{"id":57,"date":"2016-12-28T17:06:37","date_gmt":"2016-12-28T17:06:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pethobs.com\/pet\/blog\/?p=57"},"modified":"2018-05-15T15:14:46","modified_gmt":"2018-05-15T15:14:46","slug":"is-it-worthwhile-adopting-an-older-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pethobs.com\/pet\/blog\/?p=57","title":{"rendered":"Is it worthwhile adopting an older dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

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People seldom think about adopting an older dog when they look to get a dog. At animal shelters these adult, or elderly, dogs usually don\u2019t rate more than a cursory glance. It\u2019s the cute puppies and lively young dogs that get the attention. And yet, giving an older dog a home can be the ideal answer for many people.<\/p>\n

Why do people shun the older dog? They may have a picture of a headstrong dog set in its ways, or a smelly, sickly dog that needs a lot of care. While there are dogs like these, there are also many healthy older dogs that have years of companionship and much love to give a person or family.<\/p>\n

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There are a number of advantages in getting an older dog. No house training, no jumping, no chewing and they know (or should know) the basic rules of being a dog around humans. They have a calm demeanor which makes them ideal for a smallish property. These dogs have grateful eyes and can walk on a lead. They\u2019re trusting and appreciative, often despite having had a difficult past.<\/p>\n

Despite the advantages of acquiring an older dog, there are drawbacks to be aware of. Some dogs have either never been trained in basic obedience, or they have some character flaw, like jumping over fences or digging up the garden.\u00a0 So you need to get as much information as possible about the dog\u2019s temperament and background before you make a commitment. Be particularly careful when people want to give away a dog \u2018free to a good home\u2019 without a very good reason. Try to differentiate between people who desperately need a good home for a dog, because of relocation, or for instance \u00a0owners who died; and those wanting to get rid of a dog for some undisclosed reason.<\/p>\n

Shelters usually have a wide choice of older dogs. The good shelters will evaluate the dog and will be able to tell you if you fit the profile of its ideal owner; whether it gets along with children, other dogs, cats and so on.<\/p>\n

Have realistic expectations when you take your \u2018new\u2019 older dog home. Remember, the dog is set in its ways, and has to adjust to your life even more than you have to adjust to the dog. Be patient and understanding. Spend time to get to know each other.<\/p>\n

Some tips to bear in mind when looking to adopt an older dog:<\/p>\n