To get another female dog,considering I already have one

[SpunkyBeaker]

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?

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?

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

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.

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.

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 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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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🤣

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.

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.

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😂

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.

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!

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

Oh,so sweet,they’re beautiful!