Is getting another dog a good idea?

Question

I have a brittany mix that I have had for a little over a year and she is full grown. She was a stray and a coworker gave her to me, she was abused by her previous owners so I have tried to make up for it. Now she is "my girl" and she has gotten to be really possesive and jealous when I pet other dogs. She is the sweetest dog on earth but I want to get her a playmate, I'd like to rescue another dog from the shelter but I am kind of nervous to see how her reaction is going to be. Do I reall have anything to be worried about ?

Answer 1

it can be traumatic for everyone, but you should try it, the rewards are worth the risks

Answer 2

I have two dogs. The first was an abused and abandoned rescue dog who is not extremely sweet. The second was a stray who found us. The very much enjoy each others company and it is nice that they have each other when the rest of the family is out.

You might be careful since she has had you all to herself for over a year. But as long as you make sure that she knows that you aren't trading her in she should be fine.

Answer 3

Getting a second dog is a big decesion.a second dog would be a great playmate for your dog.When picking another dog you must consider the personality of your first dog.Try to let your dog help you in choosing another dog.Maybe taking your dog with you when you go to pick out the new dog will help your dog get use to the idea of a new dog coming home.A new personality in the house is always an adjustment whethter it be animal or human. Good luck in your search.

Answer 4

It's a great idea. Just make sure to take the time to introduce them, pay lots of attention to your "girl" and allow them to interact with each other as much as possible in an atmosphere with little to no distraction. Imagine that you're introducing a newborn baby to a child who has always been the center of attention. The child usually feels left out when you begin to shower much-needed attention on the newborn ... that's the way your first dog will undoubtedly feel. Just like the child starts to do underhanded, sneaky things to grab more attention, be sure to watch out for this from your "girl"; the only difference is that the things she does might run the gamut from sulking in the corner to downright fighting. That's why it's so important to set the groundwork from the beginning for what's gonna be acceptable behavior. And to always, always be sensitive to her feelings, even when you might be in a hurry and not have a lot of time. Talk to her and tell her you love her; she'll understand your tone of voice, if not your words. Allow the new dog to see the deference you pay to the old one, but at the same time don't neglect paying special attention to the new dog ... in other words, don't let your "girl" intimidate you in any way or try to take the attention from your new "child" ... and vice versa. Pay the closest of attention to both of their behavior; that's the only way you'll know if something's amiss. They'll probably both test you to see how far they can go. Take it from someone who's been there; the last two years of my 16 year-old's life became filled with territorial fights between him and my 2 year-old. I guess the little one sensed that my 16 year-old was getting weak and ill. It started with little instances of rebellion that I didn't recognize, that if I had I could have nipped it in the bud before everything got out of hand. My biggest mistake? I failed to introduce them correctly the first day; even though I tried to give them equal attention, I failed sometimes and I didn't set rules that I stuck by and enforced. Suddenly the puppy had become a giant, and I had two titans going at it in the yard (old and arthritic as Dog #1 was, he was not giving in easily). Eventually he would give in, but not without some knock-down, drag-out!!! The funny thing is that after he (Dog #1) died from kidney failure, Dog #2 began moping around as if he'd lost his best friend ... I think he really liked (and probably respected) the older dog ...

Answer 5

i might want to propose figuring out to purchase a canines of an similar breed because the single you've now, or a simular one. Westies are very lively canines and favor to be performed with for all time, in the journey that your poodle doesn't favor bothering then it isn't a very good idea because the westie might want to likely bounce on it, yet he will imagine its playing. additionally they yap as domestic dogs plenty, or perhaps even as they grow old, they bark at each and every thing. My westie barks even as a fowl is going previous the window. also westies comprise many well-being topics, they're weak to hypersensitive reactions, and get a good number of skin complications. My westie has comprise many complications, she has floppy ears (through a nasty ear an infection even as she replaced into about 3 months, itched them a lot that she damaged the cartilage contained in the ear), she is allergic to something, which triggers contaminated ears, rashes, and he or she also has to eat severe priced nutrients purely because if she eats well-known nutrients, she'll poo 11 cases an afternoon. Im not putting forward do not purchase one because also they're very solid canines to. some may be disobedient, yet some is also very obedient and do each and every thing you tell them. they don't shed a lot (yet do require a good number of grooming), i appreciate the hyper 10-15 minutes my westie receives an afternoon, she runs around the residing house, a crammed cat in her mouth, growling at each and every thing. Its as a lot as you, yet i don't believe of a westie is a very good canines to have with yet another canines it really is not a westie too. Why not attempt a westiepoo (a westie poodle blend), i have heard they're many times a lot less hyper. besides, i desire you locate that ideal canines.

Answer 6

this is what i would do: I would ask a friend if i could barrow theur dog for 1 to 2 days and see how it goes if it goes well then i would get another dog but if it doesnt work then i wouldnt get another dog and if none of your friends have a dog im sure the shelter will let you barrow a dog for a small fee depending on how many days you keep it and you could also train your dog to get used to other dogs:)

Answer 7

If you have a dog that you know is uncomfortable around other dogs you should address that first before considering a second dog.

Your dog may just not do well with other dogs and forcing her to accept a strange dog in her house is not fair to her. Take her to training and see if she CAN do well with other dogs.

Answer 8

See if you can take her to the shelter with you. Take dogs you're interested in out to play. Let her help you pick one.

Answer 9

They will probably go at it at first, but eventually become ok with each other. Put them in an area where it's only them. They will act different when you aren't there. Try to watch through the blinds though, just in case.

Answer 10

She may resent the other dog at first but will grow to accept it
and appreciate the company...

Answer 11

Take her to the shelter with you and let her pick out her new friend.