The Senior Dog
The Mature Dog Project
Are you looking for that special companion who adores being with you? One who has wonderful house manners, who will let you finish the Sunday paper, but be ready for a ride at a moment’s notice? An older dog or senior may be for you!
Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog
1. Housetrained
Older dogs are housetrained. You won’t have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.
2. Won't Chew Inappropriate Items
Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won’t chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
3. Focus to Learn
Older dogs can focus well because they’ve mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Know What "No" Means
Older dogs have learned what “no” means. If they hadn’t learned it, they wouldn’t have gotten to be “older” dogs.
5. Settle in with the 'Pack'
Older dogs settle in easily, because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Good at Giving Love
Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they’ve been given. They bond quickly.
7. WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
8. Instant Companion
Older dogs are instant companions — ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9. Leave You Time for Yourself
Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don’t make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10. Let You Sleep
Older dogs let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
*Adapted from Labrador Retriever Rescue’s “Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescue”
