4 Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog

Many of the sad dog tails out there often happen to older dogs. Even though puppies are much more likely to be abused, older dogs have to deal with different problems, primarily abandonment. Puppies are cute and snuggly but once a dog begins to get older and owners actually have to take care of its medical needs, many opt to send it to a shelter where it will likely spend the rest of its life. Worse yet they will drive it out to the country and leave the old dog there. Almost everyone one of the dogs I had growing up out in rural Illinois were left on the roadside due to medical problems.

The people that send dogs to shelters or abandon them out in the country aren't real dogs owners. us real dog owners are in it until the end. However, even us good dog owners are less likely to adopt an older dog at a shelter, sad to say. Many people see puppies as babies and they want that crucial bonding phase, but dogs are not like kids. They bond well at any age.

That being said, there are some perks of adopting an older dog.



 You Know What You are Getting into with Older Dogs: Puppies are unpredictable in their breed, temperament and behavior. Many often get traits that they were not expecting. however, older dogs are a bit like an open book. Unless older dogs were abused, owners can usually get a good read on their traits and temperament so they do not have to play a guessing game.

Older Dogs are Calmer: Every puppy will go through that crazy immature teen stage when they are anywhere from 7 months to 2 years old. They are energetic, constantly want to play and never know when to lay down. However, older dogs have grown past that. They love a good nap in the afternoon just as much as you do, but still have the energy for a quick game of fetch when you need to unwind.

Older Dogs are Wiser: Unless the older dog you are adopting spent their whole life on the street, most will come ingrained with the usual basic command of sit and most likely will at least be mostly potty trained. That's not always the case, but it is fairly likely. This is much less work for people that want a dog, but don't want to put the constant energy into training them from scratch.

Older Dogs Appreciate You More: Older dogs that people have adopted from shelters feel abandoned and sad when they get put there. it is a very stressful place usually, so when you take them home, it may take awhile, but they will appreciate it more. Dogs that are adopted from puppies expect their owners to be nice, older dogs know how mean people can be and will appreciate you better.