Whenever a beloved dog dies there is always someone that asks the question, "When are you going to get a new dog?" For most dog owners this is a tough question and many people respond to the death of a dog by flatly stating that they will never have another dog again. This is an option, but consider the love and the great home that you have to provide to some poor dog or puppy that is sitting in a kennel, rescue or shelter right now, just waiting to be adopted. If you don't want to have another dog, you may decide to volunteer your time at one of those shelters or rescues to help other people find dogs that will be a perfect match in their family situation.

In reality anytime is a good time to get a new dog or puppy providing you have honestly looked at your emotional state and made the decision the you can commit to caring for, training, and loving your new pet. If you feel that you still aren't through grieving your dog, wait, don't rush the situation and you will know when the time is right for a new puppy or dog. Often people wait several months to get a new dog or puppy while other individuals prefer to have a pet in the house very quickly.

If you have children or a spouse or partner they will also have to be consulted as to the decision. Remember that a dog that lives in a family belongs to the family in reality, even though the paperwork may have one particular person's name on it. As long as one person in the house indicates they aren't ready for a new dog or puppy, the rest of the family should respect this wish. There are ways to help a person in this grieving that are positive and non-threatening. Consider having that individual spend time with you researching breeds of dogs, going to visit breeders or kennels or even going to look at the pets for adoption in a shelter or rescue. Typically involving the family in these types of activities will provide a good feedback mechanism as well as a way to talk through the issues that one member may be having in getting a new dog or puppy.

Many families and individuals will choose to stay with the same breed as their previous dog. This is a common choice however people need to be aware that every dog, even within a breed, is going to have his or her own personality. It may also be that your dog of a given breed had a very unusual temperament that is not likely to be the same in the new dog or puppy. If you are choosing the same breed because of a very specific characteristic that you loved in your dog, be sure to talk to the breeder and find out if this is typical within his or her breeding lines. Sometimes, for people looking for the same general characteristics, selecting a dog that is similar but not identical is a better option. This allows the person or family to develop a completely unique relationship with this dog or puppy, not try to continue on with the same relationship they had with their beloved companion and pet. Either option will work, but it is very important to examine your decision and make sure you are choosing the same breed or a different breed for the right choice.

Sometimes dog owners are concerned about existing pets and how bringing in a new dog or puppy will affect that animal. Since many dogs will grieve the loss of a companion pet, owners often feel that a new dog or puppy will be an imposition on that grief process. While the surviving dog is definitely grieving, they are missing the companionship of the other pet rather than the personality of the other dog. In most cases a grieving pet will be helped rather than hindered in returning to their usual behavior and temperament by having a companion to fill in that emptiness they are feeling in their lives. The key is for the people to make the right choice of a companion dog when it comes to size and temperament.

The biggest issue with bringing in a new dog or puppy with an existing dog is to realize that the more socialized your current dog is the more accepting he or she will be of tolerating a dog or puppy. Start socialization refresher activities with your existing dog if this isn't something you routinely do. An adult dog obedience class may be a great option to provide socialization and help your dog adjust to being without the other dog by giving them things to do. It will also both physically and mentally stimulate the dog and perhaps help them with any signs of depression or lethargy you may be noting.

Introduce the new dog or puppy and your existing dog somewhere neutral, not in your dog's house or yard area. This is particularly important if your existing dog is territorial or in any way dog aggressive. Let them sniff at each other with them both on a leash, then if everything is going well you can let them play together off leash. If you are concerned about your dog adjusting to a new dog, bring some bedding from the puppy and place where your dog sleeps before the puppy even gets there. That will help your dog in "knowing" the puppy or new dog.

Always make sure you have separate food bowels, water bowels, bedding and toys for the new dog or puppy, at least until they have established their relationship. The older dog may also need a quiet place to get away from the puppy if there is a large difference in age or if the puppy or new dog is larger or more dominant than your current dog. Within a week or two you will soon find that your dog has adjusted and is much happier now with a new companion in his or her life.

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