May 13, 2011
We are planning to add to our family. Is it a myth that the best pairings are male-female rather than adopting a dog of the same sex?
Full Question:
Cindy,We are planning to add to our family. Currently, we have a 3 year old, spayed female GSD who we purchased from the breeder when she was 9 weeks old. Raven is very sweet and 'soft' in temperament ? definitely not an alpha female. With the increase in home foreclosures, loss of jobs, etc., we feel as though it would be more socially responsible to adopt a rescue dog.
My question is this: is it a myth that the best pairings are male-female rather than adopting a dog of the same sex? Everyone (rescue people, breeders, and vets alike) all have differing opinions. I would definitely NOT adopt an alpha of any sex, mainly because Raven was our 'first dog' and I believe that she has earned her ?top dog? status. However, I do want to ensure a successful of pairing as possible. At this point, I am looking at a 7 month submissive male GSD, a 6 year old submissive female GSD, and a 7 month old submissive male Anatolian/Great Pyr. Mix.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Sue in Cleveland, Ohio
Cindy's Answer:
It’s usually best to have an opposite sex pair. Female/female fights are the worst. Just because a dog is submissive at the shelter, is not a guarantee that the dog will remain that way when it feels settled in at a new home. There is a “honeymoon” period with rescue dogs, usually about a month or so. I get a lot of emails from people who adopt a dog, it behaves beautifully so they don’t establish clear leadership from day one and all of a sudden they have a lot of behavioral problems on their hands. The dogs settle in and start pushing the envelope, which is completely normal and expected dog behavior.
Whatever dog you end up with I would read and follow this article on Introducing Dogs. There are links to other helpful articles and training materials there also.
I would direct you to the search function in the upper left corner of the web site for any additional questions you may have. If you type in your key words it will guide you to articles, Q & A’s and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
Whatever dog you end up with I would read and follow this article on Introducing Dogs. There are links to other helpful articles and training materials there also.
I would direct you to the search function in the upper left corner of the web site for any additional questions you may have. If you type in your key words it will guide you to articles, Q & A’s and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
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