Puppy or Adult?

[Puppylove01]

I'm still not sure whether i want a puppy or adult! I'm VERY confused! I've never had a pet so what do u think???

[theGoldenPup]

It depends on your schedule and your preference! Your time, and your decisions.. Do you want a dog from rescue (NOT all of them have 'problems' there are MANY great dog and puppies that are just not wanted, or that were given up for stupid reasons)? Maybe meet some of those dogs and see. Find breeders, ask to meet adults they have for sale and puppies.

You'll be able to find your 'match' in time. Keep a-reading!

GoldenPup

[Merlinsmom]

Goldenpup pretty much said it all :) Have a good look around-and take into account what you can offer a dog-as in time/living conditions for it etc...

Puppies can be very demanding initially-but rewarding too.I think all dogs actually have their good and difficult sides.......

What I usually say to people who want to get a puppy is-allow yourself to get over the 'AWWWWWWWWW-HES SO CUTE' factor-before you bundle them up and take them home-LOL..they are very cute-but need alot of attention and it will mean some sleepless nights!!!

However-having said that-I wouldnt trade Merlin for anything-it was certainly worth it!

Good luck-and do visit some places with both puppies and older dogs-each have so much to offer in their own way.

If I get another dog-I would probably adopt one from a GR rescue place-but thats just me!

[Dogli]

For an adult,you basically know what you are getting temperament wise. You can also find dogs that already have some basic training. They are usually already house-trained,and you don't have to go through the troubles of having a puppy(chewing as one example). In this category you can get a laid back senior,or a more active dog of 3 or 4,or anything in between 1 and up.
Puppies are lots of fun and work! You will need to train it,and and puppies have higher energy levels(meaning not only that they require excercise,but they are almost always on the go). It is fun watching them grow up though.
In the end it is really your decision,depending on what you want and your lifestyle. If you still can't decide,you should visit some adult dogs,and look into some breeders.

[theGoldenPup]

And don't feel like you would be missing too much by skipping the puppiness, many adult goldens do chew, benefit from training, and often can be more cuddly.

Because personalities differ so much it is possible to find a very active or calm, friendly or aloof, shy or pushy.... in an adult. Puppies too...but like said, they do change as they grow!

GoldenPup

[Puppylove01]

yea, but for the 1st time i think that a 1-2 yr old golden would be good cause my mom would be the only one home during the day and she'd be gone for......3 hrs, and i don't think that that would be good for a puppy. So an older golden i think would be much better.

[diiorio]

If you find a good adult dog, go for it. I adopted my Enlish Setter that way. He was beign used for huning training, the owner go very ill, both ended up with lymes disease, and I made happy in ou new home.

Storm was a pain when he first came, but turned into a great dog.

Loo karoudn and take you time. Go see soem of the older dog's needing loving owners. Some of those dog's lsot their owners (death, illness, moving) nd need a good parent.

[nanls]

I would definitely adopt a golden next time that is older.......mostly because of my age 66. We thought about it and also missed a good chance to get a dog that was well trained but we waited too long and missed the chance. Then Noelle came into our lives last December at 3 months of age. We would have not known her had I adopted one........so have mixed feelings on that. I just know it takes so much energy and time to raise a puppy .......I forgot how much since our last golden we lost in 2005. But I would not trade Noelle for anything and I can't deny we do enjoy every day with her and watching them grown and change before your eyes.........I just need more energy to cope with her.....ha,ha. She is a sweetheart but has a ton of energy.
Nancy

[Soda]

I've done both and if I had an opportunity to get another dog and had to choose between a puppy or an older dog I really don't know which I'd pick.

Raising a puppy is so rewarding! But also very time consuming and can be very frustrating. An older dog comes with it's own brand of frustration if you end up with a dog with training issues. If I had to choose today I'd lean toward the puppy since I really like the teaching and behavior shaping that goes with puppyhood. I think if I was older and less energetic I'd probably go with the older dog as the nights are longer and they tend to be more settled.

[happygold]

An older dog, can bond deeply with you.
(2 is pretty young)

There are questions to ask about the dog....

Has he been raised with the family or kenneled?
Has he been trained?
To do what?
How well is he socialized?
Housebroken etc?
What are his habits and needs?
He could come with issues or be a perfect angel.
Have you met him?

Any questions you'd ask a rescue org you could ask the breeder.

....and questions to ask yourselves about how much you want or have time/energy for puppyhood
(Often underestimated.)
and how much you want the fun and frustrations,the search the choice.


Keep us posted.