Best way to handle two new dogs in the same house?

Question

My wife and I are going to be buying a new house. Because the yard is plenty big and well fenced, we will finally be able to get the dogs we have always wanted.

Our ultimate goal is to raise two dogs, but from puppyhood, and both from larger breeds; most likely some combination of lab, GSD, Malamute or the like. We both have good experience with these kinds of dogs and I am well confident we will be able to raise happy and conent members of our growing family.

My question(s) are related about the best way to go about doing this. Should we get both puppies at once, or raise one at a time (and wait a year or so for the second). Should we mix the sexes, get both boys, both girls, or does it matter? And does anyone have any other thoughts relative to all of this?

Keep in mind that we are not intending to breed the dogs - both would be "fixed."

Thanks!

Answer 1

Two boys will lead to stronger dominance issues (ie: fighting!). A boy and a girl is ideal for a strong bond between the two dogs; just don't put off neutering or you may be in for a surprise! Puppies raised together will form the strongest bond, though you may find it easier to train them one at a time.

If you have the time and dedication to train them together, I'd suggest geting two pups at the same time, one male and one female. If there's a difference in breed size, try to get the larger one the male and smaller one female; this will encourage the male to be dominant, which is most natural for dogs. However, don't worry if the female or the smaller dog turns out to be the dominant one; in the end they choose their own "pack structure."

Raising the pups at the same time will shorten the amount of time that YOU spend training, too. But remember to correct poor behavoirs before they become habits, because with both pups being in roughly the same developmental stages throughout, they'll pick bad habits up twice as quickly from one another (one will see the other pup getting away with something and will then do it too). The good news is that they can also "teach" one another the good habits.

Good luck with your new family!

Answer 2

I would buy both puppies at the same time. I have always done this and it works out really well. I can't say to you get male or female because you will go look at the pups and take the one that steals your heart. Good luck on your new family. On this note too. When you buy both it gives them something to play with. Something they are use to doing. And you will have a ball watching them.

Answer 3

i do not understand the way everybody can hate any animal. yet it truly is as well the point. i became a cat human being; under no circumstances owned a canines. I under no circumstances concept i'd locate one I loved. i concept all of them only stank up your living house and pooped on the floor. Then I met my bfrnd and he's a intense canines lover. He continuously informed me that we were going to have a canines end of communicate. So in some unspecified time sooner or later on my way living house from paintings this tiny creature ran in the front of my vehicle. Being the animal lover that i'm i finished to work out what it became. an really emaciated pit bull domestic dog that were thrown to the streets. Me and my smooth heart picked him up so he would not die that evening in the midst of the line. I informed my bfrnd that we were going to take him to the pound the subsequent day. properly i imagine I fell in love with that canines driving living house that evening. He became only sitting in my lap searching up at me like i became his international. And now he's mine !!!! there is not any such ingredient as a canines or cat hater...they only have not met the right one yet

Answer 4

Get them at the same time. Both dogs are treated correctly emotionally and physically they will develope a bond.
Neutering the males will take away some of the aggressive male genes they need to be top dog for breeding purposes. Spaying the females helps to keep her calmer, as she won't be going through that urge to be bred and some females they don't get their fix - they go through mood swings.

Answer 5

If you do get the pups separately make sure you introduce the new pup on neutral ground such as a park or something. That way the old pup won't feel as though the new one is invading his/her territory. If you could get both pups from the same litter that would be much easier - they would already have a bond and you could see how they interact with each other and the other litter mates.

Answer 6

Be the boss, don't let them rule you. Only give affection when they are in a calm state. Walk them often to reduce anxiety and form the image of yourself as pack leader. Yes, I watch the Dog Whisperer, you should to.

Answer 7

Get both puppies at once so they can get attached for life... and I would say get two boys... you don't want a girl... girl dogs are be-oches at times. I would just say for you yo get two boy dogs at the same time and you know your choice of dog is up to u dude.