is it easier to train a adult/young adopted dog rather than a puppy?

Question

is it better to get an young/adult adopted dog OR a puppy and then you are more "hot off the pan" because the pup does not really have a background. other people say its better to adopt a adult/young dog from the animal shelter because 1- your adopting one and 2- you can see how the dogs acts because its older...explain your answer please!

Answer 1

I train shelter dogs and I think it all depends on what you teach... yes, some things are easier to teach to a pup because you are dealing with a clean slate... however things like house breaking and teething might take longer to teach because of age and development. A recall is really hard to teach to a shelter dog because of past "practiced" behavior!

Answer 2

Tough question... As far as training goes, I have always found it easier to train a puppy. And I am a bit uncomfortable bringing a dog into my home (with my three children) if I have no information about it's background or its genetics, though I *have* on several occasions... It is definitely a noble thing to do if you have the understanding and patience required to raise an older dog...

Being honest, a puppy (which you *can* often find at shelters, by the way), will adjust easier to your home and routine, and take more easily to your training techniques.

An older dog may have a longer transition stage where they are confused and/or nervous about their new surroundings. They may already have bad habits that you need to work on, as well. On the other hand, they may already be housetrained and know a few tricks!

If you go with a breeder, you can carefully research the puppy's family and know if they are healthy dogs, what their temperaments are, etc. That can be a huge comfort if you have small children around, and it can save on the vet bills as well.

There are pros and cons to both sides of the issue, and it really is up to you to decide what is best for yourself and your home and family. If you have the time and energy to support and re-train an older, adopted dog, please do! Just find out as much as you can about the dog, it's background, and its temperament and health. No matter what people throw at you, adoption isn't for everyone, and you need to weigh that decision for yourself.

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best! I hope you find the perfect dog!

Answer 3

Puppies are like children. It is better to train them when they are very young rather than an older dog. An older dog is like an adopted child. That child could already be tainted and makes it much more difficult to form them into what you want them to be.

You cannot change someone who's mind is already molded and experienced. In psychology, by the age of 5, children already have their minds made up of who they will be as an adult. After that, it is unlikely that you can change that person.

Answer 4

I would always choose the young dog, rather than a pound puppy.
Pound puppies often have major health issues, and you can see whether the adult is healthy.
Pound puppies are still in the teething, destructive phase.
Adult dogs usually have some basic training.
You can see exactly what size nd characteristics you are getting.

I work at a dog day care/boarding kennel, and the new adoptees from our local shelter are very nice dogs...Some of them have training issues, but they learn quickly.

Answer 5

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL114

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 6

It is easier to train a puppy; however, you can often get older dogs from shelters who are *already* trained, which can be a big plus especially if you don't have a lot of time for the training aspect. You can also get puppies from shelters oftentimes if that is the route you prefer to go.

Answer 7

In my experiance its about the same. There are pros and cons to both options. Pros for an older dog is that his attention span and understanding have developed already. Cons: He may already have behaviors that are undesirable.
For puppies you have to wait awhile before you can get his full attention for longer periods. But his slate is clean as far as behaviors. The best bet is to find an animal that is between 6-8 months of age. You will get the best of both. Young and trainable. Anything that the dog has developed will quickly fall away with your own training. And you will still be adopting...

Answer 8

Puppies are easier, in my opinion. They aren't carrying the "baggage" and potential bad behavior issues that may have developed from prior owners.
But, if you are looking to adopt an older dog, that is always best and there are many programs available through your local animal shelter for socialization and training.

Answer 9

I'd rather have a young adult dog any day. When we picked out our lab at the pound, she was 6 months old. Apparently, the owner was just afraid of large dogs. I could tell she was a sweetheart because as soon as she saw me, she put a paw up against the front of the cage, and gave me a look like, "Hi! How ya doin'?" She was already housebroken, and she's the most loving dog I've ever had. It's almost like she knows she was saved by us, and she'll never forget it.

Answer 10

If I have been to choose a domestic dog, i might purchase one from a breeder. I went to the shield in November via fact i needed a longtime canine with a usual temperament. on an identical time as she is an incredible little canine, there is an exceedingly low danger i might have ever offered her as a domestic dog. I additionally offered an person as i did no longer have the time for a domestic dog then. Have there been domestic dog-like hindrances together with her? i could be mendacity if I reported no, yet for the main section she's a solid canine and caught directly to training plenty swifter than a domestic dog might have.