My Dog And A Puppy?

[Neal]

I currently have a dog called Jake, he's a west highland white terrier and he is aged 8 years. My mam wants to get a new puppy, but I say not to because I think he will get jealous, he would like to play with the puppy, but I think in the long run he will become jealous and i'd rather not make my dog jealous. Do you think I should get a puppy or not? Note: the puppy is going to be a Jack Russell crossed witha Shi Tzu. I think it would be nice to have a puppy again, but i'm just thinking about my lovely dog!

 

[MegTheFish]

Jack Russell crossed with a Shi Tzu? Haven't heard of that one yet. If your looking to get a purebreed dog (ever consider adopting? Petfinder.com) please look into buying an actual registered breed, instead of going to a backyard breeder to get one of those....crosses.
Ok, back on topic. I think it all depends on the dog when introducing a puppy, there's a good chance he will become jelous, as you will have to spend quite a bit more time with the puppy as you need to train it.

 

[morgan]

Hi, I know someone who when her dog gets older she always gets a puppy. She says it keeps the older dog younger. She has Pekingese. I have had two Westies and I know the first one would have hated a puppy. The second one wouldn't have minded. It all depends on the dog's temperament as Meg said. My second Westie lived to 14. She was the best dog ever (to me).

 

[Bloo]

The majority of older dogs accept puppies really well - and more often than not gives the older dog a great lease of new life

 

[grahamsokel]

As long as you introduce them carefully and dont leave them together untill you know they are getting on great you shouldnt have a problem and they will eventually start playing together.when we have new pups we always put them in an indoor puppy pen when we go out so that they cant annoy the older dogs.we have never had a problem and that includes introducing tiny Dachshund pups to an adult Dalmatian

 

[Judmacaroni]

I would think they'd be fine together like folk are saying its just how you introduce them, but I would say your westie will get jealous if everyone is busy coo-ing over cute pup and leaving him out. As long as he is still the dominent dog and gets treated that way you shouldnt have a problem. I.e. he gets treats first, fed first and attension first from everyone, its hard to get folk to ignore a pup and make a fuss of an older dog first tho! Mind you westies are so cute!

If you get the pup would love to see what the cross looks like!

 

[Cobe27]

I agree with the advice already given. I introduced a new female pup to my 6 year old male Dal cross and it took a few weeks for him to accept her completely - he never hurt her but wasn't too fussed on having her clambering all over him, so I'd agree with the above advice not to leave them alone at first. Now they get along great and she has brought out the puppy play in him much more.

A lot of people say it doesn't make a difference but others recommend getting a second dog of the opposite sex. I know it worked well for me that way.

As already said, please pick the new pup carefully. If going to a breeder, ask to see the pups with the mother.

 

[splashluff]

It really does depend on your dog - if he is patient and comfortable with puppies, he should be fine. Just make sure your Westie gets lots of extra one-on-one time with your family.

As Meg said, if you are interested in a mixed breed puppy, there are LOADS in shelters everywhere waiting for the perfect home. Please don't go to a "breeder" who breeds trendy mixed breeds... you know that they are not in any way a reputable breeder, because a good breeder ONLY breeds to improve the breed (which is impossible to do when breeding "designer" mutts)! Backyard breeders who sell mixed puppies are doing nothing but feeding the dog overpopulation.