Taking on another dog

[JoMichelle]

Hello folks

My puppy is 11 weeks old now, and I've just seen an advert advertising an 18 month old girl in need of adoption. She was beautiful and got me thinking what it would be like with 2 dogs. I would never get 2 puppies, I couldn't handle it. But I started to think that perhaps having a more mature dog might help my puppy develop socially and emotionally. As well as providing a home for the dog in need of one. And, well... I am so in love with this breed that I want as many as I can get.

Realistically though, it is just a thought. A curiosity. I won't rush ahead and offer a home to any dog unless I'm absolutely certain it will work out forever.

What are your thoughts?

[middleofnowhere]

Don't do it.

[JoMichelle]

Originally Posted by middleofnowhere

Don't do it.

Please elaborate

[Emoore]

I would wait until your pup is one year. With any adult dog, you don't know what kind of issues might pop up, and your puppy's first year really needs to be about HIM-- his health, his training, his socialization, etc. Once you've got him pretty much where you want him, it's time to start thinking about adding an older adult. I think adding an older dog when you already have a young one is a great idea!

[DJEtzel]

I think it is a terrible idea and would never fathom it. Brining in almost any rescue is going to be just as bad as bringing home a puppy. Your puppy will likely bond closer to the other dog without already being bonded to you, you will have twice as much poop/pee to clean up and twice as much training, you could have any kind of behavioral issue crop up with a rescue, and it is just not a good idea to bring in a new dog until your current dog is in the position you want it to be training, behaviorally, and maturity wise.

[JoMichelle]

Okay that put me in my place lol. Advice taken on board, won't even think about it again for a long time, thank you