Puppy or older dog?

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

If you’re looking for a dog, which is best, a puppy or an older dog?

For families with children, an older dog might be the best choice.

Early Childhood Parenting Examiner: How the Gosselins and other parents should decide on a dog for their family reports:

“Puppies are very often turned over to animal shelters weeks or months after being purchased because they are ‘too hyper’ with the kids, even though their activity level is actually totally normal for a puppy. This is why a slightly older dog, even one who is 7-12 months old, or older, can be a perfect match for a family with kids. They have lost their sharp baby teeth so their play bites don’t hurt as much, and they have done most of their teething on someone else’s shoes and furniture.

Many people give up on their puppies just at the point that they would have started to calm down, so their desperation and frustration is your gain when you visit the shelter. Many young adult or adult pets are already housebroken, and some even have had some training in their former family, making your life much easier, because your pet has a head start.”