The how much thread got me thinking.. why isn't this more in demand..

[Island dog]

Originally Posted by sparks19

I think there is a stigma about adult dogs in shelters to those who don't really have any experience. They think 1) there is a reason the dog ended up there (like the dog did somethign wrong to make his owners not want it) and 2) that they will be bringing in a dog of questionable temperment and with potential behaviour issues that they just aren't equipped to handle.

I think the idea is that if they get a puppy they can mold it to be what they want... most of the time this is NOT true LOL but this is the thought process behind it I think.

You hit the nail on the head. That's how I viewed dogs in shelters, although we only ever have a few here. I've come across so many people with rescues who were amazing, it's changed my opinion. I would love to get a jack russell or mix except I have a cockateil and couldn't take the chance. Molly grew up with the bird and doesn't view her as prey.

When I decided to get a dog I was worried about getting a pup because of all the work involved. I couldn't believe how easy Molly was and is. I have been very lucky as she is more than I ever imagined. I don't think I would be that lucky again.

[crazy_paws]

I actually wanted an adult when I found River listed at a rescue. He was alot of what I was looking for and his personality was great. He's still very puppy, but I see glimpses of a fantastic adult dog in there.

I'm very open to an adult dog in the future. An older breeder rehome would be so much easier than a puppy.

I personally am not a puppy person. Sure, .. they are cute, and I love to play with them, and I will train them.. but to live with them and raise them... well... I'd take a senior dog over a puppy anyday. But, I'm just a strange one.

[ACooper]

I can honestly say I WAS JQP when we got Phoebe, (no more knowledge than an average dog lover in the crowd IMO.....it was before I ever HEARD of a dog forum too, LOL 10 years ago) and she was 8-9 months old at that time. For all intents and purposes (for her size) she was a grown dog with issues already, chewing things in the house she shouldn't, digging up the back yard, charging the door to escape the house whenever possible.

I think sparks nailed it for me. I was apprehensive about a 'grown dog' for the kids. I always thought a dog that GREW UP around kids was sure to be more tolerant and patient with said kids. Also a puppy could be influenced and 'molded' to your expectations and trained easier than 'teaching the old dog new tricks' so to speak. But the big one being THE KIDS and how an older dog (possibly one who had lived through traumas) would react to them.

She was a super find though, you could tell right away about her feelings for children..........there was no mistaking she loved them from first sight. Everything else we worked on and got straightened out with a little effort and time. I am so very glad I didn't let her "cute puppy" stage being gone influence my decision on bringing her home

Fast forward to Orson.........he WAS a puppy who grew up with the kids, and quite honestly, he doesn't like a single kid outside this house. One just never knows how these things will go, LOL

[Dekka]

lol Coop I joke that dogs who aren't raised with kids like them better. Twist was raised in a kennel for the most part (the breeder would rotate them through the house a bit but had many JRTs) She ADORED kids. I think it was that she didn't have any previous bad experience with kids lol.

[MPP]

I think it's the used-car thing. You know, many people won't buy a used car because they don't want someone else's problems. Well, if you think of dogs as cars....Hmm, I seem to be having a bit of a problem seeing Katie Mae as a car....but you know what I mean.

[Laurelin]

Summer adores kids and wasn't raised with them. Then again, Summer ADORES any person she comes into contact with lol.

[Upendi&Mina]

I like puppies for the simple fact that I can mold them the way that I want them, and train them with the methods that I like using. I also like seeing that spark when a pup catches on to what you're asking of them. Then again I also have more of an interest in training than JQP. I would love, love, love being a behaviorist.

That said, I would be willing to looking into a 6-18 mo. old pup from a great breeder if they had what I was looking for in a dog.

[sammgirl]

OMG- Am I insane for getting a puppy, let alone a drivey CWC?

I've met some great adult dogs; dogs that I would probably take home if I could LOL.

I just wanted to raise a pup. I want the noise the mess the accidents the joys the frustrations and just falling in love with the little thing.

[Paige]

I find it just as easy to train a level headed older dog. They are out there in the shelter system. They are just as easy to mold. AND can hold their bladder longer. Just sayin'.


I don't want another puppy ever again. I'll take an adult or senior any day. Pups are cute but I like the oldies.