I’m a huge supporter of adopting animals from shelters. Every pet my family has ever owned either came from a shelter or was a stray that was adopted. I’m a big fan of older animals as well. When I adopt an older animal, I feel I have to earn its trust and love in a way that’s more challenging than a baby. I thoroughly enjoy that process and it makes, in my opinion, the bond I have with a new pet even stronger.
If you’re like me and you are considering giving an older pet from an adoption center/shelter a home, I applaud you. However, let’s not go into this blindly. Do your due diligence on any animal you’re considering. Older dogs with shady or unknown histories can bring unique risks. Be wary of an animal that has spent most of its life having been isolated and/or caged, as this is a good recipe for aggression.
Isolated animals usually are animals that haven’t been properly socialized to their peers, other animals, and humans. Dogs need to be taught that it is unacceptable to threaten or bite a person or chase a young child thinking it is prey. These are lessons that are usually taught in puppy-hood and as dog owners we don’t give them much thought.
Dog owners must establish themselves as the alpha no matter what the age of the dog. A dog who thinks he’s the alpha in the home is dangerous to people and other animals as well.
This is not to say that older dogs who have been caged for a long are to be feared and not worthy of being given a chance. Just procure all of the historical information on a given animal that you can, and most importantly trust your instincts.