Getting A Dog : Dogs for Seniors

It is a proven fact that owning a dog, or any other animal, enriches the quality of life of its owner. This is even more so for seniors who own pets, as their four legged companions often provide entertainment, unconditional love, support, and constant companionship that may be missing in their lives.

Especially great for seniors living alone, owning a dog will encourage them to remain active, since they must walk the dog and play with the dog both indoors and outside. Many seniors who live in retirement homes or assisted care facilities also enjoy spending time with a dog, even if they are unable to care for a pooch of their own.

If you are a senior and find something is missing in your life, consider getting a dog. Dogs are excellent ways to lower your stress level and increase your overall sense of happiness. It is quite difficult to be sad when a slobbery muzzle is in your face, accompanied by a constantly wagging tail!

Before you begin your search for a dog, consider pet sitting for a friend, neighbor, or family member that is going out of town so that you can experience caring for a dog in an intimate atmosphere. This is especially important if you have never previously owned a dog or it has been many years since you owned a pooch. If you find the experience enjoyable, then start your search to find the right dog for you. However, if you find caring for your dog to be too much for you to handle, you are not alone!

Consider setting up a schedule with a friend, neighbor, or family member with a dog so that you can play with the pup without have the responsibility of caring for a pooch 24 hours a day. This could work out for everyone, especially if you offer to care for the dog during the daytime hours when the owners are away at work or school.

Once you have made the decision to adopt a dog, you will want to carefully consider the breed. Some breeds are energy-packed dogs constantly on the move and wanting to walk, jump, or play. The most infamous of these hyper breeds of dogs is the Jack Russell Terrier. If do not want a dog who is quite that active, consider choosing another breed that is known for their docile behavior. Furthermore, you will want to carefully consider the size of the dog when he reaches his full height and weight of growth.

Small dogs that like to weave between a person’s feet may prove to be a tripping hazard, whereas a large dog may be too unruly to walk or properly control. Many seniors choose to adopt adult dogs instead of puppies. By adopting an adult dog, you will not have to train the pooch and experience the often frustrating puppy behavior.

Consider adopting a dog that has served a heroic purpose in his previous life. For example, many seeing eye dogs, rescue dogs, police dogs, or assistance dogs are put up for adoption after serving in the role for a given period of time. These dogs are extremely well trained, well behaved, and often mellow.

If you currently live in a residence that does not allow dogs, consider other options for enjoying a four legged companion. Many service organizations incorporate dogs into their program, visiting individuals and allowing them to spend time with the pooch.

You may want to share ownership of a dog with another individual who can have dogs in his or her residence and visit whenever possible. However you decide to work dog ownership, know that being around a four legged pooch will greatly improve your quality of life and enjoyment.