When it comes to a dog adoption in San Diego, most people are torn between adopting a puppy and adopting an adult dog. While the team at the shelter will shed some light, your choice will depend on how much work you want to commit. In this post we will be looking at the pros and cons of adopting a puppy and an adult dog.
Adopting a puppy
It is hard to resist a puppy. As a matter of fact, most people are searching for puppies to adopt when they go to animal shelters. All cuteness aside, a puppy adoption is not for everyone. This is because it requires a lot of work to care for a puppy.
Pros
- Puppies give a blank slate. You will be able to shape the behavior of your dog the way you want.
- Puppies are cuddly and adorable.
Cons
- Puppies take up a lot of your time. A puppy will not be for you if you are rarely at home.
- Training has to be done from scratch.
- You will spend more in vet care for such things as vaccines and neuter or spay.
Adopting an adolescent aged dog
The best alternative to adopting a puppy is going for the adolescent age. These are dogs between the ages of 1 to 3 years. Although it is the most frustrating period for dog owners, most of the dogs in the shelter are at this age. If you opt for this age in a dog rescue in San Diego, you have to be ready for consistency and constant supervision.
Pros
- These dogs have made connections between behavior and reward even when the reward is delayed slightly.
- Age-related restrictions on physical exercise have started to be lifted. You can do more with your dog.
Cons
- There might be learnt behavioral issues you have to deal with such as biting and inappropriate barking.
- Adolescent dogs push their boundaries and can be frustrating to deal with.
The mature adult
These are dogs between the ages of 3 to 6 years. This is a dog that knows what he wants. They settle into the good life with little fuss.
Pros
- Most of the adult dogs in animal shelters are already house trained. They understand basic commands.
- They have been evaluated for compatibility with kids and other animals.
- They can still be puppy-like in his desire to run and play with you.
- There are fewer physical limitations on the physical activities you can engage him in.
Cons
- It is hard to un-train them if they have some unwanted habits.
- There is the fear that an adult dog will not bond properly with the new owner.
These are the three main ages you will have to pick from. There is also the fourth age which is the senior dog. This belongs to dogs older than 7 years. As you consider a puppy rescue, you should remember that most of the senior dogs are well behaved and never find a home. Don’t dismiss adopting a senior dog more so if you are getting your first dog.