There are many beautiful & loving adult Boxers available for adoption. Many of the dogs in rescue are there due to no fault of their own. Often they are already trained, healthy, and have wonderful temperaments.
Myth #1 It’s better to get a puppy because with an older dog, you never know what you’re getting.
At 1st that theory seems to make sense, except the exact opposite is true. All puppies are cute; all puppies love everyone. It’s not until a dog hits sexual maturity that some innate behavioral problems start to surface. There are many desperate calls made to rescues from people who paid thousands of dollars for a purebred puppy, who is now a year or two old and biting people, attacking other dogs, or engaging in some odd neurotic behavior. Buying & raising a puppy doesn’t mean you will automatically get a well tempered dog. Purebred is not the same as well-bred and with all the back yard breeders & unscrupulous puppy mills there are far more poor quality Boxer "breeders" than good ones.
The truth is this: when we list a 4 month old puppy, we can only guess what kind of adult she’ll make. When we list an 18 month old or two year old dog, we can predict pretty accurately what kind of dog you’ll have forever. Puppies take a long time to develop and mature before you see the true dog. However if you rescue an adult what you see is what you get. They have already grown into themselves.
Myth #2 I have small children so its better to get a puppy.
Without a doubt, this is the most common reason people want a puppy. A sweet, small puppy just seems like the best choice for sweet, small children.
The truth is Puppies have needle sharp teeth that they will happily sink into anyone. They also have sharp nails that scratch. Puppies have NO MANNERS. I have heard many parents complain about how their kids dislike the new puppy because the pup is biting them, jumping on them, scratching them. It might be in the name of play but for kids it still hurts & scares them...especially Boxer pups that often outweigh the children.
It takes the whole family to be consistent & calm with teaching a pup good manners and sometimes little kids don’t have the patience. Kids leave toys around (how is the pup supposed to learn not to chew in the midst of so much temptation?), and kids laugh, run, & squeal which eggs a puppy on.
Of course, puppies and small children do successfully co-habitate. But, in our experience, a calmer 2-3yr old boxer is a lot better fit for small children & inexperienced dog owners. A dog that has already been raised with kids or properly temperament tested is no more risky than a pup. Actually in many ways it’s less risky because their temperament is already known.
Myth #3 I’m unsure about getting a rescue dog, because I’m afraid he won’t bond to me.
That sound you hear is all our former adopters falling over laughing. Because the exact opposite is nearly always true--your rescue dog will CLING to you. There is NOTHING like the love of a dog that knows he’s/ she’s been given a 2nd chance. Rescue dogs are eternally grateful and seem to appreciate all their new family has to offer. They bond deeply and so will you! :-)
More Reasons to Rescue...
Additionally when you rescue (from a reputable breed specific boxer rescue) you (usually) have a team of people who make an effort to get to know their dogs and get to know you (meet your family, your other pets, see where you live, ask questions about your lifestyle, etc) so that a proper match can be made. Furthermore if you rescue & it doesn’t work out most rescue organizations will take the dog back.
And another bonus to rescuing is that your dog (or Puppy) will come already up to date on shots, Microchipped, and spayed/ neutered. And it’s all included in the adoption donation. Not many breeders can promise that. Additionally the adoption fees that you pay go right back into the rescue and directly help save another dog's life. No Breeder can promise that!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
