How Do You......

[breanna]

How do you find "the right" puppy for your current puppy. my husband wants another puppy for our dog lola. But he wants her to pick the new one out. i really want a boy dog. not for any reason other then i have always like to have male dogs. anyway, he wants her to pick him out but we ususally find them on websites such as this or puppyfinder...thats where we got her. thats a lot of rambling but is there a way to introduce them to eachother or pick the right one? hope that makes at least a little sense,

[2Parises]

This worked for us... find one that is opposite personality. If one is dominant, choose a submissive... that way it eliminates both wanting to be dominant.

We also made sure to introduce all of ours on neutral ground. We stopped on the way home and took everyone (they were all adults) on a really long walk so they were completely exhausted. When we got home, everyone went in the house at the same time.

The next morning when everyone woke up, I think 2 of them were surprised to see the visitor hadn't left yet...but they were happy to see her too.

It took a few weeks for everyone to settle into their place but they have adjusted wonderfully.

I'm sure there are others that can offer what worked at their house too.

Good Luck and Congratulations on your pending addition.

[CupofDog]

I have a male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (1 1/2 years) and a Yorkie mix (9 months).

I really agree with 2Parises advice. You must be honest about your current pup's personality. My Cavy, Louis LOVED other dogs before we got Ella and is the most laid back, submissive dog I have ever met. We got Ella Bean from a shelter and while I didn't know much about her personality, I had a background of babysitting other pups with Louis and he loved his 'playdates.'

They do kind of work it out on their own and Ella is definitely more dominant/ agressive, but there are still fights, mostly over chew sticks, the one thing Louis doesn't like to share.

Go slow, if your first baby sleeps in bed with you, don't invite the newbie in bed right away, I think dominant/ submissive personalities are more important then a male/ female, but if you get a male, I'd have him neutered ASAP. the more testosterone, the more fighting. Boys will be boys!

[breanna]

well, i dont really know how she is around other dogs. sometimes shes playful, sometimes really shy. but it depends on the dog. we have only seen one yorkie on the pet store and she loved her, and we have been to the dog park once and thats where she was both playful and shy. she is very loving and playful to us though

[2Parises]

Oh, I did forget to add... Everyone here is spayed... I think that is part of the reason we have harmony in the house!

We also don't ever allow anyone to get away with a growl or "the look". I think it has happened twice in a year. Now we are at the point that they can all sit on the couch with their chew sticks and feel safe that no one else is going to take it from them.



Be A Pack Leader!

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by 2Parises

Oh, I did forget to add... Everyone here is spayed... I think that is part of the reason we have harmony in the house!

We also don't ever allow anyone to get away with a growl or "the look". I think it has happened twice in a year. Now we are at the point that they can all sit on the couch with their chew sticks and feel safe that no one else is going to take it from them.



Be A Pack Leader!

You are my hero! My dogs are MOSTLY respectful, but they know how to work me.

Brianna, having two dogs is double the work. I didn't believe it could be, but it truly is. They are individuals with differing needs and attention. If it were me, I'd spend some more time at dog parks or set up some play dates with other dogs before adding a new member of your family.

I realize that she is a rescue and the shelter needs the space and you might not have time to do that research, so I would try and take a few half days at work to be 'pack leading' and teaching acceptable manners.

We found that two 45 minute long walks a day helped bond them and keep the dogs tired and civil.

Our Yorkie mix is a rescue and I didn't think it through before bringing her home, I even sprung it on my husband....but my Lou is really great with other dogs. My husband loves Ella, but I am not allowed to go to any other rescues alone

It is a big decision and does change the dynamic...

[breanna]

i do go to the dog parks but there are rarely any dogs there that are her size. and she gets to hot so she just lays there. i dont like her to play with big dogs cause i lost my last puppy to a big dog, so i know i dont have the right energy to go to the big dog park.....i watch ceaser mailan.. i am just not ready to do that. i am working on it but not there. so i dont know...shes not a rescue though

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by breanna

i do go to the dog parks but there are rarely any dogs there that are her size. and she gets to hot so she just lays there. i dont like her to play with big dogs cause i lost my last puppy to a big dog, so i know i dont have the right energy to go to the big dog park.....i watch ceaser mailan.. i am just not ready to do that. i am working on it but not there. so i dont know...shes not a rescue though

Hmmm. I understand! I skip the park when the 'big kids' are there. My Yorkie mix is 2.7 lbs and my biggest fear is that she'd be 'lunch' for some big dog!

Have you ever gone to meetup.com? They have small dog/toy group meetups around the USA.

It will be good for both your babies!

Listen, it sounds like your heart is set on it...Meet the baby at the shelter and follow your instinct. If you don't feel like the rescue is the 'one,' you can help her by getting the shelter to let you post pics and info here on YT and she'll have a great new home in no time. Seriously, if you have reservations, you can help her get homed without wrecking your home!

In the meantime, make sure you get some baby gates or an ex pen to keep them separate and introduce them on a walk. You are going to be walking a lot to keep them tired! It sucks at the beginning. I haul myself out of bed at 5:30 AM to get in a long walk before it gets hot here. Ick.

You watch Ceasar, so you know, besides your energy, the best thing you can do is keep them tired/relaxed. Keep all treats/ meals/ chew sticks separate for a while. You know the rescue is overweight, so you are going to need to give her lots of exercise and less food, anyway.

If you follow your heart, I think it will be OK. Make sure they are both spayed. YT will be here to support you!!

[nikkinack]

I tried to pick one that was a little bit submissive because Lily is very dominate. Try and pick a puppy with a personality that will compliment you current dog’s personality.

[CupofDog]

I just realized I was posting on two threads about getting a new furkid and one is a rescue and I wasn't sure where yours is coming from - sorry about the mix up!!

My advice still stands, try and compliment your pup's personality, prepare to exercise and follow your heart.

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by breanna

well, i dont really know how she is around other dogs. sometimes shes playful, sometimes really shy. but it depends on the dog. we have only seen one yorkie on the pet store and she loved her, and we have been to the dog park once and thats where she was both playful and shy. she is very loving and playful to us though

close to the same age and energy level is good too..

[breanna]

So my husband says that lola is submissive, so i should get a dominate puppy? i think i am going to get a puppy though, i love the puppy stage. all your advice is wonderful, and thanks for the website

[Lexie Blue]

Well, it seems you're getting a lot of good advice. I'll just say good luck to you and you'll enjoy having two. They are so much fun to watch and of course more to love!