Adopting an adult dog

You've had a puppy before and although he was cute and cuddly, it took a lot of your time and energy in the first few months when you brought that tiny ball of fur home. Memories of training him days on end to use the bathroom outside and not to bark at every passing car or person who came to your door go through your head.

So this time around, you're planning to adopt an adolescent or adult dog from a rescue group or shelter.

There are millions of dogs surrendered to humane societies and rescues every year. Adopting a dog from your local shelter is a heroic thing to do. You'll be saving a life and greatly improving yours.

It generally takes adult dogs a lot longer to get adopted than those irresistible puppies, even though they may be calmer, better socialized, housetrained, and even past the "chew everything in sight" stage.

There are many advantages of adopting an adult dog. For one thing, you don't have to deal with those sharp puppy teeth. And because your new dog has her adult teeth, she is less likely to chew everything within her reach. If not already housetrained (and many are), a mature dog at least has the physical ability to hold his bladder or bowel for longer periods of time and can usually learn appropriate potty habits quickly, with the right training. And if you're looking for a ready-made exercise partner, you don't have to wait months for your walking/running buddy to go with you on your next 5k run.

You'll already know the size and disposition of your new furry friend, although you probably won't know of his past. But the good news is since dogs live in the moment, it is possible to take an adult dog and start over.

An adult dog can be integrated into a new household more quickly and with less work than a new puppy. And as an added benefit, you can feel good that you've adopted a dog that might otherwise not be able to find his forever home.

But before you adopt your new best friend, know what qualities you're looking for, and what you can't tolerate. Be honest. Whether you're adopting from a shelter or from a private individual, tell the person you're dealing with the truth about what you can handle and what you can't. Ask loads of questions about the dog you have taken interest in. Shelter adoption specialists often know the dogs fairly well and will be straight with you.

The shelter staff will be able to give you a good idea of the dog's temperament. If he interacts with other pets or is better by himself. The shelter staff will also let you know if he is clingy or laid-back. If you're bringing your new dog home to a house that already has cats and dogs in it, look for a dog that has lived with other animals before. Spend some time alone with the pooch you want to bring home. Ask the shelter staff if there is somewhere you can interact with the dog.

The dog you have picked out at the shelter seems the perfect fit. And now after all the paperwork, it's time to bring Rover to his new home.

First, know that your new adult dog is grateful to you for rescuing him from an unpleasant situation. The first couple of weeks you and your dog are getting to know one another. Remember he doesn't understand why he has come to your home or what is expected of him. Your new pooch must learn a whole new set of rules. Be patient and consistent. Don't leave tempting shoes, clothing or children's toys within reach of your dog.

Take your new furry friend to obedience class as soon as possible. The trainer can help you with any troublesome problems before they become ingrained.

Within a week or two, your pooch will have settled into his new home and his new routine. Some may take a little longer. But in most cases he will be a well-adjusted member of the family within a month.