Post by mchis on Apr 27, 2011 18:16:10 GMT
Here is my piece... 
I always tell/warn people who are getting a new dog to EXPECT problems. Issues in the first couple weeks whether it be between you/them or between them are totally normal. But also expect those "problems" to resolve. This is of course, worst case scenario! If they get along great from the get go--bonus! I'll never forget when we brought Milo home. I had the same reservations about getting a second as you are. Matilda was with us for 2 months when we brought Milo home. She was 16 weeks & he 18 weeks. Keeping him on the leash he was on...I introduced them & he tried to attack Matilda. It continued that day & my heart sank. I was ready to take him back. The breeder asked to give it a couple weeks & within a couple DAYS they were best friends...and still are.
To help adjusting along...you're going to have to freshen up on your pack leadership skills. This can & will make a huge difference! I know some people recommend to treat the first dog first, feed them first, etc. While he was there first...allowing him to be alpha over the newcomer by doing this will only create problems & give him a sense that he can dominate over her. They need to be the ones to work out who is alpha and like what was already said...typically it's the female. All of my pups are treated equally! Ok--the hubby still "spoils" Matilda no matter what I say & there ARE issues with her because of it. But I know exactly where the issues come from & I want to stangle him for it. LOL But seriously...treating equally is VERY important IMO.
I guess that is all I have to add. Good luck in your decision! She sounds lovely--I'd go for it!!
I always tell/warn people who are getting a new dog to EXPECT problems. Issues in the first couple weeks whether it be between you/them or between them are totally normal. But also expect those "problems" to resolve. This is of course, worst case scenario! If they get along great from the get go--bonus! I'll never forget when we brought Milo home. I had the same reservations about getting a second as you are. Matilda was with us for 2 months when we brought Milo home. She was 16 weeks & he 18 weeks. Keeping him on the leash he was on...I introduced them & he tried to attack Matilda. It continued that day & my heart sank. I was ready to take him back. The breeder asked to give it a couple weeks & within a couple DAYS they were best friends...and still are.
To help adjusting along...you're going to have to freshen up on your pack leadership skills. This can & will make a huge difference! I know some people recommend to treat the first dog first, feed them first, etc. While he was there first...allowing him to be alpha over the newcomer by doing this will only create problems & give him a sense that he can dominate over her. They need to be the ones to work out who is alpha and like what was already said...typically it's the female. All of my pups are treated equally! Ok--the hubby still "spoils" Matilda no matter what I say & there ARE issues with her because of it. But I know exactly where the issues come from & I want to stangle him for it. LOL But seriously...treating equally is VERY important IMO.
I guess that is all I have to add. Good luck in your decision! She sounds lovely--I'd go for it!!
Well bang goes that then as she lives in Suffolk. Oh well was just a thought.