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- Any benefits to having an older dog and a puppy other than company???
In answer to your direct question loads, and it can actually work both way.
Though not a puppy (she was just over one when we got Ripley) Tika has been helping us train the older dog and learning our routine, commands, and expectations.
An older dog can actually help enforce rules and aid a great deal in the training of a younger one. As a role model the puppy will, more times then not, pick up behaviors (Good or Bad) just out of mimicry.
A strong bond can often form as well, although it tends to be stronger from the puppy's point of view, and can really turn them into strong pack members a lot faster.
Not to mention the energy exhausted from having multiple dogs. The more time they spend playing together the less destructive they tend to be and less intense and excited. dogs who understand bite inhibition can also help in helping to limit how hard nipping or mouthing can be.
I'm sure there is more but off the top of my head right now that is all I got.
However, this is with a well trained dog who understands and respects your rules and boundaries. You say this other Husky is trained already, however the training isn't from you. You haven't "imprinted" on each other at all and though I'm sure it is a well behaved pup also, rehoming it and expecting it to retain that level of training without any extra work would be expecting a lot.
In my humble opinion you would be training your new pup, and re-training this 10 month old to assimilate into your lifestyle at the same time.
Lastly the 10 month is very close to entering it's adolescence as well. Though this isn't the end of the world and training is still very possible, talking back and stubbornness often reach a whole new level as well as the energy level shooting WAY up in many cases. You would have a pup who needs a very large amount of stimulation and exercise and a puppy who needs a lot less then that.
If you can devote the time and training needed to have two very young pups then by all means go for it. In the long wrong the benefits always outweigh the cons. Just make sure you don't bite off more then you can chew is all I'm warning about
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Either way I wish you the very best of luck.
~Chris~
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Is this about the cake problem? What's the matter with you mathematicians, cake is never a problem. - Professor Lazlo