Adopting a Dog? How To Choose the Right Age

If you are adopting a dog, multiple factors will go into your decision. One of the biggest questions potential pet parents should ask themselves is, “What age dog is right for me?”

Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have their own needs, personalities, and perks. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the best choice for your family.

Puppies

Bringing home a new puppy will keep you on your toes! While they are fun, they also require a significant amount of time, energy, and effort.

Puppies require frequent potty breaks, regular training, safe spaces to explore and play, socialization, and routine veterinary visits. Plus, they can be extremely active, so they need homes that can give them appropriate exercise.

Raising a puppy properly requires time. They aren’t just cute little fluff balls you can stick in a crate for eight hours while you are at work. They are undoubtedly worth the effort, but you must make sure you can commit to helping them learn to be their best selves.

Getting a puppy also means a 10 to 15-year commitment, which is something to keep in mind. If you are concerned the puppy may outlive you or plan on retiring and traveling the world in five years, an older dog might be a better match for you.

Puppies are a good match for you if you:

• Are active

• Have a flexible schedule

• Are ready for a long-term commitment

• Have the time and patience for training

Puppies may not be good for you if you:

• Are a senior or have mobility issues

• Want a low-maintenance pet

• Work long hours away from home

• Want to skip the chewing, biting, and housebreaking phases

Learn more: Adopting a Puppy

Adult Dogs

Adult dogs can be more predictable in terms of temperament and behavior, but that doesn’t always mean they don’t come with challenges. They may have difficult backgrounds that require structure and training to overcome. If you are up for the challenge, they are SO worthwhile!

Most adult dogs require regular exercise, mental stimulation, routine veterinary care, ongoing training, clear boundaries, and socialization. While they would likely do well in homes with less flexible schedules, they do still need a potty break or two throughout the day while you are gone.

The time involvement of an adult dog generally won’t be as substantial as a puppy, but that doesn’t mean that adult dogs don’t also take time. That said, the time investment can vary based on the dog’s energy levels and temperament.

When you adopt an adult dog from a foster-based rescue, you can get a good idea of which pups could be a good fit for your home. Dogs can change once they are in a new environment, but you have a higher chance of finding a good match for your family if you choose an adult dog since their personalities are likely a bit more established.

Adult dogs may be ideal for you if you:

• Are a first-time dog owner

• Prefer to avoid the chaos of a puppy while still having a dog that can be active

• Are open to working through behavioral challenges

• Have a less flexible schedule

Adult dogs might not suit you if you:

• Want to raise a dog from puppyhood

• Hope to mold every aspect of a dog’s personality

• Want to know your dog’s backstory

• Think adult dogs don’t require ongoing training and structure

Learn More: Adopting an Adult Dog

Senior Dogs

Sweet seniors are often overlooked, but they can be fantastic pets for low-key households. They are typically calm and loving, but they do have their needs.

These pups do best in homes that can provide them with gentle exercise, plenty of rest, patience for age-related health difficulties, and regular vet visits.

While adopting a senior dog means you have less time with your furry loved one, that doesn’t mean that each second you have with them isn’t worthwhile.

Ultimately, being the reason a senior dog has a comfy bed to sleep on, good food to eat, the medical care they require, and enough love to know they matter during their final years is one of the most fulfilling things you’ll ever do.

Senior dogs may thrive in your home if you:

• Are a senior or have limited mobility

• Have a calm and stable environment

• Want companionship without overwhelming activity

• Are ready for the health concerns that may come with a senior dog

Senior dogs might not be the best choice for you if you:

• Have young, rambunctious kids or high-energy pets

• Need an active dog to adventure with

• Want a long-term commitment

• Are unwilling or unable to cover extra medical expenses

Learn more: Adopting a Senior Dog

Final Thoughts

Deciding which age of dog is ideal for your home comes down to your schedule, lifestyle, and commitment capabilities. Puppies bring excitement and chaos, adult dogs offer balance and reliability, and senior dogs give calm companionship and unmatched gratitude.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But, no matter what age you choose, giving a dog a loving home is always a rewarding experience.