When you adopt a puppy, even if you’ve had dogs before, it’s a good idea to attend training classes with the dog. And just as children make friends at daycare, puppies love and need to socialize with others their age. What’s more, each dog should be considered as unique… An individual.
You should also consider that a dog needs a lot of attention and training to cover many aspects of their day. And of course, when out and about (or even in your home), you have to guide your dog when interacting with the world. Your dog needs to know and obey your rules. And like humans, a dog learns through repetition, success and reinforcement. You have to be patient! It’s often easier with a puppy, because they’re sort of like a brand-new hard drive. They don’t have any unwanted baggage from another family yet.
If you have young children, it might be better to adopt a puppy that will grow with them. The dog will get used to the sounds and noises of the house. Unlike an older dog, a puppy won’t have to adapt to a different environment. However, current statistics show that many of the young puppies that are adopted every year, are relocated…Their new “parents” don’t want them anymore. They weren’t prepared for the work and the costs involved by this new family members. They were misinformed. Will that be you?
Again, before adopting a puppy (or adult dog), you should consult a professional. Like a vet or a member of your veterinary team. Eventually, the vet will be able to recommend the appropriate resources because they will know and appreciate the credibility and professionalism of experts in animal behaviour, training and grooming, for example.
If you’re thinking of adopting an adult dog, it’s a really nice thing to do as shelters are filled with dogs waiting for a forever home. Unlike a puppy, an adult dog is already “fully formed”. You already know the dog’s personality, and it’s not going to suddenly change. When you adopt, you already know what the dog’s needs will be and what kind of challenges there are ahead in order to integrate with a new family.”
An adult dog was probably trained a little differently than what you would have done with a puppy. Your house rules might not be the same as what the dog was used to in their previous home. For example, maybe the dog was allowed to jump on the owners to greet them, but that’s not something you want. Your dog will have to “unlearn” some old rules that were learnt when they were young.