Dogs for seniors

Who can we call an elderly person? Conventionally, we are talking about people of retirement age who have already stopped working or have begun to work much less. On the one hand, it’s time to fulfill old dreams, which previously did not reach the hands. On the other hand, there comes a period when you need to treat your health with particular care and attention, and measure plans and undertakings with your own strength.

Getting a dog is the best remedy for boredom and an incentive to move more. A dog is not just a pet, it is a true friend and an attentive listener who is always happy to communicate with the owner and share his hobbies. The need to take walks with the dog makes the owner move more, breathe fresh air more often, and maintain general tone. Keeping a dog and caring for it stimulates you to monitor your health more in order to prevent separation from your pet due to the need, for example, to go to the hospital due to a chronic problem.

What kind of dog is suitable for an older person? If we talk about the dimensions of the pet, it is better to think about a dog of medium and small sizes. Keep in mind that you will need to keep the leash on the walk if the dog is too briskly rushing somewhere. The dog will have to be picked up periodically – for example, to help her climb into the bath before washing.

It is not worth spending all your savings on buying a purebred show puppy of a rare color if you are not going to compete. It is better to focus on dog breeds that are easy to care for and that do not have a tendency to hereditary diseases. Otherwise, constant trips to the veterinarian, professional grooming, handling and exhibition activities in general will take a lot of effort, time and investment. All this should be considered at the stage of choosing a pet.

Spending on the purchase of a rare puppy with a brilliant pedigree is justified if the pet is purchased to participate in competitions and exhibitions. If you need a soul mate, your fateful meeting can take place in a nursery or animal shelter.

By nature, older people are more suitable for kind, calm pets who appreciate home comfort and get along well with children. Surely younger relatives will want to visit you and play with the dog!

Puppy, teenage dog or adult dog? Good question. If you feel that you have the strength and patience to raise a playful young puppy, this will be the best option for you – the pet will know from an early age that you are its owner, leader and best friend.

If coping with the temper of a small mischievous puppy seems too difficult for you, we advise you to choose an older or already adult dog. This solution has a lot of advantages. Properly trained and socialized adult dogs already know the basic commands and do not cause behavioral problems. Having got such a pet, you will avoid long months of tedious educational work.

However, it is better to get acquainted with the pet in advance and collect as much information about it as possible. Ask the curator about the pet’s temperament, character and behavior. Talk to your dog in a relaxed atmosphere. It is important to make sure in advance that the dog does not have behavioral and psychological problems. It is more difficult to re-educate an adult dog than to train a puppy. And if we are talking about dogs with a difficult life experience behind them, it can be impossible to cope without the help of a zoopsychologist and a cynologist.

We have compiled the top 7 dog breeds for seniors for you. Take note!

French Bulldog. This is a moderately well-fed, imposing pet up to 35 centimeters high at the withers. He feels great both in an apartment and in a private house. Sometimes the French Bulldog needs to be allowed to warm up off the leash, but the pet does not need active walks. It is harmful for him to be in the heat and it is harmful to overwork. But in unhurried walks through a beautiful park, the “Frenchman” has no equal!

• – an exceptionally sociable pet that appreciates attention and sincerity. Feels good in a city apartment. He loves children, willingly watches TV with his owners, is always happy to ride in a car and never refuses a sincere dialogue.
• – a dog for apartment maintenance. On the day it is enough for her to take a walk twice for half an hour, but the pet will not mind a longer promenade. He is great with children, always feels the mood of the owner. Thanks to their docile disposition, lapdogs are friends with other pets in the house. They shed very little.
• Miniature is a hypoallergenic breed. Almost does not shed. The pet is clean, sensitive, attentive to children. Considered one of the best dog breeds for seniors. The miniature or toy poodle is very intelligent and learns commands quickly. Sensitive to noise and other external stimuli. Energetic and sociable. In case of potential danger, the pet gives a voice, ready to protect the owner from adversity.
• – quite independent, but very sensitive pet. Attached to the owner, loves to travel and walk with the owners. With pleasure they live a quiet home life in an apartment, they do not require long walks. They get cold in the cold, it is better to immediately stock up on warm overalls for the dog.
• – a charismatic funny pet with a calm character and friendly disposition. It weighs no more than eight kilograms. A devoted companion, very attached to the owner, easy to train. He likes to play at home, long walks are not held in high esteem by him, it is enough to leave the house a couple of times a day for a short while. Silky fur is easy to comb. Representatives of the breed are docile, completely non-aggressive, ready to get along with people of all ages, and with other pets. Without problems, they adapt to the rhythm of the life of the owner, living conditions.
• – a large breed that is ideal for older people. Companion dog with a kind, docile nature. Representatives of this breed are called one of the best guide dogs. Patient, easy to train, quick to remember commands. He gets along well with adults, children, and other pets too.

We hope our recommendations will help you make a choice and get a friendly, sociable pet with whom you will be on the same wavelength.