An adult dog is an attractive choice if you:

• want a dog but don't feel like bringing up a puppy at all


• dislike puppy poo and pee in your house


• hate the thought of being tied to the house or neighborhood for some time whilst the puppy matures


• want someone to go for long walks with straight away


• feel you don't have the time nor patience to educate a young dog


• simply can not afford a few weeks off work to stay at home to accommodate the puppies needs for constant companionship


• need a dog who is already able to be left on his own for a few hours on a daily basis


• feel that you are too old to get a puppy


• your kids are too small


• fear that looking after and bringing up a puppy would simply overpower you

A puppy, on the other hand is a good choice if you:

• have plenty of time


• simply love puppies


• want to see your own dog grow up


• are eager to teach him all the things he needs to learn to be your perfect companion


• are prepared to watch a youngster develop and mature


• are not fussy about the occasional puddle and happy to house train a puppy

Some people are better off getting an adult dog because they lack the physical abilities needed to cope with a boisterous youngster who is ready to explore the world.

This was the case with my elderly parents who, after the loss of their beloved bitch decided to give an adult dog a new home. It took them a while to get used to each other since the bitch had already developed some habits which were new to my parents. Nevertheless, they managed to get over the initial problems and both dog and humans are now happy to be a team.

When you don't mind whether your new companion is a puppy or an adult you might want to seriously consider giving an adult dog a second chance.

There are many dogs out there who lost their homes and are desperately looking for someone new to love and look after. Dogs of all ages need loving new homes - be it because their owners split up, be it because their owners bought them for their kids and now feel they can't cope. The reasons are many but all end in the same tragedy for the dog when he needs to find a new person who cares for him.