Hi there

I am new to the forum and would appreciate advice.

My girlfriend and I live about 30 miles apart, but spend alot of time together at each others houses.

I am in the process of adopting a rescue dog. He's 2 years old and ultra calm laid back. He's crate trained, house trained, great in the car and very good with all dogs according to his foster parents. I've played with him, walked him and that is backed up. No aggression to people or anything.

He will be my first shepherd. I've had large dogs for many years.

I've purchased several Ed videos (awesome) and listened to the podcasts.

My girlfriend is now thinking of getting a puppy Shepherd. She will get a crate - so we will have 2.

Here's the dilemma. She's worried about interaction between the puppy and my dog. I've basically said that there will be NO non supervised interplay and anything that does happen will be on leash with both of us present.

There may be benefits for the puppy having another dog about.

There will certainly not be a case of my dog "bringing up" her dog.

Can anyone advise us here. Things we should do, things we should no do, etc.

Thanks for your help. I really do appreciate it.
Rob

Kudos to you for adopting a rescue. My recommendation would be to learn a lot more about your new dog before even considering adding a new pup to the mix... As with humans, you don't really know someone until you live with them full-time, 24/7, and the same is true with dogs. I personally would want several months to get to know the new dog, build a bond with him, begin training, etc... before adding a new puppy to the mix. Puppies require sooo much time and attention, and this is going to be time away from building a solid relationship with the new guy. JMHO. Good luck with your new dog! Pics when you get them! (BTW - there are numerous articles on this site about adding a new dog to the pack and introducing pups to older dogs - they will be helpful if and when you decide to do so.)

Because dogs are so social, it is very appealing to get them together, and we tend to do so too soon and under less than ideal circumstances. For the pup, the ideal is very little, if no interaction with your dog, and then only under strict management until they are both "mature." For your two-year-old, basically same thing. You want all good things to come through you for a long enough time that she is convinced that the sun rises and sets when you allow it.

Folks often raise "pet" dogs and smaller dogs together. The costs, unfortunately, of raising working dogs together and losing that critical human imprinting time are too high.

Good luck!

Barbara

Thanks so much for the reply. I really appreciate it.

To explain our situation. We do not live together and will crate both dogs. The puppy would live 30 miles away and visit.

Can you show me a link about pups and two year olds (still just a pup)

The question is whether this is doable if we keep them apart or only let them see each other when they are on a leash and under our control?

I'm prepared to buy a new car to also carry two crates if that is necessary.

BTW - I work at home and will be with my guy 24/7

Rob

Rob

Thanks for your reply. Again, i genuinely appreciate you taking the time.

I am in in this dilemma because I have found a rescue and am in the process of making a final decision on an awesome dog.

My girlfriend is looking at a puppy and we are trying to do the right thing.

We both intend to crate the dogs, we are both avidly watching Ed Frawley's videos and both passionate about trying to make the right choices.

So - if we moved forwards and crate the dogs and 100% manage interactions, is this doable?

I'm more worried for the pup than my dog. But ultimately we all want to be good to all dogs!

Any thoughts?
Rob

http://leerburg.com/multidogdirectory.htm

This link should get you to several articles.

Barbara, many thanks for the link and taking the time to follow up. I genuinely appreciate it. We are trying to do the right thing.

I have read through the links and nearly all of the discussion is about buying and raising two puppies together or adding 4 and 6 month pups into the same home.

My dog will be a 2 year old neutered male and live with me. He will have a crate here and spend half of each week alone with me.

My girlfriends dog will be a female puppy and live wit her. She will have a crate and spend half of each week alone with me.

We don't live together and the dogs won't be together all the time. Our plan is to keep them crated or on leash and NOT to let them run round together.

I am still wondering if my girlfriend and I are heading for serious issues of if this doable.

Rob

Barbara
The photo of your dog is gorgeous! It just makes me smile :-)
Rob

Hey Robert, I can't see where you are heading for any problems. Introduce them in a neutral place and follow your plan, I think you most likely will be fine. There may always be a chance of two dogs not getting along, but a male & female with you and your girlfriend in charge. I wouldnt be worried.

Steve

Yeah, her potential puppy is now 6 weeks old at the breeder and I'm on the edge of a rescue. We're trying not to make a mistake we'll regret.

This is good news indeed.

We've listened to every podcast, purchased 3 videos (pack structure, 8wks to 8months and basic Obedience), read the e books and are now at that crucial moment. We have both purchased crates XL Petmate Vari Kennel Ultras and will this week be buying dog supplies.

Thanks for taking the time.
Rob