Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:32 pm Post subject: Another dog??
Hi. I'm new to LF and I'm hoping for some advice please. We have an 11 year old black Lab, Jasper, and recently lost our other 10 year old black Lab (Charlie) sadly to heart failure. Obviously the family were very upset to loose Charlie, but we are now starting to think about bringing another dog into our home as it's just not the same without two! However, I'm really not sure how Jasper will take this, having lost his long term pal, and introducing another younger dog into the home. Jasper has always been easy going, and has always been top dog, so don't want to create unrest. Is there any advice on this please?
Also, if we do decide to take the plunge with a new pup, can anyone recommend any good Lab gundog breeders in Yorkshire/North East? Many thanks.
I would say it all depends on how you think Jasper will react to a new pup. My Father in Law had one of our pups and his older dog wasnt impressed when he went home and she ignored him and told him off whenever he went near her. After about a week they cuddled up together and follow each other around and she has even started playing which she is not very good at. Jasper will more than likely stay away from the pup and make sure pup knows who was top-dog. As long as Jasper can get away for peace and quiet they should be ok. Others will be along soon with more advice I'm sure.
When I read your post, I wondered whether you have thought about looking at rescuing an adult, rather than facing Jasper with a very young pup?
I'm sure rescues would arrange for him to be introduced to any potential addition to the household so that you could be reasssured that they would get on.
Pups are great of course, but it can take a long time to find one that you like, and there are often waiting lists. Also it's very difficult not to give all your attention to the puppy, and Jasper might get jealous.
On the other hand, it may give him a whole new lease of life!
Twix and Roly were brought up together from when Twix was 7 weeks and Roly was 6 weeks, we lost Roly last Christmas due to cancer she was 12 1/4, Twix was devestated and just lay about looking depressed. We got Jana at 6 weeks and Twix ( 12 1/4) was not happy, but Twix was always petted first, fed 1st and after a few weeks they would lay together snuggled up to sleep
If you make sure the exsisting dog is still given the attention first and always supervise when they are together, and make sure the puppy does not annoy the older dog too much, I see no reason why they cannot be friends
Have you had a look at rescues? or try the Kennel club website for puppies, they should have had all of the health checks
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: Another dog??
Bex46 wrote:
Hi. I'm new to LF and I'm hoping for some advice please. We have an 11 year old black Lab, Jasper, and recently lost our other 10 year old black Lab (Charlie) sadly to heart failure. Obviously the family were very upset to loose Charlie, but we are now starting to think about bringing another dog into our home as it's just not the same without two! However, I'm really not sure how Jasper will take this, having lost his long term pal, and introducing another younger dog into the home. Jasper has always been easy going, and has always been top dog, so don't want to create unrest. Is there any advice on this please?
Also, if we do decide to take the plunge with a new pup, can anyone recommend any good Lab gundog breeders in Yorkshire/North East? Many thanks.
We never seem to have a problem introducing new members to our oldest dog who is nearly 11.
He is also a member here: Is name is monkeyboy, don't let that put you off, when it comes to working dogs he knows what he is talking about and has some cracking examples of working dogs. I believe he has a litter due early March.
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