| Are you considering a canine companion, a hound to | | | | left alone for longer periods of time. With an adult |
| have around, or a puppy pal? There are pros and | | | | dog, you know right away what you're getting in |
| cons to considering puppies vs. adult dogs. Puppies | | | | terms of: the size of the dog, the temperament, the |
| are great fun, but plenty of work. Puppies need a | | | | activity level and personality. What you don't know is |
| great deal of attention, much more care and | | | | the dog's past, what may have happened that led |
| training-and lots and lots of play time. Puppies cannot | | | | the dog to be in a situation of being rescued-or |
| be left alone as long as adult dogs. They must be | | | | abandoned. Adult dogs sometimes have developed |
| watched at all times or kept in a secure place such | | | | behavioral issues because of past neglect or abuse. It |
| as a crate when you can't watch them. They need | | | | may take time for you and your new adult dog to |
| frequent trips outside to relieve themselves; they eat | | | | develop mutual trust. Some adult dogs can be |
| several times a day. An advantage of having a puppy | | | | nervous or have separation anxiety when introduced |
| is you train and socialize the dog right from the | | | | into a new home. Treat an adult dog with respect |
| beginning. A puppy will quickly bond with family | | | | and affection. Talk softly and don't move suddenly |
| members. | | | | until you know your new canine companion and he |
| Your house will have to be "child protected" with | | | | knows you. |
| latches on cabinets where potentially dangerous | | | | Don't make the mistake of treating adult toy dogs, |
| things like cleaning supplies are kept. Puppies are | | | | like Miniature Schnauzers as puppies. They're not. |
| curious and explore everywhere, often by chewing. | | | | Some small dogs don't realize they're little (just like |
| New pups often have difficulty adapting to being | | | | some Great Danes think they're lap dogs). Toy dogs |
| away from their litter mates and your sleep will be | | | | should be house broken and well behaved just like |
| interrupted for the first days after you bring him | | | | their bigger cousins. |
| home. Housebreaking a puppy can be a messy chore. | | | | Many well-trained, sociable dogs are available for |
| You have to be patient when the puppy makes | | | | adoption, however, and you can certainly find one |
| mistakes. The good thing about a puppy is he is a | | | | that will fit right into your household with minimal |
| blank slate: he can be trained and socialized so he is a | | | | stress or period of adjustment. Just remember to |
| perfect fit with your family. You don't have to worry | | | | give the dog extra care, attention and love when he |
| about breaking him of bad habits. | | | | first comes into your home. If he feels completely |
| An alternative is adopting an adult dog from a shelter | | | | welcome and loved, he is bound to make a smoother |
| or foster home, or breed rescue organization. An | | | | transition. |
| older dog is usually already housebroken and can be | | | | |