Older dog and puppy?

[Pattymal]

We have the most wonderful dog- she is a Rottie/lab? mix and is just so sweet and wonderful with our kids and just all around terrific. Until I got married I was a cat person, so she is my first dog. We adopted her from the Humane Society when she was 4, so we take no responsibility for her training.
I was loving her up the other day when it struck me that she is getting up there in dog years (she's 9 now) and how much we will be heartbroken when she passes some day, and that we'd would want another dog just like her.
My question is- would it be a good idea to get a puppy now while she is still active and around to show the puppy the ropes? Or is it generally a bad idea to mix puppies and older dogs?

I thought I should add that she is still very healthy, and loves to play!

 

[annanicole18]

if she still likes to play you might do good by getting a puppy or a younger dog. she might really enjoy having someone to play with all the time and she will tell the young one off when she is done playing.

 

[sred98]

I agree, get a younger dog now. She will also let it know when playtime is over. 9 is a long time for a big dog.

How does she do when she's around other dogs? Does she still like playing with them? There will be some adjustments when you get a new one, but she'll probably enjoy having a new friend around!

Shelly

 

[NellaBean]

I've had it go both ways. I had a 7 year old female shepherd mix when we adopted a 3 month old male sheperd mix pup. That worked out great as she was active enough during his REALLY active years. By the time she really slowed down, the "puppy" was 5-6 years old and not so crazy. She was put down when she was about 14.5 and by then I had added an older toy poodle so he had another companion.

When that "puppy" was about 10 years old, I adopted a 3 month old male shepherd mix pup for him. That was okay for the first few months but now that he is 11, going on 12 years old, the new "puppy" is WAY too energetic and rough for him. And my old dog is too "slow" to keep him entertained for any length of time.

If possible, I think you might be better off getting a dog that is not a puppy. It can go either way really, just depends on your dog and the puppy you get. Good luck

 

[Pattymal]

Thanks for all the advice!
Last night I found a beautiful younger dog on Petfinder who looks just like ours, and isn't too far from here. Her puppies (soo cute!)are listed there too.
Showed them to DH this morning, and he told me he doesn't want another dog right now.

 

[chickenlips1954]

Our pit (Chloe) is 9 and really slowing down, so my DH and I talked about and looked at getting a second grown rescue dog to keep her company, although my DH kind of pooped out on the idea. I solved the problem by coming home with an adorable 6 wk. old 3/4 boston terrier 1/4 chihuahua pup(Emma) I bought from a friend. Our vet told us that it is the best thing you can do for both ages of dogs. The older one teaches the pup dog manners and rules and the pup teaches the older one to play again. The vet was exactly right. Emma was completely housebroken in a week from watching Chloe go to the door and Chloe gently puts Emma in her place if she gets too rough and bites. They've been together since last Nov. and are the best of friends and love to play together. Neither one of us regrets getting Emma for Chloe.