is it better to get a dog or a puppy?

Answer 1

Sorry a little long winded...

Getting either has its pros and cons,
With a puppy you can train it how you want to, but then you have the hassle of toilet training, obedience training, and behavioural training.
With a puppy, you know its age approximately, but are you ready for two years of it being a complete dodo (puppies don’t generally grow out of that puppy stage till they are 11/2 to 2 yrs old)
Then there is separation anxiety with puppies if you take them from there litter mates and mother, although this can be combated with extra love and cuddles, especially at bed time when puppy will cry alot for what seems like no reason.

Dogs
You wont know its back ground or if its nasty, you should be able to see how the dog reacts around yourself and anyone else, if its shy or snarly then I would avoid it, try choose an out going friendly dog, see if you can play with it a bit, if it gets nasty then avoid getting it, but if you can rough house with it and it stays gentle (not growling nasty or snapping) then your on a good thing. Also what you might want to do, while he is eating take his food bowl away from him, if you can do this without him getting cross then your also on a good thing, pull on his tail, gently, lets face it, if you have kids they will probably do both to him, and you want to know now not later if he’s going to turn and snap at them.
Toilet training has generally been done, and shouldnt be an issue, retraining can be easy if you go about it the right way, with lots of treats and praise, you never know you may get one that already knows little tricks like fetching your slippers.
There is the possibility that the dog will already have been desexed saving you money aswell.

Really what you get is personal choice, if you get a puppy be prepared to spend alot of time training him.
If you get an older dog and you have tested his temperament then you should be fine.

Personally I would go the dog, but that’s only because I don’t have the patience for puppy training, but either way good luck with your choices.

See about getting the animal from a shelter, the animal handlers there should be able to help you with choosing one with the right temperament, and you will get a warm fuzzy feeling for helping save a life.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

it all depends on what a person wants. If a person wants a puppy and has the time and is willing to spend the extra time to train it, including potty training, then a puppy may work. If they don't have as much time to spend on all the training that goes into a puppy, then maybe an adult dog is best. If the dog is for yourself, decide and make sure you have the time and are willing to spend time each day to train the puppy. If not, then go for an adult dog. Please do your research before choosing. Don't just pick the first dog or puppy that you think is cute. Check your local animal shelters and at Petfinder.com

Answer 3

Honestly you really don't know what you are getting when you get a puppy. I foster puppies for the Humane Society and I love all puppies but occasionly we get one returned after he is grown becuase they are too aggressive or have seperation anxiety or some other behavior problem. Now, Please people I am not saying all. I LOVE puppies but if this person doesn't care I would suggest an older dog, even 1 year old or so. If you go to a rescue group that fosters dogs as our group does they can tell you exactly how the dog is with other dog or cats. If it is potty trained or crate trained, etc.
Good luck and I am sure whatever you get you will be very happy with your choice.

Answer 4

I've had both and they're challenging in their own way. adult rescue dogs can come with a lot of history that creates problems you don't anticipate. I've had puppies house trained in a few days before but my rescue dog took months.
My rescue dog also had a very serious anxiety about being left, probably food being tied to a tree and abandoned by previous owners.
saying that you can always check on the history of an adult dog from the centre and find one that's had previous training and been brought into the centre without signs of previous abuse.

its good to know that i took him from the shelter and know he is a happy and confident dog, puppies will likely get homes but not all the adults do.

Answer 5

This all depends on what your after? A puppy requires LOTS of paitence and time, Training, Cleaning up after them etc etc etc. They also on a good point can give your hours of fun and will grow up to your ways and teachings and be your best friend for life.

An adult dog you will proberly find is already trainned but you will need to look into the dogs past if you can? Why hasnt it got a loving family at the moment? Does it like children etc. On a good note he will proberly be less playful than a puppy and wont need any training but he will also need time to trust and get to know you.

BOTH have their good n bad points all depends what your looking for

Answer 6

A puppy is alot of work but if trained correctly makes a wonderful companion. Older dogs if raised by the wrong person can be a hand full and a disappointment. Most likely it would take a lot more to get a older dog trained the way you want him to be. Some are good and potty trained but some are abused and need lots of work. Puppies, you train them right from the start so you know what to expect. They will do what you train them to do.

Answer 7

I have one of each. I'm a single mom, youth group leader, and I work 40+ hours a week. I have to say my lifestyle is much more suited to the older dog. We adopted her when she was 3 yo from the shelter. She came sorta pre-programmed, and it was very nice. They're both crate trained (which makes my working okay - and the 'puppy' is just over a year).

Get an adult dog unless you're able to stay home and train the pup.

Answer 8

If you don't really care, I would recommend an adult shelter dog as they are very good dogs and don't find homes as easily as puppies. Also, puppies need constant care and attention for a long time and can be very impressionable. If you are not 100% sure this is what you want then definitely look for an adult dog.

Answer 9

That depends on you and your lifestyle.

If you're not going to be gone longer then a couple hours at a time, have the time and patience to housebreak and train a puppy, then go for it.

If you have a busy lifestyle it might be better to get an older dog (over a year) that's already housebroken and knows basic commands.

Answer 10

That depends on you and your lifestyle. I was in that situation a few years ago and I chose a older dog 2 1/2 yrs old, the upside was he was already housebroken, wasn't chewing everything in sight or trying to, he had house manners. Wasn't in the position to take on a puppy at the time, its a big commitment and you have to have the time to invest.