@johnanand Both my dogs are rescued pit mixes. One was an adult when I got him, and he’s always going to be a challenging dog (he’s also part poodle lmao). He’s reactive and anxious, even after all the work I’ve done with training (for us both). Finding a dog sitter is tough bc most people assume he’s a normal dog and I’m being a crazy dog mom. No dear friends, when I say he is extra, I mean it.
I adopted my puppy from petfinder (she was dumped on the street with her litter) and she has been an absolute angel. Of course have dealt with normal puppy stuff, but she has been so much easier to train. She is also a people pleasing breed (less mixed than my other mutt) and very treat motivated. I got lucky since I adopted her sight unseen.
For a first time owner, as much as puppy can be, feel like getting a pup would be the better way to go. Especially if you want to have a good hand in their early training. No shade to my older reactive dog, but he was an adoption return for a reason. He is special needs basically, not for most dog owners who just want a chill bud.
Also recommend actually spending time with whatever dog you’d like to bring into your home. Breeds have standards of course, but dogs are individuals who have their own personalities.
Good luck!