Quote:
Originally Posted by DanaRVT  ...Since you also use a canine assistant.... what sort of timing would you suggest on choosing a new partner and starting training in regards to retiring the other dog? Mastiffs in general have a lifespan of 8-10 years and while I hope that Karma would live on past that, I have to be realistic. I had originally thought that perhaps choosing and beginning training with my new dog, that would in all likelihood be a puppy, I should plan on bringing puppy home when Karma's around 6ish so that the new puppy can be adequately trained by the time she's 7.5? What are your thoughts on that? I don't want to end up partnerless because of poor timing, but I don't want to bring a new dog in too soon either. |
Ah, timing.
Well, since I don't know your whole situation, a lot of that answer will be "It depends."
Are you able/willing to have two dogs at once? (I'm assuming so, since you mentioned having a pup as your current dog matures.)
Personally, now that I have two Service Dogs who are able to work, I would never be without a back-up dog.
I don't suscribe to the old-school way of thinking that a working service animal must be an only dog. I do not think it harms them; rather, I think being in the company of one of their own enriches their lives and they work
better, as a result of being more content.
Further, I have seen my old dog "mentoring" my youngster--and have seen young fella pick up on assist behaviors
by simply watching my old dude!
Now, if I need to be someplace where a certain personality or behavior will be needed most, and one of my dogs excels at that particular thing--that's the dog I take.
My oldster is 90% retired, my choice, due to his age--he still goes and gets his harness and brings it to me and wags by the door, love that boy. I use him for some things and wind up feeling very blessed to have two options for help, with my two working dogs. (And yes, he has a loving home for life, even when he no longer works at anything besides eating!)
So, sorry for all the rambling, but you know your girl best. If you think she might enjoy a canine companion, I'd start the search sooner than later. I imagine it will take a while (year or so?) to find the right dog, then you add in the year or more of training, plus the developmental stages, if you're wanting a pup, and...you see where I'm going.
And, no matter how we do not want to think of it--should something happen to your current girl, even if it's just a relatively minor thing, but precludes her working any more--would it not be cool to have some of the steps already done, towards a new partner?