Should I get another one?

[lhallman]

I need some help. :fangel: I'am struggling with the idea of getting another baby. I already have Dash and Kodiak and they are both young, and I feel it would better if I added to the group while they are still young. Here is my dilemma...I have two boys, do I get a girl or a boy? Also I want a small fru fru dog, what kind of dog should I get? And....will I upset the harmony of Dash and Kodiak too much? I have 3-4 weeks until training is over, so I have some time before I make a final decision.

Please help!!:wacko:

[Canislupess]

Well, first of all, you need to make sure you are the position to take care of 3 dogs. If you know that you can afford another and have the extra time for training a third addition, then you should be OK.

As for the sex of the dog, if you get a bitch, she should be spayed as soon as she is old enough so that you don't have problems with her and the other dogs when she comes into heat. Apart from that, it shouldn't matter too much what sex you get.
In my experience, a dog and a bitch seem to be able to resolve their differences better than two dogs of the same sex when it comes to the pecking order. Believe it or not, I see bitches getting the upper hand in more situations than dogs although this won't always be the case.
Obviously, you'll need to work out the hierachy between your existing dogs so that you don't end up with total confusion when you add a third dog. If your two current dogs are happy and know where they stand, you can introduce a new dog and let them teach it where it stands. Remember, the new dog should be treat as being at the bottom of the pecking order. This should help to prevent any problems from you other dogs.

The main thing is that you are fully prepared for a third dog and can take care of it properly along with your others. I couldn't really take on a third dog with my two because it seems to spoil the relationship between them. They are older though. Just be prepared for any such mishap yourself. Dogs are usually good at this kind of thing if they are let be but there are a few rare exceptions, I suppose. If you treat the three of them correctly in regards to their rank, they should be fine.

As for the breed, that is down to your personal choice and lifestyle. Have a look at some breeds you like and research into them to make sure they don't require more maintainance than you can give such as a difficult coat that requires regular proffessional grooming. A little mongrel pup from the rescue will be a good enough bet in my opinion. There are always lots of abandoned dogs and pups who need homes.
Here in the UK, they will allow you to take your current dog/s in the the centre to meet the dog you want to take home. This is ideal because they meet on neutral territory and it means you get to see how they get on so that if they don't, you don't take that particular dog home and cause it extra stress by having to take it back. I don't know what things are like elsewhere.

Anyway, just some advice that might prove useful for you.
Good luck in whatever you do decide.

[lhallman]

Awesome advice!! Thank you. I wish we could take the pups to the rescue here, that would be great. Thanks again for the advice! :nod:

[brandy pup]

I just wanted to let you know that your posts are really great. The time you take to explain everything is wonderful.

*Pats Canislupess on the back* Thank You.

[Canislupess]

OOOhhh, thank you!, LOL. More like, I tend to go overboard.

I'm a bit out of it right now. Just got in from a good night out. My ears are ringing. It's 2:47am. I really ought to go to bed.:D :D :D

Silly me. I'll laugh at this post tomorrow.