Want a second dog, but not so sure about dog #1?!

[Foxford]

So, I have always had and will always have rescues...

Current dog is my 2nd rescue, had him from a pup and he is now 7. We really missed the boat when he was young as he has never been that happy about another dog in the house, apart from my 1st older dog who mothered him when he was a pup and was PTS about 5 years ago. I am desperate to get another one! My OH is a marathon runner and he would like to take a dog out training with him, but our boy isn't really up for that! I just feel that we should at least try, maybe foster something and see how we get on?

Current dog is a mid-sized cross breed who was neutered at 6 months. Tends to get on better with bitches. If anyone can offer any advice on this it would be greatly received!

 

[s4sugar]

You would be have a better chance of a good match talking to breed rescues. They often get in dogs at the teenage stage so look at breeds that suit running and give the rescue/welfare people a call to find out more.
A spayed bitch is probably going to fit in easier than a male.

 

[planete]

Fostering sounds a good idea and I agree with choosing a bitch. My male dog is always very stand-offish with new fosters for about a week and is never totally relaxed with male ones but accepted a bitch straightaway and is totally relaxed with her. If you approach a reputable rescue with your requirements they should find you a good match and help you with introductions and any problems that may arise. You can tell them you would like to foster with a 'view to fail'. That way if a dog does not work out it will just go to another permanent home and you will have helped him on his or her way to a brighter future.

 

[gunnergundog]

OK....so I'm going to play the bad cop here!

If I take on a dog, then it is for life and I would not want to do anything to cause that dog stress....that includes putting the dog's needs before my wants.

I would respectfully suggest that you need to consider EITHER rehoming your current dog to a home where he can be the sole incumbent OR giving up your desire for a second woof.

Re fostering....I would not be happy placing a dog with you knowing that your own dog is unhappy with others in the household; the likelihood of the rescue pinging back with additional baggage is too great = making it more difficult to place long-term and more work for someone (me?) to sort in the meantime. Sorry if that is not what you want to hear.

If you do decide to go ahead regardless, I would make sure that you have sufficient facilities and time to keep both dogs apart and exercise them seperately just in case it should go tits up!

Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[Foxford]

Thanks for the advice!

Current dog goes a bit withdrawn into himself if there's another dog around or staying with us. He is not generally aggressive but will growl (no more than that) if he's eating and the other dog is close by. We manage this by feeding separately. He's fine out of the house so exercising would be ok. I know what you are saying gunnergundog, but it makes me so sad to see dogs up for rehoming and I think what a wonderful life we could give them! Of course #1 dog is the priority, and if we have to wait until he has left us to get another, then I guess that's what we have to do. I certainly wouldn't put a rescue dog in danger of being physically or psychologically damaged by coming to us.

 

[planete]

Just a thought. You could get your current dog assessed by a behaviourist (choose one from recommendations from people you trust), explain that you are thinking of getting a second dog and ask for their opinion. It is difficult to determine on a forum how your dog would react in the long term to the introduction of a second dog. Gunnergundog is right IF your dog is likely to turn aggressive, but a lot of only dogs sulk to start with when they have to share but end up best of pals with the newcomer after a few days if the situation is handled correctly.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Hi, I was worried about my older dog accepting a new one but at the same time I was going to start work part time and my daughter was at school so he was about to be left alone for the first time ever regularly (obviously he did get left but not daily)
He didn't really like other dogs very much when we were out walking and seemed to get in arguments which were never his fault but other dogs seemed to dislike him for some reason.
I decided on a tiny puppy (Jack X) as dog 1 was good friends with the rabbit and cats so I figured maybe he was intimidated by other dogs.
This was 7 years ago and they are totally inseparable and have been since one evening a few weeks in puppy crept into bed with big dog (who immediately jumped out in horror!) but once they cuddled up once- problem over.... easy!
I think you may be worried over nothing? Agree rescue centre and lots will let you take your current dog along to meet any potential new friends which might be a idea?

 

[Luci07]

I would definately look at a younger bitch. The joy of rescue is you get opportunities to meet and greet and see how you dog gets on before making any commitments. I wanted a second dog, wasn't so sure about how the older and very opiniated bitch would cope. Went to Stafford welfare and for me they suggested a younger dog. They met on neutral ground, walked together, she put him in his place and he took it from her and the final test was that she allowed him to get into the car with her. 3rd one took longer!

If you are thinking of a dog to go out training, please don't overlook a Stafford! My previous dog would go marathon training with my neighbour and hack out with me as does the youngest one I have now. They require a lot more exercise than people think..