Old dog/Young dog Q?

[Pendlehog]

Have any of you had experience in bringing a much older dog into the house with a youngster, and how did they cope?

I may have the option of takig on an older springer bitch, I am told she is 12, she has lived with another dog (8yr old collie) for the past few years and is being brought into rescue.

I havent met the dog yet so its all very speculative so far! My dog is an 18 month old male springer cross - I think an older role model will be good for him (he is a naturally submissive dog so she should slot in above him). My concern is whether he will be too much for her, he loves other dogs and is pretty enthusiastic in his play - I dont want him to drive her demented! He has a crate so could have "time out" but I would rather they co-exist for the most part.

Any experiences (good and bad!) would be great to hear.


PS: For those of you wondering about the choccy lab, he has been booked to a lovely lady that has had a dog from us before so wont be coming to stay with me.

 

[The Original Kao]

had an older dog (15) when I got my puppy. She generally ignored the pup for the 1st few days, and ran away from her. Then she seemed to accept the puppy and allowed her in for cuddles etc, then it went onto playing together and being chums
Also had a few older dogs come into the house once the pup had been here a few weeks. All the other dogs have been fine with the pup (she's just 17 weeks now so probably more bouncy, excitable and in your face annoying at times compared with your boy at the age he is now). They either ignored, had a growl when she was being too excitable, or played with her (or all of the above depending on which dog it was).