Adding another dog

[rustlin02]

I would like to get a companion for my dog, to keep him company when I can't be with him. He's always been good with other dogs when I take him on walks, but I don't know that when another dog is actually sharing his yard, eating his food, drinking from his water bowl, sharing his toys, etc. if he's going to be ok with it or not.

I don't want to get a young puppy because he's almost 2 and I think a puppy would only annoy him. I would prefer to adopt from a shelter, but here's the problem.

If I adopt a dog and a few days later I realize that it's simply not going to work out, what do I do? The shelter in my area does not have a trial period for dogs, and they can't tell you much about the temperaments of the dogs that are there.

It's not the adoption fee that I'm worried about, it's the simple fact that I don't think I could return a dog to a shelter. This particular shelter is high kill, so how could I do that to a dog? But, if it doesn't work out with my dog then I'm in hot water.

I also considered a breeder, but breeders usually only sell puppies, and good breeders charge a considerable price for their puppies, more than I could afford. Plus, it would be completely foolish to tell a breeder that you needed to keep the puppy for a few days to see if it worked out before you made your decision. I also feel like I would be saving a life by adopting from a shelter.

Has anyone ever had this problem before?

[BabyRider]

What kind of dog do you have now, Rustlin? Is your only reason for not wanting a puppy that you think your dog will be annoyed by it? Does your dog have any dominance issues?

[john8pies]

At our (fairly) local RSPCA centre, you can actually "walk" stray and unwanted dogs for an afternoon (and I expect similar animal charities have similar sorts of schemes). Why not see if you and somebody else can walk a `stray` WITH your own dog to see how it works out? Then if you do it a few times and you all like each other, see if you can `adopt ` it? Just a suggestion. Good luck!

[minks]

Your dog is of the right age for a pal. Get another dog that is same age or younger and I bet your pup will be fine. At 2 they are still young and full of energy, yet not old and set in their ways. I would suggest the SPCA as they can give you a good indication on what their foundlings are about. And dogs are resiliant and a buddy is a great idea. Your dog may show jealousy on and off but likely will love a new friend in the end. We got our 2 year old a pal just before Xmas last year, .... a kitten and he loves the little hellion.

[pink princess]

i would have thought that a puppy would be fine.....

but then i dont know your dog, can you give us some more clues on his temperament...

[valerie]

John8pies has a great idea.


Or, how about fostering? Figure out the breed you would like to have
and you might be able to foster, and keep the dog when it works out!
(I'm being positive here!) There are rescue groups for many of the breeds
and they are, in my experience, very understanding. They also might
have evaluators to talk to you about YOUR dog. Tell you have the two
dogs meet (neutral ground) and what to do to make it work.

One last thing, get a female to go with your male, SPAYED, of course!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

[Peg]

My dog was almost 13 years old when my son brought home a puppy. It put some life back into her. She's now 14 and the two chase each other through the house, play tug of war, etc. I am not a puppy person, I would have preferred a dog around 1 or 2, but they get along great! Of course, she is a fantastic puppy. She thinks she is the kittens' mother.