Labrador Pup With A Friendly Young Lurcher Male?

[Sweetcheekslou]

I have had my wee lurcher about a month, we are thinking about getting a new puppy Labrador but wondering if it's a good idea, he has a wee soft teddy that he plays with but does not bite or destroy it and he is very gentle any advice would be great

[woofgang]

how old is the lurcher, is he a rescue? Personally I would be waiting a while longer if the lurcher is adult and quite a while longer if the lurcher is a pup.

[pixie373]

I would let the lurcher settle in a bit longer, too. How does he get in with other dogs out walking?

[Sweetcheekslou]

He is a rescue dog but not much background info, he is between 3 - 5 they think and he was brought to SSPCA by the police, have had the odd accident in the house but anytime he is left for a short period of time we come home to no mess, he is always looking for tit bits from us and eats his food no problem, great with young kids, any other dog he has come across has just wanted to have a go at him.

[woofgang]

He is reactive to other dogs and you want to bring a puppy into the house....are you crazy or what?

[Mamyalynne]

Woof, I did not read it like that, rather that other dogs want to have a go at him, og have I misunderstood?

[Mamyalynne]

^or

[woofgang]

no i think that I did and I apologise to the OP. Notwithstanding if he's a rescue and you have no history, I would give it AT least six months before considering getting another dog of any age. Is your lurcher neutered?

[Sweetcheekslou]

Yes he is neutered.. he is a lovely wee think and just wants so much love and affection.. we have worked out that he has been ill treated because when we are lifting our arms or hands when playing he runs n cowers away, other dogs dont like him!! when we approach another dog all he wants to do is say hello and sniff and his tail goes but the other dogs dont want to know.

[lankeela]

Don't allow him to sniff and say hello to other dogs -you don't know whether they are good with other dogs and he could get bitten. If you are still getting accidents in the home I would not be bringing a puppy into the house or you may have trouble house training it if it can smell where the older dog goes.

[woofgang]

Have you thought about taking him to a decent training class? choose carefully, not one that talks about dominance, pack theory or Cesar Milan. Its a good idea to ask if you can visit the class and watch without the dog before enrolling. The class should look well controlled, not too full and the dogs should be enjoying themselves. If chain collars or slip leads are used then walk out, the same if the dogs are jerked around by the lead. The dogs should look relaxed and happy but it might be a bit noisy.
Many dogs do not like to be approached and sniffed at by strangers, especially if they are on the lead. I would be stopping him doing it in case he gets bitten. Don't correct him just keep your distance. If he likes food, then take treats with you on walks to keep his attention. Be sure that you take the treats out of his daily food allowance or he will soon get fat lol. They can be something more special than his dog food, just reduce what goes in his bowl to compensate. I agree with Lankeela, get him settled and not having accidents before you get a pup, also doesn't he deserve all your attention for the time being if he has come from such a terrible place?