I have an 8-9 year old female Golden Retriever (Molly) that appears to really miss her younger companion that passed away five weeks ago (Katie). Both females were spayed and Katie was about two years old and a Golden mix, and both dogs I acquired from animal shelters. I was wondering if I got another dog as a replacement, would it be at all possible if Molly would think that Katie had returned, if I named her Katie and is a similar dog? I'm thinking she won't because of scent or other animal instincts but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. Also, ignoring the previous question, would it make too much difference in the sex of the new dog as far as 'getting along' with each other? I've heard that males want to be dominant, and if I get a male it will be much younger than Molly which could present a problem. Stick with a female? Thank you!
2007-02-27 02:27:23 · 8 answers · asked by Mr.Wise 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Maybe I should add that Molly accepted Katie very quickly and they became very close.
2007-02-27 02:30:36 · update #1
Thats a good question... I don't think you would be able to "replace" Katie for another dog... Dogs are smarter than we think... If you decide to get another dog I don't think it would hurt but as far as male or female goes there is a "pack" behaviour that will happen and your older dog Molly may or may not end up being the "leader" however you as the owner will have to be careful as to not create any confusion as to the "pack" behaviour here is a link to a good site on introducing a new dog etc...
Good Luck and I am very sorry for your loss
Tracy
2007-02-27 02:35:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Molly will not think Katie has returned if you get her a new companion.Dogs are as different as people are.No 2 are exactly alike in color,personality,temperament,etc.
Sex of the new companion really won't matter but I strongly suggest that you give Molly the choice since she's the one who will have to deal with a new "friend" far more than you will.
Look around and pick out several dogs or puppies you're interested in and put them together for a short play session.She'll let you know if she's interested or not.And it will soon become apparent which dog or pup she prefers.
5 weeks is not a very long time evan for a grieving dog if she was tightly bonded with Katie so don't be discouraged if she shows no interest in having a companion just yet she'll come around.And by giving her the choice you may just have eliminated any jealousy issues that may arise if you dump another dog in front of her and force her to deal with it.
2007-02-27 02:47:23 · answer #2 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs don't know about families. They are pack animals and think that you and the other people and animals at home are part of their pack. Your dog will probably accept any other member that you accept into the pack. It is best to arrange for the shelter to allow her to meet other dogs that you have pre-screened. She should get along with the other dog and the other dog should get along with her pretty quick. Most normal well adjusted dogs get along with others well. You really don't know what issues the other dogs have so you have make sure the other dog is normal, too. It does not matter what the other dog looks like or what his/her name is. If both dogs are neutered, it really does not matter.
Make sure you can return the new doq without penalty if they prove to be imcompatible after a short while. Most shelters will work with you without a problem.
Here is a tip. Pick the dog you think is best. Get any background form the shelter. They will usually know which dogs get along with other dogs well. Then pick the one you want. Play with it for a while and get the scent all over you. Go home and play with your dog letting her smell the other dog on you. When you take her to meet the new dog, greet and play with the new dog yourself first. This tells your dog that you think this guy is Ok. She should then go through the doggy getting to know each other ritual. Once they accept each other, take a toy and play with both. During the play give the toy to the new dog and then take it away. See how he reacts. He may tug playfully against you and even play growl. But if he snaps a warning at you or puts the toy in front of him and shows his teeth, don't take him. You are not experienced enough to know how to deal with this problem. There are plenty of other dogs available so try another. By picking the right dog you can avoid a world of trouble.
2007-02-27 02:53:32 · answer #3 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should get another female. Your Golden now is too old to put up with a male thats young and frisky is it not fair to her to have a male trying to mount her either.
If you get another dog just remember you'll be in the same situation as now with the younger dog when your Molly passes away. If you get another golden they tend to bond together and they will greeve for the lost pet.
If you really want to get another dog then do so but try to find another Golden for your Molly. For pete sake don't call the new dog Katir it will only confuse your Molly.
2007-02-27 02:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
molly would know right away that this was not katie. it's all in the scent. if you really want to see if molly needs to have another friend. try taking her to a dog park or other place with lots of dogs. see if she connects with one of the dogs there, meaning see if she really needs to have another friend at home. from there, take her to the local shelter to see if she clicks with any of the adoptees there.
dont rush her into finding a new friend right away. jst like humans, give her some time to mourn the loss.
2007-02-27 02:58:21 · answer #5 · answered by hydez2002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog will know the difference but I am sure that she will bond with a new dog too. They had a strong friendship and she is jusr mourning. Do not get a new dog to soon thought give her time to recover a little. I have always gotten my dogs at the same time and usually once one passes away the other one does too withing a month which is very hard but it is a broken heart. Plus they are always the same age.
2007-02-27 03:19:51 · answer #6 · answered by puggylover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Molly will know that it is not Katie. They use there nose. So, Just get another dog and name her something else. Maybe that will help Molly out, and she want be so sad.
2007-02-27 02:36:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would opt for a smaller, neutered male. When my female lab mix got older, I got a terrier mix. He deferred to her and she had no trouble accepting him. However, he wasn't a pup. He was about 3 years old. He still knew she was queen, though!
2007-02-27 02:36:48 · answer #8 · answered by clarity 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋