Adding a dog

[ferky1]

While Miles is only 6 months old, and we are still a ways off from actually doing it, today I planted the seed in my wife's head about getting another puppy. To my surprise, she wasn't totally against it! We have had such a great time with Miles and he has brought us so much joy that I would love to start over with a new pup and also get Miles a playmate for the times we are not there.

So. . . . is there a general rule about bringing a new dog into a house? Are there preferred combinations? ie - boy/boy, boy/girl? Miles has been neutered and any new pup will be too.

Is there a minimum age whereby the 'older' dog will be better suited to give up some of his space/toys/undivided mom and dad time? I believe that Miles is still too young yet but I wonder how mature he will be in a few months.

anything else?

[Guest Anonymous]

First of all Miles is just too cute for words!! :angel:

Second..Most of the time it is best to add a dog of a different sex, than the dog you currently have. There are cases where a submissive male or female dog, can live peacefully with a dog of the same sex..but it's usually better to have a boy/girl household.

I personally would think Miles will be old enough at six months, for a little friend. I think it depends on your personal needs and time committment. Miles is still rather young, and I am not sure if he is a "big boy"...in potty training yet? But if not, another puppy will mean more clean up and training time and effort. Both will need to be trained. The added cost of spaying (females cost more for that sugery), shots and so on. Only you will know if you are ready for all that!

I also personally think a pup/younger dog will have an easier time with a puppy, and all that means to his/her life. Like giving up some time with Mom and Dad, toys and so on. Some older dogs are not very good or do not tolrate puppies, but then some are wonderful with them.


Here are some great sites with good information about adding a second dog to your family.

Adding another dog to your household:

http://www.metroanimal.org/adoption/dog_meets_dog.html

Getting along with others:

http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/others.htm

Raising two puppies at once "Double Trouble":

http://home.att.net/~pvee/dbltrbl.html

Two or more dogs FAQ's:

http://www.doggiedoor.com/doghouse/twodogs3.htm#Fights

Dr. P's (Great EVERYTHING info site):

http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/lib-prob.htm

Another good everything covered info site just for puppies:

http://www.k9events.com/puppies.htm

More second dog information:

http://www.dogownerconnection.com/a-anotherdog.htm

Good luck!

[courtnek]

I agree. If you have the time to take care of and train a puppy, that's the best solution. And they do tend to get along better if they are different sexes. It makes the pecking order easier to handle in most cases (although not ALL, my female is king of the hill and even a male that outweighed her by 15 pounds couldnt budge that rank). Usually with a puppy there are less rank issues anyway.

Good luck!!

[Black GSD]

I agree with the others as far as the sex thing. It is "usually" best to go with a dog of the opposite sex..

However, IMO it is "usually" best to wait on a second until the first is approx 2yo (at least). That way you are OUT of the "puppy stage". And have more time to devote to the new puppy. It is VERY tough and (IMO) AWEFULL to have 2 puppies at the same time. Not only that, but if they are very close in age, they will also be OLD at the same time. And it can be doubly hard when it is time to "let them go" to have to loose them both at close to the same time.

[mouseatthebusstop]

ThePoutyPitbull there are some good sites there