Posted: 5/19/2014 10:45:10 AM EDT
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I'll try to keep this from being lengthy, but with enough detail for everyone to provide feedback as I'm looking for opinions...
We currently have two dogs, a 8 year old Labrador and a 3 year old rescue mix. Our Labrador has always had health issues and was diagnosed this year with Chronic Kidney Failure. There isn't much that can be done other than diet control and her future is generally unknown. She is still active and loving, but she acts like she's much older than she is and only has very brief periods of 'play time' in her. On the other hand our 3 year old is full of himself and wants to play non-stop. He could certainly use a play mate as his big sister just isn't into it any more. On one hand I can see that adding another younger dog to the mix will make the quality of life better for the younger guy... BUT on the other hand, I feel like it's not fair to our older girl and I want to give her as much attention as possible. I've had 3 dogs in the past and know it contains extra work and there is a lot more hustle and bustle from 3 dogs... Has anyone gone through something similar?? I want to make the 'right' decision, but it's hard to know what is better. |
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I say introduce another dog...just not a puppy. Introduce the new dog on neutral ground, using smell, yadda yadda you probably know all this, but the key is to introduce the new dog in a way that the existing dogs don't see him/her as an interloper to be drive out. That's because if they see the 3rd as an interloper they may growl or snap at the dog and you'll correct. Thing is, it is important for an older dog to be able growl and snap at younger dogs PROVIDED #1 they aren't doing any real damage physical or physiological (a cranky older dog who really snaps hard and aggressive at a young pup can greatly impact how that pup will grow up viewing other dogs) #2 are doing it as a 'leave me alone I don't want to play' as opposed to 'leave! this is my area!' Adult dogs, even young adult, seem to be able to get this 'leave me alone' message mainly just with body language before even growls and snips come up. It's why we as dog people generally see it as okay in a situation like yours to bring a friend or neighbor's dog over for a 'play date'. In this case it is a 'play date' that after a few interactions gets invited to say. Also, this is where temperament of the 3rd member becomes important. I see a lot of rescue dogs being described as shy and needing to come out of their shell a bit. I think that kind of dog would be a great mix...starts out as reserved and holding back which is good for the older dog as there is time to clearly and softly learn boundaries, and that is also time for a rescue to warm up to the idea of a loving home and start to flourish.
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