According to Nielsen, dog diaper sales have increased to $24 million from March to Aug. 15, up 202% from the same period last year. But while more people are adopting puppies and house training, can we show a little love to adult dogs, too?
Adult dogs are fantastic to adopt. The mature dog can also bring companionship, love, and certainly more convenience in the “potty” department. I’ve rescued adult dogs several times, and it’s always incredible to me how well they adapt to a new situation. With our first Greyhound, I was astounded to see her reveal more of her personality weeks later once I believe she knew she was “home.” It was pure joy to see her blossom.
So why are COVID-19 puppies grabbing the spotlight instead of adopting adult dogs? Well, I get it. Many pet owners, especially first-timers, love puppy cuteness, a “clean slate” of behavior, and have a desire to be the first to bond with their dog and not get “damaged goods.” I agree that there is hardly anything cuter than a puppy. As a dog trainer/sitter, I get to love on several clients’ new pups and enjoy them all, from the snuggles to the puppy breath. But, like a new baby, they are not “potty trained” to head outside nor pad trained for indoors. Plus those puppy teeth can get ya.
While writing this blog, my daughter’s COVID-19 puppy just relieved herself on our carpet. I kid you not! I’m in the same boat as many new pet owners and had to stop typing long enough to let her outside to finish doing her business.
Meanwhile mature dogs are often housetrained already and usually know a few commands. Puppies don’t yet, which will require more dedication. While puppies start with a “clean slate,” let’s admit it. Dog training is not as easy as TV shows and streaming channels make it look.
I know some dog owners fear an “adult” dog may have trouble bonding with them. There’s a reason they are referred to as “man’s/woman’s best friend”—domesticated dogs are pre-programmed to bond with humans. It’s called neoteny; they’ve been bred with adolescent qualities, allowing them to bond with different people. In a new situation, domestication has them open to bonding with other people, too.
Sheila Webster Boneham, Ph.D., author of “Breed Rescue: How to Start and Run a Successful Program,” points out this fact.
“There is a myth that says you must bring a puppy home at seven weeks,” she says. “Nonsense! That idea comes from a misinterpretation of research that showed that puppies must have human contact beginning no later than the seventh week or they won’t bond to people. But that means people in general.”
Adult dogs are capable of bonding as well as puppies, she adds.
“Some dogs take a little more TLC, but I have found [adult] dogs to be extremely resilient, and most are driven to be connected to a person or family.”
Quarantine has been good for getting more pets out of shelters and pets in homes in general. At FetchaDate, we’re happy when more people have pets. It brings out the good in people to care for something outside of themselves.
Rest assured that adult dogs can bond with you as well as a puppy, and be just as playful and cute. Adopt older dogs. You won’t have to hide your shoes, take up the rugs, or refurbish chewed-up table legs. The bond develops over the quality of time you spend with your pet, whether (s)he’s 2 years old or 12.
