How Soon Is Too Soon?

[Jednkirrasmummy]

Some of you may have seen my recent posts about our baby husky Jed who passed away due to a complication from liver shunt surgery.

We bought Jed and Kirra from the same litter. We bought them together so they would always have each other when we had to go to work.

It has only been about 2 weeks since Jed passed away and I feel horrible even thinking about getting a new dog.

The thing is, Kirra is just such a beautiful girl, and it breaks my heart to think of her being lonely during the day.

I don't by any means want to replace Jed- he made such a huge impact on our lives even in the short time we had him - I just want Kirra to have the best life we can give her.

So basically I hope people can see where I am coming from, and my question is, how soon is too soon to start looking for a friend for her?

As Kirra is 14 weeks old, we are also wondering if we did get another dog, should we get a puppy or a dog that is a little older?

My other question is, would you be looking at a different breed ? Do huskies get along better with certain breeds?

Thanks for reading and any advice is appreciated !

[Salukifan]

What makes you think she's lonely?

[Clyde]

and my question is, how soon is too soon to start looking for a friend for her?

Whenever you are ready :) I dont believe there is a time frame. It could be 24 hours or two years just so long as you are aware that it is a different dog and dont compare (which you realise).

Do whichever feels right to you, not other people.

[Jumabaar]

I wouldnt rush into it. My eldest dog is still much happier as an only dog!! She gets left in my bedroom when I go out so she has some peace and quiet from the rest of the dogs!! I love my other dogs (and dont regret having them) but I do regret that Abby went from being a very happy only dog, to one that has to share me around!!

Perhaps wait and see how Kirra develops in the coming months, and put lots of time into training and bonding before adding another dog into the pack. By then you will have a better understanding of your own wants and needs and what would fit best into your situation.

Edited November 13, 2012 by Jumabaar

[megan_]

and my question is, how soon is too soon to start looking for a friend for her?

Whenever you are ready :) I dont believe there is a time frame. It could be 24 hours or two years just so long as you are aware that it is a different dog and dont compare (which you realise).

Do whichever feels right to you, not other people.

The OP's other dog is still a puppy.

Personally, I wouldn't want to raise two puppies together - so much extra work. I'd wait until my first dog was well trained, around the 18 month mark. Then the first dog can teach the second dog how to behave, rather than the two getting up to mischief.

[Clyde]

Personally, I wouldn't want to raise two puppies together -

Me neither! I guess I more veered towards the dilemma of getting a new dog after one passes IYKWIM.

[Jednkirrasmummy]

Yeah I completely understand all of that...

I guess I'm feeling guilty because she had her brother who kept her busy during the day when we have to go to work, and now I look out there when I'm leaving or get home and she is usually just lying around, looking bored...

I just want to do the right thing by her, I want her to have the best life I can give her.

I guess if that means just giving her all of our attention then I just need to get over feeling guilty!

[Leema]

If your puppy is only 14 weeks old, I'd be inclined to raise her as an individual - as a healthy, confident, independent dog. You can invest all your time into socialising and training her and making her awesome!

Then, perhaps in a year or two, you might feel ready to get another dog - but you should get this second dog for you, and not for Kirra. You're the one who will have to do all the training and work!

[persephone]

Losing Jed was an awful experience for you ....

and not meaning to belittle the impact in any way ..

I think you have now been given an opportunity to provide Kirra with a fantastic - human oriented , training and relationship foundation . :)

She will benefit greatly from the one on one multiple short training sessions during the day ...the long 'boring' walks , where she learns to relax and go steady and focus on who is on the other end of the lead (and no, ..not every walk needs a hyped up dog) ....

She will blossom, I think - being able to concentrate on mastering communication with you, and receiving much education and reward for accomplishments :)

She will have opportunity to learn to 'chill'..and also to provide her brain with exercise using all the great things you leave her with - paddling pool, sandpit, frozen food laced iceblocks, soccer balls , treat balls .... all that sort of thing :)

[Pretty Miss Emma]

I sort of think that maybe this is an opportunity for you to get to know Kirra and who she is really well as herself. You will be able to devote your time to her and train her and play with her and give her some great one on one time. Like others have said I wouldn't have 2 puppies, it's just really hard work. And you don't know that Kirra is lonely, and she will probably get over that a bit anyway with you spending quality time with her and making sure she gets doggy playdates and what not. I was worried about Kenzie when I lost my Emma, but she survived and I think has become a stronger more confident and independent dog because I gave her some time on her own. we developed a much stronger bond than we had before. Now Hamish has come along (Kenz had 11 months as an only dog) and we are having a lovely time. Both my dogs get devoted one on one time with me but also time together. Neither of them minds being on their own, but they also love being with each other. The big thing was I wasn't getting Hamish for Kenzie, I wasn't even really thinking I was ready for a puppy but then I heard of his litter and it's background and realised I was definitely ready for another dog (because I wanted to start training another dog, I wanted another personality around, I wanted to try some new dog activities that I couldn't do with Kenz). So I realised he was very much for me, not for her, but a nice byproduct was that she would have another friend.

Don't feel guilty, dogs are very resilient. Wait until YOU feel the time is right for YOU, be it 4 weeks or 4 years or somewhere in between.

(Oh and really dogs do sleep most of the time when we aren't there with them - I've snuck up on mine when they weren't expecting me to be home and every time sleeping!!!!)