Best age gap between 2 dogs? Or 1 dog, 1 bitch??!

[Inthepotty]

Whats the best age gap between dogs? And is it better to have 2 dogs/1 bitch&1dog? (id have them both 'done' of course) We have a 5m lab x pup, so this wouldn't be for a year, or 2. Want little pup to enjoy being a puppy, I suppose!

I think it helps if dog1 is old enough to have finished his basic training, but young enough to want to play. An older dog will also help you train a pup, as they quickly put a stop to over enthusiastic nipping and jumping.

Can't comment on getting a dog or a bitch. I've friends with various combinations, and whether it works seems to depend on the individual animals not their gender.

If your current dog is dominant around other dogs, it would be best not to get an alpha pup. They may well fight. I have two dogs, and they are fine together as one is happy for the other to be in charge. My friend had two dominant dogs and had to rehome one, as they fought all the time.

Expect some challenging behaviour from your existing dog when you introduce a new puppy. He'll be a bit put out. Mine took 6 months to settle down.

I keep wondering exactly this. My dog is 8 and I'd quite like to get another one but fear he is getting a bit old to cope with a new puppy. Would it make it easier on him if it were a bitch? He's been neutered.