Sponsored – The following content is created on behalf of Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA and does not reflect the opinions of Gray Media or its editorial staff. To learn more about Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, visit www.rhspca.org.
Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA sees the heartbreak of choosing an animal that isn’t the right fit all too often – resulting in surrender of the animal when they are just a few months or few years old. The shelter hopes to educate the public on what to consider when looking to add a new pet to the family through efforts such as their “Mutt-urity Matters” campaign. In the first half of the year, the shelter saw a 25% uptick in the number of puppies and dogs being surrendered. While staff at Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA worked tirelessly to accommodate this unexpected influx, the team knew that one major need was for community education.
When considering adding a new dog to your family, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to adopt an adult dog or a puppy. Both options come with unique joys and challenges, and understanding the differences can help you make the right choice for your lifestyle, experience, and expectations.
Energy Levels and Activity Needs
Puppies are bundles of energy. They require regular exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to develop healthily and to burn off their boundless energy. This means a significant time commitment, as puppies need frequent bathroom breaks, play sessions, and basic training.
Adult dogs tend to have more predictable energy levels. While some adult dogs, especially younger ones, may still be quite active, many have settled into a routine that includes periods of rest and relaxation. If you’re looking for a companion that’s more likely to enjoy a quiet evening, an adult dog might be a better fit.
Training Requirements
Puppies are a blank slate. This can be both a blessing and a challenge. On the plus side, you have the opportunity to train them exactly how you want from the start. However, this also means they need to learn everything—housebreaking, obedience, socialization, and more. Training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and a considerable time investment.
Many adult dogs come with some level of training, such as being housebroken or knowing basic commands. This can make the transition into your home smoother. However, they may also come with habits, good or bad, formed in their previous environment. Adopting an adult dog can be easier if you don’t have the time or experience to dedicate to extensive training, and the good news is – animals can learn at any age!
Size and TemperamentWhen you adopt a puppy, there’s always an element of surprise regarding their eventual size and temperament, especially if the breed is unknown. Puppies are still developing their personalities, and while you can influence this through training and socialization, their true nature will evolve over time.
What you see is what you get with an adult dog. Their size is already established, and their temperament is generally more predictable. This can be particularly beneficial for families with specific needs, such as having young children or other pets, as you can choose a dog that fits well with your household.
Bonding and Attachment
Many people believe that adopting a puppy allows for a stronger bond because you raise them from a young age. While this can be true, bonding with a puppy also requires patience through the “puppy phase,” which includes teething, potty training, and learning the rules of the house.
There’s a common misconception that adult dogs don’t bond as strongly with new owners, but this isn’t true. Adult dogs are often incredibly grateful for a second chance and can form deep, lasting bonds with their new families. They often settle in quickly, appreciating the comfort and care they may have lacked before.
Time Commitment and Lifestyle Fit
Raising a puppy requires a significant time commitment. From training to exercise, puppies demand constant attention and supervision, especially in the first few months. If you have a busy schedule or limited time, a puppy might be a challenging addition to your life.
Adult dogs often require less time-intensive care than puppies, making them a better fit for those with busier lifestyles or who prefer a more relaxed routine. Many adult dogs can be left alone for longer periods, provided they have been trained and are comfortable in their environment.
Cost Considerations
Puppies can be more expensive initially due to the cost of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, training classes, and supplies. There’s also the potential for unexpected costs due to accidents or illnesses that puppies are more prone to. Luckily, if you adopt a puppy from Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA, your cost of care is cut considerably since much of the initial vetting is taken care of. However, if you acquire your puppy through some other means, you should expect to spend upwards of $500-$1000 just to complete routine vetting in their first year of life.
While adult dogs may have fewer upfront costs, it’s essential to consider the possibility of ongoing veterinary care, especially for older dogs. However, when you adopt from Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA, your new pet will be microchipped, spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and will come with a medical history detailing any known or ongoing medical needs.
What does all of this mean?
Whether you choose to adopt a puppy or an adult dog, the decision should be based on your lifestyle, experience, and what you’re looking for in a canine companion. Puppies bring the excitement and challenges of raising a young dog, with the reward of shaping their growth. On the other hand, adult dogs offer more predictability in size, temperament, and energy levels, often requiring less intensive training. Both options have the potential to bring immense joy, love, and companionship into your life – it’s just important to make the educated decision up front on which is best for your lifestyle.
Clear The Shelters Adoption Campaign – Happening Now!
Through September 10th, Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA is participating in the nationwide Clear The Shelters adoption campaign. The shelter is offering “Name Your Price” adoptions for all adult dogs, cats, and kittens during this time period. With nearly 500 animals in the shelter’s care, adoptions are imperative to continue their life saving efforts. To date, over 1,100 animals have been adopted this year! Click HERE to view animals available for adoption.
Don’t Forget To Treat Yourself AND Your Pup!
Support for Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA’s mission comes in all different forms – whether it’s sharing content on social media, adopting a pet, becoming a foster, donating time and talent, making a monetary gift, posting the shelter’s monthly flier, or hosting an event. Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA is grateful for the support of the community. Earlier this year, Whitney from the Harrisonburg Dairy Queen asked for a tour and wanted to learn more about the shelter. Staff at Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA jumped at the opportunity to talk about all of the life saving and life changing programs that the shelter now offers to maintain an over 90% live release rate. Whitney was able to learn more about the Have a Heart Fund, Community Cat Program, Barn Cat Program, and Foster Program during her visit, and in exchange, she offered a really exciting opportunity!
For the entire year, both Harrisonburg Dairy Queen locations would sell pup cups for $1 and would donate it to Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA to support the shelter’s efforts. They also offered coupons for one free Blizzard to each adopter! In the first 6 months, they raised over $3,000 in pup cup sales – absolutely incredible! Not only have they supported the shelter monetarily, but they’ve also helped spread the word about our Mutt-urity Matters campaign by posting yard signs at both locations.
Whitney shared that the owner, Jane Blackburn, loves giving back to the community in various ways. The pup cups were just the tip of the iceberg! The Harrisonburg Dairy Queen locations also do change Round Ups throughout the year, participate in Miracle Treat Day to support CMN-UVA Children’s Health, and do spirit nights for local non-profit organizations.
Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA would like to thank Jane, Whitney, and all of the staff at the Carlton and Virginia Ave Dairy Queen locations for their generous support! We’re so proud to have you as our September Pet Of The Week Sponsor!
