Questions to Ask

Puppy or Adult?

It can't be denied, puppies are cute little bundles of joy. But generally, you should not obtain a puppy until it is at least ten weeks old. Puppies need this time to be nursed by their mothers, and they also gain psychological benefit from being near their litter mates. Some of the advantages of acquiring a puppy instead of an older dog include being able to raise the puppy exactly as you want, thereby assuring it has received proper nutrition, as well as all of its required shots and heartworm prevention. You will be able to train a puppy just as you want him to be trained. And generally speaking, puppies will have an easier time adjusting to new surroundings, than an adult dog. On the negative side, a puppy will probably need to be housebroken, and it may cause some damage to your personal belongings while teething. Also, if your puppy is a mixed breed, it is less certain what he will look like, and what his temperament will be once he grows up.

With an adult dog, you are getting a pet that has already passed through the highly active puppy stages. An adult will usually be housebroken, and will already have an established "personality" that is easier for you to observe. By spending a little time with a mature dog, you will have a good idea of what he or she is really going to be like over the long term. Try to find out as much as you can about the background of an older dog, with a special emphasis on identifying any possible behavioral problems. If you can, find out why this dog is no longer with its original owner(s). Also, if you have young children, be careful as you introduce them to an older dog, and monitor the behavior of the dog closely. Buying or adopting an adult dog can be a wonderful experience for all parties, and in many cases you may be saving the life of this pet.

||

Matchmaking

Home