The Dilemma of the New Owner
Do you want to adopt a dog.
Puppies?:
- Cute, they steal your heart.
- "They grow up with you".
Adults?:
- Already "trained".
- "You save a life".
Reality: for many, adopting an adult is the best choice.
Let's see why.
Puppies: The Truth
Pros
- Cute.
- Growing together.
- Malleable.
Often Ignored Cons
- Destructive in the house (furniture, shoes).
- Pee everywhere for months.
- Restless nights for weeks.
- Multiple vaccinations (cost).
- Future sterilization.
- Undefined character (lottery).
- Infinite energy (1-2 years).
Time investment: huge.
Costs in year 1: €1,000-2,500.
Adult Dogs: The 8 Advantages
Advantage 1: Defined Character
Puppy: lottery.
Adult:
- You see who they are.
- Known character.
- No surprises.
Practice:
- Multiple visits to the shelter.
- Behavior observation.
Advantage 2: Less Destruction
Puppy:
- Chews everything.
- Pee everywhere.
- Destroys furniture.
Adult:
- Generally trained.
- Knows "basic rules".
- Saves home damage.
Advantage 3: Lower Initial Costs
Puppy (year 1):
- Completed vaccinations: €200-400.
- Sterilization: €200-500.
- Microchip: €30-50.
- Vet visits: €100-200.
Adult from the shelter:
- All done.
- Adoption cost: €50-300.
Savings: €500-1,000.
Advantage 4: Basic Training
Adult from shelter/former family:
- Often knows basic commands.
- Leash walking.
- House trained.
Puppy:
- 6-12 months of intense training.
Advantage 5: Manageable Energy
Puppy:
- "Tasmanian" energy.
- Never gets tired.
Adult:
- Age-appropriate energy.
- Rest periods.
For families:
- More manageable.
Advantage 6: Already Socialized
Puppy:
- Needs socialization.
- Months of work.
Adult:
- Already socialized (in the shelter or family).
- Knows how to interact.
Advantage 7: You Save a Life
Italy:
- 80,000+ dogs in shelters.
- Thousands euthanized every year (overcrowded shelters).
Adopting an adult:
- Saves ONE specific life.
- Frees up space in shelters.
- Reduces stray populations.
Advantage 8: Quick Bonding + Gratitude
Adopted adults:
- Often show obvious gratitude.
- Deep bonding in 2-4 weeks.
Puppies:
- Bonding grows over time.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Expecting "Puppy" from Adult
Reality:
- Adult has its own personality.
- Cannot be "molded" like a puppy.
Only accepts:
- Existing personality.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Past
Adult dog:
- Has lived experiences.
- Possible traumas.
- Know their history.
Mistake 3: Not Asking for Information
Always ask:
- Medical history.
- Documented character.
- Any issues.
Mistake 4: Expecting Immediate Adaptation
Times:
- Minimum 1-2 weeks.
- "Decompressing" dog for 4-6 weeks.
Patience is essential.
Mistake 5: No Early Bonding
Build immediately:
- Routine.
- Affection.
- Play.
- Shared walks.
Mistake 6: Changing Breeds/Criteria
Do not adopt "any" dog:
- Check compatibility.
- Breed.
- Energy levels.
Mistake 7: Not Investing in a Trainer
Even adults may need to:
- Refine commands.
- Correct behaviors.
Trainer: €200-500 for the course.
Where to Find Adult Dogs
1. Public/Private Shelters
Adoption cost: €50-300.
Advantages:
- Often vaccinated, sterilized.
2. Volunteers
Private or associations:
- Often provide additional care (vet, behaviorist).
Cost: €50-200.
3. Families Surrendering
Reasons:
- Moving.
- Allergies.
- Loss.
Verify: real reasons.
4. Breeders
Ex-breeders, "retired":
- Adult purebreds.
- Sterilized.
- At a reduced cost.
5. Breed-specific Associations
Examples:
- "Greyhound Italy Adoption".
- "Cane Corso Rescue".
Specialized:
- Experience with the breed.
What to Look for in an Adult Dog
Positive Indicators
- Friendly approach.
- Tail held high or moderate.
- Soft gaze.
- Response to call.
- Allows handling.
"Attention" Indicators
- Very fearful dog: needs time.
- Very reactive dog: requires experience.
- Dog with a traumatic history: patient work needed.
Do not discard:
- Dogs with surmountable issues.
- With time, love.
The Initial "Safe Room"
Setup:
First week:
- Dedicated room.
- Bed, bowls, litter box (if needed).
- Possible Adaptil.
- Do not force outings.
Gradual adjustment:
- 1-2 weeks in the room.
- Gradual house expansion.
The Dog's "Decompression"
Times:
Days 1-3: shock, disorientation.
Days 4-14: initial adjustment.
Weeks 2-4: established routine.
Month 2-3: true "self".
You see the true dog after weeks.
Total Costs
Adult from Shelter
Adoption: €50-300.
Home setup: €100-200 (bowls, bed, leash).
Trainer: €200-500 (optional).
Total for the first year: €500-1,500.
Puppy
Purchase: €500-2,500.
Vaccinations + sterilization: €400-800.
Setup: €200-300.
Trainer (recommended): €300-700.
Total for the first year: €1,400-4,300.
Difference: €1,000-3,000.
Suitable Family Groups
Elderly
Puppy: difficult (excessive energy).
Calm adult: ideal.
Families with Children
Check:
- Adult compatible with children.
- Documented history.
Singles
Adult suitable for working life:
- More peaceful life.
Active Couples
Sporty adult:
- Hiking companion.
Typical Stories
Heartwarming story:
- Dog 7 years in shelter for 4.
- Adopted.
- "Blossoms" in 2 weeks.
- 6 years of companionship.
Typical story:
- Adult adopted.
- Routine.
- Quick bonding.
- "Never regretted".
Myths to Dispel
Myth 1: "Adult dogs don’t bond". False: often more than adopted adults.
Myth 2: "They all have problems". False: many are calm.
Myth 3: "Shorter life". Variable: depends on age.
Myth 4: "Only for experts". False: suitable for beginners (some).
Myth 5: "They don’t adapt". False: with time, they adapt very well.
The Truth
Adopting an adult dog offers:
✅ 8 real advantages:
- Known character.
- Less destruction.
- Lower initial costs.
- Basic training.
- Manageable energy.
- Socialization done.
- Save a life.
- Quick bonding.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Wrong expectations.
- Lack of information.
- No patience.
Investment:
- €500-1,500 in the first year.
- Time and attention.
Benefit:
- 5-12 years of companionship.
- Ethic of saving a life.
- Obvious gratitude.
The next time you look for a dog:
- Visit a shelter.
- Look at the adults.
- Let one choose you.
Perhaps your "dog" has been there for months. Waiting for a home.
Adopt them. Save them. It will be the most rewarding choice of your life.
