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.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.
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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?
Thinking of a Second Dog again...
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?
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?
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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.
) 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.
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.
)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.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.
By "dog" I meant "dog/bitch". Bfoster's original post stated that he thought Oakley was a girl.lol.. okay some clarrifications... yes, Oakley is a dog, but I think bfoster knew that, and yes, he is altered. (at 4 months!
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