Get a puppy or an older dog?
I don't know if he could handle all the training,etc. My husband thinks the bond is not the same if you don't start with a puppy. Any thoughts? |
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| Ok , I'm going out on a limb here...it all depends on the maturity level of your son. When I was 26, all I could think of was packing my bags and going. Another senario is my sister adopted (took over the care of) a dog from a co-worker who was about the same age. The dog was cute while it was a pup, but the co-worker was more interested in going out and partying.
On the other hand, there are many 26 year olds who are married, have kids, etc....It just depends on your son and what he is willing to do. |
| I'm 27 and feel like I've just had a baby with the hours I keep and the amount of attention I have to give to Spike who's now 11 weeks old. Speaking completely candidly, my social life has gone to hell because my life revolves around this dog and my friends aren't as understanding as I wish they were. I wake up extremely early in the morning so I can care for him before work, I spend the time from walking in the door from work til the moment I go to sleep dealing with/entertaining the puppy. And I'm lucky enough to have a neighbor who's a dog trainer come in and make sure he's ok and able to go out to the bathroom and yard and walks during the day. Getting a puppy at this age is HARD work. Don't get me wrong, I love him to death and I love having him in my life but it's a HUGE lifestyle change and if you're not ready or willing to want to dedicate your entire existance to a baby (at least until he's old enough to understand) then I do not suggest getting a puppy. |
| Thanks for the input. Spike is darling, very cute picture. I know Brendan will do what he wants to but I don't want a disaster which is why I think an older dog is better. We've always gotten puppies(2 at a time)and they are a lot of work. I don't have experience trying to bond with an older dog. Good luck with Spike, it does get easier as they get older. |
| I would say an older dog.... but again, it depends what he is like, and what his lifestyle is like. Does he have time for round the clock puppy care at first? |
| He certainly is young enough to have the energy to handle a puppy...BUT does he have the time? The first two years are the hardest! : ) It IS like having a new baby in the house and total re-arrangement of lifestyle! What does your son say? Has he voiced his preference? As for the bonding issue....if he were to get an older dog through a rescue, they seen to bond very quickly to their new "upright" or at least that's what happens in this house! Some breeders look for good homes for their retired show OES, too, and bonding happens through play, grooming or any other number of daily routines.
Cathy Willowsprite, my version of: "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" ~Franklin Roosevelt Is "When I'm at the end of my rope, please just kick the stool out from under me!"-Cathy Howard  |
| LOL Cathy..... |
| Well , he gota 1 year old pit bull that he knows NOTHING about. MY suggestion was to get lots of good insurance. |
| In a few years, my son will be in the same position. We've had sheepdogs his whole life, so he's very familiar with the breed. Since he moved out a few months ago, he misses Miss Drezzie so terribly and is saying he's getting a rescue dog as soon as he can. I'm already trying to tell him that he has to make sure his lifestyle fits the dog, not the other way around. But you're right - they will do what they will do, and all we can do as parents is be here when they call for help!
Chris |
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