additional puppy

Question
We have a 10yo Border Collie who has been on his own for 6 years.  We
bought an 8wo border puppy (male) two weeks ago.  The older dog is
tolerating the puppy so long as it doesn't actually jump on him.

As we figure the older dog probably has 3-4 years remaining, we are
considering adding and additional puppy (female) as more boisterous
company for the puppy and so that we will not have a solitary dog again in a
few years.  We are getting very conflicting advice on the wisdom of this
course of action.  Please help.

Answer

Hi Victoria,

Having two puppies at the same time is a very poor idea. If you were to get another puppy, you should not introduce it into your home until your current puppy is fully trained and bonded to you and your family (at around 6 months or older). Read more about this here:

http://leerburg.com/2dogs.htm

http://www.uvhs.org/behavioral_docs/double_trouble.pdf

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1770914/should_i_adopt_two_puppies_at_o...

A puppy, no matter how boisterous it may be, needs to be socialized by you, not another puppy. If you don't have time to properly tend to the first puppy, getting a second puppy is not an answer. If you do decide to get a second puppy now, they should be separated by crating them side by side (in separate crates) and then eventually crating them separately overnight, and for a couple of hours during the day. You will need to spend quality time daily with each pup individually, and train them separately from each other.

As far as your elderly dog and the new pup, you must supervise them to ensure that neither dog is harassed or bullied by the other. Puppies are merciless, and do not know any limits. Your older dog needs to be protected from this. Also, be sure to spend extra one-on-one time with your mature dog. He needs your love and reassurance during this time of adjustment.

Best of luck,

Patti