Benefits of Senior Dogs

What you see is what you get

Older dogs are open books. From the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog and forge that instant love connection that will last a lifetime. If you’re not into surprises, an older dog is for you!

Easy to train

Older dogs are great at focusing on you — and on the task at hand — because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.

Seniors are super-loving

These dogs love you – and those of you who adopted dogs already in their golden years told us how devoted and grateful they are. It’s an instant bond that cannot be topped!

They’re not a 24/7 job

Grown-up dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time,” this is definitely a bonus.

They settle in quickly

Older dogs have been around the block and already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!

Fewer messes

Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be house-trained — and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really quickly (unlike puppies). With their teething years far behind them, seniors also are much less likely to be destructive chewers.

You won’t bite off more than you can chew

There are those who yearn for a doggie friend of their own, but hold back because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come. And they are wise to do so — a puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an eight to 20-year responsibility, which is not appropriate for the very elderly or those with certain long-term future plans. Providing a loving home for a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.

They enjoy easy livin’

Consider a canine retiree rather than a high-energy young dog who will run you ragged. Not that older dogs don’t require any exercise (they definitely do) — but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.

A good night’s sleep

Older dogs let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

Time for yourself

Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don’t make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

Companionship

Senior dogs whose lives have been disrupted in their later years have so much love to give and like nothing better than giving it. They tend to rely heavily on their owner for companionship and therefore bond very quickly. The desire to reciprocate the companionship given to them is very strong.

Seniors for seniors

An attractive concept used by many animal rescue/humane organizations, an older dog can be successfully matched up with a senior citizen. Lifestyle requirements of an older person often mix well with the lifestyle of an older dog. It’s a win/win situation, resulting in quality retirement companionship for both.

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

You sure can! While it may take an older dog a bit longer to adjust to new situations, they can; they will; they do. Their only requirement is to be given the opportunity. Generally, older dogs are calmer and therefore will focus much easier on what you are trying to teach them.

Save a life, be a hero

At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.

They’re BEAUTIFUL — inside and out!