It has been proven that having a dog around as a companion in your elderly days not only is fruitful but brings joy and even a bit of youthful exuberance to the elderly. There are many elder people who live alone who may have lost a spouse or just chose to be alone. But being alone in your golden days may not be as easy for some as it is for others. The human nature begins to tell it tale as you long for a companion, not anyone to add stress to your easy going life but a companion which is there for you and extremely trust worthy. This is where getting a companion dog for the elderly comes in.
What is a Companion Dog?
Companion dog usually describes a dog that does not work, providing only companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks. Many of the toy dog breeds are used only for the pleasure of their company, not as workers.
So what kind of dog would prove worthwhile for an elderly person? Well the answer to that may not be in black and white. Because even the elderly may have a preference as it relates to the temperament of the companion dog being chosen. But we also have to look at the traits of an elderly person and also ensure that the companion dog is not too controlling and will just not suit the golden ager. Let's look at what are the average characteristics of the ideal companion dog which may be more suitable for an elderly person.
Dog Temperament.
Most elderly person I know do not run the 100 meter dash nor throw three pointers on the basketball court. They are easy going people who have played their role here on earth and are just seeking comfort and rest in their golden age. With that said, the elderly may not want a dog which is simply too frisky to handle. It may be difficult for them to handle a excessive playful and attention needing dog.
Dog Activity
The elderly simply cannot manage a dog which will require a lot of running and exercise. This is not to say that all dogs do not require exercise, as it helps to keep the pet fit and healthy. But there are certain dog breeds which do require much more running, walking and playing than others.
Grooming
Dog owners know that there are certain dog breeds which shed hair all through the entire year. This requires that the dogs get groomed quite frequent. You don't want a companion dog like this for an elderly person, this maybe just too much work.
Dog Size
A strong young man is pulled, jumped on and overpowered by certain large dog breeds, can you imagine an elderly going through this? If is very unwise to get overpowering dogs as companion dogs for elderly, the sheer power of these large dog breeds are just too exhausting to handle.
What is a Companion Dog?
Companion dog usually describes a dog that does not work, providing only companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks. Many of the toy dog breeds are used only for the pleasure of their company, not as workers.
So what kind of dog would prove worthwhile for an elderly person? Well the answer to that may not be in black and white. Because even the elderly may have a preference as it relates to the temperament of the companion dog being chosen. But we also have to look at the traits of an elderly person and also ensure that the companion dog is not too controlling and will just not suit the golden ager. Let's look at what are the average characteristics of the ideal companion dog which may be more suitable for an elderly person.
Dog Temperament.
Most elderly person I know do not run the 100 meter dash nor throw three pointers on the basketball court. They are easy going people who have played their role here on earth and are just seeking comfort and rest in their golden age. With that said, the elderly may not want a dog which is simply too frisky to handle. It may be difficult for them to handle a excessive playful and attention needing dog.
Dog Activity
The elderly simply cannot manage a dog which will require a lot of running and exercise. This is not to say that all dogs do not require exercise, as it helps to keep the pet fit and healthy. But there are certain dog breeds which do require much more running, walking and playing than others.
Grooming
Dog owners know that there are certain dog breeds which shed hair all through the entire year. This requires that the dogs get groomed quite frequent. You don't want a companion dog like this for an elderly person, this maybe just too much work.
Dog Size
A strong young man is pulled, jumped on and overpowered by certain large dog breeds, can you imagine an elderly going through this? If is very unwise to get overpowering dogs as companion dogs for elderly, the sheer power of these large dog breeds are just too exhausting to handle.
Best Companion Dogs For The Elderly
- Poodle
- Maltese
- Cavalier King Spaniel
- Beagle
- Chihuahua
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