Can they live together ?? - Page 2

 Yes Jane, I live a very active lifestyle. 

I'm an outside guy most of the time. I'd rather be outside in the mountains, or near and on the water, than stuck in a boring house. I am retired so I get to play every day. About a year ago I was slowed down with heart surgery, a stroke during surgery and MRSA. I spent 2 months in the hospital, but I am on the mend more each day. My hearts fine now and most of the stroke is gone. You see, I strongly believe it's much more difficult to kill a moving target, so I keep moving. ;>)
I live for that look in a dogs eyes when he looks up at you as if to say, "I get it dad, I get it, lets do it again". Their eyes smile when they do that, and I love that part.
So anyway, I just love playing with dogs...I will keep them busy. I took Falco to my doctor appointment yesterday. This was the first time I had left him in the cab of my truck,  alone, and without a crate. I was so pleased that he didn't eat the upholstery, I took him out for a very small ice cream to thank him for not tearing up  my $35K Tundra.  ;>)
I just figure that one is fun, so two in my pack would be even better.     Merry Christmas.....   My sleeping pills are kicking in...good night.

Hi Gator113,and also a Merry Christmas if it is your holiday and if not a great holiday season,OK,i have 2 unneutered males that live in the house with me.I bought the second one when he was just 3 years old and I introduced the second one very carefully and very calculated so that there would be NO bloodshed.My boys are great together however I do realize that the pack mentality IS genetically alive and well so I always have my guard up.I NEVER leave them together unsupervised as it only takes a second and something as stupid as a toy to start a fight.I have been EXTREMLY lucky with my boys temperments but to be honest with you,I will NEVER get 2 of the same sex again cause it is TO MUCH WORK to do it properly and safely.As i said,it takes only a second and a stupid reason to have a full out dog battle.From what i hear and read,its always a bit better when you have a boy and a girl.You mentioned that you had some medical issues that thank God you seem to have under control and I beleive that it would be alot healtier for you to go with a boy and girl so that you minimize your stress and wont have to step into the middle of a dog fight where you could be injured.Sounds like the dogs will be with you alot  in close quarters so that makes it even more risky as they become jelous of you giving one more attention then the other.If I could do it all over it would be a ,male and a female.I hope this will be some help to you.Good luck

It sounds like you enjoy a happy and simple life, IMHO I recommend you get a female to avoid any unneccessary stress by having two males.  Can I ask why it sounds like you are not entirely happy with your male GSD, your reason for looking at Mal's?????  I think you would be very surprized with a female GSD.  I have two young GSD females 18 months and 6 months and can tell you they are very tough and strong.  Good luck with your GSD boy and addition when you get it.

Teri      

I have a male GS and this little fireball female mal in the house. They get along just fine, she is a high drive puppy but when he has had enough he lets her know to turn on the off button. 

Whether your dogs CAN live togeather, whether male- female, 2 males, 2 females, big dog ,small dog...is all ON YOU. It really depends on "What you are 'willing", to put in,"to make it work"!

Hello Gator...First off I have to say that I love your name..."Gator"...I am from Florida and love the Gators...but anyways...I would think about what you want to do and then investigate it as much as possible...To have a Mali in the house is a questionable decision in itself...But just to own one is something that you need to go to some Schutzhund clubs or to breeders and  check them out first...To see a well trained Mali is a wonderful thing...but to live with one can be a very tough undertaking...

Mali's are great dogs...but have a lot of energy that the typical person can't put up with for very long...If you have a Humane Society around you...you might go and see if they have any that you can walk and get a little used to...or...Check around your area and see if there's any Malinois Rescues around...I would definitely experience what they're like before purchasing one...

You have one thing going for you and that is that your GSD is very young...so he'd get along with a new companion a lot easier then an older one...But I wouldn't have two males or two females in the house at the same time if your not experienced in handling them...Also you must think about fixing both the male and female or you'll have some problems when the female comes into heat...

Also something to think about...and that is...How do you introduce them together...Check this out with some local people that can help you and give you good advice...

As far as breeders...there are good ones and there are bad ones...the one thing I can suggest to you if your going to buy any new dog...is to see the dog/puppy for yourself...and if at all possible see the parents too...The parents will give you a good idea of how the puppy will be when he/she grows up...

As far as good German Shepherds go...there are now some very nice puppies/litters being whelped right here in the United States...you don't have to go to Germany...although the trip is very nice...

Do you know much about the German Shepherd and what it is that you like and don't like...I mean Showline or Workline dogs...There are some very honest people here in the States...and they're willing to teach you what you ought to look for and what you should stay away from...Do your research and check with a lot of people...you will find what you're looking for...

~Bob~

Hi Gator,  It's sounds like any dog you get will have a really good life with you.  That aside, I'd strongly recommend that you get a female.  The thing is, no one, not you, not your Vet, not I, no one on this board can tell you if those two dogs are going to get along to the extent that you want and probably need them to get along.  You can do alot to help cut the risks, increaase the percentages of it  working...but it's still going to be a gamble no matter which way you look at it.  Because Fred or Jake or Tom have two males that get along doesn't mean that your going to have the same luck.  If it works out all is great, but what if it doesn't?  What would you do?  Rehome one?  Keep them separated? I think you get very attached to your dogs and it would be very difficult for you to have to do that...and that is a realistic possibility fo what could happen. On the other hand it may not...but are you willing to take that chance?  Thats what I think you have to think about in order to  decide. 

Good luck and keep us posted !

Lynn

www.spruceviewfarms.com

Best bet: Get a female Mal pup about the same age as your GSD from a reputable breeder who is known for highly social Mals that are not dog aggressive. This will maximize the chance of success. If you have to knock yourself out to "make it work," it's not much fun for anyone. It's so much better if you have a great match from the start. Chemistry counts with dogs as well as people, so let your GSD have a say in the choice. One obvious problem with a female buddy: Unless someone is neutered, there's a high risk of ending up with a litter of "Shepinois" you can't find good homes for.

I have one male and three females.  Abe can and will play with any of the girls, in the yard or house.  NONE of the girls can be together at any time.  It works fine, Abe gets lots of play and the girls take turns.

Forgot to mention that www.leerburg.com  has some good articles and information on this very topic.Good luck