When is the right time for a 2nd puppy?

[Abby-Daby-Do]

Hi Everyone!

I want to first thank all of you for the information posted regarding puppy acne and choosing a good kibble. I'm proud to report that Abby is doing very well on Canidae and her puppy acne is under control. Not only did I switch her food but I also transitioned her onto nyla bones which seem to be better than the raw hide bones she was having. A weight has been lifted!!

Anyway...Abby is 15 months old and she stays home while my fiance and I are at work all day. I've been trying to rationalize when the best time to get an addition to our family would be but I just don't know.

Below are my questions:
1. When is a good time?
2. Which is best: 1 of each sex, 2 of same sex, or 2 of same sex if both are fixed?
3. If we add a male to our family will he automatically dominate Abby since she does not display dominant characteristics with her doggy friends?

Thank you all for the advice!

 

[Net45582]

Only you will know when its time to add another pup. You will need to make sure your family has enough time and energy to train another pup. Since you already have a female I would suggest a male. Each dog is different so there is no guarantee as to who will be "top" dog if you do add another. Good luck

 

[presley101]

I've got 3 at home and I'll be honest and blunt with you but you may not get the specific answers you are looking for.


1. When is a good time? Only you know this. Consider upkeep on 2, vet bills, food, toys and such. If you can afford it, then this one is covered.

2. Which is best: 1 of each sex, 2 of same sex, or 2 of same sex if both are fixed? I would recommend 1 of each sex if you have never had 2 of them before. 2 boys seem to do fine, but you have a female now. Don't add another female if you can avoid it. They tend to fight a lot more than males and their fighting is much nastier and often will not end.

3. If we add a male to our family will he automatically dominate Abby since she does not display dominant characteristics with her doggy friends? Abby might surprise you if he's younger since it's HER home right now. She may take the lead and nurture the other dog along. Or, she may choose to be submissive and let things go. Either way, does it really matter as long as both of them get the attention and love they need? not really.

Your best guide is your own heart. You know what's right for you and in the end you're the one who lives with the decision either way. Abby is a good age to add another one.

 

[GoCougs]

Below are my questions:
1. When is a good time?

The short and easy answer is, whenever you are ready for the expenses and responsibility. If the question is in the context of, when is Abby ready, then she'll be ok with an addition at 15 months. Has she been around other dogs yet? If she behaves well around other dogs, then she's ready.

2. Which is best: 1 of each sex, 2 of same sex, or 2 of same sex if both are fixed?

Being that Abby is a female, your safest bet is to get a male. Two females can be quite aggressive with eachother as their assert themselves. It is possible that females get along just fine, but when they don't they REALLY don't. So, that's something to keep in mind. Generally speaking, a male and a female compliment eachother very well.

3. If we add a male to our family will he automatically dominate Abby since she does not display dominant characteristics with her doggy friends?

Not necessarily. She may change a bit when you bring another one home.

 

[catcrazy56]

I started looking when Foreman was 10 months old, I have 2 males who love each other, I adopted a 7 year old since I wasn't ready to raise another pup but knew Foreman was lonely, they do say male and female are the best mix I wanted another male though. Foreman is the boss even though he is younger, usually a female is boss over males in my experience in dogs and people!!!!

 

[Abby-Daby-Do]

Thank you!

Thank you all so much for the advise. My biggest concern right now is that Abby has doggy friends that we walk with but she doesn't have any company during the day. I fear that she's lonely when we're at work and I thought a doggy companion would make her days better.

Also thanks for the information regarding her age and adding another dog. I worry that if I wait too long then she might get jealous because she's our spoiled girl right now. I'll have to do some more soul searching and web searching to see if we're ready or not!

Thanks Again!

 

[catcrazy56]

A doggy companion would make her days go better Foreman is almost 14 months now and we have put his crate away, him and Harley sleep together and play together when we are not home I know that because all the toys are out, and they are alway on the same couch when we come home.

 

[SandyHG55654]

I have 2 boys who are 3 months apart in age. They keep each other busy and play very well. In the beginning my younger pup came in and dominated the older boy who was a bit submissive to start with. They have since settled in, and all is well. Good luck with what ever you choose.