Puppies or Adult Dogs

As we know, all adult dogs were once adorable puppies, and all adorable puppies will grow into adult dogs.

However, should we pick a puppy or an adult dog? This is the primary decision we have to make before picking a pooch. We might want to give this some serious thoughts. Anyway, our final decision may surprise us.

Most people just go out and get a puppy without second thoughts. Because these puppies are so cute, adorable and fun, the word “puppy” makes most people feel all warm and fuzzy inside their hearts.

However, perhaps we should at least consider the benefits of an adult dog before making our final decision:

Firstly, an adult dog is usually at least two years old. The habits, manners, personality, and temperament of an adult dog are already established, thus it is easy for us to evaluate. We are allowed to take a dog on a trial basis in most dog rescue groups, shelters, adoption services, etc. Therefore we can take him home for a few days to see if his personality is compatible with us, our family, and our other pets. In other words, we can find out if the adult dog fits what we’re looking for a in a new furry companion. If not, we can usually take him back.

On the other hand, with a puppy, we won’t necessarily know what kind of dog he will turn out to be, because this will depend very much on us and the time we spend with him.

Secondly, adult dogs typically need less care, attention and training than puppies. For example, an adult dog doesn’t need to go to the bathroom as often as a puppy. They are usually housetrained, and often know the difference between a chew toy and our favorite pair of shoes. An adopted adult dog may be an ideal “out of the box” companion that is so well trained, affectionate and “perfect” that we’ll wonder how anyone could give him up. But there is the possibility of the other extreme, as well. Since each dog is unique, the trial adoption period becomes important.

Thirdly, puppies are more likely to be adopted from shelters than adult dogs. If we want to rescue a dog, picking an older one is more likely to save a life.

Finally, the key to finding a good adult dog is to take plenty of time to evaluate his habits, behavior, and personality. Proper training can correct many bad habits and teach good ones. However, please be mindful that not all behavioral problems can be overcome.

A puppy, on the other hand, is like a lump of clay waiting to be molded by us. We can raise him to be our ideal companion. This, of course, presumes we know how to train a dog properly and have the time—and the desire—to do so. We know we’re one of those rare humans who realize what’s involved and is willing to go through it anyway—and that whatever pooch we bring home is going to be one lucky, well-trained, well-adjusted dog!

Keep this in mind: An adorable puppy will become an adolescent dog with a few months; that adolescent will quickly become an adult dog that can live from 10 to 20 years. So when considering a puppy, put a lot of thought into the grown dog it will become, and the long-term commitment we will make.

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