My personal preference would be to skip on the 2 year old female. I'd rather raise a puppy, and wait till it's fully matured and I'm confident it would be a good role model for a second dog.

I'm resistant to pressure if I think someone's trying to manipulate me. I take my time to make a decision. The 2 year old shouldn't be hard to rehome. The dog isn't your problem. Raising a puppy, especially through the adolescent stage, is at times really tough. I wouldn't do it.

But that's me...

 

My personal preference would be to skip on the 2 year old female. I'd rather raise a puppy, and wait till it's fully matured and I'm confident it would be a good role model for a second dog.

I'm resistant to pressure if I think someone's trying to manipulate me. I take my time to make a decision. The 2 year old shouldn't be hard to rehome. The dog isn't your problem. Raising a puppy, especially through the adolescent stage, is at times really tough. I wouldn't do it.

But that's me...

What am I missing that would cause a properly trained female pup not to be a good candidate to get along with another female? I know how females can be and I've dealt with their moody behaviors in the past. But never with 2 of them though at the same time.



If anything, the pressure for a decision is from my own mind, not someone else. I just don't want to let an opportunity pass if it's worthwhile.

 

I would also wait. The vets office maybe knew you were looking to add a dog to your home just tell them you already picked out a pup or if you wish to get an adult instead of a pup that is up to you. same sex not always and especially female do not mesh well - not by my own experience but so often with stories on this forum or animal shelters. Life has to be really altered if you have to crate and rotate depending on one’s situation or wants. It is the main reason also why dogs often get rehomed in a busy household. Choose wisely. It really is enjoyable when you have peace in the home and your dogs can not only coexist but actually enjoy each other.

 

My vet only knew I'd be looking for another GSD, not having 2 of them. One of the reasons I feel more confident if I did take the 2yo is that my vet would not recommend me to the current owners or vise versa. I did mention I have a deposit on another female pup and if the 2 females would get along. They said the same as was said here...some work out great and others not so much. The assistant I spoke with has 2 GSD's herself...IIRC one of each sex though...and felt this 2 yo would be a good companion with another female and felt confident that I would be capable of raising them.

 

I have two males that I crate and rotate because they don't get along well. It's just part of our daily routine now. But most likely, I will never again get two same sex GSDs. Some people do it without a problem though.

 

How old are they now and how old when you had to start crating/rotating?

 

I would take one or the other. Not both. You don't have time to bond with the 2 year old before the puppy cones and that's not fair to her.

Personally, I never want two females at the same time ever again. Bitches make stitches.

 

Your post is a reality check that I didn't consider. I would have thought 8-10 weeks would be enough time to start building the basics of trust and bonding. I recognized it around that time period with Marley.


I will heed your warning before I make a final decision though as I do respect your opinion.

 

I personally would pass on the adult. I prefer to train and socialize the dog the way I want her trained and socialized. I'm also a giant control freak. So unless it was a breeder I really trusted to know what I liked, I wouldn't be into taking an adult placement.

 

It depends on the 2 yo female. I may be the odd one out but I adopted 3 adult GSDs in one year about 10 years ago. 2 females and 1 male. Nuts, right? Actually it was the BEST thing I ever did. They were all rescues and wonderful dogs. The females did get into it a few times at first but learned to live together just fine for the rest of their lives. I miss them both terribly as they both passed away last year though we still have the male who is 15 yo. I also have a 1 yo male and a 3 yo female now. They really enjoy each other's company and play all the time.

 

I appreciate the encouraging words! I'd like to think I have what it takes to echo your same words years down the road. Thanks for chiming in!

 

I'd get one or the other. Personally I bet the 2 year old dog will probably be a project dog. Allergies and new baby is generally (not always) but generally an excuse of a person who doesn't have time or enjoy the dog they have. So 2 year old intact female probably has some sort of training you'll have to do and need work to get her to where you want and in two months with a puppy you have a deposit on combined with the increase incidence of female/female aggression in GSD I'd say it's not worth it. If I was in your place I'd pass on the adult female.

 

Allergies and new baby is generally (not always) but generally an excuse of a person who doesn't have time or enjoy the dog they have.

That was my initial thought after being told why they wanted to re-home her after 2 yrs. I realize everyone has their issues, but wanting to get rid of her after 2 yrs would not be something I could do.

 

I would suggest meeting with the adult dog before making any decisions. She just might be the perfect dog you always dreamed of.

I think things can go either way with same sex females, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't and you will have to either crate and rotate or rehome one. Is there any chance of moving your deposit from a female pup to a male pup?

If it weren't for two females, I say this is easily doable.

 

I would suggest meeting with the adult dog before making any decisions. She just might be the perfect dog you always dreamed of.

I think things can go either way with same sex females, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't and you will have to either crate and rotate or rehome one. Is there any chance of moving your deposit from a female pup to a male pup?

If it weren't for two females, I say this is easily doable.

I do intend on meeting the 2 yo, possibly tomorrow or Thur if that works for her owners.



I absolutely have to be 110% certain with my decision because there is no way I want to be faced with the to re-home either of them.



I did give a passing thought to moving the deposit to a male, but I can't do it with my current thinking. There is something deep inside me about raising another 8 week old female that I can't shake. Maybe after I meet the 2 yo I'll change my way of thinking and reconsider a male.

 

I’ve perused many an ad (just to look) and I cannot tell you how many dogs are out of a home because their people decide they 1. Cannot put forth the effort to find living arrangements that accommodates their dog(s) or 2. Decide to pop out a baby. I realize children take tons of work, but as someone who has grown up always with dogs in the house fail to understand why it’s such a deal breaker? Dogs can be very adjustable. I feel it’s all just an excuse at the heart of it.

I wouldn’t be so dead set on the older dog before even meeting her. If you do meet and like her, what are the odds you can change your puppy plans to a male?

 

I’ve perused many an ad (just to look) and I cannot tell you how many dogs are out of a home because their people decide they 1. Cannot put forth the effort to find living arrangements that accommodates their dog(s) or 2. Decide to pop out a baby. I realize children take tons of work, but as someone who has grown up always with dogs in the house fail to understand why it’s such a deal breaker? Dogs can be very adjustable. I feel it’s all just an excuse at the heart of it.

I wouldn’t be so dead set on the older dog before even meeting her. If you do meet and like her, what are the odds you can change your puppy plans to a male?

I absolutely refuse to become one of those statistics that re-home because they can't handle the dog(s). And with that said, it tells me that I need to be more that just 100% certain with my final decision. It's an all or nothing deal for me.

 

It's really going to depend on the dogs...I've had many different combinations and two females can work.....but the worst "pair" I ever had was a mother and daughter...once the hormones started to flow and the daughter realized she was a female...we started seeing the "stares"--lowered head and stiff body all from the daughter--when the daughter was between 2-3 years old-the two got in a fight while we were playing with balls after a training session...I broke them apart and we had a face to face and nose to nose "talk" about how things were going to be.....never had another fight but they were kept separated when I was not home for the most part.....when I was home they gave each other a wide berth and respected each others space but only because I was there....it was obvious the daughter hated her mother for life !!...still makes me sad to put that to words and post it here....females USUALLY never ever forgive or forget IMO....so it's a combination that can work with the "right" two females..but since the pup is not an adult and you can't tell what she may grow into....it's risky

 

Thanks for all the replies! It appears the majority agrees not to take the 2 yo, mainly because its female. Yet there are a couple that say it ~might~ work with 2 females. Myself, I'm more inclined to think I have more than a reasonable chance at success. But I say that because when I commit to something, I would be 110% dedicated to succeed and won't give up no matter what I'm facing. The last thing I would want is to become another statistic by re-homing one of them. If the risk of that is that great, then yes I'd be better off passing. No sense in causing more trauma to the 2 yo than what she may experience after I take her...if I did.


I have no doubt in my abilities based on what I experienced raising my previous girls. But raising 2 at the same time would be a new experience for me. Having to crate and keep them separate would be cruel IMO and is something I don't want to have to do long term. I'm guessing at first they would likely get along ok, but as the pup matures, the risk of not getting along increases? Yet there is a voice inside me that's saying go for it. And the confidence that I have agrees. Am I up for it?...absolutely positively yes! But do I have any doubts...yes, which is why I asked for opinions. I have doubts because my dedication to my commitments might cause me more harm than good. The last thing I need is to be traumatized again, especially after what I went through with Marley.

I'm not trying to sell myself and get others to agree to my decision, instead I would prefer to be slapped upside the head to make me sure I understand the difference between reality and fantasy. It's not that I'm religious, but I do feel this opportunity was presented to me for a reason, and I don't want to let it pass if I have more than a reasonable chance at succeeding. Kinda sounds corny saying that, but its the best way I can express myself in words.


While I did express an interest to taking the 2 yo, I also said I needed a couple days to think about it. One thing for certain, I need to meet the dog in person and see her reactions before I make any decision. That first impression will speak volumes and I know enough to know what signs to look for. Then I'd like to know her history and if any health concerns are present. Is she up to date with vaccinations, recent vet visits, etc. This may sound like more than what the current owners want to deal with. But if they want me to take her, I want to be certain they're not passing off a problem dog to me.

 

Thanks again for all the replies as they give me something to think about. It's probably best at this point to go visit the dog and see what results before I make any decision. Probably the only concern that I might have after visiting, is I fall head over heels for the dog. But if anything, experience has taught me a valuable lesson that I won't ever make again...not to make a decision like this with emotions being involved.


They did send me a couple pics of the dog and I'll attach one with this post.

I seem to recall reading something here about the color marking between her toes, but can't remember what it was...anyone?

 

Has she been licking her paws? Yeast infection?

https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Why-is-my-dog-licking-its-paws

 

I really do understand the temptation but honestly I think it would be much fairer to both dogs if you get one or the other or get a male puppy. Yes it sounds like a good idea right now but in 2 years when you're extremely attached to both dogs and they won't stop fighting so you have to crate and rotate you may regret it. I've seen far too many GSDs rehomed lately, all females, for same sex aggression. I don't think the risk is worth it and the female will still be settling in when you get the puppy. Both are going to need a lot of 1x1 time with you to get bonded, the puppy especially to make sure you avoid them getting getting attached to each other over you. I have had two females together but the GSD did show signs that she had the potential for some issues with females(together in the house living full time not just like in passing). However she is an extremely soft and submissive dog and my other female has no interest in pack dynamics and isn't another purebred GSD. If my other female had been dominant or cared about pack dynamics I think I would've had a big issue on my hands.

Can you handle two dogs? Probably but I really do want you to consider puppy fever and the this dog is just falling in to my lap and think about it. You're excited and jazzed and gettingat least one dog! But having two dogs settling into your house at the same time isn't ideal. There's a difference between I'm capable of dealing with it and it just being a high risk situation.

Also what if your puppy ends up being a bit of a high maintenance terror and the female has trouble adjusting or bad habits from the previous owner? Working on both of those at the same time isn't going to be fun on top of regular training and bonding time.

Having made kind of hasty decisions to get dogs in the past I'd recommend slowing down and really thinking. It's good your giving yourself time but you're definitely focused on the positive or it seems like it so you've either already convinced yourself or are trying to justify it.

Don't think of it as a missed opportunity. You have a puppy you've already committed to. If you really want to go through with it maybe ask the breeder if you can move your deposit to another litter or really and truly consider getting a male. These aren't little spats the ssa can result in really nasty fights where you or the dogs can get injured. Yes people on here have done it but as common as it seems to be in GSDs and in some other breeds I'd think hard on it.

 

I really do understand the temptation but honestly I think it would be much fairer to both dogs if you get one or the other or get a male puppy. Yes it sounds like a good idea right now but in 2 years when you're extremely attached to both dogs and they won't stop fighting so you have to crate and rotate you may regret it. I've seen far too many GSDs rehomed lately, all females, for same sex aggression. I don't think the risk is worth it and the female will still be settling in when you get the puppy. Both are going to need a lot of 1x1 time with you to get bonded, the puppy especially to make sure you avoid them getting getting attached to each other over you. I have had two females together but the GSD did show signs that she had the potential for some issues with females(together in the house living full time not just like in passing). However she is an extremely soft and submissive dog and my other female has no interest in pack dynamics and isn't another purebred GSD. If my other female had been dominant or cared about pack dynamics I think I would've had a big issue on my hands.

Can you handle two dogs? Probably but I really do want you to consider puppy fever and the this dog is just falling in to my lap and think about it. You're excited and jazzed and gettingat least one dog! But having two dogs settling into your house at the same time isn't ideal. There's a difference between I'm capable of dealing with it and it just being a high risk situation.

Also what if your puppy ends up being a bit of a high maintenance terror and the female has trouble adjusting or bad habits from the previous owner? Working on both of those at the same time isn't going to be fun on top of regular training and bonding time.

Having made kind of hasty decisions to get dogs in the past I'd recommend slowing down and really thinking. It's good your giving yourself time but you're definitely focused on the positive or it seems like it so you've either already convinced yourself or are trying to justify it.

Don't think of it as a missed opportunity. You have a puppy you've already committed to. If you really want to go through with it maybe ask the breeder if you can move your deposit to another litter or really and truly consider getting a male. These aren't little spats the ssa can result in really nasty fights where you or the dogs can get injured. Yes people on here have done it but as common as it seems to be in GSDs and in some other breeds I'd think hard on it.

The bold print along with what I underlined may just be the slap upside the head I need that I mentioned previously. There is something deep within that is driving me to think the way I am. Makes me thankful for a forum like this where I can express myself and allow others to judge my thoughts before I do something foolish.

 

Have you asked your breeder for advice? An experienced breeder may know if their females are likely to have problems with other females, and if you'd be better off waiting for a male puppy.

 

No, not yet. I'm sure the breeder is super busy with a couple litters due next week, so I figured I'd find out all I could before I brought it up.



And Kazel's post just may have included the words I needed to hear before I made a decision that could lead to regrets. Admittedly I'm thick headed at times, but that post may have been the turning point for me

 

Having to rehome a dog that is not working out or fitting in does not make one a statistic or a failure. It makes you a person that puts the greater needs of the dog above and beyond that of your own and that can be the ultimate kindness and the best thing you ever did for the dog.

 

As much as I want to, as much as I feel strongly that I would be successful, I've reconsidered my position and decided to pass on the 2 yo. If I had the experience of raising 2 dogs already, I'd likely take the dog. But after letting Kazel's post sink in overnight, it really made me question whether this would be in the dogs best interest or was I just hung up on wanting to satisfy my own wants and needs.

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I'm sure down the road the day will come that I do get a 2nd dog. But when that happens, I'll be sure to only consider a male. Thinking back, it's not like I was out looking for this dog. If my vet never offered this to me, I never would have had this conversation. No harm, no foul...and I'm glad it didn't go any further than this discussion.

 

It's definitely a good conversation to have, and it's so nice having this forum here to have it! I have unfortunately in the past only had people encourage me or didn't listen to their advice when it was given so I'm really glad my experiences can help others out! It can really be tough to pass up on those cute faces, they're good at tugging at the heartstrings.

I can definitely understand the temptation and urge but now you can fully dedicate yourself to your new upcoming puppy! I currently have puppy fever but keep reminding myself it's easier at this point to only have one dog...although I will admit it's difficult to stick to it.

I'm hoping you'll be staying on here so we can see pictures of your future pup and how she is! Do you have any specific plans for her or mainly just a companion?

 

I think you made the best decision.

I do think two females can sometimes get along fine without interference, but if they don't you would possibly need to very much change your level of control in certain scenarios. Fighting tends to break out with arousal. There are certainly ways to prevent it, but it takes time and training and a few serious corrections. Heat cycles and hormones are another biggie for fight triggers. Been there, done that, hope to never do it again. People get scared or overwhelmed and crate-rotate, which is the safest/easiest solution- and I get it. But training and control can either prevent a fight from ever happening, or allow the girls to at least co-exist while you are present. But it's work and stress you simply don't need to take on voluntarily.

If you do add a second dog in future, get a male. Make life easy for all!

 

These forums have the best information, I have learned much, even with my fifth GSD. We had been considering adopting a rescue female, and now that has been put to rest! Such good advice given, coming from real life experiences.

 

I'm glad you decided against it.
For what it's worth, for anyone who reads this in the future, two females together is a terrible idea unless you absolutely know your dog.

For years I was able to successfully add and subtract from my pack at will because I had a female with an incredibly stable temperament heading things up. And even at that, off the top of my head there were two females that I intended to foster that needed to be removed immediately due to fighting. And while I had the occasional squabble within my own pack NOTHING prepared me for the uncontrollable violence that two bitches can dish out. Further to that it's true that dogs learn from other dogs, just generally not the things we would like them to learn.

A two year old bitch being rehomed due to allergies screams that behavior issues exist. And there is a really good chance that she would teach those behaviors to a young and impressionable pup, which would leave you with two little hellions feeding off each others wretched behavior. Crate and rotate is a life style that most folks simply don't get, and don't want to.

 

Same scenario for me too Sabi. After the pack matriach died, my two bitches decided they needed to start going after it and it's been a road to reestablishing myself as alpha bitch and required learning a new way to control and manage dogs (not as easy as it used to be, far more hands on).

Life is hard enough, no need to make it harder by keeping two bitches unless you have a good reason for it. I am not rehoming anyone, so I decided to devote a LOT of time and effort to this... but it's not what I wanted, by any means. It's what I ended up with and then had to deal with...

 

I also don’t recommend 2 bitches, even though I have a pair of them now, and have had a pair before this. Having gone through bitch fights with Dobes, I can tell you it’s not something the average pet owner needs to risk! It’s really ugly. I show, so intact girls are a thing here. I’m able to separate the girls I have now (and I do when I’m not home), so it’s doable at my house if a problem should arise. I don’t like male dogs, so it’s just something I deal with if I want more than one dog.

There’s a 6 and a half year gap between the two I have now (9 yrs and 2.5 yrs). There’s a very rare squabble over a toy, but that’s easily remedied. They get along great, and the older one puts up with all the shenanigans of the younger one, and actually seems to like her, lol.