Are you thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? If so, you may be considering adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. This is a great decision, and many wonderful dogs are waiting for homes! However, like most people, you may be tempted to adopt a puppy. After all, puppies are adorable! Before making your decision, you might want to consider adopting an older dog instead. Older dogs can come with many benefits over puppies, and this article is going to give a list of them!
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Older Dogs Are Calmer
The first benefit you may find when adopting an older dog is they tend to be calmer than puppies and require less supervision. On the other hand, puppies are full of energy and need constant attention. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, an older dog is usually the way to go. However, it’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and some older dogs can be just as high-energy as a puppy. The best way to find the right fit is to spend time with the dog before committing.
Older Dogs Are Typically House Broken
When you adopt an older dog, there’s a good chance they’re already housebroken. That’s because most humane societies and shelters won’t adopt dogs until they’re housetrained. They don’t want the dog to end up back in the shelter because the family couldn’t handle a few accidents.
Older dogs are also generally calmer than puppies, so they’re less likely to have “accidents” in the first place. That’s not to say that all older dogs are housetrained – some may have developed bad habits in their previous home or never learned proper potty etiquette. But if you’re looking for a dog that’s more likely to be housetrained, an older dog is usually your best bet.
Older Dogs Can Be Easy To Train
Many people believe that older dogs are more challenging to train than puppies, but this is often not the case. Older dogs have already learned many basic obedience commands, and they are often more willing to please their owners than young puppies. In addition, older dogs usually have a better attention span than puppies, making them easier to train.
Of course, every dog is different, and some older dogs may be stubborn or set in their ways. However, you can easily train most older dogs with patience and positive reinforcement. So if you’re looking for a well-behaved companion, don’t discount an older dog. With a bit of time and effort, you may be surprised at how quickly your new friend learns the tricks of the trade.
Older Dogs Are Less Likely To Bite
One concern people may have when adopting an older dog is biting. But there are several reasons why an older dog can be less likely to bite than a puppy. For one thing, puppies are teething and may bite out of discomfort. They also haven’t learned how to interact with people and may bite out of excitement or fear.
On the other hand, older dogs have usually had more time to socialize and learn how to interact appropriately with people. In addition, as mentioned before, older dogs tend to be calmer and less excitable than puppies, making them less likely to bite out of excitement or fear. So if you’re looking for a low-risk option when it comes to biting, an older dog may be the best.
Older Dogs Require Less Attention
One of the best things about adopting an older dog is that they require less attention than puppies. Puppies need to eat several times a day, be taken out frequently and need a lot of socialization. By contrast, older dogs can often be left alone for long periods, and they typically don’t need as much exercise.
As a result, older dogs are usually a better fit for busy people or those who live in small apartments. Of course, every dog is different, and some older dogs may still exhibit some puppy-like behavior. But if you’re looking for a pet that doesn’t require all your attention, an older dog may be a perfect choice.
Older Dogs Will Become Attached To You Quickly
It’s no secret that dogs are some of the most loyal creatures. But did you know that your chances of developing a strong bond with an adopted dog are higher than if you had gotten a puppy? Studies have shown that older dogs tend to form attachments to their new owners more quickly than puppies do.
There are a few possible explanations for this phenomenon. For one thing, puppies are still learning about the world and may be more hesitant to form attachments. In contrast, older dogs have usually had at least one owner before, and they already know how rewarding human companionship can be.
Older Dogs Are Already Their Full Size
Another great thing about adopting an older dog is that you won’t worry about them outgrowing their space. When you adopt a puppy, they’re small and adorable, and it’s hard to imagine them ever being anything but lap-sized. But all too soon, they start growing, and before you know it, you have a full-grown dog who is too big for your apartment. If you adopt an older dog, on the other hand, you’ll know exactly what size they’re going to be and can make sure that your home can accommodate them.
Conclusion
While puppies do come with their benefits, there are many reasons why adopting an older dog can be the best decision you ever make. There are several advantages to taking home an older four-legged friend, from being easier to train to already knowing their full size. So if you’re thinking about adding a furry companion to your family, don’t discount the benefits of adopting an older dog. You may find that they’re the perfect fit for you.
