Thnking about getting another dog

I have two senior dogs, and the older of the two is on borrowed time (diabetes, arthritis, elevated liver enzymes, hair falling out, hearing lost, already exceeded the life expectancy of his breed).  The other can't stand to be an only dog.  My roommate and I are debating whether to get another dog now, so our younger dog (by younger I mean 11) can bond with it before the older dog passes, or wait until the older dog is gone. 

The vet says it depends entirely on the dogs, so there is no definitive answer.  Some of our friends have brought in a younger animal and had it reinvigorate the older ones, others have done it and had the younger animal wear the older one out and make it grumpier.  We are talking about getting another adult rescue dog, not a puppy.  Anyone have experience in this kind of situation?

In my experience, having had several dogs, getting a younger dog to support an older one depends on the personalities of the dogs. I've had good luck, though, when I had two dogs. Now I have only one, and she's been that way since we first brought her home. She's doing great, but then she has 3 cats to play with.

Good luck making your choice!

I've been haunting AdopTaPet.com for almost a year.   I've gone through looking at one breed after another, from my previous Shar-Pei/Staffordshire cross to my current Golden Retriever.   Being over 55, Humane Society shelters often offer adoption of dogs 8 & over for $55.  And a month "warranty" in case the two of you don't work out.   

Unfortunately, I'm still only looking  because I will be back in Texas for at least 2 weeks later this year.  I simply could not be away from an adopted dog so long in the first year.   There will be time enough after I get home. 

I've thought about your question about introducing a new dog.    Here's my observations and thoughts on it..... 

A dog as old as 11 is getting elderly - they are (usually) slower, calmer, set in their ways...  A pup or young dog can hound the older dog with its relentless needs for playtime.  

If you take your dog to doggie daycare and tell them you'd like to see how your dog would react to young dogs coming into the household.   They should be able to report their impressions. 

My mother's poodle, tho active outdoors, was miserable while indoors with the pup - trying to hide from being romped on and continually woken.  Once the pup grew up and settled down, it was better. 

A dog of full adult years, of 5 or more, could potentially work... 

However, I would not bring in another dog until after your eldest dog is passed.   In the meantime, I'd consider taking him to daycare (or to a friend's with a dog, for socializing once a week or so.   You'll be able to see how he does with others and how ctive, how dominant or submissive a dog he does best with. 

Another thing - it is best to match dominants with submissives, to ensure a minimum of conflict, a peaceful pecking order.   Females with males, too.  Two of the same sex will feel competition and have conflict, rather than develop a close companionship. 

Good luck.. 

Teri 

We have taken our dogs to local dog parks, and to visit family members with dogs.  We have also dog sat in our home for relatives.  Our younger dog is very social and loves to play with other dogs, although he does get tired out more quickly than he used to.  If he does not have other dogs around, like if we take our older dog to the vet or groomer and leave him home alone, he gets destructive.  Our older dog just wants someone to pet him, and has no desire to play anymore.  The fact that our younger dog is so social is the main reason I'm thinking about getting another dog.  I think you're right about getting a dog that is 5 or older.  A young puppy would be too much for the older dog to handle. 

Hi, there...  It was great to hear that you've been socializing him and know how well he plays with others.  

I was so sad to hear about your dying dog.  Life must be near endless hours of pain.  Since he's deaf and little eyesight left (age & diabetic macular degeneration).   With no ways but touch to connect, he must be so lonely, so lonely.  

Well, given what you've said about your younger dog and seeing how close you must be close to letting your old fellow go home, I think you should start looking for a new friend and companion. 

Bookmark adoptapet.com..  You can have updates sent when your search criteria are matched with new added dogs.   Most places have someone upload new dogs only once or twice a week, so for the shelter(s)  closer to home, try calling more often. 

It's a good idea to stop by at least once a week to walk a dog or more.   Get friendly with the volunteers and staff.  Fill out an index card with your name and day phone numbers and what ages, size and that your home will include another dog.   Staple oa photo of your yard and, if you rent, get a statement on letterhead explaining that you have permission to have more than one dog.   

When you find a possible match, take your dog along.   The staff will let you know when you may get him out for a meet and greet. 

Keep track of Craigslist, too.  Pets are under Community.   You can select multiple  surrounding counties to also search, all at the same time. 

Once you've picked a dog and signed an adoption agreement, make certain your old dog will never have the new dog anywhere near.   It will be enough for the other two become thorough comfortable sharing a home and water dish, and understanding all the rules and routine.

.   Eventually a nose sniffing should be possible - but not with your 11 year old for he may be possessive of his long-term friend.  Please let us know about your search.  Maybe you can post pictures.  There are so many dog owners who adore looking at photos and hearing stories, happy or sad.. 

I hope you don't mind all the unsolicited advice, but since this is the off topic board, others thinking of getting a first or second dog, and this way, 50 years of dog adoption experience will always be here.  I'm big on teaching, but don't like to repeat myself.  

Teri 

I don't mind the advice at all, and it's not unsolicited--I posted looking for input.  We are very fortunate that our older dog has not lost his eyesight.  When he was diagnosed with diabetes, they said the majority of dogs lose their vision in a year, but it's been longer than that and he can still see.  We make sure to check periodically, and the vet checked at his last appointment, too.  I think they assumed he was just getting around by smell, but he can actually see. 

I credit it to the fact that we actually monitor his blood sugar at home, even doing periodic glucose curves and adjusting his dosage accordingly.  Apparently, most owners don't do this, which amazes me, and not in a good way.  We would never expect a person to inject insulin without monitoring their blood sugar, so the idea of people injecting their pets without checking is shocking. 

We also give the dog rimadyl, glucosamine, and fish oil for his arthritis.  We want to make sure he's not in constant pain, since that's no way to live.  The vet said if it gets worse we can add tramadol, but he's had that before and it makes him super lethargic--also no way to live.

Our younger dog is unlikely to try to protect the older one from a new dog because the younger dog is the submissive one.  Anytime they're around another dog, if it shows any signs of aggression, he hides behind me, while the older dog tries to defend them despite being old, small, and arthritic.  For that reason, I don't take the older dog places where there is a chance of there being an aggressive dog.  There is no way he can defend himself, but he'll still try.

Hopefully this works.  It should be pictures of Perkins, the older dog; Jackson, the younger dog; and Stevie, my oldest cat.  I realize this is a dog related thread that I started, but Stevie is really cute, so I'm going to throw his pic in, too.

WooHoo!  Success.  This probably means I should take progress pics of me for the regular forum, but I'm not nearly as cute...

Would you consider getting a slightly more mature dog?  Dogs over 5 struggle to be adopted in comparison to puppies and young dogs and yet, even at that age, they have a lot of fruitful years ahead of them.

Young dogs can be a PITA, and young dogs are often in the shelter because they have become too much for people to handle (once the puppy cute has gone) whereas an older dog is more likely to have lived with a family for a few years and will be easier to fit into a family without having to correct behaviours which should have been worked on since puppyhood.    Older dogs are generally relinquished because of a change of family cir****tances rather than it being anything to do with the dog.

At our shelter, we get a lot of young dogs that are really pretty difficult to control (little to no socialisation) whereas we rarely get older dogs with behavioiural problems!

  I agree full heartedly.  I only look for those 5 and older - wonderful dogs.   You are right - most of the problem dogs have been put down by ave 5. You do have great family dogs, companions.   They still have years of active adult years for jogging, the great outdoors, advanced obedience trials...

 Depending on the breed and individual, you can find those with hyper-energy bouncy or couch potato snugglers. 

Best of all, when when adopted from the Humane Society, they are assessed for stable temperament and for what kind of household will be good matches.  

Well, one more "best" - when you get a puppy (to 2),you have not only potty & basic training...  You also will not know what you will get when they grow up..   The true Personality  and character doesn't show up in puppies.   With an adult dog, you can experience the full finished product.   

Plus, having been surrendered, they are so grateful to have a home again and will bond quickly and will deeply love you. 

Teri