Should I get a second dog ? Advice please

[lotti37]

I have a 5 year old male boxer and my friend has asked whether we would have her cocapoo who is also 5 male. I have 3 older boys who love dogs but I am just worried about the dynamics whether my boxer will like the other dog. My boxer has not been neutered . Will the other dog have separation issues . I don’t know much about the dog apart from I have been told he is a real sweetie . Is 2 dogs a good idea or bad ? Experiences please thank you

First steps would be to consider if you can afford two dogs, especially if the cockerpoo has any preexisting conditions you'd be unable to get insurance for, & to go for a couple of walks together and see how the dogs get on.

Why can't your friend keep her dog?
Does it have any behavioural problems that are making her want to re-home?
Do the dogs get along?
What are they both like around other dogs
Do either of them have any issues with reactivity or aggression? Do either of them guard toys or food or space?

Those are just some of the questions I would be asking. I would also make sure the cockapoo gets a clean bill of health from the vets.

Assuming that all goes okay, I would be wanting the dogs to meet several times on neutral ground before having the cockapoo to stay for a while to see how they'll get along together too.

Do walks together first to see how both dogs are around each other.

Dogs have preferences just like we do. If they get on well it will be brilliant. I've introduced rescues to existing older dogs - only once was there an issue, but they pretty much accepted each other (after a noisy spat) once new dog accepted the existing dogs rules. Never besties though. Other rescues have bonded quickly with the dog already here and been very close.

You have to introduce them. Your boy being uneutered might be an issue - some neutered males can be reactive to entire males. Let them meet on neutral ground and see how they get on.

Why doesn’t your friend want the dog any more would be my 1st question

We have 2 dogs and I prefer it to having one. But it took a while to find a companion for Ddog1 who is a mixed bag around other dogs and can be a bit grumpy. We ended up with a female boxer-x - he didn't get on with any of the boys! We also had a trial with the rescue after the meet and greets to see if they got on at home- can you try on a no obligation basis?

I’d want to know

1. why she is trying to rehome the dog 2)vet check to check it’s clear of health conditions
2. clarify the contract you’ll have in place and that she’ll transfer microchip and paper work into your name You don’t want her circumstances to change again and her start asking for it back. It might also be an issue if she wants to come on walks and have a say in how you then raise or bring on the dog. If everything is to you satisfaction though go for a walk see how they get on and do some controlled introductions. It’s usually the neutered dog that reacts to the intact on, so I think your boy will be fine- I’d be more worried about theirs if it had been cut.

I agree to walking dogs together, and then see how they are in the house together. An intact male that is generally non reactive should be ok with a neutered male dog, though the neutered dog may react badly to an intact male. Check for resource guarding too. Reasons for re homing are obv very relevant. Also, do you have enough room in your car? Is the 2nd dog OK with the sort of holiday arrangements you have with your dog?
For us, a second dog made it easier to leave them for several hours if needed for the odd occasion. Walking is more complicated as they are a handful together, and booking cottages for hols a little more difficult. It’s more expensive - food/vets bills (check insurance & pre existing conditions).