Getting a scond dog, could this go very wrong?

jumbyjack

jumbyjack

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Laska is a Parson Russell Terrier I got from a rescue when she was 7 months old, she went into rescue at 6 months the reason given was her owners were ill. She's a great little dog but has issues, it very rapidly became obvious she had not be very well socialised and was nervous on walks. She was scared of vans with big pictures on them, of children especially if they were screaming or running about and of people bending over her. She was house trained and settled in immediately, not yelping at night or being in the least unsettled. She is hysterical around other small dogs and wants to play but doesn't know the rules and will be absolutely bonkers, round bigger dogs she will scream, cringe and pee! She has absolutely no recall and a really high chase drive, I have tried all the methods with no improvement, I once lost her on the beach as she ran off after the birds, the tide was coming in fast and I could not even see her as she is white and mixed in with the birds. She did eventually come back but I haven't let her off since, she goes on a long line for running exercise. In an enclosed space her obedience is good apart from constant fence checking for a way out.

The dog I'm offered is a 9 months old scruffy terrier and a bitch, she has already been rehomed once a week ago but the people are returning her to the original owner as her house training is not perfect! The house training is not an issue, I can sort that, I am a bit concerned about the dog being female as I know big issues can occur and that Laska is slightly crazy and I have to admit a tad spoilt!

Opinions would be most welcome!
 
Based on the info provided I would say yes, it could go very wrong.

However, you don't say how long you have owned Laska, nor how old she is now. Her behaviour around other small dogs and the age difference between the two would be my prime concerns.

Also, what are the social skills and obedience of the potential new dog? It would need to be a very confident individual that speaks very good dog and well trained (recall etc) for you to entertain it......in my opinion.

Personally, I would work on improving the incumbent dog and overcoming the remaining issues before considering a new addition.
 
Many thanks for the reply, Laska is nearly two now, the dog I was thinking about was bought with her litter brother and this has caused difficulties as they bonded with each other not the owner so I think training will be minimal. I'm convinced this is a non starter now and will carry on with attempting to train Laska!
 
Just for the record, I have had up to 7 bitches of different ages all living together happily, from JRTs to Rottweiler. Some were litter sisters bought as pups and others were older rescues. Success comes from the owner being the pack leader and not allowing a dog to be dominant. Without meeting Laska, I can't comment on your proposal but have certainly found that most canines are more relaxed/happier with canine company.
 
gunnergundog said:
Based on the info provided I would say yes, it could go very wrong.

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I agree. We'd like to think that wayward dogs are influenced by another and calmer dog, and for the better, wouldn't we? Sadly, the reverse is generally the case. It seems to me that dogs only ever teach each other those aspects of life which don't benefit us! One-2-one works, and once established, then each and every dog in our 'pack' has an invisible thread which is connected to the handler/owner. If dogs only connect to each other, and are oblivious to their 'controller', then discipline and obedience simply don't exist.

OP, if you have a wayward and self indulgent terrier, then another dog of similar disposition, is only going to compound the problem. Sorry! :)

Alec.
 
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