Should I get a puppy or an adult dog?Thinking of getting tailed companion?
Many people who decided to get a dog, immediately think about a little puppy. If this is your case, read how to prepare for the appearance of a puppy in the house, and how to monitor his health. But what if an adult dog is more suitable for you?
The first thing to consider is when choosing a tailed companion for yourself is your own lifestyle, character and habits. It is important to be honest with yourself and know exactly what you want from your companion. If you are not a very active person and prefer leisurely walks, it is quite possible that it will be difficult for you to get used to the indefatigable energy of a young pup. And where is the guarantee that this energy will decrease with age? And if you have any health features, then any walk with a tailed tomboy can turn into a test of the strength of your nerves and bones. Of course, some adult dogs can give odds to puppies in the race. Each dog has its own temperament, but a puppy is a lottery in many ways.
With an adult dog, you already roughly know what awaits you. She will no longer grow, and her appearance with a high degree of probability will remain the same (of course, if you do not overdo it with goodies). What can not be said about the puppy. Even if you are talking about a particular breed, you can never know for sure how your animal will meet the standards when it grows up.The same can be said of character. Many, having a puppy, hope to educate him/her "for themselves." But do not forget that in addition to the acquired experience, there are also innate qualities. It is very difficult to immediately recognize the puppy’s temperament, especially if you saw each other only once before taking him home. In an adult dog, in this case, the probability of surprises is much less. Her character has already formed, and you can in detail ask about the staff of the shelter or her “temporary family”.Do not forget about health. Many thoroughbred dogs are prone to certain diseases. But even picking up a puppy mongrel, you can never know for sure what diseases will manifest themselves in the future. Most hereditary problems make themselves felt just in adolescence. Knowing the state of health of your future pet, you can more soberly calculate your strength. After all, diseases can become chronic and require a lot of attention, effort and money.
What do puppies have in mind?
Eat, sleep, nibble your wires and shoes. What is in their mind? No-one knows! Of course Adult dogs, can also have a party in your absence, but, as a rule, they are not up to it.
Adults know how to behave themselves with dignity. And almost immediately they understand why they are taken out several times a day. Some of them used to live at home and know the “human rules”. Others have never heard of these habits, but learn quickly because their bladder is as old as they are. Even if the animals have never lived in “greenhouse” apartment conditions, they usually quickly quickly figure out what's what, and are unlikely to turn into “rodents” while you earn them food by the sweat of their face - largely because they no longer have teeth are being cut. And indeed, they understand that their energy can be directed into a more peaceful direction.
But they will live less! My heart cannot stand it!
People in the vast majority of cases outlive their dogs. And the dogs will survive the rabbits. And the rabbits are guinea pigs. And the guinea pigs are rats. And rats are hamsters. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about it. But the life expectancy of any animal, including humans, depends on many factors. It is important to remember that the life expectancy is not a guarantee. The puppy may develop health problems [which can seriously shorten life expectancy], and an adult dog can live up to 15 years. In addition, not only duration is important, but also the quality of life. You must admit that it’s better to live a few years surrounded by a loving family than all your life in a shelter, no matter how good it is.
Isn't it hard for them to get used to a new owner?
Perhaps, if we are talking about a dog born and living all his life on the street, it will not be easy. But most dogs still have experience with the people. Of course, this experience is not always positive. Nevertheless, dogs do not lose hope, and in most cases willingly or carefully, but make contact with a person. In addition, communication problems may arise with the puppy. However, they can and should be solved by contacting, for example, a dog handler who can help establish a relationship with the four-legged. Bu even stray dogs are often fed by people, so they are still not really dingo dogs.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Sometimes it just takes a little longer. Some adult dogs already know the basic commands, and if you really want to do that you will be able to do it.
Be a superhero!
Any employee or volunteer of the shelter will tell you that in the first place people take healthy puppies. On the one hand, you clearly understand why. On the other hand, if you remember that puppies are likely to find a home, you can take another small step and take, for example, a dog of an unpopular color or appearance, or age, or even with health problems. Of course, if you have this strength and desire.
If by the end of this article you realized that an adult or senior dog is exactly what you need, it's time to prepare for the appearance of a new family member. This decision definitely deserves respect!