Rescue an older dog or get a puppy?

Some people have this question answered due to circumstances. When you find a stray dog ​​and end up falling in love with it, it’s a simple decision. But when you are planning to have a dog, for yourself or maybe for your family (because the kids have been asking for it for months), it is a decision you must make.

There are good reasons for both, depending on your situation and motivation. I always lean to the rescue as I have a soft spot for the underdog (no pun intended). But if you are looking for a particular breed, or want to have a dog with special talents (such as hunting or exhibiting), a puppy might be the best.

I don’t really care about pedigrees, but I understand why some do. Most of my dogs have been mixed breeds, but I have had a few with pedigrees. It didn’t make much of a difference as my dogs are strictly pets and although I train them, it is more for fun and safety than for any special reason.

The pros and cons of a puppy are:

Cons

You can’t really judge personality

You have the opportunity to go through the training part of the house

You get to hear a lot of barking and whining

You start at ground zero on the social side

You have to wait a few weeks to start training seriously.

Pros

No bad habits to break

You can choose the exact breed and colors.

You can train them from the beginning, which is easier for me.

The pros and cons of a senior rescue dog:

Cons:

There are usually bad habits and maybe social problems

The dog may require further medical treatment.

You won’t know the exact age

Pros:

The dog may already be house trained

It is easy to determine personality traits.

You have a chance to save a dog’s life

Now some rescue dogs are puppies so you can get the best (or worst) of both worlds. It’s usually cheaper to get a rescue dog (if it’s from a shelter or group, it usually costs less than $ 100). If you get a puppy and it has a pedigree, the price will increase accordingly. Especially if the dog’s lineage has winners from some show or competition.

It really is a personal choice and, unless you like show or dog competition, one that can be decided for you based on the circumstances. I get calls about dogs, puppies, or people looking to find a good home for their dog due to circumstances beyond their control. If you ask and you are not on any timeline, opportunities will appear.

One thing that is always good is learning about the different breeds and known traits. If you live in an apartment, a large, active breed of dog like an Irish Setter may not be the best choice. Finding the right dog for your particular circumstances and lifestyle is important. A little research can go a long way in finding a good option for you and your dog.

Pets aren’t cheap these days either. A couple of trips to the vet, even for small things, will give you a quick lesson in the costs of owning a pet. I rarely get away for less than $ 75 per visit and if there are any serious medical problems it can be much higher. So don’t forget about the costs involved.

Give some thought to your choice of having a puppy or rescuing an older dog, it is well worth the time and effort. Finding the right dog is not difficult, but you should do some research and ask your friends for advice. Most dog owners I know love to talk about their pets. It probably tells you more than you want to hear.