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© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2006
As Tanner grew, Xena began to play more vigorously with him, in response to his ability to play more like a "big boy". She continues to enjoy, and often invites, a good wrestling match. At nearly 90, I'm proud to see her enjoying playtime with Tanner. While she often still is the instigator, she is now beginning to allow him to take the more dominant role in their play. This is an interesting dynamic, given Tanner's submissiveness. While their behaviors continue to change slowly, their relationship as happy pack members is as solid as ever.
Have you added a puppy or new dog to other dogs in your household? I'd love to hear your story and learn how you fared. Please write to me at [email protected] or leave a comment at the link below the post--next to the envelope icon.
Don't forget to take lots of pictures!
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- Helping Bonded Pets Deal With Loss
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Patches and Xena: BFF's Our Retriever mix, Xena, was nearly an only pet at the time we adopted her at our neighborhood PetSmart. Although we did have a kitty, Corey Lou, she was 18 years old and not exactly...
- An Interview With Xena, My Super Sweet, Senior, Retriever Mix, Rescued Rover
(c) Carrie BoykoXenaShowing off her Gray SnoutWe'll call this an interview with Xena, an idea that came from one of our readers. Xena is clearly the senior citizen at 13 1/2, and I am often asked "How do you meld your dogs' various needs?"...
- Happy Birthday Xena: You're A Teenager!
Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET (c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2009 Xena, Age 13 Happily Sits for her Supper Today is a big day at our house, as Xena is having a birthday. Not just any birthday--her 13th. She...
- Helping Your Big Dog Adapt To Playing Safely With A New Puppy
© photo copyright Carrie Boyko Oliver and Tanner Get Acquainted Let's start with some stats here. These photos are about 15-16 months old. Tanner, the Golden Retriever is 47 pounds in this picture, and still somewhat of a puppy himself at 1-1/2....
- Senior Moments: Helping Your Older Dog Stay Young Longer
© photo copyright Carrie BoykoHappy 12th Birthday Xena Xena, our beautiful 12 year old Golden Retriever/Black Labrador mix is beginning to show her age. Sometimes she stares at the home across the street for long periods of time, while standing in the...
Dogs
Family Planning for Doggie Additions
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© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2006Tanner (4 months) and Xena (10) Share
Christmas Morning
with a Rare Bedtime Snuggle
Years ago, I read an article on the topic of "when is the best time to bring in your next dog, when your dog is growing older." The advice was very common sense and stuck with me for years to come. As Xena, my nearly 13 year old Retriever mix, neared her 10th birthday, I began to plan for the blessed event--acquiring our next puppy.
What's the hurry, you might ask? Here's the logic, as explained in the article I read so long ago:
- At 10, most dogs are mature, but not "old". They still enjoy life and have some spunk and vinegar left.
- Again, at this age, most dogs are not terribly annoyed by the rambunctious playfulness of a puppy. As they continue to grow older, a lack of patience sometimes takes the place of interest in a newcomer, making this a more challenging time to add a puppy to the mix.
- A 10-year-old dog can still enjoy playing with a growing puppy, and will be able to learn gentle ways to play, if taught.
- The puppy will learn much from the older dog about obedience, the rules of the house, and house training, as well as getting a good example of calmer behavior.
- The older dog will likely retain some of his youthful vigor longer, as a result of having a younger playmate.
As Tanner grew, Xena began to play more vigorously with him, in response to his ability to play more like a "big boy". She continues to enjoy, and often invites, a good wrestling match. At nearly 90, I'm proud to see her enjoying playtime with Tanner. While she often still is the instigator, she is now beginning to allow him to take the more dominant role in their play. This is an interesting dynamic, given Tanner's submissiveness. While their behaviors continue to change slowly, their relationship as happy pack members is as solid as ever.
Have you added a puppy or new dog to other dogs in your household? I'd love to hear your story and learn how you fared. Please write to me at [email protected] or leave a comment at the link below the post--next to the envelope icon.
Don't forget to take lots of pictures!
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
- Helping Bonded Pets Deal With Loss
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Patches and Xena: BFF's Our Retriever mix, Xena, was nearly an only pet at the time we adopted her at our neighborhood PetSmart. Although we did have a kitty, Corey Lou, she was 18 years old and not exactly...
- An Interview With Xena, My Super Sweet, Senior, Retriever Mix, Rescued Rover
(c) Carrie BoykoXenaShowing off her Gray SnoutWe'll call this an interview with Xena, an idea that came from one of our readers. Xena is clearly the senior citizen at 13 1/2, and I am often asked "How do you meld your dogs' various needs?"...
- Happy Birthday Xena: You're A Teenager!
Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET (c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2009 Xena, Age 13 Happily Sits for her Supper Today is a big day at our house, as Xena is having a birthday. Not just any birthday--her 13th. She...
- Helping Your Big Dog Adapt To Playing Safely With A New Puppy
© photo copyright Carrie Boyko Oliver and Tanner Get Acquainted Let's start with some stats here. These photos are about 15-16 months old. Tanner, the Golden Retriever is 47 pounds in this picture, and still somewhat of a puppy himself at 1-1/2....
- Senior Moments: Helping Your Older Dog Stay Young Longer
© photo copyright Carrie BoykoHappy 12th Birthday Xena Xena, our beautiful 12 year old Golden Retriever/Black Labrador mix is beginning to show her age. Sometimes she stares at the home across the street for long periods of time, while standing in the...