Gracie will be 7 this summer and I have wanted another dog for over a year - we are finally hooked into a lab rescue here in SO CA and I was a little worried - what age shoud we or NOT get for a girl her age - she is young at heart but some say not a puppy? She gets walked daily. I would greatly appreciate your input - We can't wait to find that new memebr of our family.
I don't think it matters on the age. But it would probably be good to have your girl meet some of the contenders for adoption, if you hate the opportunity. We kept 2 puppies last year and our 2 oldest were 7 and 6 and while they aren't keen on the pups bugging them, everyone gets along.
Whenever getting another dog, we ALWAYS take the brood we have with us... Usually its just 2 dogs... but we have gotten a third... Both boys have to be comfortable with who they choose... if they show any nervousness, anxiety, or any odd behavior, we pass on that dog....
Personally, I have found that an older rescue does far better in our home...they tend to be (at least in my opinion and experience with my dog) a little more mellow and able to slide into our routine and rules a bit easier....but always, let your dogs pick the newcomer....(Indy has always picked who is coming to the family and in the almost 11 years I have had him, he's always picked the best ones!)
When I adopted my 10yo GSD, I took my Pug with me to her home to see if they'd be compatible. Within about 5 seconds of meeting, they were both down on their front paws with bums in the air & wagging their tails. They then proceeded to chase each other around the back yard. It was at that point, I knew they were made for each other & brought the old girl home. They've been best friends ever since.
So as the others have said, let your existing dog choose its new house mate & you can't go wrong.
A pup or younger dog will help keep your 7 year old young at heart and in good shape physically. Good luck with your new addition.
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