new pup, old dog

[saintsman54 15]

Hi there,

 

I am playing with the idea of getting a springer pup. However I have an 7-8 year old lab rescue, do you think that I should wait for the old boy to pass on so he doesn't pass on any of his bad habits, or do you think that a new pup would be able to be trained just as well with him still about?

Cheers Dan

[stroller 341]

if your older dog has bad habits walk them seperately. I wouldnt dream of walking my gundog pup with my lurcher bitch who is a hard hunting mooching dog even when he is fully trained or he will quickly become a very expensive very slow lurcher.

 

Pups rely on older dogs too much as well and will pick up all sorts of confidence issues as an older dog will take retrieves from them and beat them to dummy etc as well as the added competition forcing steadiness problems. I only take the pup out with my older gundog to introduce him to water and it has helped with whistle commands stop and re call.

 

My advice is keep them seperate when in an area with game but a walk around the local park or on a lead should be fine

[RubyTex 1,957]

As already said by stroller. In my experience though my older dog has never taken a retrieve from my bitch and seems to realise she needs to learn. Depends how feisty the pup is