[gingersmom]

Well I want to thank everyone for all their help and support so far with my adoption process of my new beagle. However I kinda hit a wall! I met up with the Foster Mom of the Beagle girl. When she told me the beagle was age 6-8 i thought she meant months! She MEANT YEARS! LOL She was still beautiful though and my kids met her today too. She was very calm despite my kids squeals and pats and the 3 other dogs that were barking for attention around her.

My problem now is do i want a 6-8 yr old beagle? I dont know? Its there anything wrong with us getting a older dog? Will I still be able to attempt to crate train her now that she is that old? Will there be more health concerns becuz she is older? I was told she was in good health aside from the kennel cough she got from being with the other dog at the SPCA. She is getting spayed this week as well. What are your thoughts on this? Should I adopt this older beagle or start off fresh with a puppy? Taking in mind I dont have much experience with dogs?

 

[Java]

Rachel,
I don't think there is anything wrong with an veteran beagle. If you don't want to go through the puppy growing pains, an older beagle makes a compelling argument. There are some things to consider with a beagle that's 6-8:
1. does this stage in your potential beagle's life match your family's lifestyle and needs?
2. while 6-8 isn't exactly old or elderly, were you expecting a potential longer period with your new companion?

Lol...that's all I can think of, really. If her temperament is one that I'm looking for, and she fits in with my family, I'd adopt her on the spot. Age is just a number...especially with beagles

 

[gingersmom]

Well my bf said the same thing? He thinks that a older beagle will be great for me since I am going to nursing school at end of the month and i have 2 young girls. He thinks i will get frustrated going through the puppy stages while i try and going to nursing school. However i am home during the day so i could but it will be hard.

I will have to think about this. Thanks every much for your point of view.

 

[brandyb]

I say go for it. A puppy is huge work, especially if you're going back to school and have kids. If her temperment is what you want and she gets along with your family it could just be that perfect match.

 

[Murphys Dad]

I love older dogs, so I can't really give an unbiased opinion. If you think she's a good fit with your family, and if she's in good health I can't think of a good reason not to adopt her. My Li'l Girl is 9 years old, and has no health issues whereas Spook, our 4 year old mixed breed, has epilepsy and pyloric stenosis.

So, my best advice is go with your instincts.

 

[Mollys Mom]

Adopting an older dog definately has its pros and cons. My two greyhounds were 3 when we got them rfom the rescue group and Molly my beagle is about 3 (adopted 7 months ago). My first beagle we got as a puppy and beagle puppies, as cute as they are, can be a lot of work!! Training can be tough and they are full of so much energy!

If your children will be gentle with the older dog, and he is healthy as far as you know, I think it would be a good match. I love to see older dogs get forever homes.

As for house breaking issues, a lot depends on the dog's backgound and also how long he has been at a shelter (unless he is in a foster home, than that is excellent).

Either way, a beagle is an awesome choice for a family dog!!! The love and loyalty to your family will amaze you.

 

[Mom of 2 Beagles]

I would go for it for sure!! 6 - 8 year old Beagles are very sweet. Ours are 8 years old. Our girl Sadie is very hyper and full of life still. She gets out in the back yard and hunts and gets on a scent and barks and bays and all that. Pooh Bear, our boy dog is 8 too but is much more mello. He runs when he wants to, but is mostly a couch pototoe. This 8 year old might be better for your kids unless they want a hyper dog to run and chase and by hyper with. It just depends on the dogs personality. I would not let her age stop you from taking her. I'm sure she will be a joy.

 

[Nolan]

I had dogs all my life, but I was never the one to have to be responsible for it. I took that into consideration when my wife and I decided it was time to get a dog. I went in looking for an adult because I knew that an adult would know what it needed and may be able to communicate that to me. A puppy on the other hand would be totally dependent on what I knew about raising her and be at the mercy of what I didn't know.

We adopted Josie from the SPCA. Her tag said she was 4 or 5. We knew when we found her she was the one for us. Luckily she thought we were ok too.

You can attempt to crate train your new beag. Josie let us know pretty quickly that crates weren't her thing by breaking out of hers two nights in a row... Eventually she let us know that she prefers to sleep in the bed with us (isn't there a set of Rules around here that confirms this to be true anyway?).

I've never raised a puppy, but if you're starting school soon and have two young kids, I have a feeling that time for puppy training will be short. Wouldn't it be easier if your new dog came already house trained and knew when she was supposed to eat and knew the furniture wasn't a good chew thing? You get to skip to all the fun stuff like walks and fetch and snoozing in your favorite chair together (Josie's favorite afternoon delight...)

It sounds to me like an adult beag is just what your family needs...

 

[BookerMoose]

Add me to the wholehearted YES (!) group. It sounds to me that with your busy life an adult beagle is exactly what you need - puppies are cute but they are just soooo much work. With an adult beagle you get the joy of a beagle and a lot less of the trials and tribulations. And a 6-8 year old beagle is not old - healthy beagles can live to 12-15 years - and if our 8 year old Moosie is any indication, being that age certainly does not mean a beagle will not have a lot of energy and want to play a lot with your kids. And this dog would be so grateful to be given a second chance for a wonderful life - since unfortunately there are a lot fewer adoption possibilities for an adult than a puppy.

Keep us posted - it is a big decision but I really don't think you can go wrong with an adult beagle!

 

[Kirby-oh]

I got Natalie at 2 and Max at several months. They're still lively at... 8 and 6 I think. Older dogs are great.

It sounds like a good idea.

 

[Erin]

I would say go for it if you really liked her. Especially if she was good for your kids!! Older dogs don't generally take as much time and energy as pups do and fit better into a busy schedule. And from what I understand beagles act like pups for a long time

 

[PFR]

If she seemed like a fit, with no chewing, maybe tweeking with the potty training, and a little mellower, you will be one happy beagle owner...

 

[Murphys Dad]

I'm joining the yes group! You will love her no matter what age she is, and I'm sure she is wonderful. You and your kids liked her, so why not?

Also, I bet you would add another Beagle to the pack soon enough... you can't have just one. I know I'm planning on it, and will once I have enough room for 2 dogs.

 

[jassy]

I got Maggie as a puppy and raising her was a full time job. As an adoption counselor for a beagle rescue, I often recommend to first time beagle owners that they consider a middle aged beagle. Like Eleanor I hope to have a second beagle someday. You can always get a second younger beagle when you finish school. Also by then your kids will have some dog experience. Beagle puppies chew everything, including hands and I have seen young kids not very happy. Our rescue just listed a puppy for this reason...nipping at the kids, jumping on them and chasing the cat...just puppy stuff but its too much for the kids to handle.

 

[RhodaTse]

Funny I was just thinking of this today walking Charlie.
He is turning 3 in January and behaves rowdily, still very much like a pup. He does not do his walk very well. I had tried many ways of training. Just got house trained. As I said I dealt with the puppy period for 3 years. Chewed up my leather sofa(couple of holes).He just stop chewing now. Dug up my lawn, I spent $$$ on it, now I have flag stones, so no more digging. Wrong, He just dug a hole on the other side for no reason. The potty training....ah, I'm glad I still have my hair!

Not to mention getting up in the middle of the night taking him out to the yard in the cold when he was small.
So I thought perhaps if I had gotten an adult beagle, maybe he will be more matured. I didn't have to do all that! Just hoping Charlie will grow out of those mischievous acts.

My other dog just passed on last year. I got him when he was 4 or around there at SFSPCA. He was a wonder dog! No chewing, house trained, faithful as ever.
Of course, there are pros and cons, so perhaps you can weigh everything been said by our BW members. Good luck what ever you choose.

 

[gingersmom]

Wow thanks for the many replies! It gave me alot to think about. With my soon to be busy schedule i think everyone was right....an older beagle would be the right fit for my family and us being 1st beagle parents. Its funny cuz as soon as i made my decision i got a phone call around 9pm....it was the foster mom to the beagle...I was approved for the adoption and i get to take her home next friday after she has been spayed!

YEA!!!!!! I am going to be a mommy to a 6yr beagle girl i named Bella.

I have alot of things to do in the house to get ready for her arrival. I cant wait and i will post pics when i bring her home!

Thanks again everyone.

 

[sandals]

I love the older dogs. They always seem the easiest for me...I have had great success with house training too.

 

[Mollys Mom]

Oh yay!!!!! I'm so glad you are taking her and can't wait to see pics

 

[gingersmom]

yes im taking her! I signed the Adoption Contract this morning and i got to see her again! And guess what i learned? She is trained very well by her previous owners! Bella will come and Sit and give you her paw on Command! What a smart and good girl she is! No house training issues at all! So i dont think i will be crate training her! I want her to sleep with me like she is use to doing! I would simply love that!

Thanks everyone. and i will post a pic when i can figure out how

 

[RhodaTse]

I'm so glad you have made a wise decision, you will love Bella. I love Charlie too despite of all the hard work! hehe
That's why I do not want to make a decision for you, just list the pros and cons.