Let's be honest: Almost all dog lovers who decide to adopt one want a keep puppy to cuddle. Adult dogs, for example from aanimal shelter or a network of volunteers from some organization against stray dogs, they often have little chance of success when compared to the tenderness that a puppy arouses. It's a shame, though, as there are many benefits to adopting an older dog. With this article we want to help you find out what they are and why many misconceptions about adult dogs do not correspond to the truth.
Adult dogs already have their own habits, integrate with difficulty into a new family, are difficult to train and are often sick. These are some of the misconceptions many people have in mind when adopting an older dog. However, these are concerns that often turn out to be unfounded. Living with an adult dog is usually easier and more relaxing than expected. For what reason? The five reasons we've listed below tell you why adopting an adult dog is worthwhile and how older dogs can become an asset to the whole family.
Five great reasons for adopting an older dog
When you choose it you already know what you bring home
When buying a puppy , it is necessary to inquire very carefully about the parents and grandparents of the dog, in order to be able to evaluate in advance the type of development that our young friend is expected to have, what will be his future characteristics, the color of the coat, the level of liveliness and health he will enjoy once he becomes an adult and therefore elderly. But even if you study its pedigree, you inform yourself about the typical characteristics of the breed and make a thousandquestions to the breeder , there is always a good deal of uncertainty.
Older dogs, on the other hand, hardly change anymore. As a rule, the character of an adult dog is consolidated and you don't have to fear nasty surprises in the development of the personality of your new paw friend. Before you even choose it, you can see if it is a very active specimen, for example, how much hair it sheds, if it tends to beoverweight or if you have possibly developed onehip dysplasia . Already on your first visit, you can see how he reacts to people he doesn't know, whether he remains calm and relaxed or seems shy and nervous.
Obviously it is important to try to collect as much information as possible about the history and past of the dog you want to adopt, but having an adult dog in front of you you can - with a little empathy - already evaluate what inclinations, peculiarities and preferences your future roommate has. and prepare yourself accordingly.
Senior dogs already know the rules
The concern that older dogs in particular, who have had to spend a lot of time in a kennel or animal shelter, are difficult to train and have bad habits by now is, in many cases, an unfounded concern. Of course, there are also cases in which the previous owners were unable to educate their four-legged dog and ended up giving it up, taking him to a kennel due to his difficult behavior. But these are particular houses that the refuge managers always report and that are not entrusted to new unsuspecting owners. Most adult dogs waiting for a new family housed in kennels, shelters or volunteer associations have been abandoned due to changes in the personal or professional life of their previous owners,
As a rule, these are dogs that have already learned the main rules of coexistence in the family. A dog who has lived in a home previously knows that food is only available at set timesyou don't bark continuously and that you have to sleep at night. At best, he already knowsgo on a leash , he has already internalized them and reacts appropriately to basic commands such as "Sit!", "Go to bed!" or "Stay".
Senior dogs are grateful and eager to learn
Of course, it sometimes happens that these are adult dogs that have yet to be trained. The best education of the puppy is useless, in fact, if it is not followed consistently even in the following years. Some dog breeds, then, immediately notice if the owner is not very focused on the rules and shamelessly exploit this weakness. For this reason it would be good if, as a new owner, you have some basic expertise in dog training, even if your new paw buddy is already older. Especially when bad habits are ingrained, re-educating a dog requires perseverance and patience.
However, educating an adult dog in and of itself isn't necessarily more difficult or complicated than educating a puppy - the good thing about this is that dogs never stop learning. They are able to acquire new commands, rules and behaviors until old age. It is often especially adult dogs, which tend to be calmer, more relaxed and less distracted from their surroundings than puppies, who show a high willingness to learn. This is also noticed during training: while young dogs are immediately exhausted and lose concentration, older ones show a greater ability to maintain attention even for a long time.
Also, older dogs that have been in trouble and then turn out to be especially grateful. They know what they owe you and will do anything to please you. The dog adopted as an adult will show you this gratitude every day for the chance you gave him, and not only when you feel like cuddling but also when you expect him to obey your commands.
Senior dogs enjoy doing nothing
While puppies can't get enough of playing and would like to have fun with you all day, older dogs appreciate rest times. They love to fall asleep in their new kennel and do not get upset if they are left alone for a while. An older dog is also happy with a short walk around the block and doesn't need to do something exciting every day.
The amount of exercise and activity required obviously varies from dog to dog. The so-called "working" breeds, in particular, remain active throughout their lives and need to make sense of their days even in old age. However, over the years, even the sportiest four-legged dog learns to enjoy the quiet: after all, resting is a great way to recharge your batteries for the next walk with your human.
They are less expensive
At best, by the time of adoption from the kennel, an adult dog is already delivered vaccinated , wormed and microchipped. Many older dogs have also already been neutered. If you choose to adopt a senior dog, you can usually avoid expensive veterinary expenses for vaccinations and the eventual intervention ofcastration . Furthermore, the adoption of an animal from a kennel or shelter usually does not involve expenses, which cannot be said about buying a puppy from a breeder. Even if you opt for a purebred animal, the purchase price of an adult or senior animal will be significantly lower than that of a puppy, which easily costs 1,000 euros or more.
Obviously, it can happen that the dog gets sick, as it gets older, and that you have to bear expenses due to veterinary visits and therapies, but these are costs that even adopting a puppy you have to take into account, sooner or later. By choosing for him anutrition based on its nutritional needs, making regular checks by the veterinarian , respecting the prophylaxis of recommended vaccinations and taking care of your animal in a manner suitable for the species, you can manage to avoid many of the classic diseases related to old age, or at least recognize them in good time , so that faster and therefore less expensive treatment is possible. When adopting a dog, always inform yourself about any symptoms it presents and the possible diseases of the parents, if known. Ultimately, by choosing an elderly dog you do not "buy a pig in a poke": you can get to know him in advance, with the advantage of better managing any critical issues of your new friend.
Still not convinced?
By deciding to adopt an adult or senior dog, you know what to expect. All the hassle that inevitably involves buying apuppy (numerous appointments for vaccinations, registration for adog school , courses ofeducation and socialization , more frequent meals, etc.) you are spared, with an adult dog. People who cannot devote several hours a day toteaching the puppy to go on a leash or to do his business outside the home, they are usually more comfortable with an already adult furry. And even if his muzzle slowly whitens and the pace slows down, the absolute gratitude and love of a dog to whom you have given a new home and therefore a second chance will take away the last doubts about the goodness of your decision to adopt an older dog.