Select Puppy or Adult Dog?

Depending on your financial situation, the age of children in the home, and the amount of time you can dedicate to training a dog. 

Adult: Adult dogs have reached their full size, coloration, and coat so usually what you see is what you get. Their personalities are already established, however many of their learned behavioral manners can be changed. Adjusting to a new family and environment can be traumatic to older dogs. 

6 things to consider when acquiring and adult dog 

• Adult dogs most likely have had their vaccination shots, although they may need boosters. 

• Spaying or neutering probably has been done, which will cut down on your expenses. 

• With an outdoor dog thats fully grown, you have a good idea what type of fencing and the size of the doghouse you will need. 

• Inside adult dogs are likely to be housebroken with adequate manners. 
• Eating habits are usually already established in adult dogs, but you may have to change them to suit your lifestyle. 
• Usually adult dogs are accustomed to collars and leashes, and may have had some obedience training. A grown dog with bad habits will take patience and a great deal of time and effort changing their conduct. 

4 things to consider when acquiring a puppy

• A puppy in a household with children should be carefully monitored when together. Petting and wrestling with a puppy is great fun for children but puppies are fragile and their bones break easily so make sure children understand this when playing with them. 

• Housebreaking a puppy takes time and is particularly tedious and aggravating for the uninitiated. Days or sometimes weeks will be spent on cleaning up after a puppy before it is housebroken. 

• Puppies are vulnerable to diseases not usually associated with adult dogs. They must be checked regularly and will need vaccinations and booster shots. 
• Spaying or neutering represent additional expenses of puppy ownership. 

 by: Lamar Deane