For some people, getting a puppy and raising it is the only way to go. It does have many plus points, but in some cases, there are benefits to getting an older dog that you may not be aware of. Many people may have misconceptions about dogs with more experience and will expect puppies to be better in all categories. But you might find out that you and your household are better suited to an older pet. Let’s take a look at whether you should get an older dog or raise one.
Do You Have Children?
If you have children, how old are they? This is very important because young dogs will have a very different temperament than older ones. They will be more active, mischievous, and will tend to play rougher than older dogs. This is why it’s often recommended that families with younger children go for an older dog. These tend to be more settled and are a better match for kids. The only exception is if you have teenagers and they’re already used to pets. In this case, a pup would be a great idea.
How Active Are You?
You also have to be very honest with your level of activity. If you’re ready to put in the effort of raising and taking care of a young hyperactive dog, then be our guest. But if you are getting up there yourself in age and don’t want a dog with fewer needs, then go for an older pet. One thing you will have to be ready for, however, is health issues, especially when it comes to joints and bones. Some will have these more than others, but it’s common with all dog breeds.
In this case, you should consider joint supplements. If you don’t know which ones to go for, YuMove has an informative article on how to find the best joint supplements for dogs. They tell you exactly what you should be looking for in joint aid for dogs, when you should consider administering them to your dog, and some of the ingredients that should be in a perfect formula as well.
How Young is the Puppy?
Another question you should ask yourself is if you want to get a newborn dog or one that will be slightly older. You may not be aware of this, but the first 7 weeks of a dog’s life will be very important and it’s usually better that they stay with their mother during that time. This is when they will start building their character and learning how to act around other people.
During that time, the mother will teach the puppy how to behave. If the dog bites too hard during play, for instance, the mother will reprimand him. This alone will greatly reduce the chances that they end up hurting you or others. This is why it’s suggested that you get a pup when they’re around 8 and 9 months old.
As you can see, going for a pup is not necessarily the best option all the time. Make sure that you look at your environment, the effort you’re ready to put in, and some of the inconveniences of owning a small puppy before you dismiss older dogs.
