Bringing a new dog into your life is a major decision, and there are lots of factors to consider. Have you thought about adoption, for example?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, around 3.1 million dogs enter shelters every year. And, almost 400,000 are euthanized. So, adopting a dog is a great choice for your household. But also for the pup you can give a whole new life.
However, it’s important to consider whether adopting a puppy or an adult dog would be the best choice for you. The puppy vs. adult dog debate is one you’ll need to think about. While dogs of any age can be an amazing addition to your life, of course, there are benefits are drawbacks to each. So, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with them before you head to the shelter to pick up your new furry friend.
Pros and cons of adopting a puppy
When you adopt a puppy, you’re getting a young dog that will need a lot of time and attention. Consider things like potty training and socializing – you might expect a few sleepless nights along the way, as well as the occasional chewed-up possession.
Puppies need routines, and for someone to be around as often as possible. Perhaps you can’t be at home during the day, perhaps due to work commitments. If so, you may need to ask family or friends, or a professional dog sitter, to be there for your pup when you can’t be.
Younger dogs aren’t always easy to train. More active than adult dogs, it can seem sometimes as though puppies have almost endless energy, and can get distracted easily. Again, you will have to put the work in, but it’s worth it in the end.
Puppies are always popular with prospective adopters, but there are some disadvantages. For some households, a puppy might not be the best choice.
If you work long hours and aren’t often home, or you have to travel frequently, it might not be fair on your puppy. Likewise, if you don’t have the time to devote to training a puppy, or you aren’t willing to stick to a schedule, getting a puppy may not be the best idea.
Adopting a puppy is a real financial commitment, too. Whether it’s trips to the vet, food and toys, or dog-sitters and walkers – or you’re replacing things your puppy has damaged – you’ll need to devote money to your new arrival.
And remember, while puppies might be seriously cute, this doesn’t make getting one best for everyone. If you aren’t prepared for the responsibility that goes along with it, it’s best to consider an older dog instead.
Pros and cons of adopting an adult dog
First things first, an older dog won’t take up as much time and attention as a puppy. So, if you’d rather not spend quite as much time and energy on things like training, you might prefer an adult dog.
That said, of course, an older dog will still need plenty of love and attention – you can’t just ignore them! But, dog ownership won’t be quite as time-consuming at first.
Despite the saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, adult dogs can certainly pick up new skills through training. And many adult dogs will already be well-trained, so you won’t have to put quite as much work in – and you’ll avoid those sleepless nights and chewed-up slippers! Some adult dogs may have learned bad habits or be quite stubborn, however, so it depends on the individual dog.
You might think that an adult dog will struggle with adjusting to a new home more than a puppy, but that’s not necessarily the case. It’ll depend on the individual dog – some will adapt fast, while others might take longer. But a dog may not feel truly at ease in their forever home for a year or longer. That’s something you’ll need to be prepared for. And particularly if your new pup has experienced abuse or neglect in the past, they may take longer to adjust.
It’s important that you know the age of your adult dog, too. If you adopt a senior dog, they may come with or develop health conditions that could result in expensive vet bills along the line. And, if you’re getting a dog that you’d like to grow up with your young family, it would likely be best to get a puppy or a younger adult dog.
And like adopting a puppy, adopting an adult dog will put a dent in your bank account. From vet bills to toys – because older dogs still love to play – you can expect to spend money on your dog.
Puppy vs. adult dog – how to help your new addition adjust
Whether you’re bringing home a puppy or an adult dog, there are some easy things that you can do to help them adapt better.
When you adopt a dog, ask the shelter if your dog has a favorite toy or blanket that you can bring home with them, to help them feel more comfortable. And, why not have a special toy already at home for your new furry friend? Of course, you can’t forget about those all-important tasty dog treats too!
After you’ve brought your pup home, why not start in the backyard first? Let your dog explore and sniff around (and learn where their bathroom is). Then, bring them inside for the first time.
As for inside the house, make a special zone for your dog and let them sniff it out so they know they’ve got somewhere to go when they want some alone time – here, they know they’ll be safe and comfortable even if they feel a little overwhelmed in their new home.
Puppy vs. adult dog – what age canine is right for you?
Neither an adult dog nor a puppy is an objectively better choice to adopt. And regardless of the dog you adopt, some things will remain the same. You’ll need to be prepared to make changes in your life, and give your household’s new addition plenty of love, affection, and attention.
And along with the age of your dog, the breed is something you’ll want to consider too. Some breeds are better with children, or with other animals. Some are more comfortable with being left home alone with others. Others need more exercise – you get the idea.
When adopting a new dog, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle and living situation. It may sound like common sense to some degree, but there are people who adopt dogs and end up bringing them back to the shelter because they didn’t realize they just weren’t equipped to meet their needs.
For some people – often those with more spare time, patience, and activity levels – a puppy could be ideal. For others, like people who work longer hours or want to skip things like potty training, an adult dog could be a better fit.
With so many things to think about, making the decision about which dog to adopt can feel daunting. So, get in touch with shelters in your area. They’ll likely be more than willing to discuss things with you. This way, you can work together to find your dream dog.
And once you’ve decided on the age of the dog you’re after, why not take a closer look at the different dog breeds out there?
