Tips for Making the Choice between Adopting a Dog or Puppy

It can be difficult to decide whether you should adopt an older dog or a puppy. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Each person should take into account the following factors when making this decision.
Do you want to go through the “puppy” stage?
The puppy stage can be a lot of work. Your dog may be extremely hyper when it is a puppy. He or she may have accidents. You may have trouble leaving him or her alone. It can be a lot more trouble than adopting an older dog. However, some people want that tiny little puppy to hold in their arms and get to know from the very beginning. They may feel like they will have an easier time bonding with them or they can acclimate them to the home better. Other people would just as soon skip this stage to go to the easier times beyond. An older dog might be calmer. Also, you will be better able to judge how its temperament will be. A lot of puppies act one way when they are young but then change when they are older.
Could you rescue an older dog?
Unfortunately, many more of the older dogs are put down because of overcrowding. The dog might not even be that old but not be a puppy anymore. It can be wonderful to save such a dog from the pound. You can truly save a life. Many of the puppies are in a higher demand, and they may not have as much trouble finding a home as an older dog would (although they can still be put down). You may be able to spend less money to get an older dog than you would to get a puppy.
Consider life span
Obviously dogs have far shorter life spans than humans. If you get a puppy, then you can have the dog for the maximum amount of time – its entire life if you wish. If you get an older dog, then it will not be as long. A lot of people want a puppy so that they can have it for as long as possible. Other people, however, want the shorter commitment that an older dog can provide.
There is no right or wrong between adopting an older dog versus a puppy because it depends on you and your family. You need to think about all of the points above and consider which one is right for you.