Hi Guys,

Just wanted to ask your advice on having a puppy and an older dog. I have a 10 week old who is coming along nicely with her training. Her previous owner also has a 10 month old husky who knows all the commands and has an excellent recall.

The previous owner has offered him to me and although I really really want him Im worried this may get in the way of nikiyas training.

Any benefits to having an older dog and a puppy other than company???

I really can't help you with the puppy and dog question.
But I have found that having a dog already in the home for some time and getting a second one helps. the establisted dog will help train the new one the house rules..

Quote :

Any benefits to having an older dog and a puppy other than company???

In answer to your direct question loads, and it can actually work both way.

Though not a puppy (she was just over one when we got Ripley) Tika has been helping us train the older dog and learning our routine, commands, and expectations.

An older dog can actually help enforce rules and aid a great deal in the training of a younger one. As a role model the puppy will, more times then not, pick up behaviors (Good or Bad) just out of mimicry.

A strong bond can often form as well, although it tends to be stronger from the puppy's point of view, and can really turn them into strong pack members a lot faster.

Not to mention the energy exhausted from having multiple dogs. The more time they spend playing together the less destructive they tend to be and less intense and excited. dogs who understand bite inhibition can also help in helping to limit how hard nipping or mouthing can be.

I'm sure there is more but off the top of my head right now that is all I got.

However, this is with a well trained dog who understands and respects your rules and boundaries. You say this other Husky is trained already, however the training isn't from you. You haven't "imprinted" on each other at all and though I'm sure it is a well behaved pup also, rehoming it and expecting it to retain that level of training without any extra work would be expecting a lot.

In my humble opinion you would be training your new pup, and re-training this 10 month old to assimilate into your lifestyle at the same time.

Lastly the 10 month is very close to entering it's adolescence as well. Though this isn't the end of the world and training is still very possible, talking back and stubbornness often reach a whole new level as well as the energy level shooting WAY up in many cases. You would have a pup who needs a very large amount of stimulation and exercise and a puppy who needs a lot less then that.

If you can devote the time and training needed to have two very young pups then by all means go for it. In the long wrong the benefits always outweigh the cons. Just make sure you don't bite off more then you can chew is all I'm warning about .

Either way I wish you the very best of luck.

~Chris~

In my personal opinion I didn't find it very hard at all. My 7 month old was pretty much trained when our almost 8 week old entered our home. I've not found it difficult to train them at the same time. Granted, it is a bit more challenging, but to me it wasn't that big of a deal. The bond the two of them share is incredible and was totally worth the extra work I've put in. They love each other and play so well together. The biggest plus is that they ware each other out! The two of them play and play and just crash!

I hope you decide on taking on the 10 month old and if not, I pray he find's a great home.

I would have to say it is much easier since I have gotten the second pup. My 8 month old has been awesome! He used to jump up on me when I got home and be really bad with mouthing. He would also try to mount my leg a lot. Since I have gotten the pup, Nikko has not done any of these things ONCE! Plus it is nice because they wear each other out.

The new pup has been MUCH easier to potty train too. I think he picks up on the times and learns some things from Nikko. Just in the first week he learned to sit for treats.

thanks everyone,

Im still considering the other dog, as the owner is in no rush to rehome as such until towards the end of her pregnancy. Need to fully consider the pros and cons and I definately want more time with nikiya to establish some basics.

So happy to have found a forum with such helpful advice. Hope you and all your beautiful huskies are well x