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6 Compelling Reasons to Adopt an Adult Canine

29 11:50:24

6 Compelling Reasons to Adopt an Adult Canine






     For most aspiring dog owners, the temptation to adopt a puppy is nearly irresistible. When visiting animal shelters, people are naturally drawn to the younger - and cuter - pups. But there are many reasons to consider adopting an older dog. They offer advantages that cannot be matched by a puppy. Unfortunately, few people consider the option.

Below, we'll present six reasons for adopting an adult canine from a reputable animal shelter or rescue. You may find that an older dog offers a seamless fit for your lifestyle.

#1 - Has Already Been Housetrained

Puppies have not yet learned to control their bladders and bowels. As a result, you can expect a few accidents inside your home. You can also expect to spend a significant amount of time housetraining a pup while he learns to conform to a consistent elimination schedule.

Most adult dogs have already been housetrained. Whether the training was provided by a previous owner or the shelter, you'll be able to avoid the chore.

#2 - Less Likelihood Of Chewing

Similar to babies who place everything within reach into their mouths, puppies chew things. It is one of the ways they explore their environment. The problem is, unless they are supervised, they will often chew their owners' belongings, destroying shoes, clothes, and furniture in the process.

Older canines have left the chewing stage behind them. When they chew, it is often due to boredom, which can be addressed by providing more exercise.

#3 - Fewer Surprises

Many owners who have adopted puppies are surprised when their pets' temperaments and personalities change. This is common with canines. A puppy might be excitable, playful, and energetic when he is young, yet lose these traits as he grows into an adult. Conversely, he might be calm - even tentative - as a puppy, and become rambunctious down the road.

An older dog has already developed the personality and temperament he'll have throughout the rest of his life. Thus, you'll know what to expect after adopting him.

#4 - Has Already Received Socialization Training

During the first eight or nine weeks of a puppy's life, he learns basic social skills from his mom and littermates. Once he is adopted into his owner's home, however, he needs socialization training to learn how to get along with other animals and people. This requires time, effort, and money from the owner.

In most cases, adult canines have already received socialization training. They have encountered other animals, and learned to get along. Moreover, they are usually comfortable around strangers, which means they can be taken into public areas without fear of biting.

#5 - Less Demanding Of Time And Attention

Puppies need a lot of attention from their owners. If they don't receive it, they often bark and run around until their owners pay attention to them. For people who wish to relax at home without worrying about a rowdy puppy demanding their time, this can quickly become a nuisance.

Older dogs feel an instant connection to their owners, but rarely demand constant attention from them. Most are content to relax, knowing their owners are near, or will return soon.

#6 - An Immediate Companion

As mentioned earlier, young pups must grow accustomed to being around other animals and people. They must also learn to avoid chewing, nipping, and biting. Until this happens, their owners may be unable to travel with them, take them to dog parks, and introduce them to their friends' canines. The pup must first grow up.

When you adopt an adult dog, he becomes an immediate companion. Assuming he has received his vaccinations, you can take him nearly anywhere without waiting for him to mature.

Many people prefer to adopt puppies, regardless of the amount of time and effort involved with raising them. For those who would like to avoid the issues described above, adopting an older canine may pose an ideal solution.