Kalwa Springers Puppy or Adult?

When planning to get a dog, most people automatically assume their new dog should be a puppy. After all, doesn't everyone get a puppy? Isn't that best, so the dog can grow up with the family? Not necessarily, and there are a lot of reasons why. In many cases, getting an older puppy or an adult dog can be a better decision. Here's a comparison, to help you decide on the best pet for your family and lifestyle. Remember, that in either case you will end up with a loving companion for many years. If you do decide on an adult dog, there are several options available for acquiring one. Many animal shelters often have purebred dogs looking for homes, or you can contact your local breed rescue group (See What About Rescue? for more information). Also, you might consider contacting a breeder, as they sometimes have older puppies or adults available to be placed. These dogs could be show prospects that didn't turn out, retired champions, or dogs they have placed with other families who were returned for some reason. All of these options cam provide you with a wonderful adult companion.

Puppy		Adult
Puppies are cute and cuddly, and everybody loves them. However, that adorable puppy is quickly going to grow into an adult dog, anyway.		Adults are grown, so what you see is what you get in terms of size and appearance.
Puppies aren't housebroken; they have to be taught, and it's not always an easy process.		Most older puppies or adults are going to be housebroken already. This can save a huge amount of time, effort, and frustration (not to mention carpeting).
Puppies chew on everything. They have to be taught what is okay to chew on and what's not, and this also, is not always an easy process.		Adult dogs may still enjoy chewing, but have probably outgrown that phase where they chew on everything They have also probably learned what not to chew on.
Puppies have no obedience training, so you're starting from scratch. Since they're babies, they have short attention spans and therefore may not learn things very quickly. On the other hand, puppies can get the basics down at an early age, so they can be ready for advanced training later.		Adult dogs may have had some basic or even advanced obedience training. Even if they have no training, they can generally learn things fairly quickly if taught correctly.
Puppies have probably not had the opportunity to learn bad habits already. On the negative side, they can learn bad habits quickly if you don't prevent them from doing so.		Adult dogs may have picked up some bad habits, and some of these may be difficult to unlearn. On the other hand, they may already be very well-mannered, and that also is difficult to unlearn.
Puppies need lots of attention, and cannot be left alone for more than a few hours at a time.		Older dogs still need lots of attention, but are capable of being left alone for much longer periods than puppies.
Puppies may bond more quickly with their new owners than adult dogs, and may more readily adapt to new routines. The end result will be the same, however.		Adult dogs may take a little more time to bond with new people, and to adjust to new routines, but they will do so, and will be just as adoring in the end as a dog gotten as a puppy.
Small puppies may be easily injured by children. Large puppies may be overly exuberant and could knock small children down.		Adult dogs may be more able to withstand over-enthusiastic attention from children. Adult dogs are likely to be less energetic and rowdy than puppies, and may be better with small children as a result.
Due to still-developing bodies, puppies cannot participate in strenuous activities such as jogging with a person, or jumping (like in agility). If you plan to do these kinds of things with your dog, you must wait until he's grown (at least 18 months old in most breeds).		Adult dogs are fully grown and ready to tackle any activity you have plans to enjoy with them.
Puppies are a fine choice for anyone with the time and energy to handle the extra work that goes into raising a puppy correctly.		An adult dog is definitely a better choice if you want to avoid the mess and stress that can come with raising a puppy. An adult is also a better choice for people who want a dog, but also don't have a lot of extra time, or the availability to take care of a puppy.