Adding another dog

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by Smokin Joe on 05 October 2020 - 17:10

We have a male GSD and want to add another GSD. The male is my dog, my wife (first time handler) wants to have a dog that she can work. We don’t want a small puppy (crapshoot), but are open to 6-12 month old or even young already titled. We’re thinking a female would be better, to avoid conflict. So, what are the thoughts out there? Thanks!

by Hired Dog on 05 October 2020 - 17:10

My thoughts are, how is your current dog with other dogs? If he is social and will tolerate a female, great, but, they have to live together, so, that takes being social with other dogs a step further.

by Smokin Joe on 05 October 2020 - 18:10

He’s neutral with other dogs.

by Hundmutter on 06 October 2020 - 02:10

When taking in a second dog to any household my own thinking is : get one of opposite sex. For your situation, a female would be generally a better bet than another male !

But as Hired said, you need to be sure he is okay with other dogs full stop; try various situations of introducing him to others, dogs and bitches, under controlled circumstances. Get an idea of his possible limitations. For how long have you tested your thought that he is 'neutral', 3 minutes, ... or 3 hours ? Can make a heck of a difference.

by Hired Dog on 06 October 2020 - 04:10

Neutral is not the same as social. How will the female be when you find one? Some dogs get on great with other dogs, some, not so much. Sometimes its the right dog for the right dog, sometimes, no dog is the right dog.
If they will be kennel dogs, its not that important they like each other, but, in my case, for example, I have no kennel, any dog I own MUST live in peace IN the house.
Temperament is very important. A strong male may not want to deal with a strong female. A possessive dog may not want to deal with another possessive dog, etc.
These are all considerations you need to think about before adding a second dog to the house.

by Q Man on 06 October 2020 - 08:10

There's a number of things that go into introducing a new dog to your pack...*The new and current dog...*How you introduce them...*Knowledge of how to introduce them...*What situation are you trying to have them (In the House...In a Kennel...etc.)

I have introduced many dogs together over the past 45+ years...My advice would be to take your time...don't rush it...

~Bob~

by Hundmutter on 06 October 2020 - 10:10

Yes ... and starting introductions on 'neutral' territory (i.e. not your house) also helps.

by Smokin Joe on 06 October 2020 - 11:10

Thanks to all for the great input. I’m wondering, given the variables of having two dogs get along, should I go with a younger pup? On the one hand, my existing dog should hav no problem with a smaller pup and the pup should be able to assimilate easier (I think). On the other hand, I’m dealing with the uncertainty of what a small puppy will become. Thoughts?

by DuganVomEichenluft on 06 October 2020 - 12:10

It comes down to the dog's personality (yours and the new dog), not necessarily age. I've introduced many dogs, over the years, into my house. And of all ages. I took into account my dog's personality and the new dogs. Introduce them slowly and on neutral grounds.
I never took gender into account, only the personality and temperament.
~Brandi~

by Hired Dog on 06 October 2020 - 13:10

I just sent you a PM.

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