Adopting a dog is always an exciting and fantastic decision. Dogs are loyal, loving, and caring; they bring us the best moments in our lives. However, when we decide to adopt a dog, we may always be confused about whether we should adopt a puppy, an adult dog or a senior dog.If you are confused about whether adopting an adult dog will be good for you or not, today, we will discuss the Pros and Cons of Adopting an Adult Dog.
Adopting an adult dog has some excellent pros. Let’s discuss these pros.
Pros 1: Predictable Size and Personality
When you adopt a puppy, you have to think about what your furry friend will be when it is fully grown. But it is the opposite for adult dogs, because they are already fully grown, and their size should be predictable for the future.
It is the same for predicting personality. You can consult with the previous owner or breeder for the personality. They will inform you of all the dog’s traits.
Therefore, if you are considering some exact traits or size or whether the dog will match your personality, it will be advantageous to adopt an Adult dog.
Pros 2: Can be Left alone for extended times
Working or busy people always need help with whether their dog can be left alone for a long time.
Great news if you are a working or busy person and want to adopt an adult dog for your home. Adult dogs can be left alone for up to 8 hours at home. However, you have to provide food, water and mental stimulation before leaving them alone.
Pros 3: May Pre-trained
Most dogs are trained in puppyhood. So, adopting an adult dog means your dog may master some training commands like “Sit,” “Stop,” “Eat,” “Down,” or more.
However, if you are eager to train your dog with new tricks, it’s absolutely possible and easy because adult dogs are significantly mature and quick learners.
Therefore, if you are not interested in training a dog or do not have enough time, you should consider adopting an adult dog.
Pros 4: Established Health Status
Adult dogs have gone through their development period from puppyhood. This means that if you adopt an adult dog, you will know its health condition.
Knowing your existing health problems will help you avoid unpredictable situations in the future and will make you tension-free in many aspects.
Pros 5: Friendly and Social
Adult dogs are significantly mature and friendly as they meet strangers and other dogs from their puppyhood and are familiar with a variety of sounds, smells and environments. Making them very friendly towards both children and strangers and with other pets.
There is no need to give socialization training unless you see unusual behavior in your adult dog. And it won’t be difficult as they have fully developed personalities.
Thus, if we want to have a friendly and social dog for you, you should consider an adult dog for your canine companion.
Cons of Adopting an Adult Dog
Wait, don’t make your decision before learning the cons or disadvantages of adopting an adult dog.
Cons 1: High Exercise Requirement
Adult dogs require much more exercise than puppies and senior dogs to maintain their health and overall well-being.
Adult dogs should be involved in vigorous exercises such as Hiking, Running, Fetching, Tug-of-War and Agility training. According to Small Door Veterinary, in general, a less active adult dog needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. Not fulfilling exercise requirements is one of the most harmful things you do to your dog without realizing it.
Therefore, if you want to own an adult dog, you must have to spend enough time on their exercises to remove boredom.
Cons 2: Potential Behavioral Issues
While adopting an adult dog, there might be potential behavioral issues depending on the previous owner’s experiences. Here are some common behavioral problems that can be seen while adopting an older dog:
1: Separation Anxiety
The dog may suffer from separation anxiety because of the separation from its previous owner. Separation anxiety leads to destructive behavioral issues like hyperactivity and aggression. Here are some techniques I useto calm a dog down from hyperactivity Behavior.
2: Aggression and Mean Behavior
Some adult dogs can show aggressive and mean behavior due to new environments and past traumas.
3: Fearfulness
Adult dogs can show fear of some stimuli, such as loud noises, strong smells and strangers. You have to make yourself feel secure in your society’s environment because the environment shapes dogs’ behavior.
Cons 3: Attachment to Previous Owner
While adopting an adult dog, there is a challenge to the dog’s attachment to its previous owner. If the dog had a strong bond with the previous owner, then it might be difficult for the dog to attach to you in a short time.
However, there are some techniques to deal with attachment issues:
Tips 1: Consistency
Be consistent with the feeding, exercise, grooming, walks and play sessions routine. This will make your dog feel secure and less anxious with you, and the bonding will strengthen.
Tips 2: Positive Reinforcements
Use Positive reinforcements such as Treats, Verbal praise and affection to build your dog’s positive mind in its new home environment.
Tips 3: Bonding Activities
Engage in bonding activities such as short walks, interactive play sessions, and obedience training with positive reinforcements. That will help your dog bond with you quickly.
Tips 4: Seek Professional Help
If you are unable to bond with the dog, you should seek help from a professional trainer.
