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Most prospective pet adopters go into the process thinking they want a puppy or a young dog. But it’s important to remember that adopting an older dog is also an option, and it might actually be the better choice for you. Here are just a few of the reasons why.

Senior Dogs Need Homes

Sadly, senior dogs are not adopted nearly as often as puppies or younger dogs but they need homes just as much. There is nothing inherently wrong with an older dog at a shelter. Their owner may have passed away or their family may have not wanted to care for them in their old age. Even if there are behavioral issues, this should not be a deal-breaker as the right dog obedience training in Stafford Virginia can fix the problem. Many people want to adopt a dog from a shelter because they know they are rescuing an animal in need and giving it a good home. If you opt to adopt a senior dog, you may very well be saving its life.

Reasons It Could Benefit You

You Are A First-Time Dog Owner

If you have never owned a dog before, adopting an older dog can be the better option for a number of reasons. Older dogs tend to be easier to handle in that they’re usually trained, are calmer and are not as likely to make a mess of your home. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing and need help training your new dog, our dog obedience training in Stafford Virginia can help. In the situation where you discover that a dog is not the right pet for you, your commitment to taking care of an older dog is a lot less than if you were to get a puppy.

older woman with an older dog

You Might Be Older

If you are older yourself, adopting an older dog might be the better decision. Younger dogs often have a lot of energy and older humans may not be able to keep up or adequately see to their needs. Older dogs still need exercise but are fine with easier or less activity, such as a leisurely stroll in the park. We offer dog obedience training in Stafford Virginia to help teach some of the more difficult commands such as heel. If you are older and get a puppy, it is also possible that the dog will ultimately outlive you, which is a tragedy if you have no one willing to take the dog when you’re gone. Older dogs tend to have less energy and be less likely to outlive you. You can live out your golden years together.

You Know What Personality You’re Getting

With a puppy, you usually have no idea what kind of personality he or she will have when grown up. You can mitigate this somewhat by choosing a specific breed for their disposition, but even among the same breed personalities differ significantly. You could easily end up with a dog that isn’t a good match for your preferences, personality and lifestyle. With an older dog, on the other hand, you know exactly what you’re getting. Their personality has already formed and is readily apparent. You can observe this yourself as well as speak to shelter staff about the kind of personality you are looking for.

These are just a few of the reasons why an older dog might be the perfect addition to your household. They still have a lot of love to give, and you can certainly teach them new tricks. We here at Wag Ur Tail Dog Training are eager to help with this special change in your life. Reach out to us if you are interested in dog obedience training in Stafford Virginia.