1. Senior Dogs Require Less Training

Puppies are adorable, but they are quite the handful and require exhaustive training on the daily. Opting for an older dog could mean less time you have to spend on training. Older dogs are more likely to be potty-trained and understand basic cues, at the very least. Simple commands such as sit and stay are most likely already in your dog’s arsenal and may very well be leash-trained. Since many senior dogs have already learned doggie manners, you can avoid the messes of potty training and inappropriate chewing. Your furniture and carpet will thank you. 

 

2. Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks

Do not believe the old saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Quite the contrary, dogs can be trained at any age, and in fact, older dogs can be easier to train because they are calmer and have a greater attention span than a young pup. Also, older dogs tend to be more receptive to learning new commands. Therefore, even if their training is still a bit lacking, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick up skills and command cues much faster than puppies and youthful dogs.

 

3. Caring For A Senior Dog Is Easier And Less Demanding 

When you adopt a dog, caring for dogs requires effort, time, and patience. When you adopt a puppy or youthful dog, the effort, time, and patience is increased tenfold.

 

Many senior dogs have already experienced some form of basic training and/or have been cared for at some point. Adopting a dog that has already been trained and that has already been socialized saves pet parents the time associated with training a younger dog. Potty training, feeding, cleaning, and walking are easier and less demanding with an older dog. There is no need for the hyper-vigilance that comes with caring for a puppy or youthful dog. Instead of spending hours on training, you can spend that time relaxing with your senior dog. 

 

Also, because senior dogs have grown out of their bad habits and are generally calmer, they need less supervision. Need to get work done from home? Good luck with a puppy that’s demanding to be the center of your attention while chewing on the corner of your area rug.

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4. What You See Is What You Get With A Senior Dog

When adopting a puppy or younger dog, especially a mixed breed one, often times there is no way to know how big they will grow up to be or what their temperament will be like. Senior dogs are fully grown and have a fully developed personality, so you can have more information about them prior to adoption. You will know from the start important things like their full-grown size, personality traits, and grooming requirements. When adopting an older dog, you know in advance what to expect from their behavior, rather than rolling the dice with a younger dog without a fully developed personality. There are much fewer surprises and it makes picking the right dog for your home much easier.

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5. Senior Dogs Have A Calmer Temperament (And Are Less Destructive)

For those living a more relaxed lifestyle, senior dogs can make the perfect companions. With age comes not only wisdom but also a more relaxed state of being for dogs. Senior dogs tend to have a calmer temperament and be more easygoing.

 

Puppies and youthful dogs are whirlwinds of energy which translates to destruction. Everything is new and needs to be explored whether it may be digging through your closet to get at a new smell or knocking over the garbage. If something can be chewed on, it probably will be! But older dogs have grown out of these bad habits. Older dogs don’t feel the need to explore everything or chew on furniture, carpets, and shoes. Many senior dogs still have plenty of energy, except theirs is less disruptive and destructive

 

Dogs with calmer temperaments will often have better manners than youthful, more excitable dogs. They might still have plenty of energy, but they don’t feel the need to jump on every new person that walks in the door. When the UPS truck pull up to the house, an older adult dog may give it a sideways glance, rather than jump off the couch barking at the "intruder." In other words, they tend to be more mellow in situations that get younger dogs all worked up.

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6. Senior Dogs Are Appreciative And Bond Instantly

Senior dogs who have been adopted know how fortunate they are and they greatly appreciate the second chance at happiness that their new person has given them. Since these dogs have experienced socialization and bonding with humans before, they tend to easily bond with whoever gets to adopt them. Senior dogs can almost instantly bond with you, as they see you as a lifesaver. From their perspective, life is good, and they are grateful for cuddle time, an extra treat, and—most of all—extra attention.

 

Older dogs are ready to love and are incredibly appreciative of the love you are bringing into their life. Senior dogs are eager to bond and settle into their new, loving home. They are instant companions, ready to go on a long walk or to be the snuggle buddy or workout partner you need from the get-go.

 

Adopt a senior dog today!