Adding a new puppy with an old dog

Question
Hi,
I am hoping to add a puppy to our family which consists of my husband, myself and our 9 year old lab-shepherd mix. She is super sweet and very attached to us. I don't want to upset her in her last few years of life.. but we really want to add another pup. Is is okay to do this? Is it mean to her? Will it make her feel unloved? She's a loving pound dog who is my baby... SO, her feelings are super important.
Thanks so much.
Kathryn  

Answer
Hi Kathryn,

In the two dog households I've known that have had problems with fighting between dogs, they have overwhelmingly been two female dog homes. It doesn't seem to matter that the dogs were spayed. You might want to consider a male puppy.

Older or calm/quiet dogs are quite content as they are and may be intolerant and very unhappy with a puppy's boisterous behavior. A temperament and energy level match for your current petwould be the best match, but if you do end up with a puppy and older dog, here's how to get it off to the best start:

Try to choose a submissive puppy. Even though temperament, size, and level of activity can be constant within a breed, there is plenty of room for individual differences. Test the puppy's level of submissiveness. A quick and easy test is to pick up each puppy individually and cradle them in your arms like a baby, belly side up. You want a puppy who might start by struggling not to be on his back, but within a few seconds quiets, (submits) to you holding him.

If you happen to be getting the puppy from a breeder, he or she can guide you to the puppy with the personality you're looking for. Ask the breeder about slowly introducing the new puppy to your dog over a period of a few days, if possible.

Slow introductions are best, but they aren't always realistic. Sometimes you have no choice but to bring home the puppy.

Usually, when introducing two dogs, you do it on neutral territory, a spot where neither dog has any claims.  Because the puppy may not have had it's shots yet, it would be okay to introduce the two in your yard, with your older dog kept initially kept on a leash so that her response can be observed without too much risk to the puppy. Keep it happy and give out lots of praise for both, and maybe a couple of tasty treats.

Try to have the puppy's room be one that your adult dog does not use for sleeping or eating (bathrooms work well), or use a crate. Feed, play and train separately, giving equal time to both.

Don't rush them into any kind of relationship. Allow them to get acquainted but stay in close proximity while the dogs are just getting to know each other. Sometimes squabbles break out and you won't want either dog injured.

It's important to provide equal attention to both the new puppy and older dog. This includes one-on-one time, appropriate exercise and play time, and lots of love with each pet. If your older dog likes to go for rides in the car, take her on more trips, let her know how special and loved she is! That said, don't spend all of your time with them in separate situations either. This may breed jealousy and ill will between dogs. Play with the dogs separately and also have playtime together. Make sure they have plenty of toys and chew toys. Once they begin having fun, it won't be long until they are playing together and you are the one left out!

Reward good behavior. This is a new situation for both dogs. Reward them with playtime or treats so that they know that they are moving in the right direction.

If your older dog is in the habit of sleeping with you, that should not change. The puppy's crate can be in your bedroom, but you shouldn't change your older dog's routine.

Once the two dogs develop a relationship, your diligence will be awarded with twice the love!

I hope I've been a help.

Best of luck!
Patti