Make New Friends
Families with older dogs may decide at some point to add a new dog or puppy to their household either as a companion for their older dog, or to have a new dog on board when their old dog passes. Make sure that your old dog is enjoying the new addition to your home and that she will continue to get a lot of love and attention from her beloved family. It may take time for her to warm up to the new dog, so give her some space until she does.
It’s unlikely that an old dog will have the energy to keep up with a younger dog or puppy so you want to make certain that when she has had enough “play” with the new puppy, that she has a safe place to escape to and rest without harassment.
Set boundaries for your new pup so he won’t intrude on your old dog’s special places or resources (i.e. food bowls, chew toys, beds, etc.) To expect your old dog to accept any rude behavior is not fair to either dog. Teach the puppy to respect the older dog’s space and possessions in order to keep everyone safe and happy.
Remember, you want your old dog to have a full and happy life with you right to the end. He may look like a bag of bones, but he’s still a puppy at heart. I have a twelve year old Akita that I still call my little girl. Heck, nobody called me old when I was twelve!
Yes, it can be very exciting bringing a new dog or puppy into your home, but it’s your old dog’s home too. So while it’s understandable to get caught up in the excitement of the new addition, don’t neglect the needs of your old friend. Remember one is silver, but the other is gold.
Category: General Interest
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