Is bringing a young dog home to my old dog a good idea?

Question

My friend is giving me her 6 month old Lahso Apso and I have one who is 10 y/o. I am scared it will upset the 10 y/o. I do not want to make him uncomfortable and I was told he may die earlier. Please give me your feed back, I have to make a decision soon.

Answer 1

Be for you bring the other dog into your house have both dogs meet each other in a neutral place.Like in a park . If they get along with each other then bring the other dog home but boffo you take the other into the house take him for a long walk to show him that you are the pack leader.And if you are not the pack leader now you better get that way soon.

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry about it a bit. In my experience, old dogs seem to like the company. I have a Yellow Lab that was about 7 and we got a golden retriever puppy. IT was a little awkward at first but now they sleep in the same dog house, play, and even lay side by side in the sun. As long as you have the room for 2 dogs, and the time to treat them equally well, I don't think it would be a problem at all!

Answer 3

I have an older female lab that we introduced a male baby pug to. Their personalities are very different. It took a few months for the lab to warm up to the pug. She would often growl or show her teeth to make it known that he was in her territory. But, eventually, we started making the two play with tennis balls and taking them together on walks. They aren't constantly together but they get along really well now. The little one adores the bigger dog. The older dog has come around and likes being around him too. I think she's healthier because of how often she plays ball with the little dog.

Answer 4

if you live with somebody else also, then it sudnt be such a bad idea, because the other person can take care of the puppy, and the older dog can be by utself, while you take care of him,
or you can try this.
let the dogs meet. after a few days, and let them just play around.
if they get along well, then it sudnt be so bad. if not, then reconsider bringing the dog home,
this site may help.
good luck and choose wisely!!

Answer 5

Borrow the young dog for a day or two and watch how your older dog reacts. Sometimes dogs feel displaced when another one comes in and react accordingly.
When you have both dogs together, make sure you show each the same love and affection.

Answer 6

It really depends on the dog. When my old sheepdog, Grett, was getting up in years and rather stiff and arthritic, he was actually happy when we got Jasmine, a 9-month-old Collie cross. Grett took to her immediately and actually began teaching her his old routine of going around the property, etc. When she had learned the route and was bonded enough to be a good watchdog, Grett stopped going on those long walks, retired from being the Alpha, and let Jasmine take over. Six months later, Grett had a stroke and could no longer walk and had to be put to sleep -- but I think he died peacefully, knowing that Jasmine would be here to take care of us.

Answer 7

If your dog has dog-friends, like mine does, a new dog won't bother him. (My dog is very friendly, and he is ancient, too, but he loves it when other people bring their dogs to visit.) If he's really wierd and anti-social, like my cat, don't bring home another dog. We brought home a new kitten, once, and my cat freaked. (The kitten got sick and died a year or two ago, but my cat still hasn't fully recovered from such a traumatic experience as being threatened by a CUTE, FUZZY, HALF-POUND KITTY. She's a bit of a freak, though.)

Answer 8

There are lots of dog sites that have answers to your question. It can be a difficult thing bringing home a new dog.

Answer 9

It depends on the age of the older dog

Answer 10

Its really not nice to refer to someone as a "dog". Besides, isnt one ugly old lady good enough? Why don't you find a pretty one for a change?