Fear aggression and a new dog

[G1ggleloop]

We currently have a Lhasa Apso dog who is very reactive to other dogs. We've been to training classes and seen a behaviour specialist who said that fear aggression is common in his breed. However we recently discovered that once he's been in the company of another for a short while he calms down and will happily have a sniff and sit with them. My question is this. Would we be extremely foolish to get another dog? We've been waiting for another pup from his breeder for two years and we've been contacted to say that there may be one coming for us. Part of us desperately wants to say yes but we're so worried that both dogs will end up stressed by the situation. Are we best of just sticking with the one dog?

I would speak to your behaviourist first. My concern would be that another dog, particularly a pup, could learn the same behaviours from yours - you may find that an emotionally stable older dog would be a better option.

Would also suggest that a pup could pick up on your dog's fear behaviour.
An older, well adjusted dog may well give your boy confidence. I have seen this exact scenario where a second dog with good social skills has been slowly introduced and the previously fearful dog has improved loads.

Thanks. We were hesitating as we don't want to end up with two the same. The behaviourist suggest that having another pack member might help him feel more secure but also said it could end up with both of them having the same problems. I think for now we may pass on the pup and try to spend more time with my friends dog. She has a cavalier King Charles who is very calm and submissive, which seems to calm him quickly.