Should I Get A Grown Dog

Grown Dog There are many reason why you may want to consider getting a grown dog over getting a new puppy.

Last time, we talked about some of the advantages and considerations when deciding if you should get a new puppy. So today, we talk about some of the joys an older dog can bring.

So here goes…

Getting A Grown Dog

You can tell almost immediately what type of personality and temperament that particular dog has. They pretty much have established behaviors that can help you decide if that dog will be a good fit with your family and lifestyle.

You will not give as much of your time and attention to an older dog as a young puppy would require.

You will not have to make as many trips to the vet. Remember, a young puppy will require all her shots during her first year.

Adult dogs will usually be housebroken already. They will also have passed through the teething and chewing stage. And unless, the grown dog has some behavior problems that need to be worked on, they will be less destructive than a new puppy.

An adult dog will not change physically and emotionally. What you see is pretty much what you are getting.

A grown dog can adjust to any other household pet you may have.

On the other hand, depending on the dog’s background and history, it may take a good deal of time and energy to make them feel comfortable and get used to their new owner.

Some Factors To Consider With A Grown Dog

When you meet any new dog that you want to consider for adoption, observe their behaviors as much as you can. Take note of any mood swings, little quirks, or bad habits. Ask for any information about their personality and temperament. And be sure to ask if there are any known behavioral issues that you should be aware of.

If possible, in fact, make it a point to get input from all family members. You want to make sure that your new dog has the highest chance of remaining with her new family.

Get a Grown Dog – You Decide

So we talked about why you may want to get a new puppy as well as why grown dogs may be an excellent choice. But in the end it is up to you to decide and choose the right dog for your family.

Everyone adores a cute little puppy, but they can be a lot of work when you first get them home and as they grow up. And the truth is, most people will choose a young puppy over an adult dog. But that is the way the world works. Just make sure that you are committed to providing that new puppy with a home, with care, and with love for the rest of its life.

And if you can find it in your heart to adopt an older dog, then that is a wonderful act of kindness and I tip my hat to you. Because a grown dog needs a home too.

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Buy A New Puppy, or go back to the previous article, Should I Get A New Puppy.

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4 Responses to Should I Get A Grown Dog

  1. Omar December 10, 2009 at 11:23 pm #

    Hi Christina and Glory,

    Thanks so much for stopping by. And thanks for having such a big heart and adopting Glory. I stopped by your blog and saw your latest picture of Glory (I think) snuggling with another friend. So that’s a good thing :-) . All the best in your life together.

    Omar

  2. Christina (Buoyant Dog) December 10, 2009 at 7:38 pm #

    Hello Omar,
    I have been reading your blog for several days, and I must say that you make some interesting points. In response to adopting an older dog, I would say the benefits far outweigh the downsides. I adopted a 2 year old dog, and it was nice to have her housebroken and out of her “teething” stage. And yes, I did not have to spend time doing all the puppy-stuff like shots, spay or neuter, socializing, training, etc. However, I do feel I missed out on socializing her with other dogs in the crucial young years. I think she may have missed much of this dog-dog socializing. The result is that she sometimes thinks she is a human instead! But on a serious note, she is not always that friendly and outgoing with other dogs…wanting to play with them. Thanks for your post….feel free to check out our blog. All the best,
    Christina and Glory

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