new dog for old?

[flipnflap]

i have two Weimaraners, they're getting old and I'm dreading losing them in due course. To soften the blow when it happens I've been contemplating getting a puppy. Do you think this is unfair on my Weimaraners, or might it keep them lively and even be good company for the one who lives longer? If I do decide on a pup, it'd be a very different breed - one which doesn't require so much exercise. i considered a Basset Hound but am told they're hard work. Is that true and, if so, got any better breed suggestions?

[pastafreak]

I can't offer any advice regarding the puppy/older dog issue. But as to another breed....consider a rescue greyhound. In spite of their reputation as racers-in the home they do not require a lot of exercise...two 20-30 minute walks will do. Other than that-all they want is your sofa-they will sleep all day. They are very gentle and placid dogs.
I was going to adopt one-but the rescue found me a lurcher (sighthound cross)-and they are a bit more energetic...lol

[woofgang]

I too have heard too that getting a pup can help. TBH we have never done it because it has aways seemed to us that the old dog who is left is quite happy being an "only" and getting the extra attention and fussing that is the prerogative of senior citizens. Until the current pair we always had weimaraners and didn't find them that hard although as we always had them, we had nothing to compare it to. Out current boys are weimaraner GSP cross, litter bros from an accidental mating between two very well bred dogs.
Have never had a basset, but friends who have one say that theirs is VERY stubborn and hard to train....but I would have said that about a wei lol and I am not convinced that they are particularly good at dog training. I do understand that they need their exercise too and that recall can be an issue.
I think on balance and from my own experience I wouldn't get a pup but others may think differently.

[tigerlelly]

I've faced this dilemma myself and waited until the old dogs had gone because I thought a puppy might be too energetic for them to cope with; depends on the dogs, I suppose.
As for a new puppy, how about a beagle? These poor little dears are bred to be compliant so they don't make too much fuss in the ghastly laboratories where they are used for research. They have sweet temperaments (which makes the thought of them being abused in the name of research all the worse in my book).

[pastafreak]

Beagles are sweeties-but also known to be stubborn and hard to train. I known the one I had as a child was....lol

[tigerlelly]

Oh yeah - I forgot about Snoopy! :-)

[thugulike]

A pup will keep the older dogs young. I have an English Mastiff which doesn't require a lot of exercise. They are loving and tactile but they are big. I couldn't contemplate life without a mastiff now.

[woofgang]

the beagles bred by caring breeders are not the same "compliant" strain as used in labs (UGH GRRRRRR) Yes I understand that recall can be an issue

[lankeela]

Any of the hound breeds (bassets, beagles etc) have trouble with coming back when called, as they are bred to go off and hunt. They also tend to howl a lot and can be destructive if not kept busy. I find a new puppy often gives an old dog a new lease of life if introduced properly (obviously don't let the pup pester the oldies when they want to rest). Definitely consider a retired greyhound (they are not that old!).