To get another female dog,considering I already have one

SpunkyBeaker · 2024-10-01T20:59:36+00:00

I’m just looking for advice,as my current bitch,is the first I ever had.I always had male dogs,always just one dog at the time,all large breeds(retrievers,German shepherd etc).I currently have small dachshund/collie cross and considering adding some larger dog to our family.Is it good idea to add another female dog?Our girl is spayed and so would be the new addition,as soon as she is of an appropriate age.I’m just bit worried,they may not get on,so would like to hear some opinions,please?

abracadabra1980 · 07/10/2024 22:36

Thelnebriati · 01/10/2024 22:52

Arrange for a knowledgeable owner with a calm bitch to visit you both at home, and pay attention to the other bitch to gauge her reaction. IME, if bitches fall out it can be serious and permanent.

This. Definitely test on your own territory first. I have had this go wrong a couple of times, but now have a female Newfie (4) and a female Lab (6months) who get on very well. It helps that they are both big enough to play well together. I've had the small dog/large dog combination and the poor little dog was bashed about quite a bit by the (large) pup. That coupling failed miserably. Often the existing dog will tolerate a young puppy, but it doesn't always work that way. Good luck 🤞

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 07/10/2024 21:45

Thelnebriati · 07/10/2024 21:27

No thats when two puppies are very closely bonded with each other and not with their owners. Its so bad they get separation anxiety when apart from each other, and they can be very difficult to train as they aren't interested in working with people.

Male dog is an option,as well.I never have any bitches,before current one.She is very spoilt due to being pint sized.I’m going to train her better,before reconsidering adding up to our family.Did you sister manage to successfully resolved her issue?

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Thelnebriati · 07/10/2024 21:27

No thats when two puppies are very closely bonded with each other and not with their owners. Its so bad they get separation anxiety when apart from each other, and they can be very difficult to train as they aren't interested in working with people.

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 07/10/2024 21:12

Imfreetofeelgood · 07/10/2024 20:22

My sister had 2 bitches from the same litter - one bullied the other badly.

Wasn’t it a littermate syndrome?

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Imfreetofeelgood · 07/10/2024 20:22

My sister had 2 bitches from the same litter - one bullied the other badly.

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 07/10/2024 20:18

Nannyfannybanny · 02/10/2024 13:05

Spunky beaker, when our Phalene Leo was PTS last year, I did a 100 mile circle round our house (edge of village,200ft garden, opposite south downs,10 minutes away from the beach, farmland and fields 2 roads away. I've had border collies since I was 13,a few other dogs as well. Border collie rescue, never even replied! Fence got to be 6ft, ours is 5.6ft, garden not big enough! Because of the Google tracking, I ended up with England Ireland Scotland and Wales. Rescues, we didn't want a staff, brachial face,very elderly, the others, no other dogs,no visiting children,we have lots of grandkids, youngest 2. Reaction to other dogs, people,bikes,cars, I've done rescues, 2 successful,2 not. We ended up buying a puppy from a farm where we used to live. Talking to other dog owners,it's why so many people adopt from abroad. In fact a relative went on holiday to Italy and ended up with a puppy.

Majority of the dogs in local to me shelters,should be PTS,as aren’t suitable to be rehomed with children,other dogs,highly reactive towards anything and everything really.Staffs,bully’s but apparently standard 😂not Xl,frenchies.When they have puppies available they refuse to rehome,over silly fence height,as with yourself.My friend was refused,because she works 3 h each day,then another 3 WFH.How on earth do they imagine she would be able to cover dog needs if she wasn’t working at all I don’t know.She also has 16 year old at home,whilst she works,but was still no.She had adopted dog from Romania-dog and human aggressive ,several triggers and really struggling.I decided to wait a little bit longer,before committing to another dog.Train my girl bit better,do lots of introduction between her and familiar dogs.Tomorrow she will have play date with the Westie,we met and her lovely owner at mine and I hope it goes well.

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Nannyfannybanny · 02/10/2024 13:05

Spunky beaker, when our Phalene Leo was PTS last year, I did a 100 mile circle round our house (edge of village,200ft garden, opposite south downs,10 minutes away from the beach, farmland and fields 2 roads away. I've had border collies since I was 13,a few other dogs as well. Border collie rescue, never even replied! Fence got to be 6ft, ours is 5.6ft, garden not big enough! Because of the Google tracking, I ended up with England Ireland Scotland and Wales. Rescues, we didn't want a staff, brachial face,very elderly, the others, no other dogs,no visiting children,we have lots of grandkids, youngest 2. Reaction to other dogs, people,bikes,cars, I've done rescues, 2 successful,2 not. We ended up buying a puppy from a farm where we used to live. Talking to other dog owners,it's why so many people adopt from abroad. In fact a relative went on holiday to Italy and ended up with a puppy.

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 02/10/2024 00:01

Nannyfannybanny · 01/10/2024 23:45

Some years ago I lost my dog DH dog was 15, a bitch, we knew we were on borrowed time,so had an RSPCA inspector come to the house. She checked all the animals,we had quarter of an acre garden,with a stream at the bottom and a bridge over it into fields. She put medium size garden. I told her a medium size garden was 50ft. She then said we had to have a dog, because 2 bitches couldn't live together. My DH had only had this one, she lived to 18. Not long before she was PTS,we bought a bitch border collie, when she was 6 months old we got another bitch border collie,a private rescue,both 8 weeks old..we added a male Phalene to the mix,he was besties with the older one. He hated it when she died,then when the second one was PTS,he sat by the door crying,so we got another border collie bitch. He was PTS last year at 18. She's 9 now and we got another border collie bitch just over a year ago. It was lovely at first sight, older one went out in the garden, brought in a football and gave it to the puppy,it was almost as big as her,but the older one now guards the younger one and barks at everything that goes past.we do have to feed these 2 in separate rooms. Never had to do that before.

How crazy of RSPCA🤦‍♀️.Your home sounds absolutely perfect!Dread to think what would they have thought of mine,terraced,but with good size garden.Unfortunately I can’t adopt,as I have child under 10,so wouldn’t take the risks.Not like they would have considered me worthy!

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Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 23:51

Tumbleweed101 · 01/10/2024 23:42

Introduce them cautiously, some dogs take to a puppy immediately and some don’t. Make sure they can be separated ie a stair gate in the first few days/weeks if it becomes necessary. Support the older dog in teaching pup basic manners so long as it’s not true aggression ie don’t shout at older dog for putting pup in its place.

Once they get used to eachother they should be fine. I never had issues with toys. My older dog always stole the dog beds though! She loved a bed lol.

Mine sleeps on the sofa,so did my old boys.Last dog bed she had was gutted as any other previous😂.She seem to understand that my child’s plushies don’t belong to her,leaves them alone.Gutts her own under a minute.She has very strong pray drive,against birds,rats,mice etc.Cats not at all,as was raised with them,so hopefully those are good signs.I generally worry to much.This time it’s mainly to my lifelong believe that dog is for life,so really don’t want to get it wrong!

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Nannyfannybanny · 01/10/2024 23:45

Some years ago I lost my dog DH dog was 15, a bitch, we knew we were on borrowed time,so had an RSPCA inspector come to the house. She checked all the animals,we had quarter of an acre garden,with a stream at the bottom and a bridge over it into fields. She put medium size garden. I told her a medium size garden was 50ft. She then said we had to have a dog, because 2 bitches couldn't live together. My DH had only had this one, she lived to 18. Not long before she was PTS,we bought a bitch border collie, when she was 6 months old we got another bitch border collie,a private rescue,both 8 weeks old..we added a male Phalene to the mix,he was besties with the older one. He hated it when she died,then when the second one was PTS,he sat by the door crying,so we got another border collie bitch. He was PTS last year at 18. She's 9 now and we got another border collie bitch just over a year ago. It was lovely at first sight, older one went out in the garden, brought in a football and gave it to the puppy,it was almost as big as her,but the older one now guards the younger one and barks at everything that goes past.we do have to feed these 2 in separate rooms. Never had to do that before.

Tumbleweed101 · 01/10/2024 23:42

Introduce them cautiously, some dogs take to a puppy immediately and some don’t. Make sure they can be separated ie a stair gate in the first few days/weeks if it becomes necessary. Support the older dog in teaching pup basic manners so long as it’s not true aggression ie don’t shout at older dog for putting pup in its place.

Once they get used to eachother they should be fine. I never had issues with toys. My older dog always stole the dog beds though! She loved a bed lol.

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 23:41

That’s my current ,,stock,,

To get another female dog,considering I already have one

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Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 23:31

Soubriquet · 01/10/2024 23:30

This is when my girls first met. You can’t separate them now

Oh,so sweet,they’re beautiful!

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Soubriquet · 01/10/2024 23:30

This is when my girls first met. You can’t separate them now

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 23:25

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 01/10/2024 23:09

Size makes little difference with dogs imo- I’ve seen plenty of bigger dogs back away from smaller dogs if the smaller dog is feistier. They will soon establish the pack order - there were a couple of squabbles at first with mine but the Yorkie soon won dominance over the poodle mix that’s more than double her weight! (having said that if the poodle really wants something she’ll just sit on the Yorkie till she wins 🤣 - luckily Poodle is very easygoing/a softy so rarely bothers!).

BUT generally speaking established dog is always pack leader over newcomer- most especially if newcomer is a puppy (our girls were both about the same age when we got them plus we hadn’t had first dog very long - both of which can sometimes change things in likely dominance).

And it helps if you do all the things dog guides say - older dog is fed first, newcomers bowl put down second, older dog is fussed/greeted before newcomer, older dog gets first throw of ball etc - they will take their cues from you. They can eat and sleep in the same room once used to each other - but make sure they each have their own bed to retreat to and own food bowls. Toys may become shared over time (ours all have) but make sure they each have at least one of their own at first to have their own scent on it.

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You’re definitely right!Due to her size,I perceive her as vulnerable,but true to be told she is very confident.I never had any small dog before her.Well one when I was a child,but he was ruling the house,had severe what I now recognise as fear aggression and abundance of other issues.That have put me off from owning small dogs,up until I saw her.I was actually half expecting her to be this small raging machine,especially she is barky,but she turned out to be just fine.Not as receptive to training,but I wasn’t expecting her to beat German shepherd on that.Thanks a million for your advice!

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Pumpkintopf · 01/10/2024 23:15

I have a dachshund. They do not generally get on that well with other dogs. Mine will be fine with others on walks, not fine with them in her home.

Have a look at the Facebook group Dog training advice and support for a list of accredited dog trainers you could talk to about assessing your girl.

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 23:12

Thelnebriati · 01/10/2024 22:52

Arrange for a knowledgeable owner with a calm bitch to visit you both at home, and pay attention to the other bitch to gauge her reaction. IME, if bitches fall out it can be serious and permanent.

Only bitch someone close enough have is Romanian rescue,very reactive.I suppose I will just make fool out of myself and ask some of dog walkers we meet regularly in local park if they fancy a coffee.Does it make difference if they’re spayed?Im sorry I’m absolutely clueless when it comes to bitches.Still remember how crazy worried I was when she got her first heat,then spayed.As per her being in pain,discomfort etc.Previous dogs were kept intact initially,then done with and zero issues.I slept downstairs straight after,but just one night,with her it was till she was completely healed.My husband thought I have gone mad😂

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IamnotwhouthinkIam · 01/10/2024 23:09

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:42

She love’s another dogs,whilst on the walks.My previous male dogs would have accepted Noah’s ark in their home,judging by visiting dogs and resident cat.It’s just her,I’m so unsure about,would she be jealous etc.Also she is only 13 kg,whilst new addition may reach 35 when adult.

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Size makes little difference with dogs imo- I’ve seen plenty of bigger dogs back away from smaller dogs if the smaller dog is feistier. They will soon establish the pack order - there were a couple of squabbles at first with mine but the Yorkie soon won dominance over the poodle mix that’s more than double her weight! (having said that if the poodle really wants something she’ll just sit on the Yorkie till she wins 🤣 - luckily Poodle is very easygoing/a softy so rarely bothers!).

BUT generally speaking established dog is always pack leader over newcomer- most especially if newcomer is a puppy (our girls were both about the same age when we got them plus we hadn’t had first dog very long - both of which can sometimes change things in likely dominance).

And it helps if you do all the things dog guides say - older dog is fed first, newcomers bowl put down second, older dog is fussed/greeted before newcomer, older dog gets first throw of ball etc - they will take their cues from you. They can eat and sleep in the same room once used to each other - but make sure they each have their own bed to retreat to and own food bowls. Toys may become shared over time (ours all have) but make sure they each have at least one of their own at first to have their own scent on it.

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:58

I would certainly make sure,they have their own space etc.I have gone thru this with her and my old cat.She initially repeatedly tried to lick him.Zero response to him scratching her,unlike my previous bigger dogs.Now she reacts to Leave and only occasionally gets a cheeky kiss,mainly when he decides to lie down beside her.

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Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:54

Blackbutler86 · 01/10/2024 22:41

My Dobermann plays super gently with one of my shih tzus and she’s rougher with my husky mix. Dogs will tell other dogs what is too much and if they aren’t taking note that’s where you step in.

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Thanks,my bigger dogs were impeccably well trained,always fantastic when meeting pups on the walks,very gentle.Super obedient.She certainly is full of character,not an eager to please or as easily trained type,takes far more effort🤣

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Thelnebriati · 01/10/2024 22:52

Arrange for a knowledgeable owner with a calm bitch to visit you both at home, and pay attention to the other bitch to gauge her reaction. IME, if bitches fall out it can be serious and permanent.

pinck · 01/10/2024 22:49

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

wrong, dogs are male and bitches are female ...

Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:48

She does drop,leave it unless is cat poo or rat.Training class is really good idea,although I may need to found one in nearest bigger city.

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Original poster

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:42

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 01/10/2024 22:28

I can’t vote because it really depends whether your dogs gets on well with other dogs! Bitch/dog makes little difference as long as they are spayed imo.

I got a female rescue dog- and didn’t realise she clearly adored every other dog she saw - pulling on the lead to get to them, tail wagging madly, lying down/showing her belly etc. Like you I had only had single dogs previously (mostly males) but after her reactions, I went back to the rescue to look for another companion for her. She especially seemed to love Yorkies (wouldn’t leave a neighbours alone!) and the rescue happened to have a female Yorkie (that said male on the listing! but as I said once neutered I’m not sure the sex matters much). Now many years later, the girls are still firm friends - to the point tbh I’m not sure I’d consider having an only dog again - in the past I didn’t realise how many dogs really are true pack animals.

She love’s another dogs,whilst on the walks.My previous male dogs would have accepted Noah’s ark in their home,judging by visiting dogs and resident cat.It’s just her,I’m so unsure about,would she be jealous etc.Also she is only 13 kg,whilst new addition may reach 35 when adult.

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Getitwright · 01/10/2024 22:42

I think things will be fine weight wise. I always find smaller dogs are feistier than big ones usually. The larger breed will be the pup, by the time it’s grown up, it will know it’s new friend well. Just don’t let a puppy mither an older dog too much, and make sure the older dog gets a bit of “me time” with just you as well. All most dogs want are love, attention, exercise and food at proper mealtimes.