WRIGHT-WAY
RESCUE

Adopting An Adult Dog
Wright-Way Adult Dog Adoptions
Cody adopted 2007
Puppy Versus Adult?
While puppies are cuddly, and many grow up to become wonderful companions, prospective pet owners sometimes forget the trouble involved with raising a canine from infancy, and they overlook the countless mature dogs awaiting adoption from shelters and rescue organizations. Here are the advantages adult dogs have over puppies when it comes to adoption:
Housebreaking
Older dogs are often house-trained. If not, they are at least able to learn quickly. Puppies, on the other hand, are too young to be able to physically "hold it" for very long. You have to take them outside every hour -- often in the middle of the night -- and you still must clean up puddles.
Training
Mature dogs frequently come pre-trained not to chew furniture or clothing. They also may know basic commands, such as "sit," "stay" and "down." "They know how to walk on a leash and a lot of the other basic things that puppies haven't learned yet," says Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program of the Humane Society of the United States.
Energy level
Adult dogs tend to be calmer. With puppies and adolescent dogs, energy level is more of an issue. Many adolescent and young adult dogs wind up in shelters because their families weren't prepared for such a high-energy pet.
Socialization
Older dogs are apt to be more socialized, and therefore, they usually handle people, other pets, cars and noises better than puppies.
Temperament and size
With older dogs, you have a better idea of who they are, how they act and what they'll look like. With purebred puppies, you can make an educated guess by observing the dog's parents. With mixed breeds, however, you may not know the parents. In addition, paw size is an inexact measure of full-grown size.
Spaying or neutering
An adult dog has been fixed already, taking the responsibility off you!