An older dog

[duster]

 We have the most wonderful male German Shepherd dog, He is ex-police and is 8years of age. we have had him for 7 years .he is gentle, loving and devoted to us and our home. He is walked 3 times a day in the countryside and is always keen to go out.Problem-----he is beginning to look very old ,and in lots of ways does not have the energy or the interests that he once had.We have been told that the introduction of another young dog i.e. a puppy would help to extend his life.If this is the case we wondered if a young G.S. female puppy would be helpful to him. Although she would need to be spayed .Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.We are on the other hand quite prepared to love him ,on his own for the rest of his life.Please help if you can from your experiences

[ama]

We've always found that introducing a puppy into a house with an older dog has made the older dog become young at heart. A puppy would be  great, as long as you have enough time to properly dedicate to properly training it and settling it in, otherwise she may just overwhelm your older dog. Does your dog get on well with other dogs as you wouldn't be able to leave them alone together straight away. I would recommend getting a crate for the puppy, if you go ahead with getting one, as it will give your older dog some peace and quiet at night.

[mrs.pudding]

We have recently brought a new puppy into the house and it has been a great success.  Our 10 year old labrador now thinks he's in heaven on earth as the puppy sits on his head or cuddles up to him!  Our other old dog (10 yr. old lurcher) was more stand-offish but once she got the idea of playing again she too became very sprightly and much fitter!  (Rather like a grandmother looking after small children I feel!). As arna says, you will need time and patience to begin with but it should bring its own reward in a short space of time.

[Solarjunkie]

What about offering a home to a younger (but still mature) bitch to keep him interested in life?

Puppies & young dogs can usually find homes with little problem, but those over 5 years are seen as "old" and those over 10 very seldom get offered a home, though they are as much in need.

As you know, there are many positive aspects of older dogs, so I hope you consider this option.

[Robinia]

I'm no expert but I'd agree with Solarjunkie.  Whereas a puppy might be a little too much for your quiet dog a young-at-heart middle aged dog might be a better option.  I've got a K.C. spaniel who's 8 yrs but acts like he's 8 months - you can borrow him, he might learn how to behave!  Even a vet asked me once if I was completely sure of his age!  Maybe you could take him along to a dogs home & see if there's one that he takes to (& vice versa of course).

[Hgrove]

A lady who lives near me told me she had to get a puppy when one of her dogs died because the surviving dog was pining and starving himself.  She said it was a close call.  What may (to my mind) be a problem is that it seems to go on forever:  she always has to get a puppy when the older dog dies. 

[Fio]

We had a Springer spaniel called Jasper and we also brought a black Lab puppy called harvey. Jasper was about 13 and starting to slow down a bit and then we brought harvey home and he did pick up and I do think it kept him going for longer but a few months ago we sadly had to have Jasper put to sleep and I now feel for harvey as we are at work all day and he's on his own. He is about 2 and a half and has lots of energy. Another thing I found difficult was walkies as jasper was happy to just go down the lane where as Harvey wanted to be out for hours. It has both its ups and downs when there is such an age difference between them but If you can give them both the attention they need it shouldnt be a problem getting another - hope this is of some help

[gemmaandmax]

I know this is rather a late post but I had to ask whether you had tried making any changes to the diet? While dry food is totally sufficient for dogs, I find my dog has a nicer, brighter coat and more life to him when I add tinned dog meat and a smidge of cod liver oil to his dinner every day. Perhaps you could try a few dinner-extras (as well as rehoming another lovely dog, of course!!)