Sprucey Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Meet Max! 11 weeks old yesterday... and I'm over the moon But I have a slight problem (Or may just be my inexperience) I also have an old faithful Black Lab bitch at the tender age of 12 years, (My late Grandfathers Dog) but unfortunately over the past few weeks has developed a heart condition that the vet says can be helped with meds but there is not fix. Here the problem lies, I am a believer in not letting a dog suffer to entertain our own emotional attachment when there is no hope of her getting a 'quality of life back'. therefore in my mind a decision needs to me made. But... what of the pup, I am worried that he is going to pine like a banchee for her and as of yet he isn't in the Kennel on his own. I am contemplating getting another Lab soon, I suppose to fill the void that will be left behind, My question is.... Am I making the right decision with Max only being very young? Any help or advise will be greatly apprechiated at this confusing time. Thanks P.W! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Yes you are making the right decision , you need to put the quality of life of the older dog first , the pup will soon get use to life without her. I went through the same thing when my pup was young . Personally if they are to be used for shooting I would leave getting another for two or three years or they will perhaps be retiring around the same age which will then mean you need to take on a third dog for a few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprucey Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks Fenboy, the spaniel will a shooting dog and I would like to work a lab too. I think the lab would be more for companionship/Mrs distractor/keeping max company in the kennel dog. but ultimately i would like to work both. Plus I feel I would miss having 2 dogs around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twistedsanity Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Yep, quality of life is more important than quantity, if only the same could be applied to people...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farma Geddon Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 (edited) Get a lab too mate. They will make a fab team and be happy together. Edited August 18, 2015 by Farma Geddon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Wait 4 yes between pups that way you have succession and likely no more than three dogs at one time one retired or mostly so. One trained and very experienced. One around his prime physically in its second season of work Dogs should be more focused on you than another dog. They do miss a pack member but they do get the facts of this more than us two legs Training two pups at the same time means both end up half as good as they might as an amateur trainer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSimon Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Max looks a wee cracker mate! Shame about your lab, lovely looking dog. The pup will adapt though, in some ways it might even be easier for him being so young. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprucey Posted August 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2015 Oh he is Simon, we'll have to meet up and introduce etc.. cheers for that, she is a good dog, will be missed! I understand what you all say about the pup getting used to it but my neighbours are a bit tetchy and all have pet dogs so trying to educate them is a waste of time., I swore I heard someone calling to Max in the kennel the other day trying to calm him from over the fence, he was making a racket mind but couldn't see anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSimon Posted August 20, 2015 Report Share Posted August 20, 2015 Sounds good, you can have a look at Poppy and see all the things you don't want your pup to be like in 18 months time! Haha. Good luck with him though, you've got a lot of fun ahead with the little guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.