[Tulemon]

Hello all
I have never had a dog, but felt when I retired that there was a dog shaped hole in my life.

I have been planning this for some years now, it has been put off while I had 2 hip replacements and we moved to a house which needed total renovation. The house is almost done, and I have recovered well, able to walk for miles, and more flexible than I was. But getting up and down from the floor will probably always be a slow process, and I can’t really run. My husband is keenly supportive and in good shape, much better than me, but also not getting any younger.

I have considered getting an adult rescue dog. But all the ones I have seen online seem to come with behavioural problems. Even if I thought I could cope, the rescue centres tend to say “Experienced dog owners only”. And they don’t even let you visit because of Covid, you have to send in an application for a particular dog. And the dogs available are rarely cockapoos, which is my dream dog.

Plus, it may be selfish, but I really want a puppy. I know it won’t be easy, but I have all my time to give to my new doggy companion.

I would love to hear some reassurance from others who took on a puppy in their senior years. Or just honest opinions - is it likely to be too much for me physically? Is it wrong to get a dog that might outlive me?

 

[Dig]

It sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought already. I just thought of a couple of things reading through your post.
Cockapoo scan be very energetic dogs and can also be quite needy in terms of having someone around a lI’d say our 4 year old male is lower energy than most, but for the first two years he was hyper quite a bit of the time and the first 7-8 months his training was quite challenging and full on, particularly dealing with his mouthing.
as a first time owner it will be quite important to think about training classes. It’s an ideal way to bond with your dog and for the trainer to train you to train the dog. It’s good for meeting other dog owners at the same puppy stage.
Have you any family or friends who would be willing and able to take over the dogs care if needed. Do you have a plan for who will look after your dog if you go out for the day or on holiday?
If you have friends or family with young children you will need to think about ensuring supervision while they are around with your dog.
Id say that with all these things covered there’s no reason not to go for it. Dogs can really enrich our lives. Some other breeds might be slightly easier choices, but as I’ve mostly had terriers previously I find our cockapoo to be relatively easy to train and live alongside.
I wish you luck with whatever choice you make and keep us updated.

 

[Lena11]

Definitely agree with above and also make sure to think long term. The dog can get to 14-18 years of age and will still require daily walking etc. Will you be in good health then? Do you have family close by that can support and would take the puppy especially if anyone is ever in the hospital? It’s pretty much the same questions that you have for younger people, but usually in young age lots of people have kids, so more of a support system.
Cockapoos are definitely quite energetic and will require long time spend walking and outside and the mouthing can be tough on some people’s skin, but seems like you thought about that anyways.

 

[Tulemon]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful replies. You raise very good questions. I think I have the short and medium term covered pretty well. Lena11 is right that the long term is an issue. My husband is an optimist and sees us as sprightly 90 year olds. I am more on the pessimistic side, and the long term scenario is definitely something to think hard about.

The trouble is, I’ve been spending so much time studying puppy training videos, not to mention browsing all the adorable dogs on sites such as this, that my heart is ever more set on a cockapoo puppy. But I will listen to head, not heart, and look again at older dogs, and other breeds.

 

[2ndhandgal]

If you love the look of cockapoos maybe take a look at some of the crosses involving Shih-tzu, bichon or llasha apso which can have the same look but are generally slightly lower energy and not quite a bonkers as the average young cockapoo.

An older rescue would probably suit you but I agree lots at the moment do come with issues and whilst I see a fair number of cockapoos up for rehoming they are not for novice homes generally

 

[PatC]

I’m not a first time dog owner but I decided to get a dog again when I retired, I’m 66. I couldn’t get a rescue dog because I have a cat and young grandchildren, so last year I took the plunge, got a puppy and now have a one year old cockapoo. The early months were hard work, but so much fun, and Rosie is now becoming a lovely dog and a great companion. I have family who look after her when I’m away or just out for the day. Rosie is lively but has never been destructive and is very good with my grandchildren.
I’d say if you’re happy that you’ve covered all the bases go for it and enjoy the fun of having a puppy!

 

[Tulemon]

I’m updating this to let you know that, after much debate and considering all options, we decided to go ahead and get a cockapoo puppy. Our darling girl will be coming home in 2 weeks, at age 8 weeks and 2 days.

So excited! I know it will be hard work, but we are ready.

 

[2ndhandgal]

Exciting! Now is the time to Make contact with a good trainer for any help and advice you might need and get booked in for puppy classes

 

[Tulemon]

Thanks 2ndhandgirl. I have just spoken to an APDT trainer in our town and I will be signing up for the October series of 6 weeks puppy classes. She sounded very nice on the phone, and she said I could book her for a one-to-one session if I needed help before the classes start. Very reassuring!

Any other advice gratefully received!

 

[2ndhandgal]

Stock up on kitchen roll for cleaning and get some biological washing powder to use in a solution for cleaning, tugged toys for redirecting razor sharp teeth, catch up on your sleep and know that the vast majority of people durib* the first few weeks will have several moments when they wonder what on earth they have done and think it’s a huge mistake