As
a Miami dog trainer, I am often asked what dogs are best for seniors. Puppies
can be challenging, because they have an endless amount of energy and require a
lot of training.
The
benefits of having a dog for seniors are numerous. They include:
- Health. Studies have shown that senior
dogs can lower stress levels, blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the
risk of heart attacks, depression and anxiety.
- Exercise. Walking a dog gets seniors exercising
too which is perfect for their mobility. A
study in The Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that dog owners walk
approximately one hour longer per day than those without a fetching friend
in their lives.
- Social interaction. As seniors walk their dogs,
they meet other dog owners along the way.
- Loneliness. Dogs help seniors overcome
loneliness and feel less isolated.
- Organization. Dogs thrive on routine and it
helps keep seniors self-disciplined as well.
Finding the Right Dog
Finding the right dog for a senior is very important. You must consider
their lifestyle and abilities. Are there grandchildren that visit often? If so,
you want a breed that is kid friendly. Do they have a big backyard or live in
an apartment? Some dogs require a lot of room to roam.
There
are varying opinions on which dogs are best for seniors. However, these are the
breeds that are consistently mentioned:
- Pugs. Pugs have a great sense of humor and don’t require a lot of exercise. They are cuddle bugs and get along well with children.
- Bichon Frise. Weighing in at 7 – 12 pounds, Bichons are easy to train and only require moderate exercise.
- French bulldog. Frenchies are one of the happiest dog breeds known. They are comical, friendly and entertaining small dogs. They are sweet, friendly and playful. However, they don’t do well in the heat, so air conditioning or a cooler climate is their best friend.
- Poodle. The beauty of a poodle is they are one of the most intelligent dogs out there and you can even choose the size! They are personable, easy to train and have a great sense of humor (they laugh with you, not at you). They are also relatively clean, low-shedding dogs who are easy to maintain as long as you get them groomed regularly. This dog will be a loyal, affectionate companion.
- Maltese – This dog sheds the least and is the ultimate lap dog. This breed enjoys short, easy walks – save some time and use a professional groomer. At only 4 – 7 pounds, you can carry it around in a purse!
- Boston terrier. Boston Terriers are intelligent, adoring, and sturdy, small dogs. This terrier loves people and does well with children. They are easy to train and make great family companions.
Don’t
forget that breed alone can’t determine if a dog is right for you. If you get
an adult or senior dog, you’ll have a better idea of the dog’s size and
behavior.
At Bark Busters Miami, I am happy to train a senior’s dog regardless of the breed. Contact Luis Escobar by calling 877-500-2275 or email me. Young or old, I can help you have a well-behaved dog.
