When I decided to get a companion for my older Shih Tzu, I planned on finding one around his age. A friend had a few she was looking for good homes for and I went to take a look at them. She showed me a 10 month old puppy that I fell in love with, so I took him into my home. It hasn’t been easy living with a laid back 5- year-old dog and a hyper puppy, but we have learned ways to cope.
At first, Gizmo, the 5 year old, and Stormy Sky, the baby, didn’t get along. Stormy annoyed Gizmo to the point of growling breaking out and I worried that I had made a mistake. Actually, it was just the older dog establishing the “chain of order” and a wee bit of jealousy. Once the older dog found out that he was still getting attention, the two of them settled down.
Playtime with a Hyper Puppy
Older dogs tend not to want to play near as much, and since Gizmo was used to just napping on the couch while I worked, he was not too interested in playing with the hyper younger dog. They will play for a few minutes but when Gizmo gets tired he seeks refuge on the couch. I taught Stormy that he is only allowed on the couch if I am sitting there. He goes off to play with his toys while the older dog takes a nap.
If the younger dog is extremely hyper and wants to play a lot, I a break from what ever I am doing and toss a few toys, or take the young dog for a walk. The older dog appreciates the peace and quiet while he naps on the couch.
Playing with the young hyper dog has been good for the older one. He is much more active then he was when he was the only pet in the house. Stormy helps give him exercise as they chase through the house, if even for just a few minutes. The older dog, though he tries to act annoyed, actually seems much happier to have a younger playmate.
Potty Breaks with an Older Dog and Hyper Puppy
A 10-month-old puppy has to be watched for potty breaks a lot more then an older, fully house broken dog does. Gizmo waits for hours before he tells me it is time to go outside. Stormy does not wait, nor has he learned to tell me he has to go out, so I take him out frequently.
At first, I took the older dog out at the same time, thinking I would avoid any jealousy issues. I quickly learned that the older dog found being forced to go out, when he didn’t have to go, to be very annoying. He started hiding from me when I said, “Go out.”
Stick to letting the older dog tell you when he has to go out. Take the younger, hyper dog out more frequently. This will also help the younger dog run off some of the energy. Let the older dog go if he wants too, but don’t insist.
Teach them to Respect Each Others Space
I have been living with the older dog and the hyper puppy for about 5 months now. The
two of them have learned to respect each others time and space. The hyper puppy used to get all excited at bedtime and kept me and the older dog awake by jumping around.
I have taught him that bed time means quiet time by not allowing him on the bed until he calms down. When he started jumping around, I put him on the floor. Now he claims a spot on the bed and quietly goes to sleep.
It has not been all fun and games, but they have learned a lot from each other. Gizmo has learned to play and enjoy himself again, and the younger one has learned to be calm when he needs to. I am glad I choose the hyper puppy to come live with the older “couch potato” dog. They compliment each other very well.
More by this contributor:
Is a One Pet Household the Right Choice?
Introducing a New Pet to a One Pet Household
Caring for Dogs While Working From Home