Puppy Or Mature Dog?

[YOLO]

Since Coco passed away, Jasper has been an only dog.

Our dogs are part of the family, so he doesn't lack for human companionship, but we feel its time for another dog. He & Coco loved to chased eachother, have tug-a-wars. Also whilst Jasper isn't entire, it didn't stop them trying.

Jasper is a ~7yr flattie, and we would like either another flattie or a goldie. If we get a mature dog, it will be from a breeder so accustomed to other dogs.

Does anyone have any expereince with this? Which is Jasper more likely to "bond" with? Will he get Jealous of a puppy?

Alternatively what are the chances of two mature dogs bonding?

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I always recommend going 2 yrs either side of the existing dog's age. I'd be looking at 4+ for your dog's friend and I'd let him pick his own friend if possible!

[megan_]

My cousins 15 year old mini schnauzer got a new lease on life when they got a pup around 2 years ago. To thus day they still play. Get what you want and supervise and separate accordingly.

[Mystiqview]

Depends on how "Old" your 7 year old is. If it is a young dog still and easy going I would always go with a puppy. You get a clean slate to work from. You don't have to retrain bad habits. Even from a breeder, the dog may have issues (don't like other male dogs or female dogs, is used to be in a kennel situation and while it may be shown etc, not REALLY socialised and a whole heap of other things).

In saying this - a slightly older puppy or even a dog run on by a breeder and not making the grade (I would still be careful of WHY the dog did make the grade - is it temperament or health or did the kept litter mate just outshine this animal?). But I think to go this way, you have to do a lot more research onto a breeder and the animal in question and even make a trip to see the animal in the flesh even if it means hopping on a plane.

I think if you go for an older dog, you really have to keep in mind the personality of each animal and ensure they will suit. I always say match the type of temperament to the dog you have already before considering sex of the animal. I have had girls get on well with girls and boys with boys, so I think the saying you MUST get one of the opposite sex does not always ring true in all cases.

[Dame Aussie]

Yeah I'd go with a pup if your dog is still healthy and active. If he is an old 7 and you think he might be grumpy with a pup I'd go for dinething around 3-4.

[rubiton]

Agree with megan. Get the dog YOU want and your dog will adapt as long as you police what they can and cant do. Our older dog always had been an only dog and when younger she did use to play with others but not for years now - only meet and greet and wander off. Which is exactly how she treats the young dog - first she wanted to know when he was going back, then she put up with him, now she uses him to her advantage when she can.

[YOLO]

Yeah I'd go with a pup if your dog is still healthy and active. If he is an old 7 and you think he might be grumpy with a pup I'd go for dinething around 3-4.

He's a ~7yr old Flat-Coated Retriever.

Which means he still thinks he's a puppy. :D

[Katdogs]

Stevie is 7yo lab x Goldie and getting her a lab puppy has been wonderful, although a bit of a shock. She's fitter and more active than ever. Our only problem is that Sammy Puppy loves Stevie more than us so we're working on attention and also making sure our 7yo Kelpie doesn't lose out too much.

If we'd waited much longer I might not have brought in a pup. Jodie Kelpie is getting grumpier and Stevie might have found it all a bit hard.

[persephone]

It depends on your dog , really - I didn't answer the poll.

Do you feel he's missing a friend?

Does he mope around?

is he showing signs of fretting, etc?

if he's happy & healthy ..having lots of human attention - doing walks & training etc ...doe HE really need another friend?

or are you getting one because you feel guilty ;) ?

Some dogs don't like pups.

Some dogs will be territorial to an adult .

some dogs enjoy being an only dog when they get the chance ...

There are so many variables!!

[W Sibs]

It all depends on what you can handle and manage. Also, it depends on Jasper.

Does he like puppies? Has he been around puppies for you to see if he will like one?

[YOLO]

It all depends on what you can handle and manage. Also, it depends on Jasper.

Does he like puppies? Has he been around puppies for you to see if he will like one?

Flatties are typically slow to mature, and he still thinks he’s a big puppy. He is very boisterous and intrusively inquisitive around other dogs. This can and does upset less enthusiastic dogs, so I am worried that a mature dog unaccustomed to such behaviour will not accept him.

But I worry if he might be too boisterous for a puppy?

[Loving my Oldies]

I didn't answer the poll, because it can't be answered one or the other. The answer is that it depends on the dog and you know Jasper best. :) :)

I also agree with giving consideration to all of Persephone's variables and add one other: how long is Jasper alone each day.

Personally, I think that most dogs (and I agree there are definitely the exceptions) like to have another dog around.

[persephone]

He is very boisterous and intrusively inquisitive around other dogs.

answering without seeing him, obviously

a confident and dominant dog may show similar behaviour ...... his behaviour may not be 'puppyish' ...

[CellarDoor]

I say puppy, but ultimately, when you're ready for a puppy/dog, I would personally assess each dog/pup as an individual, and whether or not they would fit into your household.

When our eldest was around 6/7, we got a puppy. Molly (eldest yellow lab) was hit hard by the death of our other dog some years before, and had aged quickly after that. Bringing a new puppy into our life (not for Molly, but for us), really took years off of Molly. She became really playful etc and they absolutely adored each other :) they're still incredibly close, and they've never fought before or anything (not even over food! :laugh: ).

Eta, so long as you introduce them right, and give Jasper priority (in my opinion) in should be fine. There's heaps of stuff on the Internet about introducing two dogs :) and if Jasper being boisterous or anything is a problem, you could, amongst other things, let him extensively interact with other dogs and puppies so he learns the appropriate behaviour around them. JMO :)

Edited March 1, 2013 by Clozza