Time for new addition - Page 1

After talking to my veterinarian and my good friend who is both behaviorist and trainer, time to introduce a new puppy to my existing pack.  They and I feel that both dogs are old enough to accept a young pup.  I also miss training puppies and look forward to the opportunity.  My mantra is never less than two dogs because they keep each other company when I am busy....  My end goal is to someday have a place where I can foster rescued animals.  I also believe in the power of dogs in therapy.  I plan to have a couple therapy dogs in my private practice and I work with traumatized clients.......

Isis is going to be 9 in June and hates ALL females.  Stems from the time she was attacked by an in heat female as a pup, long story.  Ronin came from an abusive household were the oldest son rewarded him for fighting other dogs.  Ronin will be 13 in March.  With lots of patience, calm, and positive reinforcement, we were able to introduce Isis as a puppy to Ronin and they are now inseperable.  He loves her to death and they sometimes groom each other.  Isis is very concerned about Ronin and I can always tell when he is in pain by the way she attends to him (he is on pain management regime and I monitor his behavior and vital signs closely). I constantly check local rescue organizations for male GSD puppies under 5 months old.  If anyone has a line on a young pup who needs a home where he will be spoiled and trained as a working dog, let me know.  You can PM me..  I live in the Tampa/Sarasota Florida area.....

would it be better to let the old dog pass before bringing the new one home, chaange is often stress for dogs??

Mindhunt are you sure Isis would not accept a female pup if she was

young enough when you got her ?  I have known bitch-aggressive

females in the past who if presented with a young and relatively

helpless female puppy have been fine with them;  and the odds are

just as much in favour of puppy acceptance turning into life-long

friendship, as the chances of them bitch-fighting when the pup grows

older.   Two oldies may have trouble with a pup of either sex if too

bouncy or assertive for them. 

Mindhunt.....why don't you just spend as much quality time as you can with both.   They're both too old. 

of course the pup will bond with the old dogs and then grieve for their losses, just wait until the the current regime live out their time as the best and only in yr life. when they go have aclean  break and start again.

jmo.

I understand what you are all saying and yes, it can sound like I am being selfish.  Vet and trainer agree that a pup may be "what the doctor ordered" for bringing some fun into their lives (veterinarian has 7 dogs, all rescues, and my trainer friend has 5 GSDs that are all trained as 1 therapy dog, 1 ring dog, and 1 K9, two pups are just beginning training).  As for the stress of a new dog, think it will me hardest on me because it has been many years since I had the house breaking and beginning obedience training that comes with a puppy lol.  Ronin's parents lived until they were 15 and Isis' parents are 13 and 15 so I don't see either of my dogs leaving me any time soon.  Isis wants to play constantly and Ronin will play for a bit then is done.  Both are still very healthy but retired from search and rescue.  I am hoping to get the pup into search and rescue but again, depends on the pup's interests.  Hundmutter, having a female pup might work if she is pretty laid back, I just wanted another male.  At this point, I am not searching hard for another pup.  If things happen and a pup enters our lives, then I am all for it.  Everything happens when it is supposed to.  I am hoping to be back to 4 GSDs in the near future.  I will have time this summer because I am coming up on the last year of my doctorate.  I love the breed and I love my dogs.  A good friend of mine says they are like Lays Potato Chips, can't have just one.  I am looking at rescues and breeders, but not super active "I must have a puppy soon" looking if that makes sense.

Yes, start practicing now for the tough days - "I wanted a puppy, I wanted a puppy,  I wanted..." ;)

You have good support from your vet and trainer and the summer free would be perfect. We always try to take a week or two of vacation for a new pup.

Sounds like your new pup or rescue will have a very good home indeed!

Best of luck with the search and on finishing your doctorate.

If any of you know of a litter of good working-line puppies that may be ready for a new home around the middle of spring, please keep me in mind.  My aim is to train a new search and rescue dog as well as a therapy dog that I can use in my clinical practice.  Trauma survivors respond well to a dog and many times the dog allows them to work through what they need to in a much more non-judgmental, safe, welcoming environment.  Thank you all.....

Does the litter need to be in Florida?

Northern Maiden, I guess it depends on how far away the breeder is.  I would want to drive there to meet the breeder, see the parents, have the breeder become comfortable with me, and get to know the pups.  I firmly believe the dog picks the owner not the other way around.  Plus I want to be able to keep in touch with the breeder.  I know the breeder will be entrusting me to give one of their dogs a good home, or at least I hope that is their mindset lol.....