Note: Julia Thomson is a regular contributor to That Mutt. Visit her blog Home on 129 Acres where she writes about country living and DIY renovating.
Who’s been enjoying reading about Remy joining the ThatMutt family?
I have to give Lindsay a ton of credit for being so open and real about the ups and downs of puppydom.
When we were looking for a dog to add to our family, I knew 100% that I did not want a puppy. All of my searches on Petfinder were for young or adult dogs.
Why I didn’t want a puppy
1. Energy level.
My first reason for choosing an adult dog was energy level. We were committed to giving our dog lots of exercise (and living on a farm we have lots of opportunities for exercise), but we are a low key, adult household.
We wanted a dog who could be with us around the farm while we were working without needing our undivided attention every minute (breaks for scratches or zoomies or fetch were expected). And at the end of the day when the work is done, we wanted a dog who was content to doze while we watched TV.
I wasn’t sure that we’d get that with a puppy—at least not at first.
2. Training.
My second reason for choosing an adult dog was training. This is my first dog. I wasn’t confident in my ability to train a puppy competently. I hoped that with an adult dog, he’d already have some basic obedience and be pretty much house broken.
Again, we were committed to working with our dog and had training classes lined up, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to handle a blank slate, like Remy.
When Baxter came to us, he was completely housebroken and had the basic obedience skills we were looking for. There were still things to work on, whether more obedience or mastering some tricks, so we got the opportunity to do some training—and as Lindsay says, training is ongoing.
Probably Baxter’s most important quality is that he’s a perfect match for us in terms of energy level.
Dude is low energy. And I mean low.
He loves his walks and can run like a greyhound when we’re doing zoomies in the yard, but his default position is horizontal. In Baxter, we ended up finding the perfect dog for us.
See the post: Deep thoughts on DIY from the dog
I haven’t ruled out puppies entirely. Someday, it might be the right fit for our family. However, reading about Lindsay’s adventures with Remy (I had absolutely no idea evening craziness what a thing. Yikes!) I know a puppy is definitely not right for us right now.
Lindsay is very good about emphasizing that people should do what is right for themselves and their dogs, whether it’s training or feeding or adopting or buying.
And I think that’s good advice to apply to choice of what kind of dog to get too. Know yourself. Be realistic about what you can commit to. Be honest about what type of life you lead and make the effort to try to find the best dog for you.
You, and your dog, will be happier for it.
What qualities are most important to you in a dog?
Read more of Julia’s posts:
How to train a dog to be off leash
Tips for home renovating if you have a dog
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Jen Gabbard
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
Before Laika I had the same exact reservations. I was searching for an adult dog because I was working far from home full time and thought it would be a much better match energy wise. Well that thought didn't turn out as planned. I found myself at the local shelter one day falling in love with a 6 month old Shepherd mix I named Laika.
It's worked out wonderfully, but it certainly reinforces my reservations about raising a puppy or younger dog again. Much of it for me is how much extra time I have to dedicate to training.
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Wednesday 29th of June 2016
Sometime love just happens. I'm so glad that it's worked out for you and Laika!
KA
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
I love puppies so much, but I doubt I'll ever have one. I'm confident in my ability to dedicate the time and energy to a puppy, but I'm not sure I have it in me. When it comes to rescue dogs, I figure puppies probably get adopted quicker and easier than the adults. Plus, I have this small bit of anxiety that my puppy may develop some issue that comes out in adulthood (aggression, fearful, escape artist, etc), that I may cause or miss during socialization and puppy development, and won't be able to remedy. I've seen this happen with some of my friends' dogs. I'd prefer to get a dog that's lived in a foster home so I can get an idea about temperament and personality. But I love watching people raise and train puppies and commend those who do it well. And every dog needs training, love, and patience to thrive in a new home. For my life, it's better for me to have some idea of a dog's adult personality so it's a good fit for us both.
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Wednesday 29th of June 2016
That's a good perspective. I don't think I've thought about the value of knowing the adult personality and temperament in that way. They're adults much longer than they're puppies.
KL
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
Aside from the reasons I prefer to buy rather than rescue, I genuinely enjoyed raising my puppy. It was difficult and frustrating at times, but it was also really rewarding. It was a set of challenges that worked for me because I valued being the one to go through the process of socializing and training a young puppy. It allowed me control and knowledge I wouldn't have had otherwise. You can't control or know everything - but this was something I felt most comfortable doing myself. Raising her from puppyhood was a great experience. I'm very happy with the adult she's become, and I'm proud of both of us for getting there. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
The knowledge is definitely something that I miss with adopting a nearly 4 year-old. It's usually a non-issue, but it's definitely something I'm conscious of. I also question whether our bond is different than it would be if we'd known each other from the beginning.
Lindsay Stordahl
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
I think a lot of people feel that way. People feel puppies are more of a clean slate (which I guess they are!) in a good way while others see the "clean slate" as more challenging. Remy has been easier than some of my foster dogs and more difficult than others so a lot depends on the individual dog. Ace ... super easy. Some of my foster dogs ... nearly impossible to live with! But all the hard work (puppy or adult dog) does pay off and you're right, it's really rewarding.
Sandy Weinstein
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
i prefered puppies so i would have longer time with them. however, i have looked at many older rescue dogs and wanted them as well. i think it is up to the individual and their lifestyle. i know that puppies can be hard, the potty training, chewing, etc. but if you really want one, it is not a big deal. i love my 3 gals and they were 6 wks, 16 wks and 8 wks when i got them.
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
Good for you. You make a great point that if you're realistic about your lifestyle and yourself and what you want, you can make it happen.
Jessicavy
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
I don't want a puppy, either. Does anyone want mine? ;) Kidding, kidding . . . but seriously, I don't think I'll be getting a puppy again. Raising a dog from puppyhood was something of a bucket list item for me. I expected it to be hard and I don't regret it, but I'm feeling like once was enough. I keep looking at my adult dog sitting quietly at my feet, and my puppy rolling around next to him trying to eat his ID tag, and I can't wait for my little idiot to grow up!
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
I admire you for being so open and honest about your experience, just like Lindsay's been. That self-awareness is so valuable. Good for you for doing it and surviving it... almost :)