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I was thinking of getting a spring pup to add to the team. I currently have a six year old female GSP, should I have any concerns with the dogs getting along with each other? I'm worried that they may fight each other or just not get along well. Someone told me since I already have a female I should get a male as they are less likely to fight.
I have always had two females together and both not spayed. Never had any issues that couldn't be resolved or corrected. The adult dog will always set the ground rules and teach your pup how to behave. With supervision knowing your current dog and how she behaves you should know what to expect. Probably not a bad idea to introduce your adult dog to some puppies. I like to take my adult dogs to Petsmart and introduce them to dogs of all ages.
If your dog likes other dogs in general you should have no real problem...
Everyone has a soft spot for a puppy....
You could take your dog to pick up the new puppy, that way she meets it outside the house and brings it home. That kind of makes it her puppy as much as your's...
I got a male pup already having a 7and 10 year old setter. Of course the pup wants to play all the time with him . They told him to ...........when they didn't want to play . Three of them worked it out.
I wouldn't recommend getting a pup with a 12-14 year old dog - just too much for the old dog I found.
Whether they're males or females or mixed it makes no difference.
My wife said she would kill me in my sleep if I brought in a second one. Not gonna test her on that. Not quite yet anyway.
Always good to make sure your dog meets new prospects outside your property. I think your dogs age difference will cause a bit of stress. In my experience, dogs of most breeds get less and less interested in drawn out boisterous play from age 6 on. And most pups can't help themselves and just push it too far.
LOL My husband says the same if I have 3 dogs again :)Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
"Always good to make sure your dog meets new prospects outside your property. I think your dogs age difference will cause a bit of stress. In my experience, dogs of most breeds get less and less interested in drawn out boisterous play from age 6 on. And most pups can't help themselves and just push it too far. " Oddmont
Do you really think at 6 years of age? Mine have always been glad to rough it up with a pup until at least 10 when some arthritis usually sets in.
Well I didn't say mid-age dogs don't play at all, just that they begin to get less and less interested. They'll get a spurt of energy here and there, but they're not going to be wrestling and chasing for hours and hours.
It's the reason we're picking up a golden retriever this week. He's almost 2 and the older dog in his house rarely ever plays with him. So he's bored and agitated.
You should have no issues as long as you monitor the puppy play. Senior dog will be the alpha until some time junior decides to test the water. Just make sure you do not provoke issues and you are known to both as the pack leader.
The positive thing is that you are spacing the age out, as you now 6 year old will be nearing retirement in a few years. I see frequently folks getting puppies two yeas apart and then having a kennel full of aged dogs.
Good luck on what ever your final decision is.
Dick
Fishhawk, does your female convey a strong dominance around other dogs now?
There is often an adjustment period bringing in a new pup however if introduced properly/calmly without your body indicating a concern, there should not be one.
What I see too often is that, because puppy is so cute, folk tend to forget about the older girl. ALL treats should be provided to the older girl FIRST. Greetings (if you've been out) are directed to the older girl FIRST, etc.
Monitor feeding, chew toys, etc. I'm sure you'll do just fine.
Oh.......and make sure you get a pup where the sire/dam are "grounded" too. Edgy sire/dam often means edgy pups.
I hope you used a crate?
The intro should be done gradually. Introduce them in a neutral place - NOT in your home! Take a short walk with both (get a helper it's easier.) Hierarchy will develop by itself over time. This is natural, as long as you are calm and in control throughout the process.
Feed them separately (hence the crates) at least at first, until you determine how well they get along.
I feel your pain.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Great post...bang on, it's all about the pack behaviour.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ugo
We've always had multiple dogs ( up to 4 sometimes) and we have never had any serious problems introducing new dogs to the pack. They sort out things themselves. Thru the past few years we've introduced a Shih Tzu and a Jack Russels into our large breed family and they fit right in.
Remember a 'skirmish' between dogs is a normal behaviour and it will happen occasionally, it's how they teach/learn, not unlike humans :)