Just because rescues often times have older dogs doesn't mean that there is necessarily anything wrong with the dog. Sometimes owners have to move and can't take the dogs with them. Sometimes the owner dies or gets divorced and neither party wants to take the dog. Sometimes owners realize that Scotties take a lot of work and training, and they just don't have the time or patience required to shape the dog's behavior. Sometimes there are medical or financial reasons that prevent them from keeping the dogs, but that doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with the dog. Only that he/she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Older dogs can live very full, very active lives and be wonderful members of the family. Here are just a few reasons why adopting an older dog is a great idea.

Easier Housebreaking: ...or sometimes even NO housebreaking. Older dogs, unlike puppies, have larger bladders and more control when it comes to bathroom trips. Which means fewer trips for you, and no midnight or early morning bathroom emergencies for the dog. This takes a lot of the hassle out of dog ownership. Older dogs adjust easier to your schedule, you sleep in--they sleep in, which works out great for everybody.

No teething problems: As most people know, puppies start teething around 4 months or so, depending on the breed, and when they do, LOOK OUT. Its like they turn into little beavers or something. They chew carpet, rugs, chairs, tables, and just about anything with legs on it...sometimes including people. Older dogs have passed that stage and no longer chew things to relieve the pain of teething. You also shouldn't have trouble with mouthing of your hands and feet from an adult dog, unlike puppies.

This is what you get: With a grown dog, you know what you are getting. You know exactly what size, exactly what temperament, and exactly what personality. Where as puppies may start out one way, and end up another depending on development during puppyhood. And isn't it nice to know exactly what to expect when you get home?

Settle down: Older dogs are calmer than puppies, though none the less active at play time. Instead of wandering the house constantly looking for something to do with their short attention span like puppies, older dogs are content to play when its time to play, and curl up and nap when it isn't. So if you don't have time for them right at the moment, they will take the opportunity to take a nice nap until you do.

Ease of training : In addition to easier housebreaking, training is easier too. And in some cases, older dogs may come with their own vocabulary of tricks already. Older dogs have longer attention spans, and can be more easily trained than puppies can. Which makes training much less frustrating to both the new owner and the dog.

Support: With an older rescue dog, STRNA offers a network of support to Adopters. We offer behavior counseling and support to all of our adopted dogs for the life of the dog. Many breeders don't offer that type of help, but when you adopt a dog from us, you adopt us too! And we are always ready to help our adoptive families.

The Rescue Bond: In many cases, rescue dogs bond better with families than puppies do. They appreciate the regular meals and shelter. Some may have been abused and neglected and are happy to have found love once again. Older dogs are very appreciative of the chance to have a fresh start, and they show it to you daily. They are loving members of the family, and they will always be grateful for what you did for them.

And if THAT doesn't convince you, talk to someone who has adopted an older dog or take a trip to your local breed rescue today and meet some of the "olders", I guarantee that they will steal your heart and make you fall in love!