6 reasons for Adopting an Older dogs

Sadly, our nation's shelters and rescue organizations always house needy older dogs; a lot of these Animal shelters are filled with healthy and active older dogs that are in need of a home. And these animals usually wait far longer to find their "forever home" than younger dogs.

This may be due to the believe that it’s risky to adopt the older dogs since they have already been in the hands of other dog owners and probably learned a whole lot of things that the new candidate may not want to face. The fact is that most of those older dogs are in the shelter because their owners cannot take adequate care of them anymore.

Here are just 7 of many great reasons you may want to consider adopting on older dog

1. Because most of these older dogs are housetrained, obedience-trained and most likely know several tricks; their demands on your time are very much less than puppies or younger dogs.
2. These dogs seem to appreciate that they have been given another chance for a great life, and they always thank you for that. They are liable to be very loyal and dedicated to their new owner.
3. You save their life. Animal shelters are filled to capacity and sad, older dogs are among the first to be euthanized if they are not adopted within a limited time. By adopting an older dog, you are not only providing it with a better life, but are also saving it from being euthanized.
4. Easier to train: You can teach an old dog new trick, you can train dogs at any age and older dogs are just as intelligent as younger ones. They have a greater concentration span than a puppy, which make them easier to train.
5. They are Good companions. Older dogs are different from a puppy, which requires leash training, etc. They are ready to go with you on a long walk and already know how to play fetch. An adult dog will make a great workout companion, a loyal friend, and a late night nuzzle buddy.
6. Older dogs aren’t problematic. Most of these dogs lose their homes for a number of reasons like moves, career changes, new babies, death of a guardian, which usually has nothing to do with their behavior or personality. Older dogs are a perfect choice for someone who has never had a dog before, and also they are a great source of love and distraction of a family who may have lost a pet. They adapt very fast to a new home, and folks often speak of a sense of appreciation that accompanies an older dog coming into a new home from a shelter home. So, don’t make the mistake of believing an older pet is available for adoption because something is “wrong” with them!

And, as various shelters offer discounts for older dogs during November which is recognized as “Adopt an Older Pet Month” In some countries, and a lot of animal shelters offer discounted or waived adoption fees for pets above a certain age to celebrate the occasion, makes it ideal.