WHY ADOPT A SENIOR DOG?

WHY ADOPT A SENIOR DOG?

Senior dogs tend to spend the most time at a rescue or shelter. That is, if they find one at all. Advanced age dogs have a high euthanasia rate than their younger counterparts. That’s because many people seek a shelter or rescue hoping to find a new puppy, overlooking perfectly adoptable older dogs in their search. Senior dogs tend to spend the longest amount of time at a rescue or shelter than younger dogs. They may often live the rest of their lives cooped up in a shelter kennel.

BENEFITS OF ADOTING SENIOR DOGS
Selecting a senior dog over a puppy or younger dog has many benefits. Many older dogs are typically calmer and less energetic than younger dogs, therefore, it’s easier to teach them new tricks. As a matter of fact, many senior pets are already trained to perform basic commands. What’s more, their low-key nature makes them ideal for households with children, those with disabilities and senior adults.

Many new puppy owners are unprepared for the amounts of time needed to housetrain a new puppy. Training to do their business outdoors takes a tremendous amount of patience and perseverance. And, because puppies have so much energy, dashing around the home, and chewing unwanted items makes for a lively household. Many older pets often come to the shelter after years of living in a home, and are usually house-trained, saving you time, energy and stress.

WYSIWYG
What you see is what you get with older dogs. Senior dogs take the guess work out of how large a dog will get, what it’s personality will be like and how much energy the adult dog will display. Older dogs are not necessarily “problem dogs” as many tend to think. There are many reasons why they have left their homes. It may have nothing to do with their behavior or temperament, but due to many reasons why their owners can no longer own them, such as allergies, death of a guardian, new baby, loss of job, or a move or change in work or lifestyle. Older dogs need homes just as badly as young adoptees do, and make wonderful, loving household pets.

YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS
Dogs can be trained at any age, and older dogs are just as smart as younger dogs, and may even have a greater attention span than a puppy.

INSTANT COMPANIONS
An adult dog will make a great workout partner, loyal companion, and snuggle buddy. Unlike a puppy, which requires leash training, a senior dog usually already knows how to play fetch, and accompany you on a walk or run.