Well - let me tell you (and you probably all ready know this) -- a little puppy can make life hell for an older dog. My poor 4-year-old, 21-pound Bichon has has the patience of Job with my little pup. At 8 weeks, the pup was constantly jumping on my Bichon, biting him (the teething stage was especially hard on all of us), hanging on his ears and being drug all over the house.
I literally had to put my Bichon in the other room and close the door or somewhere where else where he could get away from the pup once in a while just to rest. Even so - they do play a lot - especially in the evening. And, they love to run together outside. They are fast friends now. The problem is that my Bichon doesn't want to play 24/7. Who does???
So - if you have a way for your older dog to take occasional breaks away from the pup - take naps and get some rest - I think it would be fine.
And remember - your new pup will be a pup for a long time. I think it's hard to do, but it would be nice if you could get a second dog that is two or three years old.
Whatever - I'm sure you can find ways to protect your older dog from the energy of a little pup.
Best of luck! Carol Jean |