Having Two Dogs.

[grandpajoe]

How do we introduce two dogs to each other. Have you had experience of doing this. If we had a 4 year old Parson Russell Dog who has been gelded can we introduce ,into our house, a bitch Labrador?? This is the combination we would like as we need to settle the Parson (Rescue dog) and my wife fancies another dog anyway.What are the implications please. Cheers Chris

[Postdog]

Can't really offer advice but I hope it works. We have three and apart from them all having their own quirks and habits which make them individually special, I think it is so much nicer for a dog to have another dog for company.

[Boto]

Can you take your Parson Russell to meet any prospective newcomer first? That is what we did, we took our first lab 90 miles to meet another, they got on, so they both came home and are now the best of friends. They are company for each other when we are both out.

[pixie373]

How does he get on with other dogs out on walks? In my experience, dogs seem happier with companions. They're pack animals and males and females are usually the best combination. Good luck.

[Tilly2]

I agree with Boto. Take the jack russell when you go to see the other dog. Take them for a walk together. Do this a couple of times before you commit. See how they are in the car. Bring both dogs home together and let them play in the garden? If possible, leave the door open so that they can come and go as they please. Dont just bring the new dog home and expect all to be well.

[Baldric]

We took our 4yr old male Dobie to the kennels to meet the recue we wanted, took them both for a decent walk on leads, then back to the kennels for a good run around in a secure paddock, no probs.
Brought them home in separate cars, don't want a scrap when you're driving.
Kept them separate at night for a while, watched like hawks for any problems, and it all worked out nicely, their best mates now.

[grandpajoe]

What happened is this:- we had a Parson from Rescue who was nearly 4 and was lovely except, when being walked by my wife he would pull very hard and would want to attack All dogs they went near. We had behaviorists to him and read lots of relevant articles and tried various collars but after 12 weeks she had to give up this UN-equal struggle and he went back to Rescue. I am still heart broken as he was fine with me and I want him back but don't think that would be very clever. The second dog idea cropped up but that might not cure him so really I am grasping at straws now. Perhaps I need to grow up and accept that he has gone. But if they have not re-homed him by Spring I think I will go and get him for myself. Chris

[lankeela]

Under normal circumstances a castrated (not gelded, that's horses!) male should accept a female dog without a problem. However as you have even been down the road of using a behaviourist and the dog was still unable to be around other dogs I think its probably likely that he would not accept another dog of any sort. When rehoming with a resident dog we make sure they are taken for a walk together away from the home, so there is no territorial guarding, and if the reaction is ok then they go on trial. Separate places to eat and sleep are recommended, until you are sure they are ok. I doubt the rescue would allow you to take it back again once returned. Why not just settle for the Lab bitch, and maybe get another dog after she has settled in. Lab rescue are always on the lookout for good homes.

[woofgang]

for might not cure, read "wont" big reality check here, much as you might want to be, you aren't the right home for this wee terrier. Accept it and look for a dog who you can give a good home to.
i say this as one who has been there......

[grandpajoe]

It has/is taken me 7 days now to accept that I won't see him again! I am still "filling up"when I think of him. Pathetic really I know but there you are so I told my wife that I was going to get him back and she made me think what a complete knob I was being!! The second dog idea is probably a non starter also she says, as it to would raise more issues when initially all she wanted was a pooch to walk. I still fancy a Parson and to that end have been looking on the 'net and have found some 8 week old bitches locally so will put that idea to her soon.

Thank you all for your input and yes I know fine well it's castrated not gelded but couldn't spell neutered . Chris

[lankeela]

You also have to question whether it would be fair to subject a dog that is obviously stressed round others to living with another dog.

[Tilly2]

Have you got your puppy then, Chris? How old is it?

[Tilly2]

Sorry, my question is for your other thread.