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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Regret getting a puppy

38 replies

Isawbambi · 03/01/2018 23:57

We already have a middle aged dog, who was happy and healthy. Thought he would enjoy having company, and it would keep him young. That was 9 months ago, the puppy is now a year old and our older dog is miserable all the time.

Pup is just so energetic and hyper, continuously bouncing about. He will ambush the older dog, always wanting to play. We try to run interference and make sure that he doesn’t pester too much (but if we separate them, they both whine!) but we’ve wasted a lot of money at the vets because FirstDog has been so stressed.

Anyway, the pup has stayed with the kids at my parents since new year until schools back... and the change in older dog is remarkable. He is back to his old self... this evening he was sat on my lap for a cuddle, and it made me realise how long it’s been since that happened (usually the pup pushes his way in, demanding attention)

I know that we have to step up the puppy training, we’ve let him get away with being cute for too long. I just feel so guilty that we have basically ruined our poor dogs life, and I know he’s going to be so depressed again when the puppy comes back ☹️

OP posts:

LloydColeandtheCoconuts · 04/01/2018 18:51

I have absolutely nothing useful to say but awwwwwwwwwwww! They’re both gorgeous.

Bananacakerocks · 04/01/2018 18:53

Awwwww so cute!!!!
My cockerpoo has calmed down a hell of a lot a year since we brought her home but there's still some chilling out to be done hopefully!
It sounds like you're putting some positive things in place to allow your older dog chill out time and time with you.

Greyhorses · 04/01/2018 18:56

I have had similar with mine.

Puppy is now 9 months ish and old dog is 7. She is constantly bothering him and he spends lots of his time grumbling at her.

This stage will pass though or so I tell myself! Surely they grow up eventually

CheshireChat · 04/01/2018 19:02

We had this issue, but with cats when I was still living with my mum- the older cat was very much not impressed by the young, snuggly intruder. Even though she came when we already had Dog1 and got Dog2 not long after.

It's easier to separate cats though, much, much easier.

Dog1 and Cat2 would've loved if we opened a zoo- they used to watch together the pigeons eating their food.

aliasjoey · 04/01/2018 20:51

Lucisky yes he is ginger - do you think it’s the genes?!

Babyroobs it’s awful isn’t it. At least we are not alone, this is not an uncommon problem. I read a great article here www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/11_4/features/Mixed-Aged-Dog-Packs_16022-1.html

Makes you wonder if our kids would have had very different personalities if they’d been only children.

mustbemad17 · 04/01/2018 20:56

Apparently ginger male dogs are buggars! My mum got two cockers 11 years ago & when we took them to the vet he told her to take the male back 🙈 True to form he has been a live wire psycho his entire life where the tricoloured female is so sedate!

KurriKurri · 04/01/2018 20:58

I have a toy poodle cross and he is the most playful dog I've ever had - he just loves to play and is full of beans and bounce. he's also very sweet natured and affectionate. But I have kept him away from my DS and DDIL's elderly dog because I think he would be too bouncy - everything he sees and every dog he meets means 'game' to him !

Mine is cream and apricot.

Figrollsnotfatrolls · 04/01/2018 21:00

When we had ddog 4 and wanted another one - we got 2 puppies, different breeds a month apart!! Worked out amazing!! Older ddog bothers when she wants with them, then they have each other the rest of the time!!
Actually have the dm of one puppy also - so a blooming 4 ddog household!!
Never thought 4 would be less than a nightmare!! It's fab!!

KurriKurri · 04/01/2018 21:01

I could suggest something that will sound really crazy but I saw it on a programme where a new puppy was to much for an older dog. The owner got another puppy for the puppy and they chased each other and left the old dog alone. Not sure I'd go with that myself they might both make older dogs life miserable, but just throwing it out there !

KurriKurri · 04/01/2018 21:02

Whitecovers · 04/01/2018 21:05

They are so so cute! Ginger ones always remind me of Kfc chicken

I don't have any advice but I am glad I read this as I have a 9 year old shar pei and have been thinking about getting a puppy but I will hold on for now as I would also feel guilty if it stressed him out.

aliasjoey · 05/01/2018 19:11

whitecovers it’s luck of the draw I think as to whether your dog would accept a new puppy. Maybe it’s easier if they’re younger and not so set in their ways. Ours was happy to play with other dogs in the park, gets along with my brothers dog... after all dogs are social animals, they are supposed to like being part of a pack!

oblada · 05/01/2018 19:20

Just one thought - wearing out a dog with off lead walk is actually much harder than with a proper lead structure walk. What dogs need is to be stimulated mentally, you'll get them tired quicker that way. So a proper 'heel' sort of walk and then general training. Letting them run around will not do much in my view.

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