introducing a new puppy !!!!!

[LOX]

I have already got a gsd he is 11 months old and he is so loverly, his temprement is perfect, he is so well behaved and everyone loves him, he has never shown any aggression towards anybody [ idont think he even knows how to growl] howevr, i am seriously thinking about getting another gsd [dog] from the same strain, this puppy is 3 weeks old at the moment and i am going to see this puppy over the weekend, i am concerned as to weather this might change my pesent dog or what effects it might have on him. Lankeela gave me good advise 11 months ago when i first got Kane, really needing some good advise !!!!!!

[lankeela]

I would only recommend taking on another male if you plan on having one or both of them castrated. There will come a time when either the older dog will try to stamp his authority on the younger one, or the younger one will make a challenge for the top dog position. Unless you are an experienced dog handler/trainer who can give both dogs an equal amount of attention/training, then you are taking on a lot. As your present dog is so wonderful, I would advise against upsetting the status quo. However, as you are going to see the puppy, I guess you have pretty much already decided to get him! Not many of us could say no to a GSD puppy! Speak to the breeder and if they are worth their salt they will tell you honestly whether they think the boys they breed will get on, although a lot depends on how they are brought up and socialised. Ask if they keep more than one male together, and if they kennel their dogs the answer is probably no.

[LOX]

many thank Lankeela, i will heed your advice, i wil speak to the breeder where i got Kane from [Rockforce] both dogs would be related, Kanes half brother from another litter has sired the pup, not that this can make a differance, i dont suppose. Thanx again, i know your advice is always some of the best, i'll keep ya posted

[jules77]

Why not have a bitch? You have to consider whether you would be able to keep them separate in the event of them not getting on in 12 months, or even earlier.

Only last week at my local ringcraft someone told me about her 2 year old rottie, who was the nicest rottie I have ever met, she used to physically wash all the other dogs faces, and one day she just turned, ripped the side out of one of her other dogs, had one's dog head in its mouth which she was shaking like a rag doll, and pinned the owner against a wall.

[welshlibranr]

Hi LOX
I would be very careful about having two male dogs, my niece is having a terrible time, she had a 6 month old boxer dog puppy, he was really quiet and friendly, if a little shy. She then decided to get another boxer puppy to keep him company, the puppy arrived and is lovely, but the older one became very protective of the younger one, and quite aggressive to strangers, he's been seeing a behaviourist for a few months now and although he has been castrated , the problem is by no means resolved, he's fine with the family, but if anyone he doesn't know visits he just can't be trusted, it's very sad. Maybe a bitch would be a better option for you . Regards M

[LOX]

oh what a dilema!!! We travelled to Manchester today to view the puppy's and they are beautifull, there are two dogs and two bitches, we went to choose a dog, we left a deposit and have agreed to go again next weekend to choose [ as they will be a bit bigger} but returning home and reading your coments has really made me re-think. Would having a bitch instead make things so differant, ?would a dog and a bitch get along ok? The last thing we want to do is change the nature of our present dog. Many thanx, I really appreciate your coments

[leelapops]

Hi LOX, oh a puppy! *Melts* :)

Dogs and bitches do tend to get on better, on the whole. As others have said, you don't really want to upset the balance, as Kane sounds lovely. Opposite sex paird tend not to need to fight for "top spot" in the household, bitches (usually) being happy to let the dog be "dominant" to an extent. I hope you find what you're looking for, and I really would recommend a dog and a bitch, it just makes for a more harmonious home!

[kita1]

Remember if you get a bitch then allow her to have a season before getting her spayed you will have a MAJOR problem keeping them apart (if your male is still entire that is).

The first season can happen anytime from 6 months to as late as 2 years (though that is extreme) and is pretty impossible to predict.

Some vets advise spaying before the first season, some advise spaying three months after the bitch has had her season.

Something to definately think about before getting the pup as having a bitch in season around will definately change your male dog - and not for the better!

[lankeela]

A bitch would be a better bet, but I would suggest having the dog castrated before she comes into season, particularly as they are so closely related. He will certainly not be bothered that she is his sort of half sister!

Unless he is a very good specimen that has proven his worth as a good show/working dog, and been hip scored, Haemophilia tested etc then he would not be in demand as a stud dog, and anyway I am sure you would not want to risk having a dog that ***** his leg indoors or goes after any bitch in the neighbourhood, howling when the neighbours mutt is in season.

You could have your bitch spayed instead/as well as, and this will make life a lot easier.

Genuine advice offered from one who knows!

[LOX]

Thank you for all your replies and advice, we went to view the puppys on Sunday, I have been back in touch with the breeder about havihg a bitch but she only has one left which could possibly already be spoken for by her friend who is going to view on Tue evening and if she does'nt want her then we will, but i really think that when she sees her she will 'fall straight in love with her'! However, we have been told about another good breeder in Lincoln but we are going to take our time and make sure that we get the right dog!! Oh, and by the way, Kane has been booked in for his bits ff on Wednesday morning, i'm a little nervous but know it's the right thing to do and we will definatly do the same with the bitch. Thank you for your time and advice. We might have made a really big mistake without you all x x x