[JadeRyanKelly526]

Hi everyone!
Forgive me for all the questions. I don't know if this one has been answered. I've perused a lot of the topics about chewing, etc, but I don't know if there has been anything on acclimating an older dog to your house.

Do you think older dogs are easier than younger ones? Someone advised me that an older dog at this point is preferable because they are most LIKELY(not always) past the chewing/destroying things stage. Seeing as I am not home all day it makes sense that I get a dog that is older than 4 years old.

The dog I am considering for adoption is 5 years old.

Do I have to do anything different as far as training goes? I don't have any information on the dog though so I probably will just have to start her out like she is in the puppy stage-as far as house training, crate, etc.

I am sure there are websites I can look at-which I am doing. I just like to hear first hand experiences. It helps a ton!

I don't know the Idaho area very well, but that's where I am moving. The only place I know of for training classes is Petco and I don't really know if they're any good.

I'd actually like to do the Canine Good CItizen test eventually. I always thought that would be good. We'll see!

SOrry for the ramble!
Any suggestions/advice is appreciated.

-Jade

[Curbside Prophet]

Yes, older dogs are a better fit for someone who doesn't want to go through the trial and tribulations of puppyhood. So, in that sense, yes the transition will be easier, but you will need to prepare to treat an older dog as a puppy. Because any dog, regardless of age, when brought into a new environment, the owner needs to have less expectations as the dog adjusts. This is true for any situation. If your dog is completely housetrained in your home, don't expect it to be housetrained in your friends home. New environments and situations can be stressful on a dog, thus you must expect less. Therefore, your training shouldn't be any different, at first, than it would be for a puppy. And please, ramble on...everyone's words are welcome here.

[JadeRyanKelly526]

Thanks. True. I definitely expect to treat the adult dog just as I would a puppy- as I don't have any history on strays or what not. I'll definitely take it slow but be dilligent- No dog is perfect though and even if they were housetrained in another house doesn't mean they will be in mine right away. I'll just try to be patient. lol.

I appreciate all the information.