Try a free trial, see how it goes.

Maybe have the new dog visiting your home and see hw the old and new dog respond on each other.

We had an elderly dog when our daughter gave us her puppy. I had similar thoughts to you, worrying how they’d get along. Wasn’t necessary, im sure the pup put a spring in the old boys step and added a year or 2 to his life. Maybe start with short visits to see how they go, preferably on neutral ground before you bring the new one home

Could you perhaps introduce them first and have them interact over a number of days and even have the other dog stay over to see if it’s something that will work for your other dog and your family as a whole?

Not sure if you have already decided on what to do as this was posted in June but what ever you decide I wish you well.
My suggestion would be a trial to see if your older dog handles a younger dog …see if they gel.

It could go either way. Depending on the breed of both dogs and age of new dog. It might be calm enough to just be company fir your older dog, otherwise could be a nuisance and annoy your current dog. Is trialling for a few weeks an option to see how things go?

Bringing new pets into the home is exciting but your existing dog may not be impressed at all. Even if your dog has been socialised around other people and animals, they may not like a new dog in their territory. Just be careful.

I would give it a shot! Sometimes a younger dog can bring happiness into an older dogs life.

I wouls say no.
Let the older dog live out his days with the kids and then maybe introduce a new one in years to come.
They have a pack, a heirachy, a unit going on and adding to it could upset him, it and the dynamic. Enjoy the times you have…

Probably see if they get on first but if it were me, I’m a big animal lover so would have said yes as soon as it was offered to me.
Also if you think you have the capacity to look after it on addition to your fam then it would definitely be nice to give a dog a good home.

It will keep the older dog company for sure and add some energy to the household !

Maybe do a meet and greet for your older dog to see what its reaction will be, a younger dog may wear your older dog out which could potentially be good or bad. My 1 1/2 year old frenchie isn’t a fan of our friends pup, they play and get along but he get tired quickly and the pup just keeps on going

I would not get another dog. But that’s just my opinion. It’s hard to find someone to look after our dog when we go on holidays.

Have the little one over for a few play dates or a sleepover to trial it.

We have a 15 year old dog and recently got a new pup. Although at times it has been a bit much generally our older dog sets the rules and it has given him a new lease on life. The pup is very gentle so didn’t come on too strong to start with. They are a great pair now. We don’t have little kids now – but always has dogs when the boys were smaller.

I personally think taking on a new dog with small children could be risky.this dog will be in a new environment especially being around your old dog could make it very territorial

I’d probably care for the older dog first

I think you should introduce the two dogs and see if they get on. If your current dog is old, it may not bother with the younger dog, or they could be great friends. We had this scenario once and our old girl had a new lease on life for her last years and actually used to run around like a pup.

It is essential that everyone in the family is prepared to care for both dogs that may have different needs. They are a big responsibility and deserve the best of care in every way.

Personally as a firm mum to an 11 year old dog, I could not bring another dog in to our home until she passed. Although she is fit and healthy for her age I think she needs all the attention and love we can give her with what time she has left