Before Hugo, my 4 and a half year old rottweiler, arrived, I had always wanted to adopt a puppy. I thought the experience would be rather chaotic and disappointing. I would like to share my story with Hugo in order to persuade you to adopt (and not buy) an older dog.
To begin with, I live a great life with Hugo. I take him everywhere with me, and I spend most of my time with him. I had wanted to adopt a puppy or a small dog. When I went to the shelters in my city, I learned that they only had large adult dogs up for adoption. When I spoke to the manager, they showed me Hugo and explained that he came from Italy, from the Vacanza Con Cane shelter in Rome. Hugo stared at me, and I fell in love at first sight. I decided to take him no matter what. I knew nothing about his story except that he was found abandoned by the shelter. When they brought him to me, he walked up to me as if he already knew me. It was incredible, really!
I expected to have huge problems with him, but I was surprised by his behavior. He obeyed me right away, he sat and quiet in the car, he didn't bark. I attached an electric training collar to his neck, but I never used it.
He was just great and still is.
My advice, if you have space, adopt an adult dog!