Question on getting a 2nd Yorkie

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Hubby and I are starting to talk about getting a playmate for 6 mo old Hot Rod. The question is: is it too soon and if not would a girl or boy be better? I've had friends that have had to separate their females-didn't know if it might be same for males. It's just hubby and me and I am home with Hot Rod. There are other dogs that he plays with in the neighborhood but they are really, really big dogs-3 New Foundlands, springer spaniel and labs. We are always on guard when they are together for obivous reasons. I feel bad that he doesn't have another playmate "his size". As of yesterday he is only 2.9 lbs. While I know there are no guarantees on size, I worry about him with a bigger dog.

The other question I have is will they keep each other company or am I will have even less time to get done what I need to do having 2 furbabies? My house is a disaster because I spend most of the day playing with Hot Rod or on YT with him in my lap. I've even thought about a kitten-just lost both our 13 yr olds cats over the last year. Sorry so long but weighing everything out before making any moves.

[sAnDyiSm]

my sister's baby was just over a year old when we got my baby.. and he got really jealous.. i personally think the sooner the better.. so then they can grow together and whatnot...

my sister's baby was so spoiled and now he has to share the attention and he HATES it.. so he gets kinda feisty when he plays with my baby.. but then when he's gone.. he's so sad.. so i guess it's like a brotherly thing now..

[tpaxton23]

I think Hot Rod would really enjoy a playmate. I know that mine keep each other entertained chasing each other around and playing when I am busy. I would recommend a female though. My males are both neutered but still fight occassionally over a toy. I've heard that opposite sex dogs make better playmates.

Having more then one is great!!!

[sondra2004]

We got our second one when Peanut was about 7 months . If you do decide to get another one try to get one around the same size .I know that is not easy. If I had to do again I would get a girl. Only because girls dont mark.

[bchgirl]

The only drawn back I can think of getting one now...would be Hot Rod may regress in housetraining....if you're still working on that. Of course, you if you're still doing one...what's one more.

I do think the younger (and I mean in years) an addition is added the easier the adjustment...if any. Ramsey was 1 when I got Reese and there was never any issues.

It's pretty apparent they like the other's company...

I vote YES!

[nikkinack]

Like you I would love to get a play mate for lily and have all your same concerns, but I did want to add if you did not want another pup cats make great companions for them. The cat and Lily are best friends.

[hartygirl]

Addison was a year old when we added Brady to the mix! It has been the most wonderful decision ever!

At first I was very worried that they would fight, or that Addison would hate me for "replacing her". I was concerned that all the hard work ie: potty training, free feeding, and general good behavior would be out the window, but it has been the opposite. Addy has taught Brady a lot if good things and potty training was a breeze. (I think mostly because his previous mommy was so diligent

They are so sweet together, they keep each other entertained so well that I get a little jealous. I want to play fetch with them and they just want to play tug o war with each other. Its like monkey see monkey do at our house now, if one has a toy the other has to steal it and god forbid they don't get their treats at the same time

It was overall a very positive experience for me and I don't regret one second of it!

[Mere_de_Jambo]

I am in the same boat as you. After asking a lot of questions, I decided a girl would probably work out better for my boy. My boy is not aggressive but he has some dominance issues. He knows I am number one but he definitely feels he is number 2. Since he isn't a submissive personality, many people advised me to get a girl vs. another boy. It seems that with some, it really doesn't matter. People have told me that the sooner the better but my boy is pretty spoiled so I am crossing my fingers time will work it all out. I just have to find a little girl. I have also asked about the work involved. Yes, it will be a little more work but at the same time it won't be. This is what I am told. If our kids are happier, it's worth it!

[autumn star]

I think if I were in your shoes I would get Hot Rod a friend. I always find dogs do better in pairs. I have had two males together (Pugs) and they loved each other. My friend has two females right now and it is a horror show. They fight all the time sometimes until there is blood.
When we were looking into getting Autumn a friend it was strongly suggested that I consider a male. I really thought I would be coming home w/another female. We did indeed get a male and it has been wonderful. Very little jealousy - they are very affectionate and love to play. There is really never any fighting per say..............its just rough playing, tails are always wagging! They enjoy eachother so much that Autumn runs in Blaze's crate when we have to go out so she can stay in there w/him!
Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[Brookef18]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

The only drawn back I can think of getting one now...would be Hot Rod may regress in housetraining....if you're still working on that. Of course, you if you're still doing one...what's one more.

I do think the younger (and I mean in years) an addition is added the easier the adjustment...if any. Ramsey was 1 when I got Reese and there was never any issues.

It's pretty apparent they like the other's company...

I vote YES!

I just take both mine out at the same time. Chewy doesn't need to go out as often but I include him so he won't get jealous. It has worked for me. My two love each other. They play together, sleep together, and some times chewy does his own thing, but it worked out great.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Thanks everyone for your input. I am still not sure on what to do. We have listed some local breeders but still holding off contacting any until I am sure of what to do. I told hubby I didn't want to see any pups because I know I will fall in love with one. Will update once I can make up my mind.

I am sure that if we do this, it will be a little girl. Thanks again!