Advice on a new dog.

[DMN]

The wife and I have recently decided to get another dog. We already have a 6 yeard old Staffy/Dutch Shepard cross. We got her from a rescue centre in Manchester after she was found wandering the streets, about six months old, and we've had her since she was around 8 months. She's a small medium in size and is warry of larger dogs. Sadly she was badly mauled by my MIL's new dog last september, but has been fine with dogs smaller than she is. Prior to that inccident she was happy around most dogs of all sizes. She is full of energy and loves cuddling up to the Wife and I on the sofa.

So what would be the best age, sex and type of dog to get to go alongside our present dog?

[DMN]

bexVN said:

Just questioning do you think another dog will be the right thing for your current dog?

With the right dog, yes. Thats key though, it has to be right for all three parties. We're not rushing in.

moorx said:

Why not visit a few rescue centres and discuss options with them? You can then take your dog to meet potential matches to see how they get on. I've done this with all my dogs - you can usually tell fairly quickly whether they are likely to be okay together.

Thanks, its highly likely we will get another rescue dog, so finding one that our current bh can get on with will be key.

[DMN]

Last Sunday, we spent most of the day trawling round the rescue centres of North Yorkshire. Didn't get very far with the Dogs Trust, they had no dogs that could live with another dog. Next up was Blue Cross who had a lovely lurcher-cross called Patch, who got on very well with other dogs. We went for a walk with him and whilst he was a nice dog, there seemed to be no connection with us. No spark as it where so, we asked for our names to be added to the list of people interested in him just incase. Then we went to our third and last visit of the day.

We arrived at Jerry Green rescue home in Thirsk, and it appeared shut. However we finally found the way in. We chatted to the staff about what we were after, mainly a dog that could get on with and live with our dog. They introduced us to another lurcher-cross called Raymond. Straight away he was over and sniffing us, coming after attention and cuddles. My wife instantly fell in love and we decided to reserve him then and there after spending some time with him in a play pen.

Saturday coming we're taking Pepper, our Dutch Sheppard-Staffie cross to Thirsk so they can meet. Assuming all goes well and they can get on with one another, Raymond will be ours a few weeks after.

Some pics of Raymond here:
http://www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk/RehomeADog/ShowDo...

[DMN]

Well when we got home, Pepper had a good sniff of us both. Then the next day my wife caught her sniffing the top she'd been wearing whilst around Raymond, and Peppers tail was waggling, so hopefully its a good sign.

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Thank you for the advice. We're taking our dog to the rescue centre and will be letting the staff there guide us through it all.

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Well it appears its not to be.

Seems Pepper has been an only dog for too long. They walked ok alongside one another down a country lane near the rescue centre, both on their leads. However when we got back to the centre and we let Pepper off inside a play pen with my wife inside, whilst Raymond stayed on his lead outside. The sniff's quickly turned in growls and showing of teeth, mainly from Pepper. My wife was rightly devestated, but its clear its not going to happen for us and Raymond. We are thinking of going back and trying again, but only if their behavourist thinks it a good idea, and will be there on site as well this time.

I think that Pepper would be better with a much younger dog than Raymond, and one who was not as big.

[DMN]

Thats a shame blumpkin.

Personally, I didn't think Raymond was the answer. He's a lovely dog, but I think Pepper needs a dog smaller than she is, and not as active as Raymond. We'll give it a bit more thought before carrying on. Our next few weekends are busy, so we'll have to wait a bit anyway.

Either way I hope Raymond gets sorted soon as he is a smashing dog.

[DMN]

Well the rescue home have said we can try one more time. I won't be going this time, maybe with just my wife there Peppper will behave differently. I will though be telling my wife not to get her hopes up.