Dogs for old people: Which are the most suitable?
Dogs for old people are an enrichment for the old age; they provide company, are loyal friends and provide more activity in everyday life. At the same time, some dog breeds are better suited for seniors than others. The following tips show what these are and what else old people should look out for when choosing a dog.
In general, calm dogs are more suitable for old people than four-legged friends who need a lot of action to feel comfortable. As seniors age, their physical strength gradually diminishes, making small to medium-sized dog breeds easier to keep species-appropriate than large, powerful dogs.
Adult dogs better suited for the elderly
Puppies are cute and there is never a dull moment with them, but they still have to learn everything a well-behaved dog needs to know. For example, in the beginning it is necessary to go outside with the little one every two hours until he becomes housebroken. You also have to teach him basic commands first, and mistakes in dog training become noticeable in puppies later with undesirable behavior that is difficult to train off again.
Therefore, an adult dog is often the better choice for old people, since it is usually already house-trained, has mastered the most important commands and is more stable in its personality, so that it is easier to forgive small inconsistencies in training. You don’t have to worry that your four-legged friend will become a notorious beggar just because you give him a small piece of meat sausage from the dinner table now and then. And you know what you are getting with more mature dogs, which means you can choose a four-legged friend to suit you, your character and lifestyle, and your fitness level.
Dogs for old people from the shelter: advantages
You can find adult dogs for old people mainly in animal shelters. The more mature four-legged friends usually have a harder time finding a new loving home than their young counterparts. Therefore, you are definitely doing something good when you adopt an older dog from the shelter. Take your time in choosing and get detailed advice from the shelter staff. They usually know their charges very well, especially if the dog seniors have already been waiting longer for their new heart human. Therefore, they can give you good tips on which dog is right for you.
Dogs for old people from private or from the breeder
Other ways to find adult dogs are private individuals who have to give up their four-legged friend. Here you can look at the classified ads on the Internet – but be careful, sometimes there are dubious offers among them. If you have discovered a quadruped that could fit, call best with the still owners and pay attention to your feeling. If the whole thing seems okay, you can make an appointment and get to know the dog once without obligation. So that you feel more comfortable and can still get a second opinion, it is helpful to take a companion of your confidence to the meeting.
In addition, you can ask a reputable dog breeder if they may have adult dogs to place. Most good breeders will take care of their “charges” long after they are placed and will take them back if the family can no longer care for them. They then look for responsible, loving people who can give the four-legged friends a new home.
Calm, easy-care dog breeds for old people
If you have always kept a certain, large dog breed and are well acquainted with it, there is basically nothing to stop you from remaining loyal to your favorite dogs in old age – especially if you have a heart for gentle giants like the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Leonberger or St. Bernard. As long as you have enough space at home and live close to nature, so that you can go outside for a short walk every now and then, this is usually no problem. What is difficult are very active dogs that love to move around for old people. To offer a Border Collie, Australian Shepherd or a hunting dog breed species-appropriate employment is not possible for many seniors.
Medium-sized and small social and companion dogs are optimal for seniors already in poor health or elderly people with little dog experience. These include, for example, Bichons and related dog breeds such as the Maltese, Bolognese, Havanese, Coton de Tuléar and Löwchen. Poodles also make good companions for seniors. Those who like to play with their dog will enjoy the French Bulldog and will also find a lively contemporary in the Pug. Other social dogs include Pekingese, Shi Tzus, Papillons, Japan Chins, Kromfohrländer, Chihuahuas and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Some terriers such as the Yorkshire Terrier or the Boston Terrier are also suitable.
