Buying a dog is not a decision we should make lightly. Many people do it impulsively, but it can be a big mistake we can later regret.
We should get prepared for all the challenges and rewards that buying a dog involves, so careful research is essential.
One of the main aspects has to do with the dog’s age that we will buy. Which is the best option? To buy an adult dog or a puppy dog?
There are many things that we must consider in order to make a good choice. Pet owners often buy puppies because they believe that their training and breeding are easier, but having an adult dog can also be a rewarding experience.
The first recommendation we give you is to talk to experts and other pet owners to get their opinions and get an idea of what the process could be like, especially if it is the first time you buy a dog.
Then, you must look for information to better understand the advantages of going for one option or another. And you know what? Here you can find it. Read on and learn much more about adult dogs and puppies!
Puppy characteristics
When thinking about buying a dog and bringing it home, most people imagine having a sweet and lovable puppy. Puppies are irresistibly cute and can become the best cuddle partners. Also, there is no doubt that you can raise and mold them to your preference.
But, with all the tenderness also come many challenges. Having puppies means working hard for longer. They need more time, patient, attention, and money than adult dogs. People who don’t spend a lot of time at home can face many obstacles raising a puppy.
On the other hand, puppies need to be neutered or spayed, vaccinated and constantly taken to the vet during their first year of life. That means that puppy owners must spend more money than other dog owners.
Yes, puppies are adorable but demanding! We will explain some of the advantages of buying puppies to help you make a better decision.
If you see mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale, don’t rush to buy them! Please read this article carefully first.
Advantages of having a puppy
Source: Pixabay
It’s a puppy
Yes, that’s the first one! We all know that puppies are cute and adorable. At some point in our lives, we usually wish we had a cute puppy to cuddle all day, right?
Some say that there is nothing better than loving a puppy, and many people agree with it. So, it is the first advantage: having a puppy is a unique experience.
An instant and lasting connection
Raising a puppy is much easier than raising an adult dog. They learn faster and can adapt more easily to a new home.
And this also means that you can have a better relationship with your pet from the first moment you are together. By buying a puppy, you will be the only and first owner that they know.
In this sense, you won’t have to worry about their relationship with a previous owner because you and your new furry friend will be able to connect instantly – and your doggy will remember you forever.
Adaptability
As mentioned, bringing home a puppy gives you more freedom when it comes to raising and training. You can train your doggy as you choose and shape its behavior however you prefer.
Each dog is unique and has its own personality, but puppies can adapt better and respond more effectively to training.
Adult dogs
Adult dogs are fully developed both physically and emotionally. Therefore, they are very clear on what they like and what they don’t like. Moreover, adult dogs tend to have high energy levels and are not physically limited, that is, they can perform many activities.
However, they are not usually rowdy like puppies. Actually, they tend to be very calm and are likely to be fully trained at that point in their lives.
But adult dogs that have learned a bad habit throughout their lives will hardly be able to get rid of it. If you want to train an old dog, you will need a lot of patience and perseverance.
Also, there is the risk that your new dog will not immediately bond with you in the way that a puppy can. Many believe that it is impossible, but that is not true. You can connect with an adult dog, but it may take longer.
With a lot of love, you can create a beautiful bond with a dog of any age. But, again, you must be patient. Now, we are going to know some advantages of buying an old dog!
Advantages of having an adult dog
Source: Pixabay
Training
Most of the adult dogs that you can find in shelters or for sale have been trained. Usually, they have already learned the basic commands like sit or come, they know where and how to poop, and they don’t have bad habits.
In many cases, adult dogs also know how to live with people and have learned to remain calm in various situations, such as when they go to the vet or go on a trip.
Maintenance
Adult dogs are often less troublesome than new puppies. And, of course, this is intrinsically related to their age. Adult dogs are not as curious as puppies and do not need as much attention.
Moreover, trained adult dogs understand that good behavior is often rewarding, so they are easier to educate and train – actually, sometimes it is not even necessary.
Evaluation
Adult dogs that you can find in shelters or that have lived with a foster parent have likely been evaluated. If you want to know in advance the personality of the doggy of your interest, you just have to ask to get that information!
That is especially important for people who have children or other animals. You can know the personality and behavior of dogs to see if they are compatible with your lifestyle or with the rest of your family.
Savings
As we have mentioned, raising adult dogs is cheaper than raising puppies. Generally speaking, having a dog is not cheap. But having an adult dog can save you money.
You don’t have to take an adult dog to the vet as consistently as puppies, which means you can save on vet fees. Furthermore, you will not have to spend on vaccines or on neutering or sterilization processes.
If you have an adult dog, you also won’t have to buy puppy-sized items or supplies that your doggo will likely stop using.
Characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying a dog
Now that you know the advantages in both cases, what do you think? Do you want to buy an adult dog, or do you find the offer of a mini Goldendoodle for sale tempting? We know that it is not an easy decision to make.
For that reason, we also list the characteristics that you should take into account when bringing a new dog home. These are:
- Health: you must make sure that the new member of the family is completely healthy. Has the dog had all the required vaccinations?
- Breed and size: can the dog adapt to the place where you live?
- Training: has your new dog already been trained, or is it easy to train?
- Coexistence: do you have children or other animals? Do you think your new dog will be able to adapt and live with them?
- Personality and behavior: how does your new dog behave? Can it adapt to the rules of your house? Is it a puppy you can train?
But there are also some characteristics to avoid when buying a dog, be it a puppy or an adult dog. These are:
- Bad breeders.
- Fleas or other obvious parasites.
- Dirty kennels.
- Unknown background: You should avoid online advertisements and unofficial pet stores.
- Lack of exams or shots at an age when they should be.
Final thoughts
Finally, the next thing you should do is analyze if you are completely ready to have a dog. Regardless of whether they are adult dogs or puppies, pets need care and a lot of attention.
With this little guide, you will be able to know which is the best option for you but remember that there are other factors to consider. In addition to keeping in mind the aspects mentioned here, answer these questions:
- Do I have enough time to take care of a new dog?
- Do I have enough money for everything you need?
- Having a dog is convenient at this time?
Once you are sure that you can have a dog, and that does not represent a problem for your current lifestyle, go for it! We all know that dogs are excellent companions, and this will not be the exception! So don’t miss the opportunity to look for those mini Goldendoodles for sale and enjoy every moment with your new best friend!