Would it be a disaster to even consider another pup

[oxocube]

given that my dog is only 17 weeks? Pups are an entirely different breed and would be ready in 3 months. A friend's dogs mated unexpectedly and the pups are expected in 5 weeks.

I have a golden retriever and am so in love with her. She is everything I hoped she would be. I have always preferred big dogs but my friend's dogs are teckels and I am now a convert to them too! They are pedigree dogs so she could sell them but I know her priority will be that they go to a good home with someone who has at least a little experience of dogs. My pup knows the parent dogs and gets on with them.

This is just a musing really, but would it be completely silly to consider taking one if she asks me? I've heard and read quite a bit about how the dynamic between dog and owner can completely change with the addition of another dog. And would my pup be too young anyway at about 7 months to handle an addition to the family?

Just initial thoughts that will probably come to nothing but am interested to know what experienced owners/breeders think.

I'm interested in this too. My pup is 7 months and I think he'd love a friend.

I don't feel that dogs need a friend in the way you are describing. Dogs love company and love to be busy. However all of this can be achieved and should be achieved by the owner not another dog.

If your dogs bond with each other rather than you - you can have issues.

I have just got a puppy and have other dogs so I am not allowing the puppy to spend much time with the other dogs yet. He has to think that I am the best thing in the world and that all his enjoyment and needs are met by me.

I am in no way saying don't get another dog as they obviously do enjoy each others company if you choose well.

A 7 months I would feel that I am only a small way through the training of the first dog so personally I would enjoy developing that relationship. Then when those lovely puppy days are over then you can enjoy them again with dog number 2.

The other reason I do not like to have dogs of similar age is when you get to the other end of their lives. It is a huge gap in the family if you lose both dogs close together. So if you have a few years gap you can hopefully spread this trauma.

Rambled on a bit here but I think I am saying enjoy the dog you have - they do not need a doggy friend if you are the best owner to them. If however you still want to and are prepared to walk separately for 6 months and times your training separately by two for a while. Go for it!

Oh thank you minimu for such a comprehensive answer. TBH, you have just reiterated what I have read in several good dog books. Was just a muse really but I know what you are saying makes good sense. Think I will stick to walks with friends and their dogs and keep up the training

hi oxocube

do you really think you will be able to resist the little fur balls when they are born ? lol

Separate walks!!!!

Actually that could be a problem.

Was going to say what Minimu said.

elmofan, I think I'll have to! I knew (well at least I read in Gwen Bailey's Puppy Bible!) that if you get 2 pups together then you have to walk and train them separately otherwise they bond with each other rather than their owner, but I wasn't sure if this applied to an established dog and a new dog. I guess both would still be puppies so it makes sense.

I see what you mean about dogs not really needing a friend as such, but its easy to forget when I see Phoebe playing so happily with other dogs . Minimu and Val, what you say makes sense. Will in all likelyhood stick to puppy playdates for the time being!

Thanks again

ps but elmofan, you are right about it being hard to resist. Hopefully, the pups will all hve wonderful homes lined up anyway, so it won't be a problem!

could you explain to me why its bad for dogs to bond together, i know it os as i hear it all the time, but have to admit i dont get why?

I think it makes them much harder to train Baby but am interested in the exact 'whys' of this too. Do any of you dog experts have time to go into this for us? If dogs are pack animals, why is it not good for them to bond with each other? Is it because it makes a dog which is not so 'family friendly'?

Thanks!

We had springers who were 6 months apart in age. Huge mistake. The older one was very jealous of the younger.