I have 4 month old Miniature Schnauzer who I adore. He's going through his growing stages, however all in all he's a wonderful companion. He's not alone a lot; however, he seems more comfortable with humans than other dogs. He's not aggressive; in fact his response to other dogs varies from discomfort to protective confrontation. I pay close attention to his reactions and want to leverage his comfort zone with the socialization process. So I'm considering getting a second puppy before he turns 6 or 7 months old. I would like to purchase from the same breeder (different litter) because of the temperment she seems to breed in her dogs. What advise, experience or suggestions do others have with one versus two puppies?
Thanks!
One Puppy or two
My 2 four year olds have 2 months between them both rescues and I didn't intend to get a second puppy when I did but she arrived at 11 weeks old for a week fostering (I was her 5th home how could I send her away?!) Anyway I found having 2 pups great there is more work involved with all means of training but it was also less work in as much as they wore each other out in the house in those mad puppy playtimes when I had household chores to get on with and needed some free time. Plus the companionship between them is beautiful but not at the expense of my relationship with them.
However having 2 dogs does not mean they will socialise well with others and I would not advise getting a second puppy with that expectation. I did socialise them well but the foster dog is very anxious and does display nervous aggression which with the wonderful Click to Calm by Emma Parsons has lessened considerably and we are able to be in classes in close proximity to other dogs now with carrying out behaviours I ask her and she has excelled beyond my wildest expectations
On the downside there is the fact that they will be old together with the care that that involves and not forgetting the loss of both may come close together as well. Having said that the wonderful enjoyment I have had with them will be worth all that when the sad days finally come and I wouldn't change it for the world.
One puppy or two
I think your time and money would be better spent on doggy day care a couple of times a week, or arranging for socializing with many other types of dogs. Your puppy will no doubt bond with a new puppy, but that is no guarantee he will be social with other dogs.
A very non-training related
A very non-training related thing to think about is that it can be -very- hard to have two senior dogs at the same time.
A good class would be a great thing to do with your puppy!
Training is the solution...
... while it's nice having two dogs it's important to realise that a second dog in your home won't help your first dog to become any more comfortable with other dogs. Any benefit is minimal. I know a lot of reactive dogs and dogs who lack confidence who come from homes with more than one dog.
At this age, training and socialisation are the answer so I would try to find a nice clicker training class with an experienced instructor ASAP if you haven't already.
Not all socialisation is good socialisation, it's important that any socialisation is with friendly and well adjusted dogs.
Regards,
Aidan
http://www.PositivePetzine.com
Hi
While I am all for having more than one dog, I would suggest that in my experience it is generally a good idea to have a little more of an agedifference...two years seems to work well. Also I am not completely comfortable with the idea of getting another dog to help solve problems in the dog you have. The new dog might also have issues, and you will have two things on your hands.
Also he might get very friendly with the new dog, but still be uncomfortable with all other dogs he meet.
I would personally prefer to find a good positive puppy class and/or a few nice friendly adult dogs to let him meet and play with other dogs in a safe enviroment.
You might also find the book "click to calm" helpful.
Christina