gwtwmum2

I'm not ready for another poodle yet but I'm definitely mulling it over. I had thought that getting an older puppy or a young adult (anything 4 or under) might be a better option than starting all over with a puppy. But I read about a child getting attacked (not by a poodle - a different large breed) on another dog forum I'm on and it scared me. This two year old just walked by this dog and it jumped on the child and grabbed it by the face and started shaking it. It took 3 adults to get the dog off and 60 stitches to the child's face. The dog was a pet visiting the two year old's home with his teenage owner and before this hadn't been known to be aggressive.
So, do you think it is safe to adopt older dogs (especially larger breeds like a standard) if you have younger children? It has made me stop to think...

mercymoon

I'm really not for adopting older dogs, I rather start with a puppy.
With older dogs you don't always know their life story, how
they were treated, cared for, environment raised in, temperment
sometimes...

I just think its better to start fresh. Just my opinion.

mercymoon

I think adopting an older puppy would be okay though, anything
a year or under perhaps. I got Scooter when he was 5 months
old. Just make sure to ask the person trying to rehome the
dog if it has been around and socialized with children before, etc.
Also, meeting the dog in person is a biggy too.

Sivaro

Yep I have and still do adopt older dogs. A couple have annoyed me with not being house broken properly due to being kennel dogs :( But if they are the type Im looking for and are for sale, I find it beneficial to me as when they are older you can see how they have turned out.

This is the boy I picked up 2 days ago. Scuse his hair, need another trim.

Attached Thumbnails

     

mercymoon

Aww, he's cute, Siv!

Sivaro

Fankyou MM. Hes a hairy bugger atm, will prolly do him next week.

Sivaro

and his clipper cut someone done to him grrrrrrrrrrrrr. Apparantly everytime you clip his face its there. So will have to put a texta on it for shows.

Attached Thumbnails

     

Purple Poodle

I will never be having children but I would never hesitate to suggest an older dog for a family nor would I reject a dog for being over a certain age.

It really, really bothers me that people will automatically dismiss a wonderful animal because of its age. I have a 7 year old Chihuahua mix whom I am trying to place in a forever home and as soon as I tll people her age they frown and no longer want her. It absurd, she is such a sweet and loving dog and would make a great companion for any one.

All of my dogs, save for Cher my Toy Poodle mix and Clover my Am.Cocker mix, I acquired as adult dogs.

I got Tuesday my Standard at almost a year old (in April, she turned 1 in May) and she is just great! She is by no means an old dog and is still considered a "puppy". *shrug* my next Standard will most likely be a young puppy but if I find the perfect one and its not a puppy that's just fine by me. Puppies are difficult and time consuming, I would much rather deal with an adult dog! Don't get me wrong puppies are great (puppy breath) and I can't wait for the day I breed my first litter but its ludicrous to me people will bypass an adult dog because of its age.

So long story short, just because one dog, one time did something "wrong" does not mean all dogs will act the same way. Who's to say that child it not aggravate the dog? Or its "teenage" owner did not lie about the dog never attacking before?

P.S. Sivaro You new boy is gorgeous

gwtwmum2

Siv - your new boy is so pretty and even though you say he needs grooming, I love his big fluffy coat.
I don't mind an older dog but the reason I would want to get a second poodle would be to be a playmate for kids and Wriggs. I wonder if an "older" dog and by that I mean over 5 - would want that or if it would be annoyed by kids and a young Wrigley.
But I agree - while puppies are cute. I'm just fine with one that is a bit older and already potty trained (and possibly already fixed). Those are all a plus

Purple Poodle

It would depend on the dog really, if you find a dog you really want have some play dates with your crew and see if things go well. 5 is not really old for a Standard they can live into their teens so you would have a good 10 years with dog and the majority of dogs adjust to new situation very well. But again it depends on the dog. If you go the rescue route find one that does fostering so you know what the dog has been introduced to.