Hi all, after a month of weighing the pros and cons we have decided to get a 2nd puppy. We currently have a 15 week old Australian Shepherd, and we are going to be getting a 10 week old boxer/lab mix from a shelter this weekend. I was just curious what are some things that I can do to not make our current pup jealous and what we can do to make the new pup feel as comfortable as possible? My dog loves other dogs, so I am not worried about them getting along I just want to make sure they're both happy.
Has anyone had a puppy than got another one, can you maybe give me some helpful tips? Thanks very much!!!
2007-10-15 09:05:03 · 11 answers · asked by JustBlah 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I MEANT TO SAY OUR NOT JEALOUS IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH. SORRY!!!!
2007-10-15 09:05:50 · update #1
Your puppy is still so young and new to you that he's not going to get jealous of a new puppy - he'll be ecstatic!
People who've had 1 dog for a few years, then get a 2nd, need to be careful to always feed, pet, greet, etc., the old dog first. That won't apply in your case, given the age of your aussie.
As they get older, the puppies will work it out between them which one of them is top dog (after the humans, of course). You shouldn't interfere, just let them work it out for themselves, unless one of them becomes too aggressive then you'd have to step in and do some training.
Have fun with your 2 puppies!
2007-10-15 09:13:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1st pup in Aug 06, 2nd pup in Dec 06 and 3rd pup in Aug 07.
introduced them in a non-territorial area, though the other pup is just 10 mths so they are not totally protected from parvo etc. So maybe try to introduce them in the garage- definitely not a place where your orginal pup sleeps or eats it's great that they are getting along. Pay attention to both of them, for example when you come home and then are excited- pat both at the same time. If you feel one is fighting for attention and seems to get more, then take the other into a room and give hm lots of attention. Ensure there are plenty of toys and treats!! :)
I haven';t experienced this but when I was at the vet- I saw a dalmatian dog who was 1 years old who was apparently attacked by another older dog. I don't know the details- like how long the dogs have been together for. So try to monitor their play for the first few weeks and if you can't stay at home and you're concerned byt heir rough play- even isolate them when you're not home- better to be safe than sorry!
Good luck and how wonderful that you are giving a shelter dog a second chance- good on you!!
2007-10-16 04:44:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got a second puppy about 6 months ago and was very glad that my first dog was naturally mothering..but by always feeding the older one first, petting her first, taking her for walks first, playtime first and alone time is always the best way to avoid jealousy. Also..this teaches the puppy their place in the home. A human is ALWAYS number one, then the older dog, then the puppy.
Example..I feed my older dog first and while she is eating, I fill the puppies bowl. I will put the older dog outside first. Same with treats. When training or just giving out treats, the older dog gets it first. A puppy will not become jealous as this is teaching them that they are not the leader. I hope this helps.
Oh yeah..IF you let your current dog on the bed or couch..it is probably best to stop allowing it for both dogs, or allow both dogs or each dog taking turns every night on the bed. Monday dog 1 sleeps on the bed, Tuesday dog 2 sleeps on the bed, etc etc. You can find alot of sites that have tips on having two dogs or more and how you can deal with different things. I will warn you...it is very important to train the dogs seperately, otherwise they won't listen as well if they are together.
Have fun! I certainly LOVE my dogs and as much as it is alot of work..it is worth it when they are trained and happy!!
Marie, Dakota and Abby
2007-10-15 09:16:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One pup is alot of working in training it right.
2 ....2 is double the work and knowing who did what when not caught in the act.
while there are pros and cons to having 2 pups. its not a cake walk even for me when i have worked with and trained many dogs at the shelter and in my home.
training time needs to be set up so there is one on one and once both are doing well in that I did training with both. because they just wanted to play when with each other.
treat them the same. puppy at 15 weeks is not going to care much about being jealous, there is a new play mate!
2007-10-15 09:19:00 · answer #4 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have, not only a second puppy but I also rescued a Cat. At the beginning they will be curious and the one you have might be a little jealous but when they see that you give them equal time and you pay attention to both they will be fine. Good luck and enjoy
2007-10-15 09:16:33 · answer #5 · answered by Myriam P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
treat them fairly my fist pup was feeling left out because i would want to play with my other new born puppy . i would make my first pup play with me wen i was also playing with my other pup. he still gets jealous but not as much as before. also buy them the same thing and give them the same amount of love . huh they are just like human twins
2007-10-15 09:15:49 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Lola♥ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will be totally fine just dont favor one. The bad thing to do is to get a puppy when you current dog is a year or older bad idea.
2007-10-15 09:27:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At first I had a weimaraner and then eight years later we got a chihuahua. They are the best of friends now. When you are potty training your new puppy and when you are training be shore to give both of them a treat. That way they know they both are loved.
2007-10-15 09:12:41 · answer #8 · answered by Audrose 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 that are 3 years apart. Just give them equal amounts of attention and affection. There will still be some "sibling rivalry" dont worry.
2007-10-15 11:33:01 · answer #9 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont favour one over the next.
2007-10-15 09:10:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋