To get a new puppy or an older rescue ?

Hi

I am thinking of getting Molly ( Lab X) a new brother or sister ( most likely a brother ) and am wondering what people think about puppy vs older dog ?

My concern with a puppy is that Molly is a largish 32 kg which I think converting it is about 70 lb dog who is very very very energetic and could be too much for a puppy. Not that I plan to leave them alone together

My concern with an older dog is that she can also be a little madam and rather dominant and that with an older dog there will be fights about place in the pack

Any suggestions would be very welcome :confused:

What if you compromised and got an older puppy from rescue? :p

There are tons of cute, friendly puppies in rescue just waiting for homes (look at Fozzie if you don't believe me). You could look for a pup around 6 months old, to guage their personality more, and they would be big/mature enough not to be too overwhelmed by Molly. A huge number of pups around 4-6 months are in rescues everywhere! It would most likely be easier for her to adjust to a younger pup. It sounds like a laid back, submissive male would fit her best.

On the other hand, what is best for YOU? Do you have the time/energy necessary for a puppy? Do you have the time to crate/house train, supervise, socialize, and take a pup to several courses of Obedience class? If you don't spend a lot of time at home, you don't want accidents inside, or you don't want to invest in many training courses, an adult would be best.

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Originally Posted by bckrazy

What if you compromised and got an older puppy from rescue? :p

There are tons of cute, friendly puppies in rescue just waiting for homes (look at Fozzie if you don't believe me). You could look for a pup around 6 months old, to guage their personality more, and they would be big/mature enough not to be too overwhelmed by Molly. A huge number of pups around 4-6 months are in rescues everywhere! It would most likely be easier for her to adjust to a younger pup. It sounds like a laid back, submissive male would fit her best.

On the other hand, what is best for YOU? Do you have the time/energy necessary for a puppy? Do you have the time to crate/house train, supervise, socialize, and take a pup to several courses of Obedience class? If you don't spend a lot of time at home, you don't want accidents inside, or you don't want to invest in many training courses, an adult would be best.

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agreed :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bckrazy

What if you compromised and got an older puppy from rescue? :p

There are tons of cute, friendly puppies in rescue just waiting for homes (look at Fozzie if you don't believe me). You could look for a pup around 6 months old, to guage their personality more, and they would be big/mature enough not to be too overwhelmed by Molly. A huge number of pups around 4-6 months are in rescues everywhere! It would most likely be easier for her to adjust to a younger pup. It sounds like a laid back, submissive male would fit her best.

On the other hand, what is best for YOU? Do you have the time/energy necessary for a puppy? Do you have the time to crate/house train, supervise, socialize, and take a pup to several courses of Obedience class? If you don't spend a lot of time at home, you don't want accidents inside, or you don't want to invest in many training courses, an adult would be best.

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ditto

Well, I really don't know what to suggest.

Puppies need alot of care when they come home. They need potty training, crate training, regular training. They need alot of attention and as you mentioned they need to be watched constantly with a larger dog around. The thing is are you willing to take the time out of your day for this?Time off of work or out of your daily schedule to train this pup properly. Of course, there is a plus side. Unlike older rescues you can train them the way you want from an early age, which is good.

Older dogs are also a good choice. They can be left alone more and are most likely potty trained(especially if you adopt from a rescue.)Some are already trained and they will already be large as your other dog is. The down side is, what if the had a bad past? Sadly abuse is always a possibility. Rescues sometimes don't check how the dog is with other animals. So what if you bring him home and your other dog gets into a fight with him?

Like Bckrazy said, it's really your decision. But make sure you get from a recuse that has checked thier dogs with other animals and children.

Good luck in your search! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bckrazy

What if you compromised and got an older puppy from rescue? :p

There are tons of cute, friendly puppies in rescue just waiting for homes (look at Fozzie if you don't believe me). You could look for a pup around 6 months old, to guage their personality more, and they would be big/mature enough not to be too overwhelmed by Molly. A huge number of pups around 4-6 months are in rescues everywhere! It would most likely be easier for her to adjust to a younger pup. It sounds like a laid back, submissive male would fit her best.

On the other hand, what is best for YOU? Do you have the time/energy necessary for a puppy? Do you have the time to crate/house train, supervise, socialize, and take a pup to several courses of Obedience class? If you don't spend a lot of time at home, you don't want accidents inside, or you don't want to invest in many training courses, an adult would be best.

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Very well said :)

Thank you all for the advice it gives me lots to ponder on

If I do decide on a puppy or a rescue I wouldn't look at getting one until I had enough leave to take the time off work to toilet train socialise and get them all introduced etc and luckily there are lots of Puppy classes in my area and once all vaccinations are done several really good dog parks but it gives me lots of food for thought

Thanks again for the advice !! :)

Older dogs CAN be trained to do whatever a puppy can be trained for. If they aren't housetrained, they can be trained quicker because they already have control. And older dogs seem to realize that you are their saviour. They can also try your patience, testing to see if you really will keep them. It all depends on what they've been through.

I think in your case, a young and submissive dog would be better than a puppy. Jmo.

I say older dog unless you really want a puppy. Older dogs have less chance of getting adopted. :)

In your situation I'd opt for a rescue puppy that's a little older and probably will be house and crate trained. Both of my Labs are rescues (Hokie was 13 months when I got him and Sam was 12 weeks) both were house trained and crate trained. Their original owners didn't have the time to devote to them that they needed so they returned them to the breeder. They are doing beautifully and are wonderful pets that are my best friends.
Good luck with your decision,
Labmomma (Donna ) :)

I say go rescue an older dog. :)