Is it hard on an older dog to adjust to a new puppy?

Question

I have a 13 year old dachshund and have been offered a new puppy. I don't want to cause too much stress on my doxie though.
Is it just too late to ask him to share his space after all these years? He has always been the one and only.

Answer 1

Like everyone else is saying. It Really depends on your dog. And also a large part will depend on weather or not your dog has been fixed. If your doxie is a unnuetered male then you might have some problems with how he will react. they can be very dominate and can become mean. The same will go with an unspayed female. Your best bet is to bring the puppy to your house because this is your dog's domain. This will show you how your dog will react to the puppy. You could also try it out for about 2 weeks. This will definitely tell you what is going to happen with the puppy and your dog. good luck and remember your have had an older dog for a long time. Puppy's are a lot of work and take a lot more attention then your cute doxie does now!
Good Luck,
Jen

Answer 2

If you were around 85 years old, would you want a 3 year old kid pestering you all the time? Bringing home a puppy for your older dog would be the same thing.

At 13, your dog's time on earth is running short and he's been a faithful friend and companion to you. Would you like to reward him by having a bouncing, yapping puppy tormenting him and nipping at his ears and feet almost constantly?

You mentioned that your Doxie has been your one and only so if you bring in a newcomer, your dog will either think you don't love him anymore or you're replacing him. You may break his little heart!

Let your dog finish out the rest of his life in peace and consider getting a puppy after he's gone over the Rainbow Bridge.

Answer 3

An addition to the family would be a great idea for an aging dog. The puppy will get the old dog up and moving again.
We use to have a black dachshund about the same age as yours. He was found to have water in the heart. He was sluggish and we figured he wasn't going to last long. We bought a puppy because we didn't want to be left without a dog. At first, the puppy aggravated the dog and then the old dog began doing more and ended up last years longer because of the puppy helping the old dog get up and around again.
Great idea.

Answer 4

My beardie was an only dog until he was 10, when I got my first 2 greyhounds and he was totally thrilled. He thought this was the best thing that ever happened to him! So I think it depends on the dog a lot, and how much your older dog likes other dogs.

Also, you'll have to teach the puppy to respect the older dog - don't let him jump all over him, separate them for periods of time while the puppy's young if he seems to be getting too much for your older dog. Make sure your 13 year old always gets treats and pets first so he knows he's still # 1 in your heart.

Hope it works out !

Answer 5

I think it depends on the age and temperament of the older dog. My parents have a chow/husky mix that's right around 15 yrs old. Last yr, my mom brought home a Shi Tzu-Chihuahua mix as a puppy when the chow's chihuahua mate passed away. It took him about 3 months to get used to having Sookie (The Shi-Tzhua) around before he'd play with her. Now they've added in another little chihuahua puppy and the three of them play. The chow is a mean little dog anyway, but given enough time to just let the puppies get used to him he loves them.

Like I said, I think it mainly depends on the disposition of the dogs you're trying to put together. Two male pit bulls, regardless of age and feebleness are rarely a good pairing, but that's because of their natural dispositions.

My advice would be to give your older dog PLENTY of love, make sure that he knows he's still YOUR dog and the puppy is there not to take his place, but to share his place. Spend some alone time with the older dog, have a space he can go for his own time. Of course, I'm not saying to leave the puppy out of everything. Also, give the older dog a chance to warm up to the puppy. All it may take is some time.

Answer 6

it depends on the dog. Some take well to having pups around - if they are patient and playful. If they are super territorial, then they might not. Sometimes bringing in a dog that is larger than the original, especially if they are males, can cause aggressive behavior.

I suggest having the dogs meet first, before you commit. It's only fair to the one you already have. At 13 years, and a Dachshund, I am not sure it would be a good idea.

Answer 7

It depends on the dog however if you decide to try it out introduce them on neutral ground like a parkk neither of the dogs have been to. Try that about 3 tmes and pet both of them at the same time but remember the older dog wants more attention and the puppy wont care either way so remembeer that after you get home. Lastly if you can get a blanket or anything the puppy uses daily bring that to your house first and let the older dog sniff it so he can get aquainted with his smell.

Answer 8

it just depends on your dog and the puppy....
i wish i could help you more, but dogs are their own person and your doxie could react well to one pup and not so well to another.

a great test....take your doxie to the shelter and tell them you would like to introduce him to some of their puppies.
then, take him into the area with the puppies and introduce him to tthe puppies one at a time. see how he reacts.

another option. tell the person offering the puppy that you have to introduce the two dogs first and see how it goes.
this way you are not committing yourself and you are giving them a chance to meet.
if, after a few days they aren't doing well, then you can give the puppy back!

take care and good luck!

Answer 9

I have 2 dogs and the older dog adjusted with the puppy nicely after a month and now the 2 dogs wont leave each others side.

Answer 10

I have a 10 year old American Staffshire who is without a doubt the most jealous dog in the world. Last year for Christmas, we bought a red nose pit puppy - with hazel eyes...beautiful dog. When we brought her home, Sativa (the 10 year old) was ticked at us for two weeks. She wouldn't give kisses or lie on the floor with us...she literally stuck her nose up at us for two solid weeks.

Finally, we came home from work one day and Freya (the puppy) got out of her kennel....thinking someone didn't latch properly...and Freya and Sativa were laying on the floor cuddled up together and have been inseperable ever since.

It just depends on the dog, the atmosphere and your initial attitude going into it. Happy Thoughts and Good Luck! :o)