Many people would use that gear. But really it is a judgement call. It probably will work, but also probably will cause more rapid wear of the new dog. I guess it is "you decide".
Just so you know, that wear is normal to some extent, but will happen much sooner if not shifted properly. People think shifting slowly and gently will be good for it. Wrong!! You want to shift swiftly with a snap. Slow shifting allows the corners to bang together several times before the dog slides fully into place.