Another dog to the family?

Question

Right now I have a german shepherd dog, but I was planning to one day get a westie soon to have time to train it & whatnot before moving out. It wont be for a few more long months. The thing is the german shepherd I have now is what my mom would say is a jealous dog and very over protective. she wont let anyone near me without having sniffed them. she practically treats me like im her daughter. I dont want to get another dog if she's gonna feel like a leftover. Is there a way to find out how she might react? any stories?

ps. im not planning to leave her out either. i love my dog to death.

The dog does not dominate me. She treats me like I'm a daughter and by that I meant by being quite protective.

Answer 1

you have to introduce her to other dogs on her turf. invite a friend over who has a small dog like the one you want or a similar size. Let the dog in the house the first couple times to see how she reacts. Don't pet it or pick it up. If she reacts positive on the third visit try seeing how she reacts when you show the other dog attention. If she is going to react negative it will happen here. A negative reaction will most likely mean until she is gone you will not be able to get another dog. Good lck

Answer 2

it she guards or protects you she is dominant over other things. you need to speak with a trainer. a pup is curious and will come up to you when you're paying attention to the shepherd. (thank you for spelling it right) shepherds are very loyal and intelligent dogs. she can learn other ways to behave around other dogs. if she just sniffs and doesn't show dominant type behavior like standing between you and others or any type of aggression, take her with you to meet your new pup. if she acts jealous about the new pup, tell her to sit. when she does give praise. you can do things such as always feed her first, leash her first before a walk and things like that to establish to the pup she's over the puppy in rank. if you have concerns you should call a trainer and ask for advice. a training class may benefit both you and your shepherd. good luck. another good way to introduce them is to take them on a walk together first and don't let either dog do more than just sniff each other before the walk, then once you start walking it's a business walk and no sniffing. both dogs will be tired and more complacent to meet each other.

Answer 3

I would take her to a dog park. If you bring another dog into your home that's asking for trouble. You need to socialize her allot. I have a Shepard and she is my life when I got her she had issues but now she is a great dog. I also foster dogs and place them in good homes and right now I have placed all them and I can tell my dog wants another friend. There is a dominance thing but it can be over come because dogs are pack animals and they all love to play. You may have to take her to a trainer every dog is different but you must let her know that you do not approve of her growling or biting others. and don't let her. This may be hard but if you are consistent you will be happy with the results good luck -Shea

Answer 4

My dog is very protective of me as well. if any dog she does not know comes up to me she'll have quite a bit to say that's for sure.
but that's only to dogs that are bigger than her too!
But if a little dog came up to me she could careless.
Probably introducing the dog on neutral territory would be the best idea. because your dogs would have no ties to the area, and not feel like another dog is intruding her area. And it may be best if you were not there for their initial meeting.
My dog could get in a fight with another because she doesn't like them around me until she gets to know them, but if I wasn't there she gets along with them and likes them, and when I show up she's ok.
Definitely take me advice, and you can talk to a dog trainer at your local petsmart or petco or petstore and they'll give you advice.

Answer 5

Ahh, basically she looks at you as the pet and she's the owner. Let me guess, you feed her before you eat, you let her out the door first?
Stop babying her, and maybe she'll lose the dominate attitude. You have to show her your the "pack" leader and not her.

And chances are, she will totally go spazzo if you bring in another dog. And that new dog will be bossed by your shepherd too.

Answer 6

I have never had a problem with older dogs accepting a new puppy. the females will likley boss and mother them, and the males avoid them until they are old enough to play. I have dogs that are very bonded to me, and you would think they would be jealous, but they are not, when it comes to a puppy.

A Westie would be a good chioce, as they are not easily intimidated, and would accept the older dog's authority, without becoming timid.

You do sound as though you would be wise enough to treat them equally.

Answer 7

It probably will not go well. The best thing to do would be to introduce her to a friends dog, somewhere other than your home. I would also reccomend getting a male dog, since you already hav e female. And you need to show her that you are the boss, not her.

Answer 8

That sounds like *guarding* behaviour. Dogs will guard what is precious to them.

I'd be extremely careful about getting another dog in this instance...*especially* a dog with that big of a size difference.

Can I suggest getting the book *Culture Clash*, by Jean Donaldson.

It is easy to read...and the best dog book I've ever read about dog behaviour.

I've read alot of them..since I train dogs...and this one is awesome! You can get it on amazon.com

I beleive it will help you in your decision.

Answer 9

Your dog sounds like one that would not welcome a new dog to the family. She would probably be jealous to the point of aggression to a new dog in your life, especially a smaller breed.
Not a good idea.