Wednesday, June 13, 2012

CHOOSING A DOG - The What

Are you ready for a puppy, a young dog or an older dog?

PUPPY
Puppies are so cute. So so so so cute! They are also a lot of work, and they require a lot of supervision. You will probably have at least a couple of things chewed, a lot of things peed on, and a few teeth stuck into toys. They're so adorable, any shoe destruction is forgiven with a snuggle and a sniff of their sweet puppy breath. How do they make us do that?!?!

Luna came to us at 10 months old

OUT OF PUPPYHOOD - ADULT DOG
They've been spayed or neutered, house trained, and no longer need to chew on everything. They may know basic commands and how to walk on a leash. They may have habits from their previous lives, and you can decide which ones are acceptable and which ones are not.

Satchel came to us at 3&1/2 years old

OLDER DOG
An older dog who has slowed down a bit can be perfect for a person who wants to relax after work with her faithful companion. Yes, older dogs can need health support, but they've already been spayed, neutered, skunked, stuck in mud, and stung by bees so they know better and just want to be with you.

Koko came to us when she was 13 years old...we think

Regardless of age, here is something to think about. Some people are concerned about adopting a dog with a history. They worry that the dog will have habits and behaviors that cannot be changed. Adult dogs are often seen as dogs with problems created by other people. So people adopt a puppy, puppy proof their homes, participate in puppy socialization classes and the puppy becomes a dog that has habits and behaviors people don't like. The puppy is now seen as a dog, but a dog with problems. The dog with a history is a problem because of someone else. The puppy is a problem because he grew into a dog. When is it you? All canines come with needs - varied needs - and we can meet them...or not.

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