New pup...old couple

[gfusco325]

Hi,
We are seventy somethings and our sweet Shadow died. Not having long ourselves, we decided, possibly too impulsively, to find another. A puppy of 4 mo was available and we jumped. We had forgotten about puppies. This is our 4th sheltie. We are both a little lame and I worry about whether this little guy is being shortchanged. He's also a big guy and filled with all sheltie piss and vinegar. Love him to pieces.

 

[Ann]

In the long run, all that counts is that you love your pup, which you clearly do. He will keep you young! Some of the best breeders I know are well over 70...one is over 80 and still having litters. I have 6 Shelties and I'll be 70 this year. I still show my dogs. DH keeps saying they are trying to kill us by laying where they know we'll trip on them, and standing up just as we put a leg over . We wouldn't give up a single one.

Puppies are busy and can be exhausting, but they do mellow as they grow up. If you have a fenced yard, toss a ball for your boy or play a game of tug with him. The most important thing is to make sure you wear him out! Puppies play hard, sleep hard, and nap lots. You can rest up when he does!

We're glad to have you here on the Forum. We need more senior representation!

 

[Pam]

If you can find a good, really good, doggie daycare for 1-2 days per week that will help the little guy get his wiggles out some too. Teach him to fetch and return to you, teach him search--all those things will wear him out and not be too totally strenuous. Training wear little ones out as well.

 

[Phoebe'smom]

I have exactly the same story. Phoebe is almost two now. I take her for walks, play fetch and tug of war. Chasing the vacuum wears her out, as does chasing the hose water in the summer. I think she has gotten used to being a little lazy because after the grandchildren have been here, she passes out. After my last sheltie passed away I had to decide between another sheltie or a cat. I figured a dog would force me into more exercise.

 

[tesslynn]

Howdy....do you have grandkids or neighborhood kids, I bet they would enjoy romping around with the puppy. Or even a dog that can have play sessions. I took Kaleigh with me everywhere to socialize her. She was a one dog litter, she was a bit on the reserved side. I had neighbors with Collies that she got to visit a lot. They taught her so much. They were older, and didn't like some of her behaviors and they would put a paw on her head when she was being bratty it was adorable.
Puppies grow up quick and though they are a HANDFUL as puppies, soon he will be a dog. I survived puppyhood recently for both of my lil monsters and trust me, I forgot how puppies were so I understand.
My girls have a tether ball that they like to play with and can do it by themselves, but you can laugh from a distance. I lowered so they can reach it and push it around, that burns energy. When they were puppies I had a mini jogging trampoline that they liked to jump up and down on. It wasn't fancy at all but they loved it. It became part of the zoomie obstacle course. Putting a favorite toy on a pole with a long string is good play. They can chase the toy as you flick it around. I got butterballs jungle animals 8"pet toy (amazon.com) and those were a hit when they were small and a favorite still. It can be wrestled with, it doubles as a nap buddy, great for pouncing on.

 

[Chris]

Good for you! Enjoy that puppy -- he WILL bring even more youth to your lives. I also suggest making sure you have arrangements for who will care for him in case you can't, should that sad day come.

 

[Phil Hughes]

Welcome, We are an older couple too and lost our Corgis a year or so ago. We were considering another pup but were lucky enough to find an older Sheltie (7 yrs). We raised several puppies and they grow up quick. The nice thing about having a pup around when you are older is that they tend to keep you younger with more exercise, walks and exasperation! We have several doggy day care centers around here should we need help taking care of Koz. Something you might look into. Also, he has already got another home (Sister) if something should happen to us.