Introducing young puppy to older dog.

[virgil]

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Hello there.

We have a 15 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback which we've had from a pup. His hips are going so he doesn't go for long walks anymore. He sleeps 23 hours per day, eats one good meal a day, and doesn't appear to be in any pain.

We are going to take-on a Labrador puppy in 8 weeks time (just been born) and I'm wondering how the newbie 'Cody' will get on with the old boy Milo.

Someone who knows his dogs says I shouldn't be getting a puppy while Milo is alive, and there could well be dominance issues between them before long.

I intend to crate train Cody, and I would never leave the two alone together, unless I am there.

I also intend to take Cody to puppy classes for his socialisation.

Thanks to all.

Ray.

 

[excuseme]

I would not feel it to be fair to introduce a puppy to this dear old chap right now, if it had been a couple of years ago maybe but all he wants now is peace and quiet and just your attention.

I am sure he does not want all the noise, and a busy puppy wanting to play with him, it really doesn't sound very fair to me.

Can you not wait just a little longer before "replacing" him !!!

 

[virgil]

Thanks excuseme .. it's certainly beginning to look like that is indeed the best advice.

Ray.

 

[Chatterdog]

We also have an old dog, she doesn't like little dogs jumping at her.

Our friend's puppy was very jumpy and tried to nip at her legs, however they did a great job at setting rules. It may not be great to just let them go in a room together but supervised sessions would be good to teach the pup manors and may give your old guy a little boost.

See what his reaction is and go from there, he may show interest or he may not want the attention, you will know.

All the best xx

 

[excuseme]

So chatterdog,

Once the new puppy has arrived there is no going back, what a great way to make your elderly best friend feel unwanted.

This dear old chap deserves a peacfull and stressless end to a long happy lifetime of 15 years.

If he was mine I would want him to feel the most wanted chap ever!

There will always be a litter of lovely puppies somewhere, but right now only ever one "Milo".

Virgil,

Enjoy your old dog while you still have him and make him feel very special.

Best wishes

 

[Chatterdog]

Excuseme I was under the impression Virgil has already made the decision to take in a pup, I was simply offering support. If that isn't the case then I wouldn't be looking for another dog unless my older dog was in good health and lively as it could be too much. Apologies if I mis read.

My old dog is adored there is no worry about that!

No, not all older dogs like young dogs but it can work. My family have had rescue pups with older dogs and as each situation is different they have adapted accordingly. If you have already made that decision there is nothing wrong with that at all, just be mindful of the old fella. I'm sure you will figure it out Virgil x

 

[virgil]

Thanks for all your replies :flowers:

I ended up getting a rather handsome 9 week young b&w English Pointer, yesterday.

I introduced the pup (Cody) to 15 year old Milo, in a neighbours garden, then brought them both back here to sniff each other out.

Milo sleeps most of the day, so his bed is in the lounge where he can get some peace and quiet.

Cody is in a 42inch crate which is in the dining room, he seems to like the crate and goes in on his own accord.

It isn't ideal of course, to take on a pup while you have a much older dog, but I don't regret it (so far!)

It just means more work + care+ attention is required.

The other thing I would say is that all R/Ridgebacks are different to other breeds I have had, which includes a Cocker, Doberman,

GSD, and a few Heinz 57's. Ridgebacks are very aloof and quite happy to do their own thing, they can also go 12-15 hours without having to go outside amazingly enough. He is snoring away there on his bed, and Cody is quiet in his cage with the door open, so I think I'll just let sleeping dogs lie for the mo :luck:

 

[Chatterdog]

Virgil I am glad things are going well and as you have decided to take a new addition, it is good to hear you are willing to put the effort and attention into both of them.

Good luck with everything!

 

[virgil]

Thank you Chatterdog ... Cody has been here 9 days now, he lets me sleep until about 5am, although he let me have a lay in this morning - he must know it's bank holiday Monday today

I took him to puppy classes last week, mainly for the socialisation. He met a Springador, a Cockerpoo (he was absolutely gorgeous) a GSD, and a Newfoundland. He was a bit shy to begin with, but he soon sorted 'em all out

Milo, my 15 year old R/Ridgeback sleeps in the lounge, while Cody sleeps in a 42" crate in the dining room. They are ok together but, I keep them separated for most of the day because puppy obviously wants to play, whereas the old fella just wants to sleep for 23 hours per day.

Milo's hips and elbows are giving him gyp. I take him out walkies for 20 mins per day, and he has 3 x Yumove and 1000mg of cod liver oil everyday. I shall keep 'im going for as long as I can :luck:

 

[excuseme]

Ahh, sounds like all is well.

I hope for yourself and Milo that everything continues to work out ok. :thumbsup:

Best wishes.

 

[Chatterdog]

virgil, sound like you have everything under control!

Glad things are working out. The old fella will let you know when he can't keep going but as long as he is in relatively good health and not struggling then keep going. Give him lots of attention (when he wants it).

Puppy classes are a great start for socialising and teaching respect to other dogs, it’s never easy at the beginning but well done you, best wishes x