Adopting an Older or Rescued Dog
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Second-hand Animal
The benefits and drawbacks of adopting an older dog.
There’s no denying puppies are cute. There are many benefits to bringing home a dog when it is still in its early stages of life. They’re easier to train because they have not yet developed habits or routines. They more easily integrate into your lifestyle, because it is the only one they’re accustomed to. And let’s not forget they’re soft, cuddly, easy on the eyes and, of course, they have that irresistible puppy breath.
But puppies have disadvantages, too. They require extensive training. It takes hours of hard work to housebreak them. They teethe. They cry. They require endless attention.
There are numerous benefits to adopting an older dog. If adopted from a reputable rescue organization or shelter, they usually come fully up to date on shots, and are spayed or neutered and microchipped.
If you’re lucky, they have had a decent past and are relatively socialized and trained. Adult dogs are likely to be already housebroken. If they’re not already housebroken, they do have the physical capacity to hold it in (unlike puppies, which means no midnight or 2 a.m. potty walks, no running to the door, puppy in hand, urine trail on the carpet) and are generally fast learners.
But adopting an adult comes with its own set of risks. The dog could have experienced trauma earlier in life, leading to permanent behavioral issues. There could be physical ailments (though this can be a problem even with puppies).
Enter the adoption process with a clear picture of what you can handle. Whether you’re adopting from a shelter, rescue group or private individual, know what you have the time and patience for. Ask a lot of questions about the dog. Shelter adoption counselors and rescue group foster homes often know the dogs fairly well and will probably be able to answer any question you might have.
If you’re looking for a purebred dog, don’t forget rescue groups and breeders. Rescue groups find homes for unwanted purebreds (many of whom are completely healthy but whose original owners just didn’t have the time for), and many breeders want good homes for dogs that were not show quality or who did not place high enough.
The biggest benefits to adopting an adult dog are the unconditional love and gratefulness. Know that your new adult dog is grateful to you for rescuing him from a bad environment. Give him all the attention he deserves. Whatever dog you adopt, remember that you’re saving a life.
