Are we really so mad to get a new pup when our Boy is nearly nine?

[Dawnybabe]

We thought it would be fine. I even came on here and asked the question. Most people said yes, introduce them properly and just get on with it. Mentioned it to DMil the other day and she was aghast that we would even think of doing that to our Old Boy, that he'd hate a puppy jumping all over him in his own home as he wasn't too impressed when the children came along.

Background is that we work him, he's getting on a bit, he had fits as a youngster when he was out so we can't use him too much, and dh would like to try a lab this year with a view to having it ready next year. Old Boy would be ten by then but dh needs a gun dog.

DMil said it will have to live outside. Now I know working dogs do live outside, but not usually all on their own surely? I'm not happy with the idea of one dog living comfortably indoors with us, curled up in front of the fire of an evening, and the other one all by itself outside. To me that's just awful so I'm hoping that we can try them together and it will all work out. Dh says if they really don't get on it will have to go outside or go back.

(By the way obviously it's none of DMil's business what we do, she's just forthright with her opinions. I don't obey her every word, she just likes to tell us anyway. She may yet be right but I hope not.)

We've got room for a pen in the kitchen, I've done all the KC training with Old Boy, had labs when I was younger etc so hope I'm clued up there. Just really worried about Old Boy. He might love some doggy company for all I know but we won't know till we try, I don't want to upset or alter him in any way and I don't want me the dc's falling in love with a puppy that ends up being returned.

Should we just go for it or would that be a really bad idea?

Anecdotal here, but someone in my family has done just this and it's working really well. They had a 9 yr old lab and brought in a lab puppy. Puppy was over-the-top for a bit with the older dog, but soon learned to temper her enthusiasm appropriately! It's worked out superbly in terms of the older dog teaching the younger one.

Their older dog was already used to other dogs in the home as they dogsit for neighbours etc.

I can't see why you'd have to resort to having one dog living outside - is there not a bit of indoor space you can portion off for old dog to retreat to if he needs some peace?

Good grief no you are not being mad at all. Depending on the character of the dog you may find it perks him up a bit - no dog loves a new puppy but give old boy treats everytime the puppy is around and he will soon love him for ever!

To be honest 9 is not old at all - he should have years in him yet and this may be just what he needs to have some fun. However if he hates every other dog he has ever seen you may have your work cut out but I doubt that is the case. Go for it, if you are prepared to put in the time for a new puppy.

Do give old boy (hate calling him that!) some time on his own, try not to upset his routine , expect him to ignore the puppy many dogs do to start with.

He may just love it - I doubt he will hate it - he will certainly accept it with the right introduction.

That's really good advice, thanks very much. Will go back to basics on training Old Boy and reward him for good behaviour!

Your dog is exactly the age ours was when we got our puppy.

At 8 he was really quite old, sleeping all the time, not wanting walks, tired with it all. He did seem an old dog.

Our young dog has given him a new lease of life and done him so much good. He's virtually 10 now and you'd never know it. He runs about on walks, because young dog sniffs everything, and therefore it must be interesting and worth him sniffing too. She keeps him active and on his toes a bit. He's learnt to catch treats so she can't get them , something he never did before. She is very firmly in charge, and though we had a few spats in the process of her establishing that, he now seems much more content and relaxed than he's ever been. I think he thinks if someone invades the house, it's now her responsibility and that has helped him chill out and be a much less stressed dog than he used to be.

He doesn't think it's been good for him. He thinks he would get double the food without her and that she's a right royal pain in the arse. But she's been the best thing we ever did for him; I reckon she's knocked about 4 years off his age.

We had a really positive experience when we added a second dog to our home. First dog was a 10th old golden retriever, very much loved by the whole family. I did have some reservations, but it all worked out beautifully.Second dog also golden, I think that it really enhanced Beau's later years, they got on so well, really seemed to love each other....when Beau was dying, Indie brought all his toys and lay them next tp Beau.

Even though it is more work initially, having two dogs is great fun.
I would say go for it, I am sure if you are sensible it will work out well...don't make the pup live outside though.