Second puppy?

[amstafflover1035]

Hi guys, Just wanted to ask people on their experiences with multiple dogs. I currently have an almost 6 month old amstaff who can be cheeky and disobedient (still training him to behave outside when walking past strangers and other dogs at dog parks), however my parents are now interested in buying a dog of their own. My question is what breed would be suitable to keep along with an amstaff? My amstaff is high energy but quite submissive and he is a male. I think we would like an environment where the 2 dogs will co-exist without causing a scene everyday. Thanks

[karen15]

I think you would need something to suit the personality of your dog. I haven't had amstaffs, but did have a staffy and found staffies tend to be magnets. My boy was extremely friendly and confident and would play with anything, but as soon as another staffy showed up they'd gravitate to each other and have a right good ole time my experience was they could get a bit vocal playing, which can be daunting. My boy wasn't vocal with other breeds, just staffies and bull terriers.

 

they're a robust dog, so something similar size or larger would be a good idea. My guys regular friends were German shepherd, standard schnauzer, whippet (not advisable if not supervised as they are delicate), cattle dog, kelpie, lab, boxer and bull terrier. So pretty much mid sized dogs.

 

I've now got a westie and a cocker. They are a good match size wise, the cocker is an inch or two taller, but the westie is a livewire and a nice solid little dog.

Edited May 12, 2017 by karen15

[Roova]

Are you happy your current dog actually likes dog company?  If he plays with other dogs what type of dog does he gravitate to or away from?

 

Will they be living together or visiting each other daily? If they'll be living together the only thing I would suggest is the first year especially it's best to focus on the individual dogs needs separately.  You don't want them becoming too reliant on each other or totally focused on each other. So individual walks and training sessions etc.   Make sure they can handle being apart for extended periods of time as you never know when you may have to take one to the vet or boarding kennel etc.

 

Will you be expected to train your parents pup too?  Two young animals needing decent individual attention can be a lot of work.  Its nice having two dogs who get along and give each other company though

[amstafflover1035]

Quote

7 hours ago, Roova said:

Are you happy your current dog actually likes dog company?  If he plays with other dogs what type of dog does he gravitate to or away from?

 

Will they be living together or visiting each other daily? If they'll be living together the only thing I would suggest is the first year especially it's best to focus on the individual dogs needs separately.  You don't want them becoming too reliant on each other or totally focused on each other. So individual walks and training sessions etc.   Make sure they can handle being apart for extended periods of time as you never know when you may have to take one to the vet or boarding kennel etc.

 

Will you be expected to train your parents pup too?  Two young animals needing decent individual attention can be a lot of work.  Its nice having two dogs who get along and give each other company though

 

 

 

My pup plays well with some dogs at the dog park but he gets attacked by a lot of dogs for no reason that i can see, esp with the smaller ones (hes been bitten at the dog park by another smaller dog and drew blood). My pup usually approaches other dogs and tries to lick their mouths or go for a sniff and majority of dogs get really pissed off at him i dont know why. If he does get along with a dog they wrestle brutally to the point where i think its a fight but the more experienced people at the park say they are playing, and he hasnt yelped or been hurt yet so i dont think he is not enjoying himself (ive seen him wrestle crazily with a husky, to the point where they look like they are viciously attacking each other, then my dog pees and the husky waits till my dog is finished and they carry on again). i dont want that sort of behaviour though, id rather my pup be more gentle and calm with another pup. they will be living together at least for a few years. He is 6 months and not desexed, would gender be a huge issue? and how old of a dog should i get? as in a pup or from a rescue?

 

i would hope that my parents train their dog but honestly, i can see myself having to train the dog. their looking into german shepherds and rottweilers, im not an expert on either breeds so i dont really know what im in for.

[Animal House]

I'd advise your parents not to get a dog unless they are the ones training and looking after it. 

 

  Especially another puppy, two can be twice the trouble, and it looks like you have enough to do with your dog.     I'd (IMHO) wait until your dog is older, probably around 2 yrs old until introducing another dog.

[persephone]

I think a 'teenage' puppy  and a new pup is not a wise option. 
Unless you are all experienced in training /managing multiple dogs , there could be problems .
Extra barking
Increased playing with /chewing  non-toy items .
Two dogs to walk once or twice or three times a day 
Sorting out their 'pack' the two may scuffle a lot .
Dogs who bond strongly together , cos they are each other's company most of the time , may be inclined to pay more attention  to their friend instead of their humans.

1 hour ago, amstafflover1035 said:

would hope that my parents train their dog but honestly, i can see myself having to train the dog. their looking into german shepherds and rottweilers, im not an expert on either breeds so i dont really know what im in for.

 

In that case .. with that combination of powerful dogs  I would advise caution. 
Do as much research on their chosen breed as you can .
Talk to people with either breed.
when you take your pup to obedience , talk to folks who have their GSD or Rottie , or Amstaff !!
DO NOT BE IN A RUSH !!

 

[RuralPug]

I would say that your parents are entitled to a dog of their own (especially since they are more than likely your landlords!) but you and your parents are best to put a possible separation scheme into place well before the second puppy arrives. I would suggest a run or fenced off area of the yard, with shelter etc., where one dog can be put while you are working with the other. As soon as the puppy is old enough, this might be an excellent time out area also.

They may become the best of mates, but because of the difference in age at this stage, they are best only together when actively supervised until they are both adults.

Edited to add; your boy hasn't learned how to properly approach other dogs because he is not backing off if they don't wan't to play - this is causing the attacks on him that you have mentioned. If I were you, I would be seeking a good behaviorist in your area who can teach you how to overcome this in him because it could end in a tragedy.

Edited May 13, 2017 by RuralPug

[Snoopy21]

Yes - most other dogs do not like to have an enthusiastic pup getting in their face and licking. They will tell him off for that. If he doesn't heed their warning, they may very well bite. 

[amstafflover1035]

Quote

2 hours ago, Snoopy21 said:

Yes - most other dogs do not like to have an enthusiastic pup getting in their face and licking. They will tell him off for that. If he doesn't heed their warning, they may very well bite. 

 

 

 

Any advice on teaching my pup how to not do that? should i just leave him to get told off by the older dogs?

[persephone]

Any advice on teaching my pup how to not do that? should i just leave him to get told off by the older dogs?


It is something pups learn from their Mum and littermates when they are very small.

Sometimes, if pups are removed from Mum too early , they miss this bit .
Like humans, dogs are all different, and some never really 'get' the good manners bit.

This might help explain it for you . 

http://blog.k9pro.com.au/socialise-now-play-later/

 

[Purdie]

You have lots of very good advise here to digest.

Two young dogs can be a lot of work so consider how much time you and your parents have in the day to train  dogs;and training is an everyday thing you need to have a good routine so the dogs know what to expect in the day;set meal times ,play time,quiet time,and time apart for one on one attention and learning to focus on people and not mostly the other dog.

If you will be the one left to train and manage both dogs most of the time then i would consider a rescue dog that is past the young pup stage and has had at least some basic training and likes to interact with other dogs.

You could look at breeders who are re homing a dog or there are many dogs on Pet Rescue.

Look for one that is calm and responds well to people and is easier to train.

A Labrador   may be a good choice with your Am staff as far as matching size and  robust play.

Also most  Labradors love people and like to please so training them can be very rewarding.

Get a female for sure.