Advantages Of Owning An Older Canine

By Reggie Simpson

The prospect of bringing a new pooch home is exciting. Whether you live alone or have a young family with small children, the thought of having a cute puppy in the house may seem immediately appealing. After all, a puppy will make a great playmate for a young child. And who can stay upset after looking into a pup's longing, expectant eyes?

The reality is, even though puppies exhibit an engaging spark of energy and playfulness, they can require a lot of time and attention. Millions of owners have discovered that leaving a pup home all day by itself is a recipe for disaster. If you want to buy a dog, but you're less-than-excited about the idea of raising a rambunctious ball of energy, there's a solution.

Have you ever considered buying an adult canine? In this article, we'll explain the unique benefits of owning a mature dog. You may find that a mature four-legged companion is an ideal fit for your lifestyle.

Taking Him At Face Value

Think back to the last time you looked at a baby. If you didn't know the parents, you would have had to take a guess at the temperament and personality that child would exhibit decades down the road. Even if you knew the parents, it would still be a mystery. Puppies are the same way. They change as they grow. As they mature, they develop personalities that are often completely different than those they exhibited as pups.

By contrast, a mature canine offers very little mystery. Within a few minutes, you can accurately gauge his personality, temperament, and quirks. You'll know what you're getting into because you can take him at face value.

Better With Children

If you have young kids in your home, an older dog might be a perfect fit. They tend to be peaceful. They know their limits and have adopted behaviors that are safe among kids. In fact, many mature canines seem to intuitively take the role of protector over small children.

Puppies have not yet learned what type of behavior is acceptable and unacceptable. What's more, they're filled with energy and never tire of playing. These dynamics can lead to problems. Puppies often claw and scratch without realizing that doing so can hurt a child. Meanwhile, young kids often don't realize how their own rough play might injure a puppy.

Playing The Role Of Rescuer

By adopting a mature dog, you're rescuing him from homelessness, or worse. Keep in mind that many animal shelters are filled to capacity. That means many canines that are brought to the shelter will eventually be euthanized. Given that older dogs are adopted more slowly than puppies, their chances of being euthanized are much greater. You're saving him from that potential fate.

A mature canine can make as good a companion as a puppy. He'll give you the same level of love, friendship, and loyalty as a younger pooch. Plus, an older dog can offer several unique advantages over their younger counterparts. - 29895

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