You’re ready to get a new dog! There are several avenues you can use. Dogs are available through breeders, rescue groups and animal shelters. All of these options have good dogs available. But before you choose where to get a dog, you will need to have an idea of what you are looking for.
The first thing to consider is whether your lifestyle is better suited to a puppy or an adult dog.
Puppies
Puppies usually require a much bigger commitment in the beginning to teach them all of the important lessons they need to know in the first two to three years of their lives.
- PRO: Your puppy is that it will grow up alongside you and naturally mold to your lifestyle. He or she will be accustomed to the people, animals, sounds, smells and routines that are part of your world.
- PRO: You control the puppy’s early learning history. You can ensure that the puppy has good socialization opportunities and early training.
- CON: Puppies require a lot more time commitment than adults!
- CON: You won’t know who that puppy really is until he or she is grown. Even a lovely puppy can develop behavioral problems through no fault of their new humans.
Adolescent or Adult Dogs
An adult dog requires a lot less time right from the start, since they are already socially and physically mature. Because of this maturity, it may be easier to predict the behavior of an adult dog.
- PRO: Your new adult dog may already be house trained and crate trained. They should not require midnight bathroom breaks or need a detailed socialization plan.
- PRO: You have a better chance of knowing what you are getting right from the beginning. A three-year-old dog who loves kids and other dogs will probably continue to love kids and other dogs.
- CON: Adult dogs may be more set in their ways and may not adapt as easily to every type of household or neighborhood. A southern farm dog may struggle to adjust to a northern city.
- CON: Adult dogs may come with unexpected behavioral challenges that weren’t apparent in their previous home, or didn’t show up while they were in foster.
Temperament is king
Once you know what you are looking for the most important thing you need to consider is the temperament of the dog.
- Have a busy household or want a dog to go on adventures with you? On meeting a new dog or puppy, you want them to willingly and happily approach you and show evidence that they enjoy your company.
- Open to a dog that might need a little more patience and support? Shy or reserved dogs will do better in a quiet home with no young children.
- Any signs of aggression are an indication of major trouble.
“But he’s so pretty…”
The very last thing you should consider is what the dog looks like. I know, I know, that’s almost impossible, because we are so driven toward the way a dog looks. But the temperament and behavior of the dog is so much more important. Only once you are sure the pup has the characteristics and temperament you want should you even consider the cuteness factor.
There are of course so many more factors to consider about the type of dog you want. Large or small? High energy or couch potato? Highly social or super independent? These are all serious considerations and breed characteristics can help answer some of these questions.
WOOFS! offers free pre-adoption counseling services to help you find the best dog for your lifestyle and family. There is nothing we love better than making a great match between a dog and its new family.
Originally published on ArlNow.com, July 2015. Updated November 2025.
