Is it bad for my dog's health or well being in general if I get a new dog that will be inside the house?

Question

My family has had our dog since he was a puppy (now 6). He has always been a backyard dog, as he is half Lab and half Rot Weiler and is huge. We rarely let him go inside the house because he sheds a lot. I am thinking about getting a smaller dog just for me that I would keep indoors, but I'm not sure how my older dog would react. I mean I know he will get jealous, but I'm not sure how bad it will be or if it would start to affect his health in any way. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I recently did the exact same thing! I have a dog that is mainly an outside dog. This past summer i god a smaller dog that stays inside. My outside dog is male and has never really gotten along with other male dogs..so i got a female. My dog is 6 as well. As long as you continue the same routine with your dog he should adjust. Although they are not really playmates..they get along. (outside dog is 45lbs..inside dog is 3.5lbs, but growing fast:) He might get a bit jealous...but that is just dog nature. Just give him a bit of extra love and yummy bones!! i bet he will forgive you! Health wise, we have had no problems

Answer 2

it will not affect the health but if you bring in a new dog to the picture you have to make sure its the right decision for you because the other dog is going to be terretorial and your gonna have to make sure they dont get around each other and if they are both going to be males look out older males dont like to accept another male if they have been the only one for a long period of time but if its a female you might have agood chance they will get along but untill you know keep the big and small dogs on leashes till you know for SURE you can trust them both.

Answer 3

It wont affect his health but if he has been stuck in the backyard for 6 years not being socialized with other dogs he may not know how to react to a new dog and may be territorial over the backyard which could be dangerous for a new small dog. You need to see how he reacts to other dogs (small dogs) being in his territory.

Answer 4

Small dogs shed,too.You should just bring your other dog in the house and brush him everyday.It's not fair to him to have to live outside,while you get another dog and bring it in.The old dog should come first. I have 4 dogs (3 large ones) in the house,they all shed,but I chose to get them,so I have to put up with the hair.It's something that comes along with owning a dog.If you don't want hair in your house,get a hairless rat.

Answer 5

I think it is really great that you are considering your Dog's feelings. He probably will be a bit jealous and sad that he has a playmate that he can't really play with. He might start to feel neglected even though he's not.

You should consult a dog trainer at a local pet store.

If you are young and live with your parents, you may want to wait until you move out and then get a dog for yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 6

He might just become terotorial. But forget that dog. I hate jeaousy. Just get a small dog and walk outside with it in your hands. Get your old dog jealous and than he will see that hes not the only one. So will become unegoistic and become friends with the little dog. Good luck.

Answer 7

i dont think it will effect his heath but will get very jealous dogs do get stress you will just have to tread careful and make sure he dosnt see you showing more atention to the young dog i couldnt say wether he would go for the new dog because it could go either way
wish you luck

Answer 8

replace into this a pre-cooked pizza, or is it uncooked???? this is no longer the cheese you're annoying approximately - this is the increasing of the dough. you may desire to in all probability call the vet, and have them enable you to comprehend what to do - straight away!