Hello,
As some of you might remember, I took in my aunt's lhasa apso recently. She is wonderful, and has settled in very well. I still want to add a Cocker at some point to our family, but was wondering as the Lhasa is 19 months, and very laid back and not very active, what age dog I should get. I think she could be more playful than she is at the mo, as she tries to play with my cat, and gets excited when she comes home to him, so maybe with a young pup, she would enjoy playing. But would an older dog,more her age, be less stressful for her? I realise that Cockers on the whole are more active,etc than a Lhasa but as she is quite young, would she be able to take that in her stride? Any advice very much appreciated.She is very good with other dogs, and I will be spaying her end of May, as she had her last season a few weeks ago. thanks Beth xx

Hello, Well, I think either would be just fine. I have a 3 yr old dog who is also mellow & relaxed, but good with other dogs. I got a baby puppy and ever since I introduced them, he has been very good with her. The only problem I had was when she stuck her nose in his foodbowl on the first day (he growled and snapped, but really I consider it my fault for not realizing about the food!). Anyway, now they get along fine, he even lets her eat his food (which, I can't allow cause she would eat forever)!!! If you get a puppy, just make sure the older dog has her own space that the puppy isn't allowed to go, and also make sure you still give attention to your older dog so she doesn't get too jealous.

Also though, I think an older dog would be okay too. I took care of my friend's Beagle (around 5 yr old) for 2 months. My dog and the beagle got along fine and really loved playing together. However, near the end of the 2 months they started fighting a bit (I guess to establish who was dominant of the other?). I think this fighting is a natural part of the dogs living together, but maybe if you get opposites sexes the fighting doesn't occur. All in all though, they did get along great.

Of course, I don't know about the temperment of Lhasos, but I think if she is good with other dogs, she would be okay with either puppy or an older dog.

~ m

Hello,

I would usually recomend a younger dog or a puppy, as they often learn their places quicker in the pack and if your dog loves to play, she won't mind a playful puppy, but be careful not to let the pup abuse her!! :)

manda
X