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My dog is a little nippy around other dogs, he is still very playful, but has hip displasia. My husband is worried that it will make his last few years of life miserable if we add a new dog to the house. I want to get a new dog so it can learn traits from our dog, and also think it will lessen the blow of losing Mike when he passes. Hes a siberian husky german shepherd mix, any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks

2006-12-30 01:18:29 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets Dogs

14 answers

Unfortunately a lot of this depends on the puppy and how the two bond. If your 11 year old is uncomfortable due to hip dysplasia, he may not have the patience for a bouncing energetic puppy. But, the puppy could also have a very positive effect on him. He could become more active and alert; and it could increase his life span.

It definitely helps the puppy learn correct behavior quicker because he/she has someone to mirror their behavior. But, there is never a guarentee the two will get along or bond well. Another posibility would be to talk to a shelter or rescue group, see if they would let you foster with the possibilty of adoption. This allows you to get a puppy and see how they mix. If they mesh, talk to them about officially adopting the puppy. If they do not, then the puppy can live in a home environment until a suitable home is found.

Please keep in mind that it can take a month or more for you to know how Mike feels about the new puppy. For future reference, I would recommend getting a second dog when the other one is around 7-8 years of age.

Best of luck!

2006-12-30 01:36:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Hello,
Well... No I wouldn't because of his age and the pain he is in, would be to hard on your elderly dog. No Matter whether you get a dog or not, it will still be a heck of a blow when he passes.
I would not count on him having remaining years, as he is very elderly for that size of Dog. It used to be 10 years was the average life span for a large dog, now it is not uncommon for them to live to be 14 or 15 yrs old if in Good health. But with a Dog that has Dysplasia, this may not be possible for the Elderly Fellow, be kind and let him live out his remaining year or so in a peaceful house.

Below are a couple of sites that may explain why a puppy around your Senior Citizen is not a good idea.

2006-12-30 01:44:37 · answer #2 · answered by fourpawsg 3 · 0 0

I have a cocker-poo who was 9 when I got a golden retriever. Misty (the poo) hated the new dog at first because she (misty) had always been the center of everyone's attention...and also quite self centered! Getting Molly not only helped her in learning new traits from the older dog, but also helped Misty learn to accept that she's not a queen and has learned to be more gentle and happy with people and other dogs. Misty is now almost 17 yrs. old and having the other dog will definitely lessen the blow when she passes. (And they get along great) I say go for it! Good luck in making your decision!

2006-12-30 01:34:02 · answer #3 · answered by momof3pups 2 · 0 0

This is a tough one as all dogs just as people have different personalities. I would suggest allowing your dog to meet new prospective puppies and let him choose. You want to find one that will be submissive to him so that he won't feel threatened. See how he interacts before making your choice. Also try to find one not too rambunctious where your dog is already having arthritic problems. I realize this isn't easy with puppies so you might consider going a little older. Ask the advice of a trainer if you have the means. Good luck.

2006-12-30 01:25:31 · answer #4 · answered by KD 1 · 0 0

I agree with your husband. Why do you want to put your dog through that mess? Your home has been his home for all these years and won't be too appreciative of a new dog on his turf and won't be able to play with the puppy without aggravating his displasia. Don't be selfish, let the dog live out his last years in peace!

2006-12-30 01:24:19 · answer #5 · answered by ...mr2fister... 7 · 0 0

Probably the old dog will be jealous but it is nice to have a dog when the other one has to go. The husky shepherd mix sounds good, but very large. How cute!

2006-12-30 01:20:47 · answer #6 · answered by Penelope Yelsopee 3 · 0 0

if you do buy another dog, it is best to introduce them outside the house first, not inside, and since hes been the only dog for so long, he might have to get use of the idea of the other dog. show him attention and not to the other more. do it equally. but be patient and watch when they are together until you know he is use of the new one, they might become best of friends. good luck. I have a cocker spaniel shes about 14 years old and our husky is 3 years old. you can't separate them from one another,

2006-12-30 02:18:14 · answer #7 · answered by misty blue 6 · 0 0

I think the ideal strategy would be to adopt an adult female (maybe around 6) as well as the puppy. Most likely the female will tolerate the pup and sort of adopt it as her own. This will give the older dog space to sort of lay down the law with the pup and the pup will have another dog to occupy itself with.

2006-12-30 01:30:07 · answer #8 · answered by mullah robertson 4 · 0 0

I would suggest and it is also suggested by the ASPCA that before you get a new puppy take your dog with you when you are looking at puppies and that way they before you add a new member to your family you can see how your current dog will interact with the possible new addition, plus it will put your current dog more at ease.

2006-12-30 01:41:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

It might, if the pupppy, as will most likely do, gets into your current dogs face. They'll be noisy, so get an older dog at first and mabe later a puppy when hes used to the older one.

2006-12-30 01:20:46 · answer #10 · answered by Buffy 4 · 0 0

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