or breed rescue organization if you are looking for a pure bred, and a shelter or rescue organization if you are looking to save a life. The large majority would NOT recommend a pet store or broker. If you are not sure of the differences, there are plenty of people who can help – DON’T be afraid to ask!