Bringing another dog into a one-dog family

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I just saw this thread...and haven't read through all the responses yet, but I have a suggestion:

when you decide on a breeder (and a pup) provide a towel for Chloe to lay on for a week, and one for the pup to lay on for awhile...then switch them about a week or so before you bring the pup home. This will allow Chloe time to get used to the scent of the new pup, and the new pup to get used to the scent of Chloe (and your home)

I've heard of doing that for new babies, I can't see why it wouldn't help with a new puppy. It sure can't hurt!

I've read a few posts about whether two females is better or a male and a female, and who is "alpha"...to be honest, I think it really depends on the dogs. I have two females and a male...and my little female (the dark/white dog on the end in my siggie) is the "alpha" (after me and DH of course)....and she absolutely ADORES the other female (the golden mix), but does her best to keep the male in line!!

All three of your dogs are adorable! The mix, looks every bit 100% Golden.

 

[hiwaygal]

All three of your dogs are adorable! The mix, looks every bit 100% Golden.

Thank you! I think they're pretty cute too, but I'm a bit biased!

Daisy is a golden/setter mix so I think she's a bit redder than a true golden, but I could be wrong about that.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Chloe would probably just eat the cat! Keep on going like she never even noticed!

She's such a food hound.

LOL I can tell that Sheena would like to eat the kitten when a little ball of fur can stop her in her tracks. It's a cute sight for sure!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Thank you! I think they're pretty cute too, but I'm a bit biased!

Daisy is a golden/setter mix so I think she's a bit redder than a true golden, but I could be wrong about that.

No wonder she looks so much like a full-bred Golden! I love Irish Setters. I would have one, but I've had so many people tell me that they're knuckleheads. Then again, Goldens are supposed to be one of the smartest breeds, and I think Chloe's a few dog bones shy of a full box.

Does she shed?

 

[hiwaygal]

OOOOOHhhh Yeah she sheds!!!

Every now and then we get the equivalent of another Daisy-dog in hair around the house! And this was something I had to get used to 'cause the little dogs don't really shed, and when they do, it's little hairs.

It could be worse though...I put olive oil in their food, and they get vitamins with omega 3 acids. All of that is good for their skin/coats so it does seem to help minimize the "regular" shedding...but the change of seasons is still rather bad.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

OOOOOHhhh Yeah she sheds!!!

Every now and then we get the equivalent of another Daisy-dog in hair around the house! And this was something I had to get used to 'cause the little dogs don't really shed, and when they do, it's little hairs.

I always say that Chloe sheds about a puppy a day. And I'll have two of them! Chloe is never outside, except to do her business. DH won't hush until he gets his way, so he shaves her.

I don't understand why, but for some reason she doesn't shed when she's shaved. Not even little hairs. But, I lose that magnificent coat! I wish we could have the best of both worlds. I'm highly considering getting a Roomba. Maybe that'll help.

It could be worse though...I put olive oil in their food, and they get vitamins with omega 3 acids. All of that is good for their skin/coats so it does seem to help minimize the "regular" shedding...but the change of seasons is still rather bad.

That's interesting. I'll have to look into that.

 

[janette]

We've added dogs with mixed success. Our Catahoula (female) was about 6/7 when we got a Bichon puppy (male). She was always great with him, still is I really think she decided he was her puppy and treats him much like a momma dog does her puppies. We adopted another Bichon later that was 10+yrs old, she is an alpha dog and does not get along with the Catahoula at all. After a serious incident we now keep them separated all the time. It's worked out okay but I think you are definitely on the right track introducing a puppy with that age of a dog. The older dog will teach the younger one the ropes and they shouldn't be any alpha issues.

 

[pjshaff]

We have two male Shelties, an 8 y.o. and a 9 month old puppy. Got the puppy from the same breeder when he was 8 weeks old. It took my older one a few days to get used to him, he was jealous and didn't want anything to do with him.

After a few days, it got a little better...the puppy is a MAJOR instigator of the older one. They chase each other around the house and my older one is definitely the Alpha dog. He will come to "protect" me and the kids from the puppy if he hears too much noise or growling from playing with the puppy. The vet said it will make him a younger dog b/c of the puppy.

They're good together, but have totally different personalities. One's laid back and quiet, the older one, and the puppy is more prone to barking and is hyper.

Good luck, I'd probably go with the same sex as you have now.