Puppy vs Older Dog

So you are in the market for a family dog, adopting a puppy can get very frustrating and over-whelming. There are many things to consider when looking for a dog. One choice to start with would be adopting a puppy or adopting an older dog, which would best suite your families lifestyle. Many people with careers, families, and hobbies do not have time to train a puppy and they forget to take that into consideration upon purchasing. I suggest adopting an older dog is the wisest choice considering they are more predictable, require a lesser amount of attention, and tend to be less costly. There are many differences between the behavior and predictability of an older dog and a puppy. How can you resist a cuddly, cute, and pudgy, little puppy. By adopting a puppy you are never too certain on what you are getting yourself into. A puppy is an adorable pet, but that stage will only last for the first year or so. They will soon grow out of that adorable little animal and turn into a dog. Adopting an older dog is pretty much predictable, what you see is what you get. Although, you will not be able to enjoy that cute ball of energy, you will have a better idea of the over all personality of your dog and how it will act more on a day to day basis. The dog will be at its full size from the earliest of a year old to three years old, and the crazy chewing and nipping stage is most likely out of the way because they will have all their teeth in. When teaching older dogs a new habit, they are more mind-set and alert on what is going on, making them easier and faster to train. With this being mentioned, you can teach a dog new tricks! Older dogs are less time consuming is another measure when taking into account on adopting a new family dog. They can be left alone for a longer period of time, anywhere between 8-12 hours, which a puppy would not be able to do. As read in the Housetraining article, “Generally speaking, a puppy can control his bladder one hour for every month of age. So if you 're puppy is two months old, he can hold it for about two hours. Don 't go any longer than this between bathroom breaks or he 's guaranteed to have an accident.” (“Housetraining”, 2012, Para. 5). There are other factors to take into consideration when speaking about time consuming. No matter what kind of dog you choose you will still need to have daily routine care, exercise, and affection available. This being said, all dogs will need to be picked up after, feed 1-3 times a day, taken for walks, brushed, petted and even just cuddled with. A dog is basically a member of your family, they are very comparable to having your own child. Treat them with love and affection. Even the matter of discipline takes time and effort. Many people get sick and tired of yelling at there dog and showing it the right thing to do. Dogs are very intelligent canines and will eventually catch on to what you are showing them, it is just a matter of time and patients that you accompany yourself with. Finally, how much is that doggie in the window? Dr. Williams proclaims, “The expense of owning a pet is probably the most overlooked consequence of any pet-owner relationship. Advances in pet care, especially in the development of pet foods and medical research, have caused ownership costs to increase over the last 10 years. Since it 's not likely that this trend will reverse itself any time soon, potential "pet parents" should consider their finances before taking home a new pet.” (Williams, 2013, para. 4). Aside from adoption costs, there are other expenses such as, dog bowls, dog toys, dog food, first visit vet costs, leash, collar, tags, and dog license. Adopting an older dog will mean the dog will tend to be bigger than that of a puppy, therefore it will eat more inquiring more money monthly being spent on food. Although if you are adopting a puppy there are more factors that influence the cost a long with the ones listed above you will also need to get the dog spayed/neutered, cage, crate, carrying bag, and possibly training classes. Factoring in all these necessities, a puppy’s first year may cost up to $1500.00 and an older dog can be nearly $800.00, having pets are not as cheap as they once were, when people just kept them outside in doghouses all day long. Nowadays we treat them like family and loyal companions. Between the time availability, money factors, and predictability of what you are getting yourself into I would consider adopting an older dog is a clear and satisfying choice. Not only will you be happy with the dog you choose but you are also adopting your new best friend.

References
Housetraining Puppies. (2012). The humane society of the United States. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/housetraining_puppies.html
Williams, J. (2013). What is costs to own a dog. Pet place. Retrieved from http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-it-costs-to-own-a-dog/page1.aspx

References: Housetraining Puppies. (2012). The humane society of the United States. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/housetraining_puppies.html Williams, J. (2013). What is costs to own a dog. Pet place. Retrieved from http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-it-costs-to-own-a-dog/page1.aspx