New puppy and old dog

Question
I read your answer to the Kathryn on adding a new puppy to a household with an old dog.  I too have a 11 yr. old male pound dog, Tobie, mix of golden retriever and Bernese Mountain dog.  At 72 pounds he's pretty big and we are considering adding an 8 Cavalier King Charles spaniel to the household.  Our primary concern is Tobie.  If this would be a bad thing for him we would not do it.  On the other hand we love Tobie's personality so much we would like him to "train"  a second dog.  If that a reasonable thing to expect?

Answer

Hi Joan,

Anytime you add a pet to a household there's a period of adjustment until "the dust settles".  First, does Tobie like to be around other dogs? If he does, great! If not, adding a new dog to your home is going to be a long road, and the two dogs may never go beyond tolerating one another.

To help things proceed well, your new dog should either be a neutered male, or a spayed female dog. As far as Tobie training the other dog, that depends on how old the new dog is. Many adult dogs will "teach" a young puppy certain things such as bite inhibition, but dog to dog training doesn't go much beyond that. It's up to you to train a new dog what's expected of him, and correct him for errors. You need to show the new dog that you're the one in charge, not Tobie.

Ideally, introduce the dogs on neutral territory that is unfamiliar to both dogs or where neither one has been for long. If this cannot be conveniently arranged, let them greet on the outside perimeters of the resident dog's territory. This may be in your neighborhood at a distance from your home. In the heart of your dog's territory, such as inside your home, conflicts are more likely to occur. You can read more about how to introduce two soon-to-be housemates here:

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-introduce-two-dogs-204077.html

Once the new dog is in your home, you always want to supervise the two dogs, and separate when when you can't be watching them, or when you leave the house. It's not unusual for it to take a month before the new dog is accepted by the resident dog. Feed them separately at first, and stick to Tobie's regular schedule of meals and walks. Let Tobie sleep where he always sleeps. Maintaining his normal daily routine will help him adjust to the new dog. Play with both dogs together, but also give Tobie extra one-on-one time with you, do things with him that he enjoys to assure him that is his place in the "pack" is secure. Dogs don't understand the concept of sharing. If the new dog takes Tobie's food, toys or bed, you'll need to step in, and give the item back to Tobie.  

I hope that helps!
Feel free o write back if I can be of further help.

Best of luck,

Patti