Adding another dog - Page 2

Pedigree Database

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by GSCat on 08 October 2020 - 23:10

I think I would look for a green female that had already learned good manners (including being well housebroken), maybe having earned CGC (preferably all levels). Then the dog will be easier for first-time handler (potty training can be extremely frustrating) and already understand the concept of learning new things from a human being.

First and foremost, the dog has to get along with your wife. Some dogs have definite likes and dislikes, and will either work with a particular person or not. In the same way, some dogs will get along with some dogs, but not others.

Have your wife wear clothes with the existing dog's hair and smell on them when visiting the candidate dog so the potential new dog smells your dog and gets used to his smell. When your wife comes home, she play with the existing dog so he gets used to the smell of the potential new dog. Smell familiarity can make the first meeting go much easier.

Once a good candidate that gets along with your wife has been located, if the breeder will allow it, try to arrange a meeting to see if the potential dog will get along with the existing dog.

If the breeder's facility isn't an option, a training venue that one or both dogs are familiar with would be a good, neutral territory to introduce the dogs. Or a large open area where the dogs can run and play together. If your dog is possessive about your wife, it might be good for a third party known to your dog to handle the new dog for the first introduction. Add your wife while the dogs are playing, and after awhile have the third party leave (but remain in the area in case there's a problem).

Before bringing the new dog home, put away your existing dog's favorite toys and make sure you have duplicates of everything so both dogs can play/chew on the same type of toy at the same time. Use the favorite toys during one-on-ones with your existing dog when the new dog isn't present until the two are friends (the extra attention that may be needed). Eventually, all of the toys will get mixed up, shared, etc., but at least at first, each dog may need his/her own set.

Is your male intact? Are you considering an intact female? There's a recent thread on the board about not spaying/neutering until at least two years of age.

I could write a book, but it's likely unnecessary because you (almost certainly) got a great PM from Hired Dog.

by Smokin Joe on 09 October 2020 - 09:10

Thank you for all the replies. We are leaning to get a young female pup (8 weeks old). This isn’t really my preference, since pups are a bit of a gamble, but think it’s the best option for assimilation.

by GSCat on 09 October 2020 - 22:10

Smokin Joe

Thank you for all the replies. We are leaning to get a young female pup (8 weeks old). This isn’t really my preference, since pups are a bit of a gamble, but think it’s the best option for assimilation.

 

Resistance is futile. They're sooooooooooooooooo cute 😍 😍  😍

 

The big plus to getting a puppy is the bond will "almost certainly" be stronger between her and your wife.

 

Since she's a first-time handler, I recommend DDR or WGWL or combination. Not Czech due to higher drives.






 


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