Should I get a 2nd GSD dog, for HIM or ME?

[Diamond.S.Ranch]

I would love all of the members to give me their opinions on getting a second GSD. I've had a German Shepherd working dog all my life (I'm 50), but only one at a time and I'm now able to afford two, but not sure if GSD's like being the only dog, or not since I've always only owned one at a time.

I have a 3 year old male who is a SAR dog and also works on my ranch clearing fields. Although he is intact his temperment is excellent and gets along fine with other dogs including the males. So do any of you have experience owning 1 dog and later experiencing 2 dogs. Do you guys think he would like a companion in life (probably another male since the new dog will also be on SAR team and work here).

I just want opinions about whether HE would like it, or is it just ME who thinks he will like it, ha! I just see how happy he seems around the other dogs and sometimes think he would like another GSD in our family (pack). I already understand the issues of double everything like vet,food,boarding,etc... and aware of possibly one would need to be neutered in the future if I am surprised at their temperments. All your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks!! )))

[Freestep]

If he likes other dogs, and especially puppies, I don't see why he wouldn't like having a little brother! If you get another male, there is the possibility they could butt heads at a certain age, but you already know that. Since your current boy is already mature and well-trained, having a puppy around won't "undo" any of his training, which is sometimes an issue with two dogs that are close in age. Just make sure that each dog gets plenty of "quality time" alone with you.

[JakodaCD OA]

well the first reason to get another one would be YOU Since your the one doing all the work, while your current one gets to experience all the good stuff.

I started getting multiples, when my first one was 5 years old, and of course they are like potatoe chips you can't have just one, so I ended up at one point with 4. 3 males and one female..two males were intact and neutered later in life, and I had no issues.

I would honestly rather have multiple males vs multiple females, altho right now I have a female aussie and female shepherd and they get along great.

Good luck, I say GO FOR IT!

[selzer]

My feelings are that you should get another dog if you want another dog. Your dog may be fine with another dog in the family, and he may love romping with another dog, and he may NOT like the new dog at all. But if you feel you want to have a pair of dogs, and have plenty of time to work the second dog into your system, that should be the reason to get a second.

Usually a dog does best with a bitch, but two dogs are normally ok together if you do not add a female into the mix, that can make things a bit crazy unless everyone is altered. Multiple females can make life interesting whether or not everyone is altered.

[vat]

I had one dog for 11 years then got a puppy, I have had 2 dogs ever since. I love watching them have dog fun together, there is nothing like dogs interacting with each other.

I know others will have an opinion but I think male/female is the best combination, less chance of fighting.

[Ruthie]

I love having two dogs and mine have liked having another dog in the house. This is my first time having two GSDs. They are both male. They play different than my other mix of dogs. Their play styles are the same. It is like they have an "understanding" that my other dogs didn't. We are only about 6 weeks in to the process, but it is going great so far.

Bison really likes having another dog around again but still likes being with me.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by vat

I know others will have an opinion but I think male/female is the best combination, less chance of fighting.

I agree, the dynamics between same-sex dogs can be a bit more challenging.

Having said that, I have always had a pair of female GSDs, but there has always been a large age gap between them. I've never had problems with my females fighting, except for once when the younger bitch was in heat--once she was spayed, the problem didn't occur again.

I think two males are generally better together than two bitches, unless a female enters the picture.

[KZoppa]

i much prefer having two at a time than one. Its helps a lot when they're able to play rough with each other instead of me lol. They also seem to teach other the good points i want them to know but with that also comes the downside of them teaching other how to get into trouble! Its really up to you. If you have the time and energy to handle two, go for it. Sounds like you're male is a well rounded happy guy. As long as he's good with other animals, especially puppies why not? I would suggest getting a female. Helps with avoiding the same sex arguing issues that sometimes pop up.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by KZoppa

i much prefer having two at a time than one. Its helps a lot when they're able to play rough with each other instead of me lol. They also seem to teach other the good points i want them to know but with that also comes the downside of them teaching other how to get into trouble!

I can't imagine raising a puppy without an older dog around. If the older dog is well trained and tuned in to you, there is so much he can teach the pup.... not to mention helping to run off puppy energy with play! It's really good for a pup to be schooled by an older dog, IMO.

I haven't had much trouble with the puppy teaching the older dog to get into mischief, but the one thing my older dog picked up from the pup is eating cardboard. When Vinca started going through her current phase of finding and tearing up anything made of paper, Luka discovered that cardboard is fun to chew up. Vinca will browse through the recycling bin and pick out plastic bottles, paper and cardboard, and now Luka will pick out cardboard too. I can't figure out the attraction, but dogs like kitty poop too, so there's no accounting for tastes.

[Mom2Shaman]

I have always done well having 2 dogs. However, mine have all been altered. When we have had one, we could see a bit of lonliness showing that we could not fill in their canine lives. With two, we felt we could leave them home alone, even if just to run for a local dinner. With one, we felt we had to leave in shifts so that the dog wouldn't be alone or to take the dog with us. They do entertain each other and keep each other company too. We have enjoyed having two.