Top Ten Reasons to Rescue a Dog

Puppies are adorable so it's so easy to see why so many people buy them from breeders, but did you know that it can be rewarding and a much better choice to adopt a rescue dog?

Listed below are ten reasons why you should consider dog adoption (as originally outlined by Mary and Doug Clark from the Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.).

#10 - No Housebreaking Required

Rescue dogs are often housebroken and since they are not puppies, they are able to hold their bladder longer. No housetraining makes for a much easier transition into a new home. But be sure to continue to enforce the good behavior by praising the dog when he goes outside.

#9 - No House Destruction

Because rescue dogs are already past the puppy teething stage, they are less likely to destroy your house. Your furniture legs, clothes, and your carpet will all be safe because rescue dogs can be left in the house without you worrying that your belongings will be destroyed when you come home.

*Of course a new dog might suffer from separation anxiety and could react accordingly, but for the most part, adult dogs will not destroy their new home due to teething.

#8 - You can Sleep

Puppies will keep new owners up all night with their whimpering and need to go out, but adult rescue dogs will be past that stage. A new dog can be frightened the first few nights but once he understands that he is in his new forever home and you have established a schedule, he will settle quickly into a routine and not keep his new owners up all night.

*Tip: Keeping your dog's crate or bed near yours is a good idea so he doesn't feel isolated.

#7 - You can Relax

A new puppy will keep you on your toes 24 hours a day but with an adult rescue dog, you won't have to worry about cleaning up a mess from the dog, or what he's up to when you're trying to watch TV or read the newspaper.

#6 - Veterinary Trips

Because puppies require so many vaccinations and trips to the veterinarian during their first year, you won't go back and forth as often or spend as much money initially. A rescue dog will be up-to-date with shots, spayed or neutered, and already on heartworm medication.

#5 - You Can Pick the Perfect Match

When you see an adult rescue dog, you know what he's already like. However, when you get a puppy it's uncertain as to what his temperament, personality or size will be. You can get a sense based on the parents, but puppies don't always turn out to be like their parents. What if you get the one puppy in the litter that has a bad temperament or grows to be much larger than you had expected?

With a puppy, you just don't know what you're getting. You might buy a puppy thinking he will be your new running partner, but when he grows up, he can turn out to be a couch potato. With a rescue, you know exactly what you are getting and can select accordingly. The rescue groups work hard to find the right family for each dog.

#4 - No Biting

Imagine not having to put up with a biting puppy all of the time. You won't have to worry about your family and friends being nipped by a teething puppy if you adopt a rescue dog.

#3 - A New Best Friend

A rescue dog will be happy to go with you everywhere and is a ready-made best friend. You won't have to wait for him to grow up. Instead of spending time cleaning up after a new puppy, you can spend that time bonding with your new rescue.

#2 - A Strong Bond

Rescue dogs are very appreciative that their new owners chose them. If they had a particularly bad start in life and you give them everything they ever dreamed of, they will be forever grateful. Rescue dogs want to please their new owners so they'll be very well behaved, and the bond between you and your new rescue will become deeper and more meaningful. Rescue dogs are very loyal, affectionate, and will be your forever best friend.

#1 - Control the Dog Population

Not only will you help keep the dog population down, but you'll also save a life. What better reason to adopt a rescue dog?