Getting a puppy in your late 50s

[Anonymous]

We are getting a 4-month old puppy later this month and we are in our late 50s. What are we getting ourselves into? We never had a pet before.

We are both working onsite, and kids are out of house, how much will this impact our lifestyle? We plan to travel at least two or three times a year internationally. We have friends who said they can help, but with a puppy it’s a lot of work.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the puppy but you will probably need to find a boarding or dog-sitting situation for travel at least for back up. I’d plan on investing in some private training sessions too.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a plan for who will take care of this dog should you get sick and die? Late 50s is too old imo unless you are getting a big dog that won’t live 10 years. If you are getting a small dog who could live 18 years, very selfish.
Puppies are like infants. They need to go outside every hour while being trained, and they don’t sleep through the night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are getting a 4-month old puppy later this month and we are in our late 50s. What are we getting ourselves into? We never had a pet before.

We are both working onsite, and kids are out of house, how much will this impact our lifestyle? We plan to travel at least two or three times a year internationally. We have friends who said they can help, but with a puppy it’s a lot of work.

Don’t ask friends to watch your puppy. Get a dog sitter or a kennel. Expect to pay $100 a night at least. Vet expenses probably $1000 a year. $100/month for grooming if you get a dog that needs haircuts. Flea/tick/heartworm $50 month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a plan for who will take care of this dog should you get sick and die? Late 50s is too old imo unless you are getting a big dog that won’t live 10 years. If you are getting a small dog who could live 18 years, very selfish.
Puppies are like infants. They need to go outside every hour while being trained, and they don’t sleep through the night.

They are in their 50’s, not 90.

[Anonymous]

You're going to have to budget a couple thousand dollars or more for dog care for your trips. It's not impossible just be aware it's going to cost money. Pets are expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a plan for who will take care of this dog should you get sick and die? Late 50s is too old imo unless you are getting a big dog that won’t live 10 years. If you are getting a small dog who could live 18 years, very selfish.
Puppies are like infants. They need to go outside every hour while being trained, and they don’t sleep through the night.

Wrong. Totally wrong. The dog will be aging and dying when they hit their 70s. Until then it's the perfect time for empty nesters. My late 70s dad has 2 dogs who outlived his wife, my mom. Walking and taking care of his dogs have been crucial for him to avoid loneliness and give him a reason to wake up every day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a plan for who will take care of this dog should you get sick and die? Late 50s is too old imo unless you are getting a big dog that won’t live 10 years. If you are getting a small dog who could live 18 years, very selfish.
Puppies are like infants. They need to go outside every hour while being trained, and they don’t sleep through the night.

Wrong. Totally wrong. The dog will be aging and dying when they hit their 70s. Until then it's the perfect time for empty nesters. My late 70s dad has 2 dogs who outlived his wife, my mom. Walking and taking care of his dogs have been crucial for him to avoid loneliness and give him a reason to wake up every day.

My MIL died unexpectedly in her 60s and literally half a dozen people offered to take her dog. You can have backup plans and it will be okay.

[Anonymous]

It's not bad if you have the money to spend for dog walkers and boarding.

[Anonymous]

I am 40 and our family adopted a 6 month old do. She is now 2. I would never get another dog again. It’s a lot of work. Our days and weekends have to planned around the darn dog. A dog is a forever toddler. Honestly, get a cat

[Anonymous]

We're in our mid 60s and have dogs, the youngest of which is almost 5. The biggest issue is this. If you like to be really active and travel, it's expensive and difficult. You have to plan far ahead so you can board them - there is no spur of the moment with this and they always have to be up to date on their shots. Other than that, you have to plan to be around enough when the puppy is being housebroken, which if you work from home is pretty easy. Regardless, you also have to be aware of coordinating your schedules so that the dog gets let out frequently enough - makes spontaneous get togethers with friends difficult or out of the question.

Our dogs are pretty healthy and don't require grooming, so it's a once a year trip to the vet. We get dog food delivered on auto delivery and almost never run out - occasionally there are glitches which require a last minute grocery store trip.

One last thing to know from my perspective. Most people don't want you showing up at their house with your dog and you can't leave it in the car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are getting a 4-month old puppy later this month and we are in our late 50s. What are we getting ourselves into? We never had a pet before.

We are both working onsite, and kids are out of house, how much will this impact our lifestyle? We plan to travel at least two or three times a year internationally. We have friends who said they can help, but with a puppy it’s a lot of work.

How can you possibly commit to a puppy without having factored the impact to your lifestyle beforehand? I expect this from naïve 20-year-old but from a 50-year-old? Smh. That’s why there’s so many animals at the dog shelter.

To answer your question, puppies are wonderful. They’re sweet and dogs are amazing but they are a great impact to your lifestyle. They’re not an accessory they are a demanding life that you’re bringing into your home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are getting a 4-month old puppy later this month and we are in our late 50s. What are we getting ourselves into? We never had a pet before.

We are both working onsite, and kids are out of house, how much will this impact our lifestyle? We plan to travel at least two or three times a year internationally. We have friends who said they can help, but with a puppy it’s a lot of work.

Puppies ARE a lot of work, they also have razor sharp teeth and like to nip.

When we had a puppy, I slept in separate room with it and took it outside every two or three hours overnight to potty, praising it enthusiastically when it went. That lasted about three weeks.

Other than that, you need to know the routine — sleep, eat, poop, play, sleep … repeat.

You need lots of toys to redirect when they misbehave.

Don’t be afraid to turn your back on it and say “no” if it gets too rough in play time. You are teaching it.

Invest in dog training so it learns to walk on a lead properly.

If you invest in the first six months, you will have a Good Dog for the rest of its life.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Thanks all for your inputs. It’s valuable. I really appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a plan for who will take care of this dog should you get sick and die? Late 50s is too old imo unless you are getting a big dog that won’t live 10 years. If you are getting a small dog who could live 18 years, very selfish.
Puppies are like infants. They need to go outside every hour while being trained, and they don’t sleep through the night.

WOW! A bit over the top don't you think? Late 50's isn't that old.

OP, you go and get the dog. I'm sure you'll live long enough and be active enough to give the dog a great home.