getting another dog

Question
hi. i have a golden who is now 14 months old. he is male and is a wonderful
character though at the same time has a very clear mind and can be fairly
independent minded. i am planning to get another golden puppy - female -
around december. is it the right time to do so? what sort of reaction can i expect
from my current dog and what do i need to think or be concerned about before
getting a second golden?

Answer
I think this should work.  At 14 months, most males will be happy to have a female puppy to play with.  He maybe a little put out at first sharing his home, people, and toys with a puppy.  A properly socialized male shouldn't attack a female, even if he isn't happy having her.  Expect rough, biting play.  Keep an eye on things and settle thing down if she seems to be getting the worst of it.  We frequently have a mix of a very young puppy and one with most of its adult size.  Usually they only need minor corrections.  Usually these are visits.  Sometimes a dog seems to realize the new comer is here to stay and resents it.  In that case, as leader, you have the right to insist on welcoming a new member of the pack.  

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm