We have a 10-year old Lab mix who has settled down a lot in the last couple years, and we're considering getting a new puppy soon.
Should we wait until the old dog dies to get the new puppy, or do you think the old dog can help "teach" the new puppy?
2007-12-26 07:52:20 · 15 answers · asked by ButtonGear 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Years ago we bought a Beagle that had been debarked (no noise what so ever). But she would stand up against the fence and try constantly. In no time at all we had a dozen Beagles that would stand up against the fence all in a row barking but not making a sound.
So what do you think?
2007-12-26 08:13:54 · answer #1 · answered by tom l 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mine did. I house trained one puppy and then about 6 months later got another puppy and he followed her around and ended up learning to go outside from seeing her do it.
They were Shar-peis, not the brightest dog. A Lab should be easier. I would get the puppy while you have the older dog as long as the older dog will be ok with a new dog around.
2007-12-26 07:58:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Definately the older dog can teach the puppy. I have 4 Yorkies, and the oldest one is the leader and she "teaches" the younger ones. Housebreaking was really alot easier with the older dog. Puppies follow better when there is another dog around.
2007-12-26 08:03:12 · answer #3 · answered by crossfire04 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can get a new puppy, and older dogs can teach new puppies but I would NOT rely solely on that and would still train the puppy as if there were no help from the older dog.
For example, my older dog would not allow the puppy to beg for my food and would gently push his head back since they were trained not to beg.
My older dog even helped with house training, and of course led by example when we went out to the dog park!
2007-12-26 07:56:46 · answer #4 · answered by ccourtcleve 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get the puppy. If for no other reason it will help keep your Lab feeling younger and keep her moving. I think dogs can help teach other dogs, but it's mostly up to the owners. Good luck!!
2007-12-26 07:57:34 · answer #5 · answered by Crystal 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get an adult dog at this point not a puppy. Maybe a year to a year and a half that is starting to settle down. You don't want to stress the 10 year old
2007-12-26 07:56:06 · answer #6 · answered by JR 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
When I got a new puppy, she took on some of my older dogs habits, which is great because they were good habits. On the other hand, it can go the other way. My older dog did seem to take on some of the puppy's hyper nature and stubbornness when I brought her home.
2007-12-26 07:55:33 · answer #7 · answered by Amanda 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know dogs learn from one another. I have a 3 year old, and mom has a 4 year old. They don't get to see each other very often, but we will find that they pick up things from one another. The 4 year old has this thing where she pats faces with her paws - but it hurts! The 3 year old will now do that. The 3 year old will whine until you throw the ball (in fetch). The 4 year old will now do that.
It is kinda funny.
2007-12-26 08:01:16 · answer #8 · answered by IJToomer 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just recall they teach bad habits too- my refrigerator opening dog died at age 16 and I thought I could leave the dogproof latch off the fridge. I discovered every dog in my house knows how to open the fridge!
2007-12-26 12:18:47 · answer #9 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes of course. Wolf's train their pups and also if they find a human that is a baby usually the mother wolf will raise the baby. Now influence is what the old dog is going to do. The older dog instructs and gives examples show what to do.
it matters what your opinion is.
Josephine
2007-12-26 08:13:51 · answer #10 · answered by Josephine P 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋