Which one and why?
2007-10-08 10:34:24 · 23 answers · asked by Pgef. Ax 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It depends on the dogs personality. If the dog fit with my personality it wouldn't matter weather it was an adult or a puppy. I adopted a puppy from the shelter, I was looking at dogs, but my boyfriend wanted a puppy because he was a bit worried about how an adult would react being placed in a new home. I however didn't think it was a problem. I'd say it depends on your preferences. If you have time and patients to train a puppy go for it, however there are a lot of great adult dogs who are put down every day because they cannot find good homes... mainly for the fact that they are an adult.
2007-10-08 10:46:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is really a matter of personal preference and time available.
Puppies are great, as they don't have a lot of the pre-history some adult dogs will have. However, they require a lot of training, a lot of socialization, and have typically puppy problems, such as chewing, housebreaking, socialization, and basic training.
Puppies are also extremely cute!
Adult dogs are good because they hopefully have a lot of background training. The disadvantage to an adult shelter dog is often times their history is not known, and there could be some bad baggage in their youth that will need to be worked through. However, you typically won't have the puppy playfulness and destructive/formative months to deal with.
They are full grown, so you can see right away how big and how hairy they will be.
Adult dogs need adopting more, as they usually have a very limited time in shelters before they are put down.
2007-10-08 17:48:47 · answer #2 · answered by rjn529 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends. If you have time to train a puppy and it doesn't matter what size you end up with you can get a puppy. If you want a dog where you need to know how big it will get you should get an older dog. Plus, they are calmer and may already be trained. You should ask the shelter people about that. Good luck!
2007-10-08 17:44:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
never go to a shelter as you are so very often getting a dog with a problem. i know of several people who have been viciously attacked by these dogs that they were originally told good family dog then when to return told oh the dog was known to be aggressive.
Often have other problems like constant barking, dog aggressive, food aggressive. Nope rather get a pup in the paper and for that mater if worse came to worse I rather save a puppy mill pup from the petshop that I can raise to be what I want and hterefore would always go for a pup not over 4 months
2007-10-08 18:50:37 · answer #4 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends.
Puppies are so much fun and so cute, but chances are likely that getting a puppy from a shelter is a mutt, and it's all a guess as to what he'll be like. He could be big, small, minimal shedding, loads of shedding, he could have an aggressive breed in his blood and there are many other factors. With an adult dog, many of these characteristics are obvious and you generally know what you're getting into.
On the other hand, you never know where that adult dog is coming from. He could be the sweetest thing, coming from a little old lady who just couldn't care for him any more - or he may have been rescued from a drug dealer who beat him up everyday. He may have been given up because he simply cannot be housetrained or he destroys everything in sight. He could have personality problems that are set in stone that might rear their ugly heads when you least expect it.
So, for me, I would just choose the dog I felt I "clicked" the best with, and try to go with an open mind.
2007-10-08 17:42:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
There would be several factors. I would have to look to see if there is a dog that just called to me, so in that instance, I would rescue it whether it be a puppy or an adult dog.
I personally prefer the adult dogs to a puppy. I'm not crazy about the puppy stage and enjoy them more once they are past 9 months old. Getting an adult dog, you have more chances of getting a potty trained dog and also may have some training in the background.
Drawbacks to getting an older dog, you dont know the background and don't know if it has been abused, whether it gets along with other animals, etc.
2007-10-08 17:40:33 · answer #6 · answered by Val 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I rescued an adult dog and through the years always wondered what he would have been like as a puppy. After having him for the past 6 years, I really wanted to get another one like him. Hahahaah! Boy was I fooled. I got a puppy of the same breed and I totally forgot how hard it was to take care of a puppy. He is like 7 months old now and believe me it's all worth it. It really is hard to care for a pup, but it truly depends on what YOU are looking for.
The best part about your question is that you are taking the time to think and decide what you want before you jump into anything. It is also super cool of you to rescue a dog! You sound like someone who is going to be a great pet owner.
Back to the question....I personally would rescue an adult dog. They have less of a chance to be adopted and I swear they will always be thankful to you...trust me I know!
=)
2007-10-08 17:53:36 · answer #7 · answered by jesicat44 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would probably get one in the middle. Unless there was one that just looked at me and I had to have it regardless of age.
True story:
My neighbor just got a dog from the shelter (cutest thing ever and so sweet). They told her the dog was 10 but when it played around with my dog there was no way it could be 10. She took it to my Vet and the dog is really around 3 years old! So...you never know how old a dog really is unless you take it to the vet. Don't take the Shelter's word for it.
Good for you getting a shelter dog!!
2007-10-08 18:17:50 · answer #8 · answered by LuvMyBT's 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Puppies are so cute,but alot of work.Grown dogs may have "issues" that cant be resolved. Were they mistreated,and can they be trusted? My brother was given a beautiful bird dog (grown) I swear it was evil,nearly ripped my uncle's face off. The dog had to be shot. So just keep it mind. Also, do you have the time and the money to keep a dog.There's not only food but medical etc.. You don't want fleas and ticks not to mention worms etc... Are you at home alot, if not maybe a dog's not for you.Good luck!
2007-10-08 17:52:58 · answer #9 · answered by married with children 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your situation.I like puppys as do most people,but there are a lot of adult dogs at shelters put to death every day.
I would get an adult dog,Dogs that have 'issues' can be trained if
you have the patience and time.
2007-10-09 12:00:26 · answer #10 · answered by grendog01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋