when to replace dog

I think that once you’ve been able to deal with the loss of your dog, then you can look at getting another dog(s).

Just make sure you’re not doing it to replace the one you lost, because you may find yourself angry or disappointed if she doesn’t turn out to be just like your friend.

As for your other dog, I think they’d be fine and would still socialize with the family - dogs need companionship too.

Only you can decide when it is time for you and your family. I will tell you before you make a choice you need to make sure the 8 yr old dog gets along. You need to find a good fit for you as well as the older dog, Once you loose a great dog it is hard to replace it. So don’t expect to much from the new family member or you will set yourself up for disapointment. I would take some time and look around and at your local shelter. When it just clicks you will know it. don’t rush into anything, make sure you are thinking with your head and not just the void in your heart. I lost my dog on 1-2-09 she was 12. I think I am ready for another dog, but I am taking my good ol time till I just know that this is the “one”. Please don’t compare old with the new. It is not good for either you or the dog, I am truly sorry about your loss. I know you will find the right answer with in yourseld. Good luck

First…when you’re still grieving, you are vulnerable …dogs (even puppies sense that…) and when a person is vulnerable, they don’t necessarily make good leaders. I learned this lesson with my current dog…I’d put a deposit on a pup where the dam hadn’t even been bred yet…the pup would be coming in approximately 8 months…Instead there was an extra pup in another litter…and I was asked if I’d like this pup? I said yes…I was still hurting, and wanted to simply POUR love into this pup…He became my biggest “challange” in 40 years of owning German Shepherds…and he’s still can give me a run for my money…It’s hard to avoid that need to fill the gap in your heart with a new baby. I truly believe that I inadvertently spoiled this guy to his disadvantage…I did come to my senses, tho…so any of the negative results can be undone…it just takes more time.

That’s not to say, that there’s an actual time period to wait, I’m just saying if the pain of loss is still great, then maybe put off a pup for just a bit. The healing part of a new pup, is they are so time consuming they do fill that hole quickly.

As for getting two at one time…my experience has been…get one…work on your human/dog bonding for 4 to 6 months, THEN get another pup…two pups the same age will bond together, unless you keep them mostly separated for the first 2 or 3 months …Decide which pup you want to get first, get it, do the regular training (house, obedience, etc…all the stuff that goes to strengthening the human bond)…THEN go out and get the “other” pup…On the practical side…it’s plain difficult house training two at the same time…

p