Adopting a dog - puppy or adult?

Author: Jim Hoffman

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog.

Truly a man's best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you

company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You

need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog.

It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy

or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is

some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would

guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it

up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is

properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog

shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your

puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly

what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies

need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial

stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both

puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult

dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your

personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be

housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience

from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets

old; especially it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change

too when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very

cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups.

Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They

already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too.

By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea

of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an

adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire

these valuable data from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult

dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of

them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely

comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children

and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with

them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they

maybe strangers.

* Adult dog may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and

would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a

variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage

to your belongings and don't wake up at night like most puppies do.

They have over grown the impulse of chewing things he has his eyes on.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats,

if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can

be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not

everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most

would appreciate the bonding shared with them. Adult dogs need no great

amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet.

Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that

taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they

would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag

of tail waiting for you everyday.

About the author: Jim Hoffman is a animal enthusiast. He enjoys more than just dogs. http://onlinemarketingdeals.com/adopt/dog_adoption.html