Aunt Mary's Doghouse

It's A Dog's Life - Ask Milo

By Mary Cody

What Age Dog Is Right For Your Circumstances?

Last time you were given a three question quiz to determine your readiness to add a dog to your household. As promised we are now going to move on to examine what age dog is an appropriate fit with your circumstance. Many dog owners claim the dog you choose should fit your lifestyle and your personality. So think about your situation for a moment.

If you're a frequent flyer and want companionship you need a portable dog, one that qualifies as carry-on baggage and will fit under your seat.

If the open road beckons to you there are more size options for a travel companion, preferably a dog that enjoys a life of adventure and doesn't get carsick.

If you have a sporting lifestyle that includes hiking, your four-legged companion should be a medium to large energetic breed well suited to vigorous walking and climbing for extended periods.

If you love water sports make sure the dog you pick was born to swim.

If you are a sedate channel surfing couch potato get a dog that doesn't care if he never gets off the couch.

And if you garden, well consider a dog that loves to dig and takes time to sniff the roses. You get the idea.

When it comes to age considerations there really are only three choices: puppy, young adult and senior. A puppy becomes a young adult at about the age of one and a half years. Once the dog reaches five years we tend to consider them as older or senior.
Pet food marketing companies have set this age classification standard as a strategy to sell their products. My puppy gets puppy chow, the young adult gets growth maintenance and the adult dog gets reduced fat senior for the less active dog.

So let's take a look at the pros/cons of a puppy.

Everyone loves a puppy ? they're so cute and irresistible and you get to raise them the way you want to from the start. Puppies are a source of joy and entertainment. But puppies are also like infants. They make demands and need attention. Puppies require patience and a consistent routine until they can catch on to the business of living.

The first few months can be rough establishing feeding, housetraining, sleeping schedules. Many people think small children and puppies are a natural together but from experience I know that many young children are frightened by the exuberance of a pup. Remember pups have sharp little nails and teeth. Energetic puppies often play with children the way they would a littermate, banging into them and knocking them down.

Some folks argue that with a puppy you know what you are getting and you know the history of the dog. But sweet little puppy personalities can change and undesirable characteristics can emerge - there are no guarantees. If the children are older, someone is at home at least part of the day, or hired to come in, and you've got lots of patience a puppy might be perfect. If this doesn't sound like you let's move along and take a look at a young dog.

Young dogs range in age from under two years to about 5 years. They are already through the infant/toddler stage. The personality is established - what you see is what you get. There are no surprises. They can responsibly be left alone for longer periods of time and be trusted inside the home.

This age group is plentiful in area shelters (a topic I'll discuss in the future). An experienced shelter volunteer can easily assist you with making a suitable match to your criteria. And by all means dismiss the myth that only problem dogs end up in shelters. The truth is that they end up there because of problem owners.

My number one choice, and a too often overlooked choice, is the senior dog. Senior dogs are dogs over five years of age. I can hear you from here saying you want a dog that will last a very long time. To that I say no dog ever lives long enough when he is truly loved.

Through no fault of their own these seasoned souls are surrendered to shelters, forsaken by their owners for some very lame reasons. They are often passed over for adoption because of their age and because of the cute little puppy nearby. In my opinion they make the best pets because they settle in more easily, and are grateful for a second chance. They enjoy a good nights sleep and let you get one as well. Give them a rawhide chew and they are content at your feet leaving you time for yourself.

And don't ever believe that you can't teach an old dog new tricks! Older dogs are people pleasers and they willingly respond to intelligent, polite requests.

Next time we'll talk about breeds and the seven groups they are divided into. All for now. It's time to take Milo the people pleaser senior for a walk through his town, Montclair.

Questions? E-mail them to askmilo2000@yahoo.com

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