Senior dogs are some of the best canine companions around. Sure, they may not always be as cute as a puppy, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve the same amount of love. Plus, you'll find that senior dogs may surprise you with their calm personalities and basic obedience.

So, if you're wondering, "Why adopt a senior dog?" You've come to the right place. We take you through why you should consider adopting a senior dog.

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Why Adopt a Senior Dog? Our Top 3 Reasons

Senior dogs tend to be overlooked at shelters, and that's just unfair. Senior dogs are some of the best dogs that you can adopt, especially if you want a relaxing dog that doesn't require a ton of training or exercise. That said, these aren't the only reasons to adopt them, and we take you through some more benefits below.

1. Calmer Temperament

We all love how cute puppies are; they're tough to beat, even compared to kittens and other baby animals. That said, if there's one thing that we can all agree on, it's the fact that they have a seemingly infinite amount of energy. Not only do they bounce off the walls all day, but they'll also keep you up at night if you don't exercise with them, train them, or play with them.

On the other hand, senior dogs tend to want to take a nap more often than not. While old dogs love going for the occasional walk, if you miss one, it's not like they'll keep you up all night long.

2. Background of Training

You know that saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks?" There is some degree of truth to this.,  Most senior dogs don't need any additional training to comfortably integrate into your home. This is due to the fact that most senior dogs are already housebroken.

Therefore, inviting them into your home is a smoother transition for an older senior dog than it is for a puppy. Of course, you can still train them as well because older dogs can, in fact, still learn new tricks – we don't know who came up with that myth.

3. Less Destructive

Comparing senior dogs to puppies again, you'll find that they're less destructive. This is because puppies tend to have destructive behaviors, including chewing, digging, and, of course, destroying furniture. Sure, this depends on the breed, but you still have a higher risk of encountering a destructive puppy than you do a senior dog.

Senior dogs tend to be less destructive because most older dogs outgrow that behavior. Plus, they tend to be lazier than puppies, which results in less annoying behaviors.

How to Adopt a Senior Dog

Adopting a senior dog may be noble, and we hope that we have convinced you to at least consider it. That said, the adoption process is more complicated than buying a dog. For this reason, you need to understand the steps.

While the adoption process varies from organization to organization and even from state to state, the process tends to include a few steps.

1. Find a senior dog to adopt at an animal rescue, shelter, or through a foster program.
2. Fill out an online application or an in-person application when you meet the dog.
3. Speak with people who work with the organization about your goals, housing situation, and experience with animals.
4. Typically, someone will want to contact your references and visit your home before approving your application.
5. Pay the adoption fee and bring your new senior canine companion home.

While these are the basic steps, the process may vary greatly. Therefore, we recommend reading an this adoption breakdown before you start the process. Doing so improves your chances of being approved.

Why Adopt a Senior Dog: Our Final Thoughts

Senior dogs are some of the best dogs that you can adopt. They tend to be overlooked in shelters, but senior dogs make exceptional canine companions.

So, why adopt a senior dog? The answer is simple: you're giving a home to a dog in need, and they're a lot easier to care for than puppies. Plus, senior dogs can still be trained, form deep bonds, and even act as watchdogs, so yes, they deserve your love too.