Dog Behavior Advice

Question
Hi Charlotte, I actually got two questions the first major question is, I have an 11 year old Basset Hound who I love very much as well as he loves me. We have been through a lot together, from moving to different locations quite often, and also suffered through some bad medical issues. I have managed to pull him through these issues, but has caused him lots of stress. He also suffers from anxiety separation and he can get depressed. For the most part he is a happy dog, he looks forward to his walks, his treats and socializing with other people and dogs. He has lived with other dogs and gets along with them fine and up until just recently has had someone around all day for his company, but now he is left for most of day since we are both working and I know he doesn't like this. I am looking into adopting a 10 week old basset hound mix puppy from a very good rescue organization. I took him to meet puppy and he seems to be fine with him, and if adoption works out he will be kept in a play pen while we are gone, but my basset will be able to see him and smell him until we get home where we can supervise them together. I think he would enjoy having another dog around, but the pup is a fixed male and my basset is a male too. My question on this is do you think my older basset could get depressed and think he is being replaced? I will show the same attention I always have towards my basset making him know he is still the main guy, but with all he has been through I would hate for him to be so stressed and depressed that could hurt him. Any suggestions or advice? My last question is, the pup just got fixed last week and when I saw him this weekend I noticed he would hump the other pups. Do you think is from him just being fixed at such an early age, or could this behavior be something that could continue?

Answer
The first thing that really concerned me is the puppy humping other pups. This is usually a sign of dominance, which wont go down well with your current male if the pup tries it with him. Is there not a spayed bitch pup you could get from the litter?

About feeling replaced etc, all dogs react different to this. Some older dogs are so happy to have a pup around that they seem years younger. Others become as you said depressed and feel replaced. I would certainly try it out. Just remember to spend alone time with your older dog, lavish treats and love on him, and try not to change his routines too much. Just be careful the first day or so, watch the pup around the older dogs toys, food bowls or bed, and be on hand in case things get nasty.

I think he will come round.