Ponderings about getting another dog

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Ranyhyn

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I have 2no 2YO JRTs, a bitch and a dog. They dote on each other and we have a very nice little existance, they come to macdonalds with me (and sometimes get a chip) we go down the horse (when no-ones watching) and we enjoy lovely walks. We have a dedicated room in my house which is 'dog room' which we always sit in just to be with them, despite having a swanky nicer lounge to go to
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Anyway, the dog is a little scared, after a few bad experiences, he is never aggressive, but frightened, he takes himself out of situations where there is another dog and watches happilly from a distance. The bitch is a tart, so no worries there.

Roly used to be a very robust little dog, loving other dogs and he does run up to them to see them but if they are too boisterous he gets worried.

We have quite a nice life and I would love to give an older rescue dog a home with us, but am worried about upsetting the status quo here and desperately don't want to upset Roly with another dog.

Could it work, with time and patience might he come round (he's only 2 so Im hoping the answer is yes)

Thoughts?

Kitty

Gratuitous pic Roly-B/T Lil = Tri
Kissing cause they love each other
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Embarrassed cause Im taking pics
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awwwww
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I think it depends, if you went to a rescue, found a nice quiet dog (that was dog friendly) that you liked and felt could fit in, some will allow you to bring your dog to meet the rescue dog as sort of a "final test" to see if they would fit in together etc as obviously u having 2 dogs which get on means they have their little love pack!
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and the new dog would have to fit into this and so any dominance issues etc could set off a whole raft of problems! Also I am assuming you were going to get another smaller dog, not like a lab which might sit on your jrts?
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Id think its feasible depending on the rescue dogs attitude to life and other dogs (so ensure you are clear on as much history as it has etc before even considering it!) and then see how your dog reacts to it before trying to introduce it to the home situation with him.

That would be my advise, and as long as it isnt a big boysterous (sp?!) nutty dog I think your JRT will adapt to it, but id be careful on sex, as I know some males can be funny about more males coming into the situation (guessing yours are castrated and speyed if they live togehter?) and the same with bitches, but I know some are funny some are like MINT ANOTHER DOG!
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(like my stupid puff!)

Hope this helps a bit, not sure if i have but i tried!
 
I know exactly what you mean. The Spangly Princessley One loves being an only child and doesn't much like other dogs. She's nervous of them and if off her lead while out will run the other side of the field to avoid them. However when we dog sit for friends she's very stand offish to begin with but after a day or so soon settles down.

We had a friends Munsterlander to stay at Christmas and I have to admitt this Lab girl has had her head turned. Billy Wizz was just georgeous and to see the two out running togther was like the little and large show.

I'm still very torn though and certainly wouldn't want to introduce something LB was unhappy with. But having said that I felt the same way about my Labradour and if the spaniel hadn't been in dire need of rescuing would not have considered another dog while I still had him. They soon settled but it was probably easier as Alan was a lone male and we introduced a LB (Little Bitch)

Sorry not much help am I?

JDx
 
This is what I am dreadng, taking on a rescue, then the doggy upsetting my dogs and having to give him/her back. That would kill me. I know my responsibility first and foremost is to my current dogs.

We took them for a walk down the yard yesterday with YO massive choc lab and th bitch loved him, as is normal, Roly was scared, and screamed when Lab tried to sniff his weiner, but soon started running along next to the lab, almost looking like he was having fun!

Days like that give me hope that maybe we can add another to our family, I do actually want a bigger dog (having a jrt means patting and robust cuddles are out lol) so its nice to see there's scope there, maybe.

If Cayla looks at this i wonder how she copes with her in and out big pack??
 
Initial nerves may soon wear off, like you say, I think we tend to stress out over things like this (I know I did) and that can transmit to the dog - FI with mine I went 'Oh crap, there's another dog' - and my boy went into protective mode because he knew I was scared, but not of what (his reaction, not the other dog)

Similarly, any initial stress Roly shows, worries you, and that can filter through to him, they are amazing at picking up vibes from us. Try being much more confident and see if that helps.

Another dog might change your pack dynamic completely.

Our last GSD bitch was a real wallflower when she was younger, we buddied her up with a little x-breed and she really came out of herself, she ended up having a wonderful temperament, never really really GSD brave but much better than she was and very calm.
We had to rehome the cross to a friend in town as she was wanting to chase livestock and was not very trainable but she helped N and for that we will always thank her!
 
I can be proof of CC's advice,
We took puppy out for the first time and panicked because of her "aggression" towards any other dog except the one she lives with.
Couple of weeks later voila she's a perfect little dog and loves eveyone(and her owner has stopped freaking out when she see's other dogs...)
Time, a secure enviroment and level headed handeling seems to be the way to go.
 
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