Hi all. For a while now I've been considering getting Dempsey (6 mos / 53 lbs / brindle / natural ears) a sister. He so seems to want to play with another puppy as he tries to coax our cat into playing with his toys all the time. The cat just ain't buying it though. So I've been in contact with the local boxer rescue and they've just taken in a white female (1 yr 4mo / approx 55 lbs / cropped ears). She's going to be spayed tomorrow and after a recuperative period she's all mine if I want her. Want her, hah! She's a cutie and very affectionate. She's very hyper for attention. Apparently she didn't get much attention at her previous home. It took me almost 30 minutes to get her to settle down and sit in my lap. Not a problem as far as I can tell because she'll get all the attention (and then some) when she comes home with us.
Now for the questions. I've been reading that introducing them on neutral ground is best and I plan on doing that. How about feeding time? Will they fight over food? Do I need to feed them separately? I've always left food out for Dempsey when I left for work but maybe I should stop doing that. Dempsey is still on puppy food (Eukanuba). Will that make the new girl fat if she occasionally eats some of his food?
I am planning on trying to get her on a Thursday so that I can take off work and spend at least four days with them while they adjust to each other. Suggestions? Is this long enough, should I expect any problems? I don't crate Dempsey and he has the run of a good part of the house and outside (via a doggie door) during the day. Will they be okay together after I'm not supervising?
Dempsey, while a little smaller than her and a lot younger, has always exhibited dominate traits. How will she react to that? I was specifically looking for a girl because I'd read that male/female was the best mix. I'd really hate for them to battle for top dog status. In the brief visit I had with her I didn't notice any dominate signs, just excitement.
These are probably easy questions for all you multiple boxer families out there but I've always just had one at a time and don't really know what to expect (or look for). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Now for the questions. I've been reading that introducing them on neutral ground is best and I plan on doing that. How about feeding time? Will they fight over food? Do I need to feed them separately? I've always left food out for Dempsey when I left for work but maybe I should stop doing that. Dempsey is still on puppy food (Eukanuba). Will that make the new girl fat if she occasionally eats some of his food?
I am planning on trying to get her on a Thursday so that I can take off work and spend at least four days with them while they adjust to each other. Suggestions? Is this long enough, should I expect any problems? I don't crate Dempsey and he has the run of a good part of the house and outside (via a doggie door) during the day. Will they be okay together after I'm not supervising?
Dempsey, while a little smaller than her and a lot younger, has always exhibited dominate traits. How will she react to that? I was specifically looking for a girl because I'd read that male/female was the best mix. I'd really hate for them to battle for top dog status. In the brief visit I had with her I didn't notice any dominate signs, just excitement.
These are probably easy questions for all you multiple boxer families out there but I've always just had one at a time and don't really know what to expect (or look for). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.