Getting a second dog

She might be jealous of the puppy getting all the attention. On the other hand, it might liven her up. Maybe you could discuss it with your vet.

Just return it if there are any problems. Even minor ones.

OP.. I had VERY strong desire to get a second dog during the same time. In the end, I couldn't do it because, like your "first" dog, mine was a princess who got an unbelievable amount of attention. I didn't want to take that away from her during her last years. That being said, some say adding a second dog revitalizes the older dog. It's a tough call.

It's a dog. It was probably snatched away from her mother and siblings after just a few weeks. And became your slave. You put a collar and leash on her and pulled her along for years for your amusement. Told her when she could pee, when she could eat, when she could go outside. She can't even see other dogs unless you say so. Never, ever had sex probably, one of the most important creature activities ever.

She can't wait to die and never have to deal with your cruelty ever again.

Is 8 old for the breed? How does she behave with other dogs in the park? I say go for it. I had an old cat and I was worried about a kitten for the same reason and the older cat loved having a kitten to play with. She really perked up.

How is she with other dogs? Does she make friends easily? Do other dogs every come to your home to visit and if so how does she react? At eight she might be a bit set in her ways to adjust to having a new dog living in the home.

I'm debating getting another cat since mine died last month. My dog is very depressed without his pal. I definitely don't want two dogs. He is very friendly and loves being around other dogs, until he's had enough. He and the cat got on beautifully but I don't know if he would have the same bond with a different cat.

Is she a rescue dog?

Get one. She'll have a friend and companion. I'd see if you can bring your dog to meet any pup you might be interested in. Let her interest dictate your actions.

Good luck to you and your dog.

Get a second dog OP,, the stress will probably kill the first dog and then you can get a third dog and have fresh dogs instead of an old dog that is just going to get smellier and have those ugly blue cataracts.

Just shoot the older dog. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call.

If your dog isn't very fast on her feet, stay out of Ohio!

Get one eight is not old and she needs a companion when you go out anyway, just do the introduction correctly, look it up.

R6, she mostly ignores other dogs. She has some she likes (e.g. big black Labradors) but is indifferent toward most. She hates Chihuahuas and other small yapping dogs. But she has never bitten another one. She gets really upset if other dogs are visiting our house unannounced. She is usually OK if we meet the other dogs first on the street.

8! is not old unless a dog is a giant breed. She could be around for another 5 or 6 years easily.

Are you sure you dont just want another dog because Princess isnt as pretty as she once was? 8 is not old.

She is not old and she is very healthy. Her breed has an expectancy of 12-14 years. But I wonder if I should get her a puppy companion now when she is still in good shape or later when she is grumpier and things start to hurt. Of course, much of this is driven by my anxiety about losing her and being without dog…

And she is still very pretty and always will be.

[quote] Just return it if there are any problems. Even minor ones.

Works for me.

Don't overthink it, OP. Get the second dog, you won't regret it, and it will be a lot of fun watching the 2nd dog grow up with your diva dog.

Don't get a second dog.

Your dog sounds content and you already said it doesn't like when other dogs come over to the house. You admitted that a lot of this desire for a 2nd dog is driven by your own anxiety.

just clone the first one

Older dogs HATE puppies or young dogs bothering them. So not only is she not the center of attention anymore, she’s got this young whippersnapper messing with her. It’s a nightmare!

They will work it out. Just be sure and meet up at a neutral spot so your current dog can approve or decline the candidate. Lots of shelters have 'get acquainted' rooms where everyone can meet and decide it it's a match.

NO, OP. A thousand times NO!

My Grandpa always said: If you're poor, you get one dog. 🐕 And if you're really poor, you get two.🐕🐕

well???

You could get a foster and see how it works out. You would be doing the new dog a favor on a short term basis and could test the chemistry. This what we did. We got two fosters actually and ended up keeping both! We have three now.

Purebred? Sigh.

Unhealthier than mutts and encourages breeding when we have more dogs than homes.

My recommendation is to foster a dog first to see how it goes. You'd be doing a good deed in the process.

I just skipped after I saw OP respond about their dog being indifferent to other dogs, don't do it. Pack animals don't feel the same way about 'companions' towards other pack animals, they're competition. If you've plenty of resources, space, fenced yard, etc, it may be doable. But, I'd go for a rescue cat/kitten. Cats and dogs make great companions without the same competition issues, but a rescue cat a few yrs old couldbemore problematic than another dog. Also, if you do go the dog route and live in an area with seasonal weather, I wouldn't be looking at getting a puppy going into the winter months.

When my childhood pet was older, he seemed to enjoy the company of younger dogs. He eventually moved “upstate” (no really) to live with a family friend who had a pack.

OP , I decided to not get a second dog.

^OP here,