Puppies go clear off the "cute factor" scale. However, they are works-in-progress, exciting yet difficult to predict, nonstop fun but also frequently frustrating. It requires much time, patience and understanding to forge the kind of bond with puppies that we take for granted with our older canine friends.
Mature dogs have many advantages over puppies. Probably the biggest advantage is that together you have created a partnership, and already know each other and have adjusted to individual needs and foibles. All the hard work is done. She's been housetrained and tells you when she needs to "go"
In fact, one of the best ways to introduce young children to the positive aspects of dogs is with a calm, temperament-sound adult animal. Parents already have their hands full dealing with infants and toddlers, and don't need the added stress of an in-your-face pup. Children can share birthdays with the aging dog and still be relatively young when the dog enters her golden years.
It's not unusual for young people to say that one special dog has always been a part of their life
An older dog can be a stabilizing influence on children, teach responsibility and empathy for other living creatures and even act as a social bridge. For example, a child shy of interacting with other children because of a perceived disability often comes out of her shell when accompanied by a furry friend
The advantages of loving an older dog are not limited to children. Studies have shown that contact with dogs offers great physical and emotional health benefits to people, from children and adolescents, to adults and senior citizens.
Couples whose children have left for college and are recent empty nesters can receive great comfort by the presence of a furry companion. People of any age who lose a spouse from divorce or death
