Socialize An Older Dog. Help!

[fbaudry]

I am hoping some of the DOLers will be able to help me with this issue.... We have had for 3 years now a rescue cocker spaniel who is probably between 10 and 12 now. He is a lovely and placid boy who has totally conquered us and sold us to the breed, to the point where we are seriously considering getting another one. Yes, they are addictive :D

However, he has an issue with dogs jumping on him, particularly on his face, and will snap at them when they do so regardless of whether they're adults or just puppies. He does snap and bite without giving any visible warning (no growling or teeth baring).

He is absolutely fine meeting and greeting other dogs on his walks in a polite way. He is also fine having other calm dogs coming over to our house, and regularly stays with a friend when we are away on holidays and is then sharing a house with 1 to 3 dogs he doesn't necessarily know...

I am wondering whether introducing a new puppy is a recipe for disaster? Would the puppy learn quickly that it is not to bounce all over the older dog, or could the puppy be traumatised and develop socialisation issues?

Any suggestions / tips would be greatly appreciated before we make a decision

Frederic

[SueM]

I think I would wait until your current dog has passed.

[Dogsfevr]

Your puppy would either learn to fear the current dog,respect your current dog or to behave in a similiar fashion & stand up for its self.

If you where to consider this path you would need to make sure you have a safe area for the old boy .sp that he doesnt feel overwhelmed & the pup doesnt suffer form the old boys reaction to what will be very normal puppy behaviour.

I would also consider maybe waiting until your old boy has passed on

[Staff'n'Toller]

You need to read this- He Just Wants To Say Hi I agree with the other replies, either wait until your older boy has crossed the bridge, or ensure that his routine and access to the house does not change when you get a puppy, and that they have separate areas when there is no supervision so new puppy cannot annoy your existing dog.

Dogs always give warnings, but he is acting appropriately to very rude behaviour from other dogs, you may not be seeing the warning body language because it is happening too fast, or he is not expecting to get jumped on! He may also be losing his sight!!!! Pretty hard to give a warning when you can't see it coming!! :D

Mel.