Retriever Rescue

i am asking advice on how or if i should introduce a new dog to the family
i am the the very proud owner of a (nearly)nine year old golden retriever
who when i am not working is my constant companion
i am considering getting a new dog but am not sure whether i shold get a rescue dog or a puppy
my main concern is how this will affect robbie
if i get an older dog i am concerned that there will be disagrements as although he is laid back he doesn't like anyone or anything coming between us
if i get a puppy this will mean that i will have to give it extra time for training and socializing which will mean giving less attention to robb even in the short term
i would be gratefu to your members if they coud give me any advise as i am sure many may have been through this dilemma
thank you
geri and robbie

If your dog has never been used to another dog in the house and as he is your constant companion I would think that he may be jealous and at nine it may be too late to introduce another.

If you decide that you do want another then a puppy may be too much and as it has no manners it may not defer to him and leap all over him and spoil his life. Something you do not want to do. I would think you would have to get a bitch if you decide to go down that road. Maybe one about 3 or 4 that wont be a threat to him. Many people think that getting another dog will brighten up an old dog but in many cases that does not happen.

Some dogs want to be only ones. I had one many many years ago who only wanted to be an only one so that was what we did at that time. You have to be very aware and sometimes people do not notice the underlying unhappiness until it fires off into fulscale hatred. I am being the devils advocate here and giving you the worst scenario.

If you get the right one it may be wonderful. It is just getting it right.