Help! Need opinion on second puppy! (Please) - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Squiter · 11-29-2009, 05:24 PM

We are ready to get Sophie our 10-month old female yorkie a playmate. I have searched the archives and am just not finding the information I am looking for...

I personally would like to get another female, but upon asking the breeder for her opinion she said that she would get a male as two females can at time butt heads so to speak. The breeder does have one male and one female available so it is not like she is trying to "sell" one over the other.

Anyway...what are your opinions. Those of you who have two females do they get along with one another? Do they battle for the top spot?

I am really torn over this. My Sophie is my little princess and I certainly don't want her to think she has been replaced. But on the other hand I would like for her to have a playmate and fur friend as well. However, don't get me wrong, the new puppy will be equally adored and not in the least bit slighted!

Sophie is somewhat (alright, a lot) spoiled! I am a stay-at-home mom to school aged children, so it is just Sophie and I home together during the day.

Should I go with my heart and my gut feeling...or am I asking for trouble if I bring in another female?

What are your opinions? What are the pros and cons of having two females? What are the pros and cons of having one of each?

And...no matter what we choose, we will of course spay or neuter!

Oh! Please help me!

Jana

Dame · 11-29-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squiter

We are ready to get Sophie our 10-month old female yorkie a playmate. I have searched the archives and am just not finding the information I am looking for...

I personally would like to get another female, but upon asking the breeder for her opinion she said that she would get a male as two females can at time butt heads so to speak. The breeder does have one male and one female available so it is not like she is trying to "sell" one over the other.

Anyway...what are your opinions. Those of you who have two females do they get along with one another? Do they battle for the top spot?

I am really torn over this. My Sophie is my little princess and I certainly don't want her to think she has been replaced. But on the other hand I would like for her to have a playmate and fur friend as well. However, don't get me wrong, the new puppy will be equally adored and not in the least bit slighted!

Sophie is somewhat (alright, a lot) spoiled! I am a stay-at-home mom to school aged children, so it is just Sophie and I home together during the day.

Should I go with my heart and my gut feeling...or am I asking for trouble if I bring in another female?

What are your opinions? What are the pros and cons of having two females? What are the pros and cons of having one of each?

And...no matter what we choose, we will of course spay or neuter!

Oh! Please help me!

Jana

The big reason that most people do not recommend getting two dogs of the same sex is "pack mentality." One dog will always fight to be top dog, and two females may be in constant battle to be the dominant female. You can have two females and have absolutely no problems - but you can have two females that rarely get along.

Growing up we had a lot of dogs in our house. Two owned by us mini. schnauzer and a greyhound - both females. Lady the schnauzer was super dedicated to being the top dog in the house, and every time our greyhound Dutchess stood up she did everything she possibly could to make that clear by jumping on Dutchess's back. Most of the time they were good friends because Dutchess was the mellow dog I have ever met - but it got really rough sometimes too and the fighting semi-often became play fighting. When we started fostering greyhounds and brought more females into the house it became a lot rougher - as Lady had a lot more larger dogs to fight over dominance with. We never had any serious injuries, but there were definite squabbles that were serious and dogs came away with nips and scratches. We never had an issue with dominance and the male dogs. Lady lived to be 15 years old, and I can't remember a day in the 12 years she lived with other dogs that we didn't have some large show of dominance over another female and no efforts at training ever made a difference. (It was the one behavioral issue we had with her before she got dementia and its not even something we can fault her for.)

I often contemplate getting my Winston another dog to play with (on top of me wanting another dog to play with lol). From a personal perspective - I'll be getting a female, simply just because not having intersex dominance to deal with makes things easier. I could very easily get another male and never have issues, but I'd rather what will most likely smoother road and get another dog of the opposite sex.

Is there a particular reason you want to get another female?

yorkie_mama22 · 11-29-2009, 06:00 PM

I have two female dogs of different breeds. My yorkie is more dominate towards my other dog who happens to be a bigger dog as well. They get along well, sleep on my bed together, lick each other clean and also like to annoy the heck out of each other.

I was looking to add another yorkie to my family and for this reason I opted to get a boy. I don't want to cause any problems adding a third girl to the mix so we are getting a neutered boy.

BanditSocks2 · 11-29-2009, 07:14 PM

We had this same question when we were getting another dog. We started out with a male dog Bandit, and we wound up getting a female Nala. At first there were issues and Bandit was very disinterested in her, but now they get along great and when he is tired of playing with her (and her endless puppy energy) he hops up on the couch where she can't get to him.

Most people we talked to suggested two opposite sex dogs.

Lilyshuman · 11-29-2009, 07:27 PM

Hi we have Lily 2years and Mia 4 months. They get along just fine, sometimes Lily get's sick of Mia and tells her so but I think that may have more to do with the age difference than a female thing. Plus in this pack I'm the top female LOL and both girls know it

I love having my two ladies and I can put matching bows in their hair

I don't think you can ever guarantee a new dog will fit in perfectly, I think it takes time and a bit of work for everyone to get along well... just like the humans in the house

Good luck... I say pick the pup you have a connection with!

Let us know what you decide

bfforever · 11-29-2009, 09:06 PM

I had been a huge advocate for owning multiples. I had two. I lost them both back to back. They had been companions for 15 years. When one passed the other was heartbroken.

Thinking back, I got Fancy so Binky wouldn't be lonely. I thought he needed a friend, would board better, and be happier. He was two when I got her. He loved her--she thought he was a pest. I thought he would board better. He always boarded well, but didn't want him lonely. Well, he continued to do just fine, and it was she who didn't like it.
Binky was great with the potty stuff. Fancy never was. He wanted to play and cuddle. She would growl at him and never let him sleep with her, even if it was chilly. When she passed first, he died of a broken heart.

So, I got her for him. Was it the best for him--no. I loved them both, but she was a real stinker to him.

Frankie is an only. He was housebroken the first week. He is happy and well-adjusted. He is not getting a friend. I would love to have a house full of yorkies, really. But, he is one happy guy--and I'm not changing that for him.

LilMissy · 11-29-2009, 10:29 PM

I've had two females dogs in my life since I was 5 yrs old. Through all the different female pets throughout the last 27 yrs, I've never had any issues. I am definitely the pack leader however, and they all know it. I just got my second female yorkie, and I can tell already that we won't have any problems at all. The girls couldn't get along better.

MI Yorkielover · 11-30-2009, 03:51 AM

Your Sophie sounds a lot like my Sophie ( a tad spoiled). I posted a thread awhile back you could search titled: caution when adding a second yorkie. Sophie was 8 months old when we added another female, Hazel, who was 7 months. Sadly it didn't work out and we needed to rehome Hazel after another 2 months over her aggression issues. It was very difficult having two females at their ages. At first they played well together but after a couple of weeks Hazel took over everything from the couch to food to toys.

Sophie wasn't happy and so we ended up finding a loving home for Hazel and it was the best solution for everyone.

WV~Yorkies · 11-30-2009, 04:05 AM

It is a 50/50 chance.

I have females that get along great never any problem. I have 2 that are very domiant and they can not be together at all. I have to keep them in differnet parts of the house 24/7. I have a big house so far it hasn't been much trouble but I worry all the time they will get to each other. I am thinking about rehoming one of the because of it. This is why I always reccomend people that have a girl and want another to get a boy. Personally my boys are bigger babies and princesses than my girls..lol

I have 2 males and have never had any problem with them. They are best friends.

dennabelle · 11-30-2009, 04:09 AM

Got MichaelAngelo about three days ago (8 weeks old) and at first Bells (11 months old) liked him but now she doesnt want him around her. I hope it changes though. OH and starting all over with potty training I could scream and bless his heart he still cries all night....Hoping it turns out good for them both but Bells is very spoiled so we'll see...

Ringo1 · 11-30-2009, 04:56 AM

My yorkie breeder steered me to a female. I have a Westie and he does not get along too well with other males. Common in the breed, I understand.

She said male/female is the best combination for success - especially for me - I'm a novice to multiple dog households.

It has taken a lot of work and the Westie still dominates Lucy a bit. He never bites her but stands over top of her and she squeals. We don't yet leave them alone together unsupervised.

When they play together - it is really sweet - but I'm not sure they will ever be snuggled up together. Ringo snuggles with my son and Lucy with me. Ringo would never have accepted another male though. No doubt in my mind about that.

Like the other poster said, I got Lucy so Ringo would have a companion (not to mention the fact that I always wanted a yorkie) but I wonder if he could talk - would he have really wanted a 'companion'. Or was it mainly for me?

katy-yorkie · 11-30-2009, 05:00 AM

I got Maggie when Buster was 11 months old as I thought he needed a "friend". It is now a year later and things have not gotten much better. I thought Maggie would settle down after a few months. She takes over the food, the toys, etc. She will bite Buster's legs & ears, she will sit at the top or bottom of the stairs and not let him pass. She will sit in front of the doggie door and not let him in. She can be very sweet. She is very good natured when it comes to getting a bath or brushing her teeth, getting medicine, etc. Buster throws a fit at any of those things. They are both very spoiled and it's my fault. I love them both and will not give up either of them. So, even if you get one of the opposite sex it can still work against you. But I am glad I have two.

Ringo1 · 11-30-2009, 05:18 AM

Sounds like Maggie has established herself as the alpha dog from the get-go. I'm learning that in dog world, it's really not a democracy at all. The top dog gets all the toys, eats first, walks out the door first . . . .sits up the highest (on the steps or furniture)

Ringo still gets ticked if Lucy gets to go out without him and today he had a little scuffle because she ate before him. He didn't want his food, so I took his up and put hers down. Mistake! Next thing I knew he was standing over top of her and she was squealing; he has never hurt her but you would not know it from the sounds they make.

He does dominate her more than I would like but I think we've come a long way. Sometimes she squeals like he is ripping her apart but then she runs right back to him for more . . so, it's confusing to me too.

I love Lucy and she is so sweet. But it seems that some people can just introduce a new puppy into the house and that is that. It wasn't that easy for us and still is not.

Squiter · 11-30-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks to everyone who has responded with your experiences with two dogs....both same sex and opposite.

Now I am wondering if I really want another puppy for Sophie or is it just me who "thinks" she would benefit from a fur friend.

Sophie is very well adjusted, 100% potty trained, and has a great temperment. I would so hate to ruin that and our relationship by bringing in another puppy whether male or female.

Boarding is one thing I do worry about. We only take vacations maybe once or twice a year, but the thought of her by herself for the time that I am away just kills me and I really don't have anyone close that I would want to keep her for me. I would take her with us but our normal vacation spots do not allow dogs.

This gives me a lot to think about. There is no rush to get the puppy so maybe I better just take a step back and really think this one through.

Here's another question then....those who only have one dog....do they board well by themself?

Ringo1 · 11-30-2009, 06:47 PM

I'd say boarding well depends on two things - your dog and your kennel. Ringo does well boarding - but he is very independent. Also, I have found a great place to board him and that's another key thing.

Depending on where you live. you can find places to board your dog where they get very pampered treatment.

I love my Vet but I don't like his boarding kennel - because it's just cages next to and on top of each other.

I found a smaller, mom and pop type place and I don't feel bad about leaving Ringo there alone. He always seems happy and well adjusted when we come to get him.

Of course, now we have little Lucy, and I don't think she will board as well either with or without Ringo.

11-29-2009, 05:24 PM	#1
Squiter Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Thorntown, Indiana, USA Posts: 15	Help! Need opinion on second puppy! (Please) We are ready to get Sophie our 10-month old female yorkie a playmate. I have searched the archives and am just not finding the information I am looking for... I personally would like to get another female, but upon asking the breeder for her opinion she said that she would get a male as two females can at time butt heads so to speak. The breeder does have one male and one female available so it is not like she is trying to "sell" one over the other. Anyway...what are your opinions. Those of you who have two females do they get along with one another? Do they battle for the top spot? I am really torn over this. My Sophie is my little princess and I certainly don't want her to think she has been replaced. But on the other hand I would like for her to have a playmate and fur friend as well. However, don't get me wrong, the new puppy will be equally adored and not in the least bit slighted! Sophie is somewhat (alright, a lot) spoiled! I am a stay-at-home mom to school aged children, so it is just Sophie and I home together during the day. Should I go with my heart and my gut feeling...or am I asking for trouble if I bring in another female? What are your opinions? What are the pros and cons of having two females? What are the pros and cons of having one of each? And...no matter what we choose, we will of course spay or neuter! Oh! Please help me! Jana

11-29-2009, 07:27 PM	#5
Lilyshuman Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Calgary Posts: 520	Hi we have Lily 2years and Mia 4 months. They get along just fine, sometimes Lily get's sick of Mia and tells her so but I think that may have more to do with the age difference than a female thing. Plus in this pack I'm the top female LOL and both girls know it I love having my two ladies and I can put matching bows in their hair I don't think you can ever guarantee a new dog will fit in perfectly, I think it takes time and a bit of work for everyone to get along well... just like the humans in the house Good luck... I say pick the pup you have a connection with! Let us know what you decide __________________ Nicole:

11-29-2009, 09:06 PM	#6
bfforever Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 171	I had been a huge advocate for owning multiples. I had two. I lost them both back to back. They had been companions for 15 years. When one passed the other was heartbroken. Thinking back, I got Fancy so Binky wouldn't be lonely. I thought he needed a friend, would board better, and be happier. He was two when I got her. He loved her--she thought he was a pest. I thought he would board better. He always boarded well, but didn't want him lonely. Well, he continued to do just fine, and it was she who didn't like it. Binky was great with the potty stuff. Fancy never was. He wanted to play and cuddle. She would growl at him and never let him sleep with her, even if it was chilly. When she passed first, he died of a broken heart. So, I got her for him. Was it the best for him--no. I loved them both, but she was a real stinker to him. Frankie is an only. He was housebroken the first week. He is happy and well-adjusted. He is not getting a friend. I would love to have a house full of yorkies, really. But, he is one happy guy--and I'm not changing that for him. __________________ I still miss my doggies, but now I have Frankie

11-29-2009, 10:29 PM	#7
LilMissy Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 3,421	I've had two females dogs in my life since I was 5 yrs old. Through all the different female pets throughout the last 27 yrs, I've never had any issues. I am definitely the pack leader however, and they all know it. I just got my second female yorkie, and I can tell already that we won't have any problems at all. The girls couldn't get along better. __________________ Shaunna with Missy (my princess) & Dora (my tomboy)

11-30-2009, 03:51 AM	#8
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Your Sophie sounds a lot like my Sophie ( a tad spoiled). I posted a thread awhile back you could search titled: caution when adding a second yorkie. Sophie was 8 months old when we added another female, Hazel, who was 7 months. Sadly it didn't work out and we needed to rehome Hazel after another 2 months over her aggression issues. It was very difficult having two females at their ages. At first they played well together but after a couple of weeks Hazel took over everything from the couch to food to toys. Sophie wasn't happy and so we ended up finding a loving home for Hazel and it was the best solution for everyone. __________________ Jackie Loves Sophie R.I.P ."Baby"* our little girl 1993-2009*

11-29-2009, 06:00 PM	#3
yorkie_mama22 Currently Suspended! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 2,275	I have two female dogs of different breeds. My yorkie is more dominate towards my other dog who happens to be a bigger dog as well. They get along well, sleep on my bed together, lick each other clean and also like to annoy the heck out of each other. I was looking to add another yorkie to my family and for this reason I opted to get a boy. I don't want to cause any problems adding a third girl to the mix so we are getting a neutered boy.

11-29-2009, 07:14 PM	#4
BanditSocks2 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Crofton, MD, USA Posts: 1,522	We had this same question when we were getting another dog. We started out with a male dog Bandit, and we wound up getting a female Nala. At first there were issues and Bandit was very disinterested in her, but now they get along great and when he is tired of playing with her (and her endless puppy energy) he hops up on the couch where she can't get to him. Most people we talked to suggested two opposite sex dogs.

11-30-2009, 04:05 AM	#9
WV~Yorkies Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: WV Posts: 3,605 Blog Entries: 2	It is a 50/50 chance. I have females that get along great never any problem. I have 2 that are very domiant and they can not be together at all. I have to keep them in differnet parts of the house 24/7. I have a big house so far it hasn't been much trouble but I worry all the time they will get to each other. I am thinking about rehoming one of the because of it. This is why I always reccomend people that have a girl and want another to get a boy. Personally my boys are bigger babies and princesses than my girls..lol I have 2 males and have never had any problem with them. They are best friends. __________________ Melissa Wvyorkies Last edited by WV~Yorkies; 11-30-2009 at 04:07 AM.

11-30-2009, 04:09 AM	#10
dennabelle Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ellenboro, NC USA Posts: 74	Got MichaelAngelo about three days ago (8 weeks old) and at first Bells (11 months old) liked him but now she doesnt want him around her. I hope it changes though. OH and starting all over with potty training I could scream and bless his heart he still cries all night....Hoping it turns out good for them both but Bells is very spoiled so we'll see... Attached Thumbnails

11-30-2009, 04:56 AM	#11
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	My yorkie breeder steered me to a female. I have a Westie and he does not get along too well with other males. Common in the breed, I understand. She said male/female is the best combination for success - especially for me - I'm a novice to multiple dog households. It has taken a lot of work and the Westie still dominates Lucy a bit. He never bites her but stands over top of her and she squeals. We don't yet leave them alone together unsupervised. When they play together - it is really sweet - but I'm not sure they will ever be snuggled up together. Ringo snuggles with my son and Lucy with me. Ringo would never have accepted another male though. No doubt in my mind about that. Like the other poster said, I got Lucy so Ringo would have a companion (not to mention the fact that I always wanted a yorkie) but I wonder if he could talk - would he have really wanted a 'companion'. Or was it mainly for me?

11-30-2009, 05:00 AM	#12
katy-yorkie Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Katy, Texas USA Posts: 1,458	I got Maggie when Buster was 11 months old as I thought he needed a "friend". It is now a year later and things have not gotten much better. I thought Maggie would settle down after a few months. She takes over the food, the toys, etc. She will bite Buster's legs & ears, she will sit at the top or bottom of the stairs and not let him pass. She will sit in front of the doggie door and not let him in. She can be very sweet. She is very good natured when it comes to getting a bath or brushing her teeth, getting medicine, etc. Buster throws a fit at any of those things. They are both very spoiled and it's my fault. I love them both and will not give up either of them. So, even if you get one of the opposite sex it can still work against you. But I am glad I have two. __________________ Jeanie, mom to Buster and Maggie

11-30-2009, 05:18 AM	#13
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Sounds like Maggie has established herself as the alpha dog from the get-go. I'm learning that in dog world, it's really not a democracy at all. The top dog gets all the toys, eats first, walks out the door first . . . .sits up the highest (on the steps or furniture) Ringo still gets ticked if Lucy gets to go out without him and today he had a little scuffle because she ate before him. He didn't want his food, so I took his up and put hers down. Mistake! Next thing I knew he was standing over top of her and she was squealing; he has never hurt her but you would not know it from the sounds they make. He does dominate her more than I would like but I think we've come a long way. Sometimes she squeals like he is ripping her apart but then she runs right back to him for more . . so, it's confusing to me too. I love Lucy and she is so sweet. But it seems that some people can just introduce a new puppy into the house and that is that. It wasn't that easy for us and still is not.

11-30-2009, 08:41 AM	#14
Squiter Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Thorntown, Indiana, USA Posts: 15	Hmmm....great input from everyone! Thanks to everyone who has responded with your experiences with two dogs....both same sex and opposite. Now I am wondering if I really want another puppy for Sophie or is it just me who "thinks" she would benefit from a fur friend. Sophie is very well adjusted, 100% potty trained, and has a great temperment. I would so hate to ruin that and our relationship by bringing in another puppy whether male or female. Boarding is one thing I do worry about. We only take vacations maybe once or twice a year, but the thought of her by herself for the time that I am away just kills me and I really don't have anyone close that I would want to keep her for me. I would take her with us but our normal vacation spots do not allow dogs. This gives me a lot to think about. There is no rush to get the puppy so maybe I better just take a step back and really think this one through. Here's another question then....those who only have one dog....do they board well by themself?

11-30-2009, 06:47 PM	#15
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	I'd say boarding well depends on two things - your dog and your kennel. Ringo does well boarding - but he is very independent. Also, I have found a great place to board him and that's another key thing. Depending on where you live. you can find places to board your dog where they get very pampered treatment. I love my Vet but I don't like his boarding kennel - because it's just cages next to and on top of each other. I found a smaller, mom and pop type place and I don't feel bad about leaving Ringo there alone. He always seems happy and well adjusted when we come to get him. Of course, now we have little Lucy, and I don't think she will board as well either with or without Ringo.