Puppy vs. Elder

I wanted to adopt an older dog but the puppy was so cute,  we took him instead!  I wanted to adopt a puppy but the older dog looked just like our old Max, so we took him instead!  Decisions, decisions. We at BRDR, hope before you apply or go see any rescue/shelter dog that you know what characteristics you want in a dog. You should research the breed, age, temperament, the amount of time that you can give the dog and the time requirements of the individual dog.

You think you want a puppy. Okay

Yes, puppies are cute. They are also energetic, wild and do not stay still for two minutes. In a Doberman, this energy level can go on non-stop for two years. Yes, the puppy stage can take 18 to 24 months in some cases. For their safety, puppies need constant supervision.

They must be taught to chew on the correct things. They must learn housebreaking. They need an outlet for all that energy. They need to run and play, and play and run, and play (are you tired, yet?). Puppies need exercise plans or a yard to run in. They need to be trained and socialized with people, children, dogs and the whole wide world. It is critical that this learning starts from the first months of life; therefore you must be available time wise to teach the puppy.

Puppies take a commitment emotionally and physically and need your time (did I say that already?). There is also a financial commitment. Puppies in the first year of life require more shots than an adult. There are more frequent veterinarian visits.  There may be housebreaking accidents to correct or chewed household items to replace.  There is also a commitment on you to turn this puppy into the loving adult companion that you and the world desire. This may mean enrollment in obedience classes.

People love puppies because they “come with no history”. This statement is not really true. Every puppy has a history according to their breed, and parentage. They also have a history and education from where they and their mother were housed during their early whelping time.

Yes, puppies are wonderful. They are fun to watch, play with and develop into great companions. We as owners need to own a puppy knowing that we are obliged to them and society to turn them into solid good canine citizens, who will live with us till the end of their canine lives.

You decided on an adult dog.  Okay

We kiddingly say that Dobermans are often turned into shelters because they had a higher IQ than their previous owners. The fact is that they are often turned in because the previous owner did not research the breed and the Doberman was not suited for their lifestyle. The dog was not taught obedience or trained and the dog trained him/herself. This is why we say that all owners must take time, do the research in order to make the right choice for themselves and their forever companion.

Some adult dogs are turned in because the owners got a puppy and the cute pup had too much energy, got too big, was destructive from boredom or was to grow up with the kids, who are now dating/in college and have no time for the their pet. Unfortunately, owners also divorce, go into nursing homes, and die without having alternate arrangements for their pets

The nice thing about an adult dog is that there are “knowns”. You know the dog’s size, appearance, or temperament versus a puppy’s whose needs development.  You will know the energy requirements for this dog. The dogs are usually house trained and past the destructive chewing stage. You usually can tell if the dog is outgoing and friendly and a match for your family lifestyle. In an adult dog, you can see the traits and characteristics that you desire in a companion.  An adult dog does not need the constant supervision and attention of a growing or boisterous adolescent Doberman. An adult dog is open to training quicker than a puppy that needs more time to focus their energy. And yes, old dogs can learn new tricks and usually love doing it. Dogs that have learned or self taught poor habits can be refocused with training, patience and persistence.

Some people do not want an adult dog because the dog may have a history where they believe a puppy does not. Actually in an older dog, this history is an asset. The puppy’s history is genetic and unknown, where in an older dog the history has been developed and training can be used if needed. There is something wonderful in seeing an older dog learning to play again and be part of a joyful family.

Whether you choose a puppy, adult or older Doberman, the choice should be to provide a commitment to this canine partner and companion until the end of their days.