New rescue collie - am I doing the right thing by my other dog?!

[sportsmansB]

I just need a few people's experiences for reassurance or rethink
I have recently moved and now have a lovely massive garden and a big field.
It was always my intention to get at least one more dog, I feel like there are a lot in rescue who would be better off on my sofa.
My Nancy dog is a short haired collie rescue, who loves to run and play and I thought it would be nice for her to have a buddy
But she is very very petted on me and I'm worried she won't like him.

The rescue came to do a home check today and I didn't realise but they actually brought him with them. Hes a 6 month old short haired tri coloured collie. A product of the current pup crisis, family pet gone wrong too lively and so on, but collies are the cheapest cute pups... Neutered already.
So far its going OK, they are currently both sleeping at my feet and she seems to be tolerating him if not loving it.
The rescue gave him to me for 48 hrs trial since there is another dog in the house, to make sure they get along

How do I know? How do I know whether she is happy or whether I have ruined her life? Playing is difficult as he has to be on a lead for now as the garden isn't 100% secure and his family didn't teach him any recall at all. He has chased the semi feral cats but they are able to stand up for themselves ok.

Does everyone get the potential guilts and then it turns out ok?!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

It iwll be fine! If she is already tolerating him, she will grow to love him, the fact that he is still a pup will help. She will truly think you for getting her some canine company. Dogs are pack animals and really do need to live in packs. I would just make sure that you don't leave them alone together for now and crate train him, so that she doesn't have to put up with him all the time. I bet she will soon be spending her time washing him - pups always seem to need cleaning and it is very much part of dogs building a relationship. She will be like a 2nd mum to him in no time and the pair of them will give you so much joy and fun.

 

[sportsmansB]

It iwll be fine! If she is already tolerating him, she will grow to love him, the fact that he is still a pup will help. She will truly think you for getting her some canine company. Dogs are pack animals and really do need to live in packs. I would just make sure that you don't leave them alone together for now and crate train him, so that she doesn't have to put up with him all the time. I bet she will soon be spending her time washing him - pups always seem to need cleaning and it is very much part of dogs building a relationship. She will be like a 2nd mum to him in no time and the pair of them will give you so much joy and fun.

Thank you so much for the reply. That does make me feel better already. Shes such a lovely dog that I feel like even if she wasn't overly happy she would tolerate things for my sake, but I do thinkshe will love to have a wee friend to play with. I believe the rescue had him sleeping in a crate overnight I hadn't thought of that as a way to get her a bit of peace and quiet, that makes sense.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

He is lovely, a male version of my youngest collie. Same expression too.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

He is lovely! He looks a bit nervous but I'm sure that will soon pass, as he takes confidence from Nancy. I bet at the end of the 48 hours, it will feel as if he ahs been with you for ever and you certainly won't want to give him back - and neither will Nancy!

 

[deb_l222]

Whenever I’ve brought new dogs into the house, I consider it a result if the newbie and the existing dog(s) display interested indifference initially. The only time I would worry is if there was full on aggression, which thankfully you’re not seeing at all.

The bonding and playing will come in time once they’ve properly sussed each other out.

Your existing dog wouldn’t tolerate the pup just to make you happy. Dogs aren’t that clever or empathetic. She would let him know if she wasn’t happy with him

 

[silv]

He is lovely and look forward to updates. He is very similar to a failed working collie I am fostering at the moment, fortunately she has a super home to go to in two weeks time otherwise I would have been so tempted to keep her.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

Perfectly normal for the existing dog to be aloof with the newcomer for a while.

When I first got a second dog. I had a middle aged collie at the time. My collie didn't acknowledge the new dog for about two weeks! Then one day just started playing and they were the best of friends.

 

[meleeka]

She’s a bitch. If she didn’t like him you’d know! Being aloof is pretty good for a first introduction.

 

[AmyMay]

How did your first night go?

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

No words of wisdom but oh my hes lovely!

 

[sportsmansB]

How did your first night go?

Pupdate

First night was good, few wee squeaks out of him in the crate until I put a blanket over it (recommended by the rescue lady)
He slept right through, kept the crate clean, and so far so good
He came to the yard and met a horse, barked at the first one and then realised there were loads and he couldn't bark at them all so just stopped and watched!
I think like any collie the trick is just going to be to keep him nice and tired all the time. Hes currently sleeping under my desk

 

[sportsmansB]

Also travelled in the boot of the car with Nancy who showed him the ropes jumping in and out several times until he got the message!
Their two wee faces looking out at me was the cutest thing. She must be happy enough with him as the boot is very much her space (I didn't drive off until I was sure all was ok, they just sat in it and hopped in and out for a while)

 

[Chiffy]

Sounds a good start. Glad she is tolerating him but it even seems that she might quite like him. Hope all continues well and you manage to get the garden secure so they can run around together.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

That all sounds very promising!

 

[Moobli]

Sounds great. I have no doubt they will soon be firm friends. It is especially good that he is a male, as it does seem to be the most successful combo. Look forward to more updates - he is lovely. It would be great to see a piccie of them together.

 

[sportsmansB]

Sounds great. I have no doubt they will soon be firm friends. It is especially good that he is a male, as it does seem to be the most successful combo. Look forward to more updates - he is lovely. It would be great to see a piccie of them together.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

How lovely! It looks as if this is working out well for all concerned - I'm so pleased for you all!

 

[bonny]

They look perfect together, like it was meant to be !

 

[Errin Paddywack]

A matching pair, gorgeous.

 

[deb_l222]

They are very 'matchy, matchy' aren't they

I do so love that with dogs. Looks like they will be absolutely fine.

 

[Moobli]

They’re very alike! I love matchy dogs too ?

 

[bonny]

How are you getting on with your matching dogs ? I hope there is a happy ending and they are now friends ?

 

[sportsmansB]

How are you getting on with your matching dogs ? I hope there is a happy ending and they are now friends ?

Well... Nancy is still tolerating him well, but I don't think she actually likes him yet
They travel in the boot of the car together without a problem, and will sit on the same seat but hes more keen on her than she is on him at the moment!
Hes not overly annoying for a puppy, but she is just a bit aloof about the whole thing.
He is settling in well, clearly is smart but has been let away with murder, so I have to tell him off a bit which she hates. Shes very non confrontational, hates shouting or any kind of discord at all.
Hopefully as time goes on she will appreciate him more as company

 

[Clodagh]

I would try not to shout at him, it will make her nervous and aloof.

 

[sportsmansB]

I would try not to shout at him, it will make her nervous and aloof.

I'm not a big shouter generally, but if he takes something off the work top or something I have to tell him no so that he understands that is not allowed.
I'm not sure how else to train him, surely that always comes with a wee bit of voice? With her, because she is so keen to please she only needed told 'no' once, and she never did the thing again. He's a bit cheekier than that!

 

[Clodagh]

I'm not a big shouter generally, but if he takes something off the work top or something I have to tell him no so that he understands that is not allowed.
I'm not sure how else to train him, surely that always comes with a wee bit of voice? With her, because she is so keen to please she only needed told 'no' once, and she never did the thing again. He's a bit cheekier than that!

I never, ever shout at mine. A stern name then no has always been enough. He looks timid in his photo. I doubt shouting will achieve much. If his name is Rex (eg) say sharply and firmly, Rex, no, if he is stealing or whatever. And don't leave stuff where he can steal it.

 

[sportsmansB]

I never, ever shout at mine. A stern name then no has always been enough. He looks timid in his photo. I doubt shouting will achieve much. If his name is Rex (eg) say sharply and firmly, Rex, no, if he is stealing or whatever. And don't leave stuff where he can steal it.

Oh sorry, clearly crossed wires or you think I'm some sort of banshee

That is what I mean by shouting
Literally 'Murphy, No'
But its the tone of voice that she is so sensitive to, not the volume

Some times having things on kitchen work tops is unavoidable when trying to prepare a meal for example and turning round to fetch something from the fridge. I don't have a full buffet set up with a puppy around