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My family has been thinking about getting another dog. What kind of dog should I get. A puppy a middle age, or older, I
Asked by
Cooper
on Jul 7th 2009
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in Adoption & Rescue
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Answers
How old is the dog you already have? If it's a puppy, then you can get a puppy but if it's an adult, I would recommend getting another adult dog. It's age and maturity compatibility for me. An adult dog might not want to deal with a puppy's constant playful behavior. If your dog is a female, maybe get a fixed male companion. If your dog is a male, I think either female or male will be ok. Also maybe get a dog that is equal to or around the same activity level as your dog, this way you can keep your walking regime the same.
Chloe
answered on 7/7/09.
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With Cooper being 6 years old your first priority needs to be finding a dog with same personality, energy and play drive. There's nothing more flustrating to an adult or older dog than a puppy that just won't leave them alone when it wants to sleep!! The new dog MUST also fit your family lifestyle.
You should concider introducing Cooper to any potential new dogs several different times in several different setting to be sure that they will get along together b4 you bring the new dog home.
As for the age of the new dog, after the conciderations above are fullfilled, it really just depends on if you want to puppy train, (alot of work), basic train, (medium work), or if you want a dog that will require just a small amount of work to fit into your life.
No matter what age you decide to get, i hope you will adopt a shelter or rescue dog. There are millions of GREAT dogs that currently need good homes. If we dont help, they may be put down just because they are taking up space.
Neka
answered on 7/7/09.
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Chole and Neka are on the right track. Cooper likely won't welcome a high energy puppy with sharp little teeth expecting other dog to enjoy biting games. A 3-4 year old female from a shelter or rescue would be a good idea. Usually they want you to spay them if not already.
One of the best sources for dogs with a predictable personality is the rescue dogs. These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them. You may find a rescue near you starting at www.akc.org The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year.
www.petfinders.org are good too.
Aster
answered on 7/7/09.
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