To want an old rescue dog as my first?

[PoisonousSmurf]

I'm almost 50 years old and would like a pet dog. I've never had one myself but have known people with dogs.
I feel that by rescuing an older dog, 'it' would teach me about caring for it. I need an experienced dog to take on a human carer, lol!
But family and friends say I should get a puppy. But I'm not ready for that.

We did the same as you, OP. We adopted The Hound when he was 4, from the Blue Cross. His previous owners had tied him up outside all day and then decided they couldn't take him with them when they moved. He was house-trained but that was about all, so we did some basic training sessions with him and he learned v quickly. It's been one of the best things we ever did, and he's been a fantastic companion. He's almost 12 now, and we can't imagine life without him perhaps slightly less hairy

I don't think we would ever get a puppy. We'd go for another older dog again when the time comes based on our experience.

My first dog was an elderly rescue. Proper old gentleman. He had three happy years with us. Smashing old chap he was.

My first dog was a rescue shih-tzu who was about 10 when we got her. She was a total spoiled diva but she had SO much personality, she was an amazing pet.

YANBU. Why would you want a puppy? Older dogs are fabulous and a good rescue will find you a suitable dog if you are a first time owner. There are so many dogs out there desperate for a good home and the idea that they are all somehow "damaged" and won't be a good pet is absurd.

Great idea OP. Puppies are lovely but bloody hard work. Not to mention expensive once you take into account all the household items they Ilike to destroy

It's a great idea. How about a retired guide dog? They are usually labs (or retrievers) and fantastically well trained.

A lot of older dogs are fully trained and lovely. People move and leave them behind, or get sick or die and have no one to take them in. Often they're stuck in a stressful shelter for quite a while so aren't at their best when you see them, but once home they're amazing.

Most of my dogs have been older rescues, and usually those who were waiting for a home for a long time. They need some time to understand they have a new home and feel secure, and for a while many are scared of certain things that remind them of being left the first time (car rides, the vet, being tied to a pole etc.) but if you're patient with them they flourish quickly. A lot of shelters will claim they have issues with other dogs, but many really don't. They just got scared and depressed after going from their home with their family to an environment where dozens of other dogs are barking at them all day long. Take them out of that environment and they're just fine.

I'd never want a puppy again. They're great fun in short doses but such a handful, and as a first time dog owner you'd have to put in more work than most to get them to not be a destructive little monster.

Definitely! We are an old bastard retirement home here.

our woof clan has, at various times, consisted of a 9 year old boy. Sadly he was with us a year only and we nursed him through kidney failure in his last months. A still going strong 12 year old girl with one eye, who we've had 3 years. We brought our currently 9 year old boy home last year. He's a lazy fucker - he's utterly awesome.

My current old man had never had his own human before - he'd been kept outside in a builders yard. He didn't understand play. He didn't understand treats, or rolling over for belly rubs, or walking on lead. Old girl has taught him how to Dog - he chases after balls now. Doesn't grab them when he gets there, but at least he does just sit and watch any more. His favourite tv show is sitting and watching the oven, drooling. She's taught him to use a dog bed, and he's picking up lifting his paw when there's treats - although he falls over. A lot. It's awesome watching an old man like him learning to become a pet.

I'm not gonna lie - the amount we've paid in vet bills has been huge, but kidney failure, eye removal (well, surgery to correct the shite job of removing it), and general old man Labrador issues, could be experienced in a pup very easily

We've also had a young girl who died at under 3 years old, so getting a young dog is no guarantee of longevity.

I love my Old Git Army.

Yanbu. Both our dogs were mature rescue dogs. Both lovely.

Thanks all. I'll have a look at the 'oldies' website

Just ❤

That sounds perfect, have you looked at Oldie's Club? They break my heart but sadly our house isn't suitable for a dog looking for a quiet life.

MardAsSnails your house sounds like heaven my Princess was like your old man she had to be shown how to dog, actually she had to be shown how to PUG, I admit I am biased but PUG is on a different level to dog, nothing wrong with dog but ahh PUGS

Another yes vote here. I don't understand people who think puppies are easier! I will always choose a rescue dog, I currently have 3! The oldies often get overlooked. I think it's heartbreaking when somebody's beloved old pet comes into rescue because the family can't look after them. Yet they can always find time to look after their money. Ok, in some cases perhaps not, but in a lot they could use some of the inherited money to pay for a dog sitter..

How lovely!

Fourquenelles, what gorgeous hounds

Greyhounds and any sighthounds (lurchers) are wonderful

Try Cinnamon Trust or giveadogabone - both specifically work with older dogs. They may not have any issues at all - sometimes their owners have passed away or gone into care/ sheltered accommodation.

Great idea. Find a good rescue and they will find the perfect dog for you. We adopted an 8 year old Bichon (sadly no longer with us) just be aware whilst you can teach and old dog new tricks you can't always un teach them old tricks. We managed to teach ours she couldn't eat off our plates but had absolutely no luck teaching her she couldn't sleep on the sofa/bed. If you adopt a senior dog be prepared to be flexible.