Most people who want to get a dog automatically think in terms of getting a puppy.  Puppies are, by their very natures, adorable.  They’re so helpless and need looking after - they appeal to everyone’s nurturing side. And Westie puppies are more adorable than most - they’re an easy armful, and their big round faces and sweet expressions make them virtually irresistible.

Puppies, however, can be a lot of work.  Firstly, there is the housetraining that needs to be done.  Most puppies are incapable of being housetrained until they are about 12 to 14 weeks old, so there is the period when one must clean up the messes. Puppies also need to be socialised to people, other dogs and new experiences. It can be quite an enjoyable experience, but it does require time and attention. 

There are also some real positives to getting a puppy. Many people prefer to get a puppy so it doesn’t have to ‘unlearn’ any habits from a previous home. Going through puppy kindergarten classes and watching the young dog develop can be really enjoyable - for some people. And others are simply attracted to that wonderful ‘baby’ smell and helplessness of a young pup. The bonding process seems to be faster with a puppy than with an adult dog, and it occurs quite automatically.  For older dogs to bond with new owners, it is sometimes necessary to engage in regular one-on-one activities, like daily walks or obedience classes. These activities will help puppies as well, but aren’t as necessary to ensuring that the dog develops a strong affection for the owner. 

When getting a puppy, it is important to pick the right time to bring a puppy home.  Many people will try to bring the pup home right before a long weekend or schedule holidays so that they can spend the time with their new pup.  Others prefer to take a puppy home after it has gone through the first fear period, especially if there are children in the home or it is a noisy place - by bringing the puppy home later, they avoid the risk of developing an inappropriate fear in the pup.  It certainly makes sense that a pup who has never been alone before, should learn to get used to that condition a little bit at a time! 
 

Older Pups and Adult Dogs can make good pets too

Sometimes, older puppies or adult dogs can be a better choice for your home.  Some people are not able to go through the housetraining stage – if the house is entirely carpeted, they may choose not to go through it. Elderly and physically challenged people may have difficulties cleaning up puppy messes. A house with young children is likely to be a place where a very young puppy will not be an appropriate choice - adult dogs are more tolerant of children’s play and noise than a youngster.  An adult dog will also be more settled, and won’t go through the ‘teenager’ stage where everything is to be chewed, and the pup’s energy is exhaustingly excessive.

In a household where there is no one home for full workdays, and there is no adequate provision for a puppy to eliminate, an adult dog is an ideal choice, as adults are better able to control themselves until the owner comes home.  A human workday can even be difficult for an adult dog to get through without needing to eliminate, so a sheet of paper on the laundry room floor can be enough for an adult dog, where a puppy would find it intolerable.
 

Older Dogs are not ‘rejects’

Many people object to having an older puppy or adult dog as they would rather not take on someone else’s failures.  Adult dogs and older puppies are not necessarily failures, however.  Breeders often keep several puppies from a litter and ‘run them on’ in order to see which one they should keep. Once the decision is made, the other pups then become candidates for loving homes.  These pups will often cost more than a very young pup as they will have had all of their vaccinations, worming, some socialisation and quite possibly be housetrained. 
 

What suits you?

The key to the decision is the lifestyle of the adoptive household.  If there are lots of people around, and they are able to keep a puppy active and clean up after it, then a puppy may be the best choice.  However, if there are constraints on cleaning up, exercising or lengths of time the dog must be alone, an older pup or adult dog may be a more satisfactory choice.
 

Author: Yvonne Lord
Tiarna Kennel