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Why would anybody consider adopting an adult dog when they can buy a puppy?
Frankly, the many benefits of having an adult dog often outweigh the fun of having a roly-poly puppy underfoot.
Patience is still necessary with a grown dog, but the hard work of puppy raising has already been done.
Advantages When You Adopt Adult Dogs
The biggest advantage of adult dog adoptions (older than two years old) is that much of the guesswork has been removed. With an adult dog, what you see is what you get.
You know how big your dog will be, whether he's high-energy or a couch potato, and whether he's shy or outgoing.
Another advantage of adult dog adoptions is that most soundness problems, if they exist, should be evident by this time.
Many of these problems may eliminate a dog from competition or breeding, but they don't rule out a completely normal life as a pet.
When you adopt adult dogs, you're blessed with instant companionship.
You have a canine buddy that can go everywhere and do everything with you now. There's no waiting for a puppy to grow up.
People often consider adopting a dog that's past the puppy stage in the hope that he's already housetrained. This may or may not be the case. But if he isn't housetrained yet, or needs a refresher course, he may be easier to housebreak than a puppy, as he can "hold it" longer.
No matter how well you watch a puppy, things will probably still get chewed up -- that’s just what they do! But when you adopt adult dogs, there's a good chance that your adoptee (after appropriate training) can usually have the run of the house much sooner than a puppy –- without destroying it out of puppy mischievousness.
Where's a Good Place to Adopt Adult Dogs?
They could be adults that were kept to show or compete in field trials but didn't quite make the cut.
Or they might be Goldens who have retired from competition or breeding.
Sometimes a breeder gets an adult Golden back from a previous litter for unfortunate reasons.
There could have been a divorce, or allergies of a new family member.
Such dogs are often already housebroken and obedience-trained.
The breeder will evaluate the dog before placing him in another home.
That will help prevent another life change for the dog.
He's grateful when people want to adopt adult dogs, but wants to make sure it's a good match for both you and the dog.
You can help him by making your preferences known about the personality and energy level of the dog you're looking for.
All dog rescue centres have a wide assortment of adult dogs to adopt. They all desperately need homes.
When you adopt adult dogs from dog rescue centres, your adoption fee includes getting all vaccinations current, spaying or neutering the dog if that hasn't been done yet.
It also includes putting the dog through a complete health check. Such a deal!
Are There Any Disadvantages When You Adopt Adult Dogs?
Adult dogs can arrive in your home with other people's mistakes in place, but they're usually nothing that can't be dealt with.Many animal adoption centers keep the dogs with a foster family for awhile in order to observe any possible behavior or temperament problems, and even take steps to correct those problems.
They can then share that information with prospective owners, so there won't be any unpleasant surprises.
Plan on a Shorter Adjustment Time
When You Adopt Adult Dogs
Although they will probably miss their former family, most Goldens are very adaptable and easily adopt a new family. It doesn't really matter how old your new companion is--dogs can form deep attachments at any age.
In fact, those who adopt adult dogs often find that these rescued dogs latch onto their new families with an almost desperate intensity.
This human-canine bond can be the strongest with rescued Goldens who have experienced the trauma of abuse or abandonment.
These precious Goldens will absolutely blossom in the nurturing, loving security of your home.
Most Golden Retriever rescue dogs make exceptionally affectionate pets, and extremely loyal--and grateful--companions.
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