Red30563
Well-Known Member
Just canvassing some learned opinions, if I may...
Hubby and I have one dog - Dougal. He is a border terrier/lhasa apso cross, about 7 years old. We got him 3 years ago as a rescue. He came to us with various 'issues' - extreme separation anxiety & poor socialisation skills - but we have worked so hard with him and now he is a super dog. We do advanced obedience classes with him and agility (just for fun, not for competition.)
So, over the last few months I have had a craving for another dog. I don't really know why, but I'm sure you know that feeling! In many ways I'm sure it would be fine but there is something holding me back from making the decision. We have such a nice status quo with Dougal - would this be upset by another dog coming into the house? We have had friends' dogs to stay and he has been fine with them but longer term??
I spoke with the trainer at the obedience class who knows Dougal well. She reckons he will be fine, although she said he might regress slightly for a while if he felt he needed to protect the newcomer. So it would be good to be aware of this and prepare for it. She recommended a bitch not a dog. (I have spotted a border terrier bitch at a rescue, I must confess... )
I am also concerned that, on the rare occasion they would be left alone for a short while, two dogs may be noisy. Dougal is a very quiet dog who hardly ever barks and is silent when left at home. He just sleeps!
By the way, Dougal either comes to my office during the day or he stays with hubby who runs a (doggy) business from home. The potential new addition will do the same.
Reading this post back, I think maybe we should stop thinking about it so much and get on with it!! Ha ha! If we do, any tips for introducing the newbie to our home?
Hubby and I have one dog - Dougal. He is a border terrier/lhasa apso cross, about 7 years old. We got him 3 years ago as a rescue. He came to us with various 'issues' - extreme separation anxiety & poor socialisation skills - but we have worked so hard with him and now he is a super dog. We do advanced obedience classes with him and agility (just for fun, not for competition.)
So, over the last few months I have had a craving for another dog. I don't really know why, but I'm sure you know that feeling! In many ways I'm sure it would be fine but there is something holding me back from making the decision. We have such a nice status quo with Dougal - would this be upset by another dog coming into the house? We have had friends' dogs to stay and he has been fine with them but longer term??
I spoke with the trainer at the obedience class who knows Dougal well. She reckons he will be fine, although she said he might regress slightly for a while if he felt he needed to protect the newcomer. So it would be good to be aware of this and prepare for it. She recommended a bitch not a dog. (I have spotted a border terrier bitch at a rescue, I must confess... )
I am also concerned that, on the rare occasion they would be left alone for a short while, two dogs may be noisy. Dougal is a very quiet dog who hardly ever barks and is silent when left at home. He just sleeps!
By the way, Dougal either comes to my office during the day or he stays with hubby who runs a (doggy) business from home. The potential new addition will do the same.
Reading this post back, I think maybe we should stop thinking about it so much and get on with it!! Ha ha! If we do, any tips for introducing the newbie to our home?
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