Rehoming puppy

cruais

Hi there

We were looking for a puppy for a few months as a companion to my neutered male shihtzu. I have been offered a male puppy to rehome.

Do two dogs of the same sex get along or are we better off rehoming the opposite sex?

Many thanks

radiotrickster

cruais wrote: »

We were looking for a puppy for a few months as a companion to my neutered male shihtzu

Do you mean you only want a puppy for a few months or you have been looking for one for a few months?

Cherry Blossom

Is the puppy from a reputable rescue with back-up and help from them if things start to go wrong?

Male/female is the best pairing, a lot of it depends on the temperament of your existing dog. How does he get on with other dogs in general and with other males specifically? Is the puppy also a shihtzu or a similar size breed? I have two small dogs and a visiting GSD. I would recommend that the dogs be similar in size when fully grown.

cruais

Thanks everyone.

The puppy is a Yorkshire terrier x jack Russell. So will be similar if not small than my male shihtzu.

He is not from a rescue. He is from a private home whose Yorkshire just had a litter. It is a friend of mine from work so I know it isn't a puppy farm etc and there is no charge or sale of any of the pups.

I'm thinking of bringing our dog to meet the pup and see how both react to each other before committing etc

Cherry Blossom

What will you do if issues materialise? Can you afford the services of a behaviourist? A lot of dogs deal with small puppies very differently than when they grow up. A visit from your dog might tell you very little and people who have them really shouldn’t allow visits from unknown dogs in any case. You haven’t answered how your dog is with other dogs.

cruais

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

What will you do if issues materialise? Can you afford the services of a behaviourist? A lot of dogs deal with small puppies very differently than when they grow up. A visit from your dog might tell you very little and people who have them really shouldn’t allow visits from unknown dogs in any case. You haven’t answered how your dog is with other dogs.

Our dog is 6. He is good with other dogs. He is well socialised etc
I won't be rushing into it. I have asked to take a week to think as want to look into it more

Knine

As mentioned the best combination is male/female but after that male/male is definitely better than 2 females. Bitches can live together for years & then fall out.

I always have a combination of males & they all get on great. All entire too. I'm not a fan of dog visits to be honest. They can all react very differently when living together. I think given the age gap & the types of dogs involved, it will likely work out fine. Make sure the older dog is not constantly pestered by the puppy & that the puppy gets plenty of time & separate training so he does not become too reliant on the adult dog.

Cherry Blossom

You are right to take your time. Be aware that two dogs are not twice the work initially they are three or four times as much work. You have to train them individually and then again together. It’s hard to get two dogs to listen to commands when they are distracting each other and competing for attention and treats. I remember my first group sit with the three dogs here. I felt like I’d won the lotto, it was such an accomplishment ��. When everyone has settled in and gotten comfortable with each other it’s a bit easier but it’s bloody hard work for the first year.

aonb

Ive never had a bitch - all my dogs have always been dogs - puppies introduced to resident dogs, adult stray dogs introduced to resident dogs, a rescue brought in to the house too. The incoming puppies were always a bit over excited and had to be watched constantly - that they didnt get on resident dogs nerves too much - but apart from that Ive never had a problem with dog pairings/trios. If your dog is good with other dogs you are off to a good start already. Make sure that the puppy knows his place from day one - your adult dog will only tolerate so much pesky-puppy-ness and will put manners on the puppy as necessary - which should always be supervised. I would recommend puppy sleeping in a crate overnight - rather than loose with resident dog. What fun and games ahead - make sure that your incoming puppy is checked over by a vet early, and that it has all its vaccinations/shots/boosters etc etc. Have fun! (oh and a photo would be very welcome!)

bluejelly

I have always had 2 females and never had any problems, not even in the slightest. They adore each other. It’s important to introduce a new dog in a neutral location and give both dogs equal attention. If you can do a few warm up visits before committing that would be ideal. Good luck

silver2020

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

You are right to take your time. Be aware that two dogs are not twice the work initially they are three or four times as much work. You have to train them individually and then again together. It’s hard to get two dogs to listen to commands when they are distracting each other and competing for attention and treats.

That's way ott. Once the OP has time to enjoy both dogs and give them attention, there should not be an issue.

In rare situations is there conflict, but its rare and tens of thousands of homes introduce second and third dogs without issues because they already have experience.

If anything, its less work and they keep each other entertained.


Too much "catastrophe syndrome" on animal threads.

OP - you know its a genuine puppy, you already have a dog - go for it and enjoy it.

Knine

bluejelly wrote: »

I have always had 2 females and never had any problems, not even in the slightest. They adore each other. It’s important to introduce a new dog in a neutral location and give both dogs equal attention. If you can do a few warm up visits before committing that would be ideal. Good luck

Until the day you do! I have had females live together for a long time & then fall out.

I would never recommend anyone intentionally get two bitches! Especially in any of the more fiery breeds.

DBB

Knine wrote: »

Until the day you do! I have had females live together for a long time & then fall out.

I would never recommend anyone intentionally get two bitches! Especially in any of the more fiery breeds.

+1.
There will always be people who have kept pairs of females without issue. I've done it myself, but with a line of dogs I know to be tremendously gentle and non-confrontational.
But statistically, as in, taking it at a population level rather than an individual (and anecdotal) one, the chances of 2 females falling out is hugely greater than any other combination. And, as you hint at knine, when bitches do fall out, it usually becomes a dangerous and untenable situation. There are no rules of engagement with females as there are with males, so when bitches start to fight, the chances of injury and death are higher.
The chances of all of the above happening are indeed higher in the fiery, "dog hot" breeds, particularly the terriers. But, it's not confined to them. A lady i know had 2 of her large-breed bitches killed by her 3rd large-breed bitch. Another owner i spoke with recently had his large-breed bitch killed by his other one. I have spoken with so many owners that have run into trouble with their bitches fighting so hard that they either rehomed one, or in 2 cases, they divided their houses so that the bitches could live separately within the home.
So, it is a risk. It is a known risk. The risk is increased but not limited to terriers.

silver2020

DBB wrote: »

the chances of 2 females falling out is hugely greater than any other combination.

and that does not just apply to dogs


I've two female dogs - 9 & 4. (and an elderly cat) But both neutered at 6 months and they've always got on perfectly, (older is bichon, younger is maltese) but the younger one always respected the older one. Older one also tends to mark any spot the younger one piddles almost as an "I'm the boss" memo.

But never any other issue and they are company for each other if we go out for a couple of hours.

The cat is the ultimate boss though.

SuziXX

You say your dog gets on with other dogs, meet the mother of the pup and if possible the dad or find out about the dads temperament and how he gets on with other dogs, you would be able to tell more from the parents than the pup at his young age.
If it was me I’d consider more the fact ****zus are usually sweet little dogs, yorkies and jack Russell’s can be brats than the fact they are both males. But if you get a good feel for parents and pup and you like those breeds go for it, theres a (slight) risk with introducing any pup, go with your gut and enjoy him, there’s nothing like a new pup!