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Original poster

To get another female dog,considering I already have one

37 replies

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 21:59

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?

OP posts:
Blackbutler86 · 01/10/2024 22:41

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:36

Biggest worry is the size difference,13 kg and up to 35 kg when new puppy will be adult.I initially got very excited and was very positive about an idea,but I’m not so sure atm.

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.

Blackbutler86 · 01/10/2024 22:38

SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:29

She is very social,loves another dogs outside,although we never had any dog visitors.I have another question if you could help.I have no idea how toy sharing would work?

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That’s good, if there’s any dog training schools near you they often have dog social events that you can book a space on and (if it’s somewhere decent) will be properly supervised by trainers. This can give you a good idea on the breeds/sex of dogs she likes.

Toy wise we have toys out and available and there’s very rarely an issue. We have multiple of the same one if it’s popular. We do not allow balls in the house as these are high value to a couple of them so only at the park or field do we use them. If any toy causes issue we remove it. Make sure both dogs know the leave/drop command - very very important. We also feed 2 dogs separately to the others as they don’t like others near their food but the rest are fine.

Original poster
SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:36

Biggest worry is the size difference,13 kg and up to 35 kg when new puppy will be adult.I initially got very excited and was very positive about an idea,but I’m not so sure atm.

OP posts:
Soubriquet · 01/10/2024 22:32

I have two girls. One is a year older than the other. The older one immediately took to her brand new puppy and started to treat it as her own. Even came into milk which was frustrating cos we had to keep separating them. They are 7 and 8 now and still get on so well together. A proper mother and daughter

Original poster
SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:29

Blackbutler86 · 01/10/2024 22:16

Is your dog social and enjoys being around other dogs? I have 5 females and 4 males, they all get on but don’t all play with each other. My 2 youngest females are best friends, they have just over a years age gap between them. Some dogs do not enjoy puppies at all but get used to them in time and others love puppies right off the bat. I foster dogs so I’m always having new dogs coming and going of both sexes.

She is very social,loves another dogs outside,although we never had any dog visitors.I have another question if you could help.I have no idea how toy sharing would work?

OP posts:
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.

Getitwright · 01/10/2024 22:17

We have had two females together, one pair were about 5 years apart, the other two were litter sisters. They all got on, the odd growl at feed time, but they were company for each other and played together. Ours were very much dogs though, lots of love, lived indoors, but were very well trained and obedient, and above all quiet. No bother to us or anyone else.

Blackbutler86 · 01/10/2024 22:16

Is your dog social and enjoys being around other dogs? I have 5 females and 4 males, they all get on but don’t all play with each other. My 2 youngest females are best friends, they have just over a years age gap between them. Some dogs do not enjoy puppies at all but get used to them in time and others love puppies right off the bat. I foster dogs so I’m always having new dogs coming and going of both sexes.

Original poster
SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:14

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

It’s a bitch of the dog,it’s that better?😂

OP posts:
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee · 01/10/2024 22:12

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Original poster
SpunkyBeaker · 01/10/2024 22:08

Setyoufree · 01/10/2024 22:02

I've heard they're ok as long as they're different ages? But no actual experience I'm afraid

My girl is 2,new addition would have to be puppy,I think?

OP posts:
Setyoufree · 01/10/2024 22:02

I've heard they're ok as long as they're different ages? But no actual experience I'm afraid

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