Would it be better for our 10-year-old female Labrador to get a female Australian Shepherd puppy or a one-year-old?
Your current dog's temperament is important in this but I would aim for as young as possible. It's easier if you have taught your dog to “be easy with the baby” like people with small children or cats. You are providing the current dog with ample time to “get used” to another critter before the new one starts cutting into their own dog stuff. Jealousy issues can be handled slowly this way; you can show your dog that the puppy isn't getting anything that she doesn't. All with more control than if the puppy was over a year. After being a year old the puppy might be established enough to try and challenge your dog on certain issues. I'm not saying you want a dog that's a push over but having two dogs throw down in your living room trying to establish dominance is way more intense in person than it sounds and vet bills can get pricey. And another thing: if you are not capable of getting in there and taking control you will have one dead dog. Of course that control comes with a price; whatever the medical bill is for getting between fighting dogs.If your lab isn't spayed then I would be very careful introducing another dog especially a female. My parents brought a puppy (un-spayed female) into the house with an older female (also un-spayed) everything was good until the puppy hit puberty. There was blood and fur and chaos. My mother attempted to separate them and caught some friendly fire; she had been bitten. The bite wasn't bad but it had been uncomfortably close to an artery. A close call. For the rest of the life of the older dog they lived in two different parts of the house because they violently reacted to each other everytime.Do your homework and know about the temperament of your dog and any you plan to add. The animals should be spayed or neutered. Have a plan in case it doesn't work out.And be careful about playing favorites with a new puppy, they know k the new and the old) and will act up in response.
Why did you get divorced?
This article has a decent take on it: Top 10 Reasons For Getting Divorced - Family - NairalandSummary:1. Financial problems. 2. Communication problems. 3. Family problems.4. Sex problems. 5. Friend problems. 6. Addiction problems.7. Abuse problems. 8. Personality problems. 9. Expectation problems. 10. Time problems.In my case, it was sex (or lack thereof), children (she no longer wanted them), and job expectations (I worked hard and kept mine. She slacked and lost hers.) I was married to someone who acted like an apartment mate who avoided me, didn't clean up, and didn't pay rent. I lost patience, asked for a divorce, and was surprised that she wanted one too... she had emotionally checked out, but didn't bother with attempting divorce when she was in such a comfy situation.In retrospect, I don't think we were compatible enough to have gotten married. Unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20.
How do you help a friend whose parents are divorcing?
I am divorced and reading this question makes me think what I would like my kids’ friends to do with them.Just like another answer here, first of all try to be there for them. They will get anxious. Parents divorcing makes them wonder what is going to happen to them. Help assure them that it will be OK.The divorce could involve rooting them out of their house. Try to keep in touch with them. It’s no substitute for being together, but it helps.Tell them that, as bad as it is, both of their parents probably love them very much. And they are trying to do what they can for them. It might not look like it. But the parents are also imperfect people. And divorce is a tough time to navigate for them, between dealing with each other, and dealing with the court, and dealing with the kids (and dogs, cats, soccer schedule, or whatnot). But deep in their heart, their parents love them. Tell them to be patient with their parents.Try to give them a break. They might get cranky. They might get jealous. Divorce is an expensive split. And they might not get whatever it is they used to get. There is less money for them. They probably will be angry. Often. Be patient with them. But if they go overboard with their emotion, it’s OK to smack them to bring them to reality. Tough life doesn’t give them permission to be assholes to you.Tell them to tell their parents how much they love the parents, if that is the case. It helps soften the blow to the parents. It helps remind them what is important.They might clam up. Don’t push them. Let them be. Just try to be around for them to know that someone cares.
How can i see my dog when my ex wife wont let me?
My ex wife and i have been divorced for 2 years. We got along fine for the past 2 years, but now she is mad over me and her brother getting close again. She feels like i am trying to steal her family from her which is absolutley absurd. We have 2 dogs, one which was hers before the marriage and one which we got together and raised. Now she wont let me see OUR dog. I have built a strong bond with him and he gets so happy to see me when i come pick him up. I am really attached to this dog, but when we got divorced there was no mention of either dogs as anyones personal property. Can i still file for shared custody OUR dog, or am i basically screwed here. Im hoping maybe she comes around and stops being this way, but frankly i wouldnt count on it. What can i do? If i just take him fromt he backyard one day is that considered theft? Do i have a case in court? Any suggestions?
What's with single women and their dogs?
Unlike the complex demands and give-and-take of a real human relationship, obviously a dog demands little, is always loving, obedient, forgiving and loyal, etc. (as so many point out here). So when a woman does "love me-love my dog", she's basically making it clear that this is the max level of relationship that she can handle with another creature (whether 2 or 4 legged). Probably best to find a partner who prefers a human to meet their emotional needs, because even if you choose to accept your GF's relationship with "Fido", it'll always be clear who will really be the "top dog" here!