Getting another dog

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

We had been tossing the idea around of getting another dog and I just had a couple of questions. Our dog, Hershey, is now 17 months old. Would it be better for us to look for an adult dog or puppy? boy or girl(hershey's a boy)? Or does it not make much difference? we would most likely be looking for another lab. Any experiences you can share with adding another dog to your family would be helpful. TIA

 

[LindaR]

Generally speaking, opposites will get along MUCH better than two of the same sex. I don't think age is an important factor.....though if you bring an adult (who would be older than your current baby) into the mix, you may upset the alpha process. The dog that you have now would rightfully be considered alpha, if you bring in a dog that's older, THAT dog might assume the alpha role due to age. If you bring a puppy into the mix, then the flow remains as it should.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

First of all Lab's are WONDERFUL! Especially with young kids. We had a lab for almost 15 years. She's been gone about a year & a half & we JUST got 2 (yes 2) new puppies.

I will say that in her older years I wish Amber (yellow lab) would have had a younger playmate. That being said.... our new "sisters" are hysterical the way they play together.

There are pro's & con's to both. I think you should just try to find the right dog for you regardless of age. As for mixing genders - I have no experience there, sorry.

BTW, our nesest additions are miniature doxies. Never thought I'd like a small dog but I was very wrong.

Do you want another lab or are you looking at other breeds? I know of people who have 1 large dog & 1 small/medium dog & that seems to work very well too.

 

[Jpgirl]

My dh had a Lab named Hershey. We have two Labs. Tj is super alpha so when we went to get another dog we looked for a very docile submissive dog. We ended up with another male Lab who was 7 months old-a year younger than TJ. It worked out well. In the beginning there was much yelping by Brian when TJ would exert his domminence. Brian never challenged TJ so he would yelp. I introduced both dogs on leash but it was less than an hour before they were off leash. Now they're best buddies but Brian knows his place and TJ knows his. Good luck

 

[clutter]

I just got a cockapoo puppy to go with my cockapoo 4 year old.

I sweated about it for months, swaying back and forth.

I have to say, it's much easier than I anticipated. And louder, lol. Nothing like finally getting the kid to bed, sitting down, and having two dogs wrestling on your lap, at your feet, wherever, as long as they're within a foot or two of you!

My older dog has always been excited at meeting new dogs, but then doesn't like them within minutes. She's actually happier with the pup. Or, should I say, the benefits outweigh the pain he is to her, I think.

I do keep them separate at night (gotta sleep you know). I've found the biggest challenge is feeding, as the older dog LOVES puppy food.

I did male/female. Just about everyone I know said it would be better.

Good luck!!!

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

So it looks like we should definitely look for a female. I don't think we'll start to look yet, just gathering information for now. I'm pretty sure we will look for another lab. I don't think a small dog would do well with my girls. Maybe if they were older, but i don't have any real experience with other breeds so I figured go with what we know. Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[lesroi]

Firstly can I say congrats on your decision to get another dog. One is never enough! LOL! (We have 4 dogs and a cat... )

Secondly, can I say that your family IS TOOOOO DARN CUTE in that picture!!!

Good luck with your new dog, whatever route you decide to pursue. I would say go with a puppy. I would probably get another boy, but I have mostly boys anyway so I guess I am partial.

Tracy

 

[Crankyshank]

Definitely look for a female. As far as age, it depends on your dog's personality.
I had a female beagle and got a male puppy when she was 2 because I was told it would be easier for her to accept a puppy than an older dog because of the maternal instinct. Let's just say he irritated the beejezus out of her. They're like night and day even now. After the first couple of weeks she got used to him and put him in his place but even now at 6 and 8 he's definitely the annoying little brother still. Fortunately roswell is very laid back or there would be a lot more fighting.