Can you be too old to adopt a puppy?

[LoriTrickler]

We are in our early 50's and 60's. We are thinking of getting a new boxer puppy. We had a 9 year old recently die of cancer. I have been reading all the articles on puppies and it sure makes you remember what you forgot! We love to walk for exercise and harldy missed a day with our old boxer. I would say we are in pretty good health. But boy those puppies sure have a lot of energy to burn and it is such a huge responsibility.
So I would like to hear from some senior members about your experiences with raising and training puppies.

Moderator's note: this is the Forum Requests forum. Thread moved to the General rescue forum.

 

[SILLY6PAK]

I have recently started helping an 82 year old women with a 1 year old boxer. The lady is in great health. Her biggest problem was she babied her dog. He wasn't getting the exercise because she was worried he would get hurt in the dog area of her apartment. My vet was trying to get her to rehome the dog. I now take him Mondays and Fridays for daycare with my gang.
All is going well. She hadn't thought to make arrangements for the dog if she should pass first. To me that is the big respondsibility. The dog ADORES her!! He jumps on everyone except her. I am going to work on his manners but honestly he is a prince with his owner. She has always had Boxers and worships this dog.
Have you thought of rescueing an older dog?

 

[My Boxer]

I am beginning to think I am. I am 54 and have a 10 month old rescue. I just don't have the energy to keep up with him some days. Also I don't always have the strength I need when out walking and he begins to pull. He has almost pulled me down several times pulling or wrapping the leash arounded my legs (just got a Gentle Leader). He has no training at all, but I am working on it. But he is so strong, I sometimes wonder if I should get a smaller dog. Also when my other 2 dogs got sick, I couldn't lift them up, I had to get a neighbor to help me. But I so do love Boxers, maybe I will get a senior next time.

 

[JaredKyah]

Although my parents are much older than you, (they are 68 and 70), they are the proud parents of a BT puppy that they got in November. My mother loved my dog, but thought that a Boxer may be too big for them to handle. (Having said that, they are in excellent shape and very good health, and are always active). They are having great fun with their little BT.

 

[Jan]

As long as you are healthy and active I can't think of any reason why you can't have a boxer. You have had one before so you know what to expect.

Go for it!

 

[matkeson]

I'm not a senior just yet, but have you thought about a rescue? We just did this with Dixie. We didn't get a puppy because we have 5 kids who are a variety of ages and demands, and I knew we didn't have the time for a pup. Dixie was 18 months old, and while we did have to housetrain, crate train, and we're still teaching manners, the demands aren't nearly as great. Plus, she sleeps all night . And the gratitude we feel from her is amazing. Just a thought and something to check into...

 

[TossBranAbi]

You are only as old as you believe you are. If you think you can handle one and want one, then you should get one. My Dad will be 83 in June and he has decided he is ready for another big dog (he already has a Bichon) and we are going hopefully Friday to get him a Great Dane. The dog is 3 years old so is through the puppy stage but my Dad didn't care about that, he is getting this particular one because he needs a home.

I think rescuing an older dog would be a great option too. There is always some pup out there looking for a forever home. Like already mentioned though, make arrangements so the dog has a home in the case of your death. I feel that everyone should have this done, no matter their age. I am only 22 but have made arrangements for our pups in case Stephen and I both leave this world early.

 

[FletchersMom]

I think each case is different. If you are active as you say and have the love and patience to give then I say go for it.

 

[lirpa23]

I also would like to say that maybe you should consider adopting an older dog. My Dad is 64 years old, and in pretty good shape. He recently retired and lives alone. When I got my puppy Rocko, my Dad would come over twice a week and let him out of the crate for exercise, play, potty breaks while I was at school. During all of this he fell in love with my little guy. He talked about getting a dog, but he wondered if it was the right decision because he is not an experienced dog owner. I talked him into rescue, and a few weeks later he found Tyson, a four year old brindle male. My Dad and Tyson have really hit it off, and my Dad couldn't be happier. It may be different for the two of you, because you are experienced dog owners, but for my Dad, an older, calmer, and more relaxed dog worked better than a young, exuberant pup. His boy walks well on a leash, is already housetrained, and doesn't touch a thing in the house. He's a great boy, and rescuing has been a great experience. My Dad found a dog that was left outside all day and neglected, and gave him a wonderful loving home. If you think you can handle a pup, than certainly go right ahead. But at least consider rescue because there are a lot of boxers out there that really need a good home. Good luck!

 

[Reagan-Mae]

Big difference between 50/60's and 82. I don't see the difference between a 62 yr old inexperienced dog owner and a 35 yr old inexperienced dog owner. All dog owners have to start somewhere, they just have to make informed decisions. Likely people are wiser at 62! Like someone else said if you are healthy and can handle it WHY NOT!!!!