Thinking of getting a 2nd dog... (am I crazy?)

1526 Views 25 Replies 9 Participants Last post by nikelodeon79, Mar 21, 2009

nikelodeon79

Discussion Starter · Mar 14, 2009

So, we have a 16 week old female Akita/GSD puppy, Luna. We originally planned on getting two dogs, but decided to start with one.

Lately, I've been getting the urge to get a 2nd dog. I know most people say to wait until your puppy is 2 (or at least 18 months) before getting another one, but I found a dog that seems like he will be a good fit.

My husband and I had discussed getting a Siberian Husky before we adopted Luna. Then, we planned on getting a Sibe puppy from a reputable breeder after Luna is a bit older.

Now I stumbled upon a Sibe that some people are rehoming (he came to them as a stray, they cleaned him up, searched for the owners, and now are looking for a new home for him).

They said he is 1.5 years old, good with dogs, cats & horses, housebroken/crate trained, and knows his basic commands. If so, somebody took a lot of time with this boy...

He sounds too good to be true. I've emailed the people with questions (was there a vet exam, any health issues, is he neutered, etc.). Can anyone think of any other questions I should ask?

More importantly, am I completely crazy to think of doing this? If we decide to go ahead with this, we'll bring Luna over to meet him prior to making a final decision (he's located about 3 hours away from us)... although I'm a little leery of doing this if he hasn't had a vet exam...

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Spiritguardian3

· #21 · Mar 14, 2009

why would the dog be adverse to playing with your dog? My parent's 7 year old border collie mix and 12 year old rottie play with my one year old chessie.

what if during adolescense your pup becomes dog aggressive? Akitas often times are da, what will you do then? and make sure you find out why they are giving their dog away, a lot of people lie about their dogs when they give them away, no one wants to give away super dog

Just a caution, 1.5 year old husky might not be housebroken, aggressive towards pets and people, children, etc. Or might have physical problems, huskies are known for digestive problems. Sorry if I seem really negative but I have bad luck

I HAVE to think worst case senario lmao!

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nikelodeon79

Discussion Starter · #22 · Mar 15, 2009

Spiritguardian3 said:
why would the dog be adverse to playing with your dog? My parent's 7 year old border collie mix and 12 year old rottie play with my one year old chessie.

Some older dogs don't exactly enjoy the enthusiasm of puppies...

what if during adolescense your pup becomes dog aggressive? Akitas often times are da, what will you do then?

A very good point... Akitas are prone to DA... but the chances are lessened if you do not have two dogs of the same sex. I've found a ton of dogs I'd love to adopt but have resisted because they are female.

and make sure you find out why they are giving their dog away, a lot of people lie about their dogs when they give them away, no one wants to give away super dog Just a caution, 1.5 year old husky might not be housebroken, aggressive towards pets and people, children, etc. Or might have physical problems, huskies are known for digestive problems.

As I said in my first post, the people stated they found the dog as a stray, but cannot keep him due to their business (horse racing). They also state that he is housebroken/crate trained, friendly to dogs, cats and horses, and healthy.

Of course, it is quite possible that they are lying... and if they are they're not going to change their story simply because I ask. I'll have to meet the dog and use my best judgment.

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AshleyT

· #23 · Mar 15, 2009

I would definitely try if you're up to it. it will be good for both dogs and you'll have a lot of fun!

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nikelodeon79

Discussion Starter · #24 · Mar 20, 2009

To wrap this thread up:

We decided not to get the Husky. The main reason is that Luna depleted our emergency fund, and even if the new dog was 100% healthy, accidents happen. We want to be fully prepared.

Secondly, we think Luna needs a bit more "alone time" with us before we bring in another dog.

Third, we had made the decision to go through a reputable breeder... and were swayed by the prospect of a "free" dog posted on Craigslist. We thought about it some more and decided we would rather go through the breeder, and get the health, confirmation, and temperament of a well bred dog, not to mention the support of a good breeder.

Finally... we've done a lot of breed research and are actually thinking of going an entirely different route. We're probably going to get an Australian Shepherd.

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marsha=whitie

· #25 · Mar 21, 2009

Why a breeder? there are tons of breed-specific rescues.... Unless you're dead set on a pup. Good luck!

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nikelodeon79

Discussion Starter · #26 · Mar 21, 2009

marsha=whitie said:
Why a breeder? there are tons of breed-specific rescues.... Unless you're dead set on a pup. Good luck!

For the reasons previously mentioned:

nikelodeon79 said:
we would rather go through the breeder, and get the health, confirmation, and temperament of a well bred dog, not to mention the support of a good breeder.

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