AIBU to think the chances of finding 'this' dog in rescue are slim?

[iloveeverykindofcat]

So my mother has a 5-month corgi pup who is absolutely lovely, a real star, but full of energy and desperate for another dog to play with. He was born on a farm amongst dogs and definitely sees himself as a dog rather than a human - whenever he sees another dog he lights up and throws himself at them to play. He's quite boisterous and can intimidate tiny dogs by his sheer enthusiasm, but friendly dogs over a certain size love to play with him, and even the grumpy ones seem to recognise he's just a pup. He hasn't been severely reprimanded by a dog yet.

So she wants to rescue a dog that is

• a bit older than him, but still young enough to enjoy lots of play
• a calming influence on him
• female (he seems to be a bit less wild with females for some reason)
• big enough to take his cannonballing, but not so big he could get hurt in play

I feel like this is a highly specific requirement for a rescue dog and maybe she should be looking outside of rescues. I've pointed out a few rescue dogs on webpages to her, but she's rejected them as too similar to him - they are listed as enjoying boisterous play with other dogs. But can a dog both enjoy boisterous play AND be a calming influence? Seems like a bit of a tall order.

Think she's got things the wrong way round. It would only work if the older, calmer dog was well-established in the home BEFORE introducing the puppy. That way the older dog would be able to teach the rules of the house and manners.

God, I made this mistake with my Patterdale X terrier a few years ago. He was so energetic and clever and adored other dogs so I decided to get another dog that he could play with to his hearts content.

Well, my goodness, it was hellish. All that happened was that they hyped each other up and the chaos doubled. Sure, they played together - loudly and rambunctiously. They raced around the house, barked and barked at visitors/postmen/our rabbits. If there was a distraction on our walks I was now chasing two not one.

It was exhausting and I adored them but when they passed away I swore that I'd only ever have one dog at a time. We now have a glorious Cocker who loves having other dogs over to play but I would never get a second!!

Try dogsblog.online of hundreds of dogs and you can choose by age and/or sex.
Good for you for honing a rescue and not paying thousands for a designer pup.

As others have said, she needs to step up her training, and not expect another dog to calm him down for her.

Working on how he meets other dogs needs addressing right now - he'll charge the wrong one soon, and it won't end well. He is a pup, but time passes fast, and before you know it she will have a young adult dog that still launches at others. Don't let your Mum turn into one of those owners who seem to think awful behaviour is OK just because her dog is on the smaller side, and can't really savage a human. It really annoys me when I meet somebody with little dogs, and they let them bark and launch themselves at mine (looking at you neighbour in thatched house ), but it's OK, because they "can't hurt you"!?? If I let my large (4 stone) dog behave like that, I would be getting a visit from the police.

Sorry, bit of a rant there!

Actually those saying an older dog won’t teach a younger dog are wrong, younger dogs do learn from older dogs

You are confusing learning and training. An older dog will not train a younger dog.

When I got my first dog I was off work and did loads of training with him. When we got our second dog, my husband was off and was supposed to be training him but was a bit lax. The older dog, definitely did not step in and train the younger dog.

It wouldn’t be fair on the rescue dog. With the very best will in the works, dogs looking for new homes need to be the primary focus, not the solution to another dog’s problem. Especially not a 5-month-old puppy.

It could well be that your mum’s puppy will enjoy living with another dog - but first your mum needs a calmer first dog, and that comes with (boring, repetitive) training.

Actually those saying another dog won't teach a younger dog are wrong, younger dogs do learn from older dogs.

Learning from an older dog is one thing, but the younger dog still needs proper training. An older dog may help a younger dog settle, and may teach them about doggy manners, but it won't teach them basic obedience. A human needs to do that.

@SuitedandBooted
I have a similar idiot near me, has two frenchies, never on a lead (says he can’t manage a lead as he walks with a stick😡)
My 8 stone mastiff boy, who we sadly lost in June was very tolerant and laid back and this idiot dog would launch at him grabbing his jowls and collar, when I told owner to call him back his response was ‘but he doesn’t mind’ I tried telling him he will do it to a dog who does mind and will kill him, he shrugged oh well that’s dogs for you!!!

Senorita A good cautionary tale! I'm a cat person (as you could guess!) and definitely not an expert on dog behaviour but I can see that happening. When she calls tonight I'll suggest the possibility of this happening, and gently reiterate that I think he's being indulged too much.

Don't worry about the rant Suited, the thought has crossed my mind too that one day he'll launch himself at the wrong dog. He doesn't seem to be afraid of much at all - except forklifts, for some reason.