Am I mad for wanting a puppy...

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littlen

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when I already have a dog!

I have had my GSD for 8 years, since he was 8 weeks old. I have had many problems with him, not so long ago I nearly concidered PTS as he got so distressed after my change in circumstances (my parents divorced and myself and my OH had to take him to our flat where he was home alone for some time and he did get seperation anxiety for a while)

Anyway he has come on leaps and bounds and seems happier and is coping being alone for periods of time, but I cant help feeling he needs some company for those few hours a day. He is left alone from 9-3 for 2 days of the week, the rest of the time he is at the yard with me or sleeping in front of the fire with OH! I just feel that he would like someone to play with on walks etc rather than being alone?

As I have started taking him to the farm ive noticed he has a new lease of life when left to play with other dogs, he acts like a new dog again and I love seeing him like that! Also, he is getting older and has mild arthritus and is showing signs of slowing down, and selfishly I cant bear the thought of loosing him and would like something there to fill that gap when the time comes (feel guilty admitting that actually) In a way I hope that a puppy might bring him back to his youth more?
OH has suggested getting another dog mainly as he has always kept dogs in pairs and he would like a running partner that is fit enough, as ours is slowing a little now, but then again I am not sure. Is it really fair to bring another dog into the equation if he has been a sole pet for 8 years?
How would I go about introducing them and also what would I go for, dog or bitch? I would love another german shepherd but maybe he would get along with something smaller easier?

Nothing set in stone yet, just pondering really!
 
I wouldn't get a puppy. Get an adult rescue dog, with the advantage you can take yours to meet it to see if they get on prior to bringing it into your home and you have back up.
 
Honestly? While I am glad he has come on so well (you never gave me the name of that lady you were talking too, naughty Littlen!!!) I would not advise a puppy with a large, older, established GSD with a history of aggression problems, especially if they were being left alone together, sorry.
What's wrong with regular play dates with pals?

I would suggest an older spayed female if you must, preferable from rescue, there are plenty out there, try Big GSD or the GSD Vigil forums (they are a bit more flexible than some other breed rescue re people who work).

There was one year old unwanted pet GSD female listed in a pound near me today :( but hopefully one of the above organisations is going to get her out.
 
Agree with ST and CC, an adult, I think I emember you post, re your GSD, and him livingin the consevatoey and him baking and his aggression, apologies f I have the wong peson, but if h s not sound still then binging a pup i to possibly mimic these problems could be a bad idea, so def an adult of the opposite sex, I take it you situaton had changed and you are at home more now with the older boy ?
 
Sorry cc, completely forgot to ask her. Although I did remember the name of his breeder ;)

He does enjoy playing with the others. I know you are right!oh has been talking about another dog for a while and I've only just concidered it as I've noticed ours slowing doWn with his arthritis and I really want to make him happy and as active as possible for however long we can! He seems to come to life around other dogs and I thought he might like the company. He has always been fine with other dogs he knows of introduced properly, but he can be aggressive to strangers and is also quite a protective dog in general, although with myself more than items etc.
He would not be left alone with new dog as we would crate them for a few hours of they were left, with regular toilet breaks of course. I have also had the offer to take him (and any other dog) to work during the day if neccessary.
I would have loved a rescue but I don't like the thought of taking on a dog with problems, i would rather mould my own, as awful as that is. I am a vn and see hundreds of strays but I would prefer to see hip scores/parents/history? I thought puppies were easier to introduce ?

May just have to tell OH no ;)
 
CAYLA said:
Agree with ST and CC, an adult, I think I emember you post, re your GSD, and him livingin the consevatoey and him baking and his aggression, apologies f I have the wong peson, but if h s not sound still then binging a pup i to possibly mimic these problems could be a bad idea, so def an adult of the opposite sex, I take it you situaton had changed and you are at home more now with the older boy ?
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Hi,
Yes situaton has completely changed! He is with my oh all week as he changed shifts. Also he no longer has access to the garden when we are out so no more guarding the fence line! He is also being walked much more, coming to the farm twice a day which has settled him right down, he also now lives in the main house as we moved to a new open plan house with nowhere to shut him away so to speak which means he has stopped guarding the conservatory as I am in the house with him so he may feel safer and less isolated ?
So far no more aggression or barking and he has been socilising with people and dogs daily with no problems. I find he can be grumpy with boisterous male dogs though, and wil growl but has not followed through. He seems to be fine with bitches though and plays with my friends 2 collie pups fine, in fact they dominate him :)
 
I'd say not a pup. I wouldn't want a pup if your OH wants a running partner, then he'll have to wait quite some time to run with a pup.

My 7 year old took a while to accept the puppies and if I had had my head on straight, I would have gone for an older, spayed bitch as CC says for the sake of my boy. I selfishly went and got what I wanted, not what was best for the established dog. I was seriously worried that he would kill the pups and it was weeks before I could leave them together and a lot of stress and work. I thought he'd be fine, lovely dog, chill, never aggressive. He was a trauma for ages. :(

Not all rescues/older dogs have issues. I'm sure there are tons of gorgeous dogs in rescue.
 
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Puppy is very easy to mistake and gsd to hurt /kill. A look round the animal shelters is not commiting to anything.
 
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