We're thinking about adding a second dog to our family pack. The one we have now is great, but gets very lonely when we leave (which will happen more in the school year); we think another dog that meshes well with him will do everyone a lot of good.

As for the existing dog himself, he's a black lab/great dane mix, so he's quite large. He's very gentle, but doesn't know his own strength and is a bit of a clutz. He would settle to be the submissive one if a more dominant dog lived here. He's definitely not a lazy couch potato, but he gets his hour-long walk a day, so he doesn't have excess energy. I have no problem walking another dog for that amount of time. He's just very goofy and silly with his family (though a little untrusting of strangers), and we would like another dog that acts that way, because entertainment is hard to come by

My only definite criteria is that we don't want a little dog (little being 20 lbs. and under), and we would prefer to get a dog from a shelter/humane society rather than from a breeder if possible. For the curious, our HS's website is here: http://www.giveshelter.org

So, any recommendations? I know the decision is ultimately up to our family, but anyone with more experience with different types of dogs is helpful.

EDIT: Oh, I forgot, he gets very worked up when another dog gets near his bones or his toys when he's chewing on them. I don't know how much bearing this has, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Edited by Ashley Hiebing (08/27/2007 07:37 PM)
Edit reason: add

May sound harsh. But your dog sounds like he has some separation anxiety. Take care of that problem before getting another dog. My neighbor has a dog that has separation anxiety, so she went out and got another dog to keep it company. Now she has one dog that howls and barks all day when she leaves the house and another dog that is learning the same behavior. Also, you'll want to work on the possesiveness issue before getting another dog. You don't want any sort of serious problem to arise if you're getting another dog.

Find a good dog behaviorist to work with you and they will help you fix your existing dog's problems and will work with you to find a compatible dog.

Sorry Ashley, but I agree with Steve. Most members here won't agree adding a second dog, to be your dog's buddy. If that dog has problems of it's own, it's going to be a real headache. If your dog has issues right now and isn't the best at obedience, once you add another dog and let them hang out, they both will get real "doggy" and not listen to you. Dogs bond with each other more than with people unless they are constantly separated or monitered while together.

Oh yeah, I'm definitely going to sort the issues out before we introduce another dog, no question. He's the worst when my mom leaves for work in the morning, so I'm helping her make things better (you know, having her not make such a big deal about leaving because it just makes him more stressed out). I think the biggest problem is just teaching my family about pack drive. They don't understand things like when I insist on having the dog walk next to or behind me instead of in front of me, because they're still humanizing our pets. So at this point and time I'm more concerned about training my parents than my dog =P

Lol! That's where I would start too! I'll be the 1st to admit, (pre-Leerburg) I was looking for another Boxer, while my dog was about 6 mos or so! Big mistake! I had an app with the Boxer rescue and for some reason or another fell through the cracks twice and missed out on 2 dogs. THANK GOD!!! Now, I see I was committing a big mistake and am very lucky I DID slip through the cracks. I will probably get another dog next year or so, but my dog and I now have a great bond and she listens to my commands. I'm sure we will regress a bit with the other dog, but I will have a better idea of how to handle it.

Ashley,

Oh yeah! I totally understand how you feel about your parents. I have the same issues with my parents and sisters on that too!

All of our holiday dinner, I asked my mom nicely not to let any dogs in the dining room while guests are eating. I think it is very rude for dogs to put their heads on guests lap or try to beg for food. I don't think any guests appericate that behavior either, but my younger sister thought I was being cruel. She thought it was cute when dogs were trying to get her attention with clawing or nugging. When we are getting ready to eat dinner, I gave my dogs the "away" command. They know what it means, I want my space. They don't go anywhere near the dining table. They usually go find something else to do like watching out in the window, taking a nap, or laying down.

They don't dare to come in the dining room. I am profoundly deaf so sometimes my sister plays a harsh trick on me. She would call the dogs back in the room, but I always kick them out. Sometimes she and I get into heat agruement over that. She wants them in the dining room,I want them out the dining room. My mom doesn't have much say about it because she is not sure who she needs to listen to.