[Chris / Oakley]

Well, about a month ago I started a thread where I was looking at getting a second puppy from the pound. Now, I've realized that 2 puppies would be just way too much work, but for the past month I find myself continually looking back at one particular rescue dog.

He's a 2 1/2 year old Shepherd/Mastiff Mix, weighing about 75lbs with an energy level rated at 'med'. His name is Raymond.

Now, the reasons I'm wanting to get a second dog are many, some of the reasons do include getting a buddy for Oakley, as the cats, although getting better still don't cut it. I have heard that male/male partners aren't as bad as female/female, but still aren't recommended. The shelter he is at is a local home run operation of a big-hearted guy, that as far as I can tell from his videos works very heavily with the dogs, so he should (will confirm before I do anything, of course) be trained.

So, I'm thinking he may also prove to be a good mentor to Oakley? Or am I just as crazy as I was a month ago?

 

[wvasko]

Well, about a month ago I started a thread where I was looking at getting a second puppy from the pound. Now, I've realized that 2 puppies would be just way too much work, but for the past month I find myself continually looking back at one particular rescue dog.

He's a 2 1/2 year old Shepherd/Mastiff Mix, weighing about 75lbs with an energy level rated at 'med'. His name is Raymond.

Now, the reasons I'm wanting to get a second dog are many, some of the reasons do include getting a buddy for Oakley, as the cats, although getting better still don't cut it. I have heard that male/male partners aren't as bad as female/female, but still aren't recommended. The shelter he is at is a local home run operation of a big-hearted guy, that as far as I can tell from his videos works very heavily with the dogs, so he should (will confirm before I do anything, of course) be trained.

So, I'm thinking he may also prove to be a good mentor to Oakley? Or am I just as crazy as I was a month ago?

I don't know who rates the energy level but I hope they rated the level with Oakley involved in the equation. I would not ever call you crazy for wanting another dog. You have been warned about possible problems it's your decision to make.

 

[Chris / Oakley]

I don't know who rates the energy level but I hope they rated the level with Oakley involved in the equation. I would not ever call you crazy for wanting another dog. You have been warned about possible problems it's your decision to make.

While he's working with them he takes an evaluation of how energetic the dog is... and he adds it in, just as an observation... i guess to let people know before they even call him that the dog is a high energy dog or not. I mean, I found it useful while looking at the pics, cause I don't want a crazy, high-strung dog.. as my guy has a lower energy, but with high stamina. I know I have no idea what his rating of med or high is... but you know that of the dogs he's listed a med dog should have a lower energy need/output then that of one he has labeled as high.

 

[rosemaryninja]

How old is Oakley?

 

[Chris / Oakley]

He's a young guy, about 6 1/2 - 7 months... and is about half way though his first obedience course. (Doing great, top of his class so far, I might add. ) I know he's young, and I found some great literature on this exact thought...

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-dog-second-dog.htm

http://www.petbehaviourcentre.com/us/us_articles/us_second.htm

http://www.lucythewonderdog.com/two-dogs.htm

In reading all those, I am a little apprehensive about it now, as I would feel terrible if the whole thing ended up being a negative instead of a positive for Oakley. I have definitely decided against getting a puppy as a second dog, as puppy's, although an amazingly fun experience they require a lot of time and patience. Which again adds to the amount of joy and bonding, even though I missed out on 2 1/2 months of that with Oakley, I think it was for the best. In considering the new dog, Raymond... (being an older dog, with some training already complete) I dunno, I guess I just think he's a great dog, that deserves a great home that I would love to provide. However, being that he is an unknown to me and I have had no bonding time him, I do not want to sacrifice Oakley's quality of life for this new guy. I mean, don't get me wrong, if I did commit to getting a second dog, I would give him as much love and affection as I do Oakley and would split my time with them as equally as possible, without disrupting whichever hierarchy they decide upon.

 

[rosemaryninja]

I don't think you're crazy for wanting another dog, and I don't recall labeling you crazy when you wondered about getting a second dog the first time. I still think Oakley is a little young; I would wait for him to hit a year. However, it's not by any means impossible. People out there have raised littermates on top of a full-time job... so depending on your lifestyle, I think you could make it work if you tried hard enough to.

I wouldn't place too many bets on the new dog being a mentor for Oakley, though. Do you know anything about his training level?

 

[Chris / Oakley]

I don't think you're crazy for wanting another dog, and I don't recall labeling you crazy when you wondered about getting a second dog the first time. I still think Oakley is a little young; I would wait for him to hit a year. However, it's not by any means impossible. People out there have raised littermates on top of a full-time job... so depending on your lifestyle, I think you could make it work if you tried hard enough to.

I wouldn't place too many bets on the new dog being a mentor for Oakley, though. Do you know anything about his training level?

lol, I never said you called me crazy... it's me labeling myself. Currently my SO is a homebody until she finds more work or goes back to school. As for the new dog's training level, I do not know for sure, I have made a point not to make any inquiries until I know I'm up for it. As I don't want to give false hope to the rescue, or get myself so involved in the dog that I have no other recourse but to adopt. But, before I decided for sure that I am getting this other dog, I would be asking many, many questions... meet the dog, take him out for a couple outtings, evaluate his personality. Then, arrange a meeting or two with my guy and even after all that do a trial run in home before agreeing to the adoption. I have my gf's cats to contend with as well, but from the videos, it looks like the dogs in the rescue live with a cat or two. Now, I know this won't confirm that this dog is okay with all cats, but it does lean things in a more positive light.

Yea, I do hear you when you say that Oakley would be better off at a year, but I'm not sure as to why? What would be different about him in the next 4 1/2 to 5 months? Is it that I won't know his true personality until then? Or is it more about him bonding with me before adding another dog? The other question is... wouldn't the risk of anxiety be lower with the addition of a second dog while he is a pup be lower? As long as the new dog is stable of course.

 

[Trixie]

Well, yes, lots changes from 7-8 months to a year. The dog will regress a bit on training, go through a really bratty stage, fully mature, and just in general things change.

Like children, dogs go through development stages where some are easier, some are harder, and while their "personality" won't change much, their behavior will.

I've been following your posts, and I say wait. There is nothing wrong with multiple dogs, but before you add a second dog, let your girlfriend get her life on track (at least get a steady job with a steady income, this is not judging or anything, I am currently unemployed as well), let your dog grow up a bit and settle in, and then start looking for a dog that will match your lifestyle and your dog's personality and behavior.

I think it is very, very tempting to want dog #2 quickly after getting dog #1. I think it is a temptation most people need to fight.

You also might want to try to foster a dog or 2 before you commit to getting a second dog, just to get a feel for how it works for you.

 

[Chris / Oakley]

Yea, I was debating fostering... although, I don't think I could do it... giving the dog up would be just too hard.

 

[bfoster]

You obviously have room in your heart and your life for another dog.
You have been thinking about it awhile. You know the work it involves.
Raymond looks like a pretty cool dog and is probably at a good age to be with Oakley. The only thing I would worry about is if neither one were neutered you might have a problem with raging hormones- marking, etc.
I say go for it but I have four dogs--the last two I didn't need but one was a rescue and the other one I just wanted. I knew I would take the time to train them properly and care for them and I have never regretted it for a minute.
I hope you get Raymond.

 

[rosemaryninja]

bfoster, Oakley is a dog.

I am surprised the rescue isn't neutering Raymond before adopting him out.

As for why I recommend waiting till a year... it's not so much about you getting to know Oakley's personality. It's more to let Oakley get through his flight instinct period first, and his second fear period, and to solidify his training a little before Raymond arrives.

 

[Chris / Oakley]

lol.. okay some clarrifications... yes, Oakley is a dog, but I think bfoster knew that, and yes, he is altered. (at 4 months! )

Oakley is also a male dog, so it would end up being a male/male mix if I were to get Raymond. As for if he's neutered or not, I am assuming he is, as he has been with the rescue for a while, and he has posted recent news about another dog that joined the rescue only recently already being scheduled to be altered. So, I'm betting he is, and irregardless, would be if I got him.

Some good news today, my gf called me only hours after posting that she was a homebody to say she got a new job, with a hefty, 26% raise over the position that she was 'downsized' from. I feel he weight already lifting off my shoulders and she doesnt start until the 20th.

The only bad news about that is, we really haven't adjusted Oakley to her not being at home over the past 2 months, she's almost always been around, and only crated from time to time... so we need to start working on that again. If I wasn't torn about getting poor Raymond before, I definetely am now. I don't think we have the time as I've also been informed from my work that I'm gonna be doing lots of travel, ranging from an upcoming short, 2 day trip to Dallas to a long 3 week one at an unknown time in Denver. I know in my heart that just isn't fair to a couple new dogs that are still adjusting, let alone the puppy we already got, he's gonna be so depressed, it's bad enough when I go to work for 8 hours, whines for the 1st hour, then mopes for the next 2, refusing to play. Odd thing is, he doesn't do this with my gf leaving with me staying behind, maybe mopes for 30 min, but will still play.

Sorry everyone, I went and did it again, started a thread, got everyones two cents and life came and thew me a curveball, albeit one we wanted. Also, sorry for jacking my own thread, lol... not sure anyone cares about my news, but I've started to get to know some of you through your posts and just thought I'd share. All I can think is poor Raymond, at least he's being treated VERY well in the rescue he's at... 3-4 trips a week to the dog park and many hikes, the guy that runs it is a great person.

 

[bfoster]

Only you know what is the right thing to do.
I think that it is great that you are considering everyone's best interests and not just your own.
I am sure whatever you decide to do it will be the right thing.
Good luck in whatever you decide

 

[wvasko]

lol.. okay some clarrifications... yes, Oakley is a dog, but I think bfoster knew that, and yes, he is altered. (at 4 months! )

Oakley is also a male dog, so it would end up being a male/male mix if I were to get Raymond. As for if he's neutered or not, I am assuming he is, as he has been with the rescue for a while, and he has posted recent news about another dog that joined the rescue only recently already being scheduled to be altered. So, I'm betting he is, and irregardless, would be if I got him.

Some good news today, my gf called me only hours after posting that she was a homebody to say she got a new job, with a hefty, 26% raise over the position that she was 'downsized' from. I feel he weight already lifting off my shoulders and she doesnt start until the 20th.

The only bad news about that is, we really haven't adjusted Oakley to her not being at home over the past 2 months, she's almost always been around, and only crated from time to time... so we need to start working on that again. If I wasn't torn about getting poor Raymond before, I definetely am now. I don't think we have the time as I've also been informed from my work that I'm gonna be doing lots of travel, ranging from an upcoming short, 2 day trip to Dallas to a long 3 week one at an unknown time in Denver. I know in my heart that just isn't fair to a couple new dogs that are still adjusting, let alone the puppy we already got, he's gonna be so depressed, it's bad enough when I go to work for 8 hours, whines for the 1st hour, then mopes for the next 2, refusing to play. Odd thing is, he doesn't do this with my gf leaving with me staying behind, maybe mopes for 30 min, but will still play.

Sorry everyone, I went and did it again, started a thread, got everyones two cents and life came and thew me a curveball, albeit one we wanted. Also, sorry for jacking my own thread, lol... not sure anyone cares about my news, but I've started to get to know some of you through your posts and just thought I'd share. All I can think is poor Raymond, at least he's being treated VERY well in the rescue he's at... 3-4 trips a week to the dog park and many hikes, the guy that runs it is a great person.

Aaaahhhhhh, but that's the kind of stuff that life throws at you. (good news on 26% raise though) There will be other dogs and you have time to get life adjusted. Right now jobs are in short supply and your priorities are in order.

 

[rosemaryninja]

lol.. okay some clarrifications... yes, Oakley is a dog, but I think bfoster knew that, and yes, he is altered. (at 4 months! )

By "dog" I meant "dog/bitch". Bfoster's original post stated that he thought Oakley was a girl.

 

[bfoster]

sorry for the confusion- by "girl" I meant bitch but wasn't sure if I could type that without getting censored--I guess since this is a dog forum its OK to say.
LOL