Posted by Cindyg on 18:24 Jul 25
In Reply to: Dog question for dog lovers/owners. We're thinking of adopting another dog..... posted by myfunnybunch
But not an emphatic no; just a I-probably-wouldn't-do-that kind of no.
First of all, the new dog -- you won't know exactly what you're getting until you've had him home a few days. You might find him to be high maintenance in some other, unexpected way. You might find yourself (at least your dog time and energy) spread too thin.
Secondly, I wouldn't count on the older dog teaching the younger dog anything. The younger dog will have home turf advantage and will likely try to show the older dog how to behave in this new house. And I wouldn't count on the younger dog learning anything from another dog by osmosis.
Third, if your dog is as hyper as you say, she might really torment an older dog. They might not accept each other. They might actually hurt each other; and if not that, the younger is almost certain to annoy the older.
Having said all that, if you have enough room in your heart, your calendar, and your wallet for another dog, by all means, get another dog. But don't do it for Poppy's sake. What Poppy needs, IMO, is continued interaction from the humans, which is apparently what you're doing.
I have often wished for a next door neighbor with a puppy the same size and age as mine so they could have recess together and run themselves ragged for about 45 minutes. (I'd like that for my son too!)But I'd be hesitant to actually adopt another dog.