It is very sad when a beloved pet passes away. It is a hurt that many of us have experienced and takes a long time to heal. In my experience, getting another dog is not doing an injustice to the dog we lost but filling the void for ourselves and at the same time, giving another deserving animal the chance to share a wonderful home and life.
It is also important consider the loss may be a devastating event for his canine companions as well. Sometimes, it is evident that the absence of his companion is having a severe effect on the dog left alone. He may wander the house endlessly, looking for his friend or worse, stop eating and mope around truly depressed.
At this time people often ask me: Is it right for me to get another dog? Will he accept a new companion?
The answer is, Yes. Dogs that are used to living in a multiple dog household have grown accustomed to the presence of another dog, and sometimes without that diversion they may be lonely, bored, depressed or destructive.
I have also seen it demonstrated that when a new puppy is introduced into the household the senior dog becomes more active and happy to assume the role of mentor to the puppy. Keep in mind, just as in human relationships, a friendship and a bond takes time to develop and grow. Don't expect there to be a compatible relationship from day one. Sometimes it takes as little as a day or a week and sometimes it takes a month, but it will come. Does it matter boy or girl, large or small, same breed? No it doesn't. Matching temperament is of utmost importance. We don't want a strong willed puppy to dominate our senior pet, but we also don't want the older dog to terrorize the baby. It's a delicate balance. Impose on your breeder for advice and guidance.
The last topic I want to address is the art of being a smart dog parent. Dogs are NOT children; there is no playing fair in dog pack relationships. There is an Alpha, or leader dog, and the rest are followers.
You do not get to decide who will be Alpha, they do. It is not determined by size, age or sex. It is temperament and attitude. Years ago, I had 2 Dobermans, two Dalmatians and a 12 pound female Miniature Schnauzer living in my home. You guessed it; the Schnauzer was undeniably the pack leader.
She would growl and the 75 pound Doberman collapsed to the floor. It was hysterical to watch.
The breeds that I deal with are usually small and very social. Bichon's, Bichon Hybrids and Maltese are very often kept in pairs or even groups. The feedback I get from my clients is always positive. These small dogs love each other and almost never have an issue with each other or a new puppy.
Always assume when introducing a new puppy, your original dog will be Alpha, he or she always will be dominant over a new baby. That is as it should be for now. However it may not always be that way.
For now your dog should not change his life because a new dog has moved in. The original dog still sleeps where ever he slept, he eats the same time and place as always and is NOT forced to share toys or cookies with the new puppy. Likewise, the puppy is treated like a puppy, in crate, or confined when you are not home, feed more often, etc. Always give praise, treats and loving to your original dog first, before the puppy.
He was there first and we don't want any jealousy. If he takes away a toy, steals a cookie or growls at the puppy, you didn't see it. If you punish your dog for being alpha, he will take it out on the puppy behind your back. If the dog you have is not a strong personality, be careful when choosing an addition to your canine family. Try to keep away from aggressive breeds. Again, your breeder may have good advice based on her years of experience. Most of all, be patient. They will establish a relationship that works for them. It might not be the way we would have imagined it, but if the dogs are happy that's what counts.