It is true that puppies often get the most attention from visitors at the local pet shelter. Their adorable faces, wiggles and sounds make them irresistible. Of course, they are also a ton of work. Many puppies land right back at the shelter when their new owners figure out that keeping them requires more time, energy and patience than they have to spare.

Senior dogs make wonderful companions and offer many advantages over younger dogs:

Senior dogs already have basic training and manners. Save yourself the time and energy of housebreaking a new puppy or young dog. Most senior dogs already know how to be polite and respect people’s boundaries. If training a dog just isn’t your thing, an older dog may be right for you.

Lower exercise needs make senior dogs adaptable to busy lifestyles and apartment living. Unlike their younger counterparts, senior dogs offer lower maintenance in return for extra cuddle time. Really, it is the best of both worlds!

Save a life: Senior dogs are less likely to be adopted. Another great reason to choose an older dog is that they tend to have a much harder time being adopted. Senior dogs seem to feel the abandonment of being left at the shelter more deeply, and their gratitude for being rescued will be the foundation of a bond built on great loyalty.

Old dogs are not bad dogs. Contrary to popular belief, most senior dogs are not at the shelter because they have behavioural issues, rather, they are likely there because of changes in circumstance such as a family move or the passing of their owner. Behavioural issues (or unprepared owners) is more likely to be a factor for younger dogs.

Older dogs are past their destructive phase. Puppies and younger dogs, even under the best of circumstances with plenty of exercise and guidance, can be destructive. The first few years of a dog’s life are when they are the most likely to chew on furniture (and shoes….and socks…and blankets....).

MYTH: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. This myth is part of the prejudice against senior dogs, and it is high time that it is dispelled. It is not true that dogs suddenly stop being teachable at some magic age. Dogs, just like people, continue to learn throughout their lives. Positive training methods are just as effective with older dogs as they are for puppies.

Senior dogs bring a calming energy to any situation. Older dogs have seen it all. They are much less likely to get wound up and over excited. They are satisfied with less stimulation and exercise. They bring an overall sense of relaxation to your environment. They make excellent companions for folks with mobility issues or who themselves are getting up in years.

I hope this article has given you some reasons to consider adding a senior dog to your family! It just may be that a senior dog is a better fit for your lifestyle than a younger dog.

Author Bio:

Mat Coulton has worked with dogs for just under a decade and is the founder of WileyPup.com, a doggy lover’s website that provides great tips and advice for pet parents everywhere.  Already got an older pup? Check out some sensitive stomach dog food options.