What You Need to Know Before Adopting an Older Dog

Newer doesn't always mean better.

Adopting an older dog may be a decision based on you or your family's lifestyle. In fact, many senior citizens opt for this choice because a new, hyperactive and untrained puppy may be too much excitement and work to handle.

Sometimes, an older dog has its advantages. It may be more settled, already house trained, leash trained, and maybe even spayed or neutered.

With this important decision, however, there are some vital points that you should keep in mind. When adopting an older dog, there is a lot to consider, no matter where you get your dog from- a kennel, a rescue center or a friend.

The first thing to research beforehand is the dog's history. Find out if the dog was a stray or where he was found. Being a stray isn't necessarily bad, but it may mean that you have to do some training. And, don't believe the myth that teaching an old dog a new trick is impossible. An older dog may be calmer, allowing you to concentrate your efforts on specific training methods.

Obedience school may be an option. Some older dogs may have been kept outside, so you may have to train it for living indoors, or vice versa. Although this will take time and energy, eventually your dog, no matter its age, will learn. At first, out of nervous habit, the dog might use the bathroom anywhere- especially if you are gone. Give the dog time to get used to his new home? it's a big change for him too. Be optimistic. He'll adjust. Overall, training a puppy is harder as they are distracted more easily.

During the initial background check, find out if the dog was abused. Just because the dog is shy in a cage or shelter, doesn't mean he was abused or will act shy once he is with you. If the dog was abused, however, he may be overly aggressive towards you or your children. Ask how the dog reacts to the human contact he receives presently. If it's a friend's or family member's dog, all of this may be a lot easier to find out.

Next, find out the reason why the older dog is now up for adoption. It makes a difference only if the dog has a violent background. It also makes a difference whether the violence was rooted in the dog's situation (i.e. taunting, hurtful children) or if the dog simply possesses an aggressive dominance over its environment. If you find that the dog was aggressive towards its previous owner, and that it wasn't the dog's temperament, you will really have to think about it.

If your dog is going to be around children, it's extremely important that you know ahead of time how your dog handles these little people. Find out what you can from the previous owner or care giver. Some dogs may have been mistreated by children in the past. These dogs tend to be overly aggressive towards children at first so please take that into consideration. Though it can generally be corrected over time and with proper training, your first responsibility is to protect the child's safety.

Please remember that most dogs in shelters or rescue clinics are there innocently. They could have been a product of a divorce, death, separated family, or a number of other circumstances. Most of these dogs have no behavioral problems and you will get along together great. The average age of a dog that you'll find at an animal shelter is between six months and one year old, that being their time of adolescence.

Finally, while most shelters ensure that their dogs are one hundred percent healthy, you will take your dog to the vet to get a check-up. This cost will likely be included in any adoption fees you pay. Insist that you take the dog to your preferred vet, and that the shelter or clinic will pay. If the dog is not spayed or neutered, then the shelter can recommend a vet and either fully reimburse the cost, or give you a coupon worth at least a fifty-percent reduction.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

---

Training Your Dog To Lay Down On Command

Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More

Your Kids Want a Pet, You Dont Want To Pet Anything

"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More

Ticks On Your Dog: What to Do?

Once though of as a mere harmless but annoying pest,... Read More

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More

Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership

What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Spoil Your Dog Rotten

You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More

Dog Crate Buyers Guide - How to Choose the Right Crate and Accessories

Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More

Tired of Vet Bills?

Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More

Dog Trick To Cure A Nuisance Barker: Training Buddy to ?Speak? on Command

All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More

Sugar Gliders, Pocket Pets

Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More

Crate Training Tips: How to Crate Train Your Dog

A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More

Potty Training Your Puppy

A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More

Are You Listening To Your Cat Talking?

Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More

How to Teach YOUR Cat to Use a Litter Box - Secrets to Litter Tray Success

Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More

Are You Really Ready For a Boxer Dog?

The answer is "no" if you are the type who... Read More

Analysis of Cat Behavior

The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More

How To Avoid Bad Doggy Behavior, And Teach Your Puppy Some Manners

A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More

How to Deal With a Noisy Dog - Curing Uwanted and Excessive Barking

Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More

Saving Ginger From Being Put To Sleep ? Part 1

A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More

Got Fleas? How to Spot and Care For Fleas on Your Dog

Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More

Dogs and Children ? What Parents Need to Know to Prevent Dog Bites

Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More

Parrot Keeping

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More

Greyhound Adoption ? Great Dogs, Great Cause

HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More

Safety Tips for Moving With Pets

Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More

You Cant Fool A Horse

By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More

How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy - Playtime for Kitty

While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More

Mosquitoes Are a Hazard to Your Pets Health Too

None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More

A Horse Training Secret From The 1800s To Teach A Horse To Drive Without Lines!

Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More

Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More

Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More

Should Your Family Get a Purebreed Dog?

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More

Breeding Tetra Fish Successfully

If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More

How To Get Your Horse From Pulling Back While Tied

Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More