Adding a second gs to family - Page 1

Hi everyone - I have a 9 mo old female. She has a great temperment and beautiful color. I was thinking about getting a second shepherd - I've read that getting the opposite sex is the best way to add a second dog. Would anyone recommend the best way to bring another puppy into the home? Also, being that she has so much energy and is big and plays rough - would getting an older male (3-5 mo old) be a better idea? (She is spayed, so I will not be mating the 2)

I too would like to do the same. Same scenario as Sheena's. I'm thingking of a male a little oder than my gsd (she's 5mo old) say 7 months? Would that be a good gap for both?

Personally, I would not add a second puppy or dog until the first one is over 12 months old. It's great for them to have each other for a playmate, but you also risk of them bonding "too much" with each other and losing your bond with them. In any case, you'll need to spend a lot of one on one time with each dog on a daily basis. Mostly I've found that a male and female get along best as housemates but of course there are many people who have two females or two males and find it to be the best combination for them, The worst scenario is when you have one alpha bitch and the younger female decides to fight for alpha status. Having both females spayed might not solve that problem. Hope you have good luck finding just the right new family member! JDN - US

I would agree that it would be in your best interest to get a dog with the opposite sex. But in my opinion you don’t need to wait until your current dog is over a year. I do see the point mentioned above, but provided your current dog is completely house broken, and coming when called you should not have any problems. Also the two dogs would keep each other in shape provided you have the proper facilities. I think there is not too much difference between having one or two dogs, it’s when you have three that it starts to be a handful. Respectfully, Carl Morgan

Thank you both for your input. She is house trained and listens pretty well. She is at that big goofy stage where I think she would hurt (unintentionally) a little 8-10 week old pup. I'll keep my eye out for that perfect young male, because she seems overly attached to me.

I have had 2 GSDs in the home for over thirty years. Have had every mix of age and sex. Have only experienced problems with behavior when we had two male pups and it required seperation to get the obedience down. presendtly have a 2 year old bitch and 10 month old male. It is easier to have 2 around for us. Never feel quilty leaving for hours. Have at times had a "guest" dog for a period of time and pack mentality takes over. There is all sorts of expert advise on "introducing" new pup into home. Common sense is your best friend. If you have never had GSDs before I would recommend keeping your current dog and getting him properly trained first. Trying to train a newcomer with undiciplined resident is impossible. Good Luck!

I agree completely with JDN. You really ought not to get a second dog until the first one is 3 and has reached maturity. You will need the time alone with your female to bond and to train her. It is pretty difficult to train to adolescent dogs, whereas an adult can often shorten the learning curve for a youngster. Most people will tell you, a male and female are best, less good are 2 males and the least easy is 2 females.

hmmm... would you recommend getting an adult if "i must :)" get another GSD? because i feel my puppy is lonely. she does have a handler fulltime that plays with her, but when she see's me, she jumps right at me, not that im complaining, but she's getting heavy, hahaha. i think she needs a playmate other than the handler.

If you feel your puppy is lonely, spend more time with her!! Getting a dog for her will not solve the problem. That's what obedience training will do - it is the vehicle that forms the bond between us and our dogs..... Wehave5 females and 1 male right now, in the house... they are never all out at the same time - everyone spends some time in their crates during the day even the seasoned adults but especially the pups...and they all get time with us every day None of my new dogs spend time with other dogs until we are bonded... they don't need another dog - they need me! I have never had trouble bringing new dogs in, of any age.... then again, I admit I am a control freak.... I also board and board train dogs and it is just not an issue.... Having multiple dogs is great, but you have to have the time to spend with them all individually or you have no more than a pack!

I understand what KIKS means about his dog feeling lonely. I feel my dog is lonely, too - she definately is happy, but she does seem lonely. It's impossible to spend anymore time with her than I already do, in a way I think I'm spoiling her. She doesn't want to go out in the yard unless I go outside with her. I do think I will enroll her in obedience class, she does jump up on people who come in, and she should "come" a little better. I also board dogs at my house on occasion - she loves playing with the other dogs and doesn't seem to have a problem when I give them attention. It's the smaller dogs that she walks all over. I feel 4 to 6 mo. old male pup would be good for her. Adding a GSD that's over a year old, I don't know about that, they may compete for top dog.