It can be heartbreaking to walk through an animal shelter and see the older dogs that look so defeated. They are usually in the background of the puppies braying for attention. These fellows are usually there because their owners cannot take care of them for one reason or another, and quite often, they are good dogs who just got a bad break. If you are in the market for a dog, why not consider adopting one of these dogs? You will probably be pleasantly surprised at what a great companion you’re saving.
Puppies are the shining stars of the animal shelter, no doubt! Everyone loves a furry ball of fun when he’s crying for attention from behind four gated walls. Not everybody is happy to be woken up all night by ear-piercing whining and stepping in messes left behind by an untrained puppy. If the thought of a house-broken dog that is well-behaved sounds more your speed, then consider adopting an adult dog from the pound.
Some families are much more satisfied with an older dog than with a puppy. It’s a major misconception that older dogs won’t adapt well to a new home and a new family. Old dogs get adopted all the time and live the rest of their lives in complete bliss. Here are some things to think about when choosing an adult dog from a shelter:
- How does the dog interact with your family members?
- Does he seem to be in good health? Does he have any pre-existing medical needs?
- Is there any information about his personality or prior living conditions?
- Do you know if he gets along with other animals? With children?
Puppies are so predominantly requested from shelters that they consider “older” dogs to be anything over a year old. Keep in mind that if you are getting a dog that is still that young that he might need a lot of training. Dogs this age may not be housebroken or be able to walk on a leash. It’s a good idea to get him into a dog obedience class immediately. Even truly older dogs may have some transitional or behavioral problems that need to be corrected. Give your dog plenty of time, patience, and love, and you will be rewarded for your valiant decision to adopt.
