A New Dog To Companion The First

[giraffez]

My dog is 1.5years old and he is seeking attention by taking things he knows he is not allowed to and showing it to you so you will chase him. I've always been wanting to get a second dog so he has company - I think he is a bit bored during the day when we are at work.

Would getting a second one reduce the attention seeking?

My other concern is he hasn't been around many dogs so he is nervous around them. He would make the pouncing gesture when greeting a new dog. I am worried if I bring another home, he may not get along with them.

[becks]

What do you do to enrich the life of the dog you have now? Minis are clever and like companionship (a reason i never home them to people who work all day).

if you don't do enough to keep him exercised in body and mind and then get a 2nd dog, you could just end up with 2 dogs who are great mates and want little to do with you.

[Sandra777]

if you don't do enough to keep him exercised in body and mind and then get a 2nd dog, you could just end up with 2 dogs who are great mates and want little to do with you.

Or two dogs which are both intent on destroying everything in the back yard. Twice the number of dogs equals about ten times the destruction

[megan_]

There have been many threads about getting a second dog to keep #1 happy, when #1 has some "issues". The general advice is to get the behaviours you want from #1 and then introduce #2. Why? Because #2 will learn a lot of #1.

I also have minis and they sometimes steal my asthma pump (which I need!) to get an "exchange for num num (food)". Little buggers have trained me well!

As becks has said, minis are smart and active and need to keep their minds occupied. I guess I disagree about the working bit, because I work full-time and mine seem to be happy, well adjusted little dogs. My girl has issues because she is a rescue (ex-puppy farm breeding bitch) but I don't think that this is related to my work. You do need to put in extra effort if you are away from home 8+ hours though.

Here are some things that you could try:

* If you don't already, take them for a walk before and after work. These don't need to be long, as they are more about mental exercise than physical exercise. Throw ina bit of training (old and new) during your walks. This may also help address some of #1's fear issues as you'll see some (hopefully onleash) dogs during your walk. Our morning walk is only 15 mins but it is enough to keep mine happy.We have two walks a day no matter what.

* Don't take them on the same walk everyday - their little minds will get numb very quickly. On weekends, I take mine to the beach (their favourite), the Botanical Gardens, St Kilda peir etc. Try and find places where there is a lot to explore (my pure mini definitely picks exploring over free running).

* Try a bit of free shaping using the clicker. This is great for keeping their minds occupied and learning how to problem solve. You can do this indoors so it is great in winter and sessions can be kept very short. We do about 5 mins (max) every day or two. Mine get very excited when they see the clicker.

* Play some games on your terms. You can get the Crate Games DVD. I also play "hide and seek" and "peak a boo" with mine.

* Try some dog sports just for fun - you don't need to be any good at it to get a lot of enjoyment from it. We are trying agility for the first time this weekend. My girl does obedience as well and she loves it. This has also helped build her confidence.

* I give mine lots of puzzle toys. They love the Nina Ottossan stuff (only used under supervision) and the kyjen puzzle range (which I leave out when I'm not at home, but they prefer to use it and play it with me).

* I use a dog walker for my boy (who is great with other dogs and has a great recall). I started this when he was a single dog, but have continued it when I got # 2 (who has "issues" and can't go with the dog walker). Given the other things we do, however, I'm sure he'd cope if we dropped this.

Edited July 16, 2010 by megan_

[giraffez]

What do you do to enrich the life of the dog you have now? Minis are clever and like companionship (a reason i never home them to people who work all day).

My grandparents are with him at home during the day but as they are elderly, they are not as active. I also disagree about not homing them people who work all day. He has a blast with us when we all return from work and on weekends. He is basically the centre of attention for everything. They definitely love being around people but also do well when alone - I'm pretty sure he sleeps all day if we are out and never in any trouble when he is home alone (such a good boy) ... only when we are home - then the trouble starts :D

if you don't do enough to keep him exercised in body and mind and then get a 2nd dog, you could just end up with 2 dogs who are great mates and want little to do with you.

I don't think that will be a problem, more concerned that they won't get along

There have been many threads about getting a second dog to keep #1 happy, when #1 has some "issues". The general advice is to get the behaviours you want from #1 and then introduce #2. Why? Because #2 will learn a lot of #1.

Here are some things that you could try:

haha with the ashma pump

It more boredom then anything and attention seeking, I'm planning to get the second one to address the boredom issue so quite hard to actually address the issue first if you know what i mean. We take it for walks and have a big yard for it to run around. He runs around to play fetch everyday. We practice tricks everyday which is quite stimulating.

[megan_]

Do you find he self exercises in the yard? Mine don't. Aslo, plain old "running around the yard" doesn't do much for the brain.

does he get many walks outside the property? Ie is he seeing and sniffing new things every day?

I have two mini schnauzers (one is an oodle cross (!)) and they only play with each other a little bit. They are much more human focused than dog focused, so I don't think that getting one will necessarily solve that problem.

[poodlefan]

Yes you need to worry.

As has already been highlighted, getting another dog may not "improve" the one you have. You may end up with twice the issues in two dogs!

Just out of interest, how often and for how long every week does your dog leave your home?

Edited July 16, 2010 by poodlefan

[percyk]

lol im not sure that dogs 'know' theyre not supposed to take stuff they shouldnt...they act guilty but thats only cos youve chastised ...i dont think they can work out what is precious and what isnt...if taking it gets you to do something that fills the dog's needs then they learn it is rewarding and will repeat

so dont chase...take it away and make it pretty low key

put everything away...everything you think the dog might grab

now about the second dog

we have had multiples most of my life

i have only ever had one dog that was more bonded to a dog than to me

she was an aussie terrier bitch that was purchased at 6weeks ( didnt know better back in my 20s lol) from a petshop and she loved the gsd more than anyone

everyone else has been bonded to members of the family...mostly to me...as the primary care giver

so i wouldnt be worried about the two dogs not being devoted to you just cos theyve got each other

buy another dog...but be aware it may not work...get one of the opposite sex if youre planning to stick to two and ask the breeder for a pup that isnt dominant...

[W Sibs]

My dog is 1.5years old and he is seeking attention by taking things he knows he is not allowed to and showing it to you so you will chase him. I've always been wanting to get a second dog so he has company - I think he is a bit bored during the day when we are at work.

Would getting a second one reduce the attention seeking?

My other concern is he hasn't been around many dogs so he is nervous around them. He would make the pouncing gesture when greeting a new dog. I am worried if I bring another home, he may not get along with them.

Charlie is a mama's boy. Before and after we got Emmy. As much as he loves his little sister, he will follow me more. But, he is much more happier having Emmy around though. Sometimes dogs just wants to play with dogs (there is no chance in hell would i play bitey face with Charlie :D ) and do doggie stuff together (like exploring in the backyard together, study bugs together, gang up together to try catch a bird etc)

I was never worried if Charlie will like the puppy because I knew he would. He loves puppies, so he accepted Emmy straight away and Emmy loved Charlie at sight. I'm always going to have a 2 dog household.

Before getting a second dog.. you have to ask yourself, will you be able to give 2 dogs equal attention and fulfill their individual needs? Are you fulfilling your currents dog needs now?

[silverdog]

You should get a second dog because YOU want a second dog and are ready for a second dog. Not as a playmate for the first dog.

Sure, it may work out that they keep each other entertained. But, it might not.

Ask yourself this question... If you get a second dog and it doesn't address the issues you are having with dog #1.. how will you then feel about dog #2? Don't forget that dog #2 may have a whole set of issues on his own. What then?

[Dogsfevr]

I think you need to understand one thing,Minis are people dogs,they like attention BUT its up to you to train when its appropriate & when it isn't.

We have 15 minis & all seek attention in varying levels some more so than others,we are home all day & have a property.

The breed loves to people please ,they love there human time but there is a time & place for every thing & they are taught independence & ability to enjoy there time without us.

My dog is 1.5years old and he is seeking attention by taking things he knows he is not allowed to and showing it to you so you will chase him

This sounds like a game that you have created & accepted.If you are chasing then you have set the rules of it being acceptable.

It is obviously happening often for it to be an issue so you need to address the items being taken & place them away & not make it into a game.

Dogs are like toddler,s they dont now what is right or wrong they just understand the reward/response,your response chase & that is the reward.Its fun .

.. only when we are home - then the trouble starts biggrin.gif

Then you need to address your leadership skills & respect.

Our dogs are very precious to us & enjoy all aspects of being house dogs BUT they are dogs,ours never do what yours are doing .

If you read some of your recent topics it seems either you misunderstanding what your dog wants or this dog is ruling the house & your not setting any boundaries,either way i wouldn't bring another pup into the equation until you have sorted out the issues that you are having now

[giraffez]

I've always had two dogs at the same time growing up until they both passed away due to old age so I've always had the mentality that 2 is always better than one. The same mentality i hold about children as well.

Just to be clear, I'm not getting a second dog to "quick fix" the issue (although if it worked it is a bonus!), it was always my intention when i brought the first dog to get a second one when he is a bit older - I always thought it is good for him to have company that can speak the "woof woof" language :D. So i thought while he seems to be bored, this may be the best time to introduce the second one.

You should get a second dog because YOU want a second dog and are ready for a second dog. Not as a playmate for the first dog.

In regards to whether I want a 2nd dog - absolutely. Am i ready for a second dog - yes. But i don't agree to the fact i should not be getting the second dog because i want a playmate for my first. To me, I think the playmate reason is one of the top reasons why i want to get another one. I honestly think (and this from past experience) that a second dog will make the first one alot happier - and this is assuming they will get along.

Edited July 16, 2010 by giraffez

[schnauzer]

Hi Giraffez

As long as your current dog is getting plenty of mental stimulation, being exercised on a daily basis with long walks/play time. he should not be attention seeking.

As Showdog and Megan have both stated they are very people/family focused dogs and a true "companion" dog. Not sure what you mean about "trouble" when you are at home? If this is just that he wants your focus on him after you have been gone for a long period, to me that would be a normal reaction, to greet you with excitement etc. He is still only a young dog and will settle more as he ages and your training progresses.

Two minis are double the fun and pleasure, but can also be double trouble if bored.

[giraffez]

This sounds like a game that you have created & accepted.If you are chasing then you have set the rules of it being acceptable.

It is obviously happening often for it to be an issue so you need to address the items being taken & place them away & not make it into a game.

You are absolutely right. This is my fault, my little boy thinks its a chasing game. Now, even if don't give him any expression or act if i don't care, he will parade the object in front of me. He will hang on to the object till he finds something else.

As Showdog and Megan have both stated they are very people/family focused dogs and a true "companion" dog. Not sure what you mean about "trouble" when you are at home?

haha I've exergerated "trouble". He is a actually very sweet boy, but just more naughty when we are around (eg. chews up our slippers).

[schnauzer]

I love having two (or three) and wouldn't hesitate to get another if I had one dog. The only downside IMO is double the vet bills.

Chewing slippers etc is normal puppy behaviour/game -take them off him and give him a chew toy and put them somewhere he can't find them.