Adding a new puppy

Question
Hi, I currently have a 7 year old male mini poodle who is the best dog that I have ever had. He has not always been our only dog though. About 3 years ago we has to give our other male mini away because he bit our daughter (out of defense). I was heartbroken but Bailey (our dog) transitioned beautifully to being an only dog. Our kids are older now and I would really like to add another dog (another mini or a cockapoo) to the family. I have 2 questions...1 Do you think that it would be detrimental to Bailey's situation to bring back the 2 dog home? and 2. The breeder that we got him from by chance has pups available, would it be better to get one from her or to try a different breed (female in both cases)? Thanks! Lisa

Answer
That is hard to say.  Unless Bailey has had regular contact with puppies, he may not tolerate a new one and her sharp little teeth and energetic biting.  

I don't think the breed will make much difference.  In response to a recent question elsewhere, I have been thinking about how dogs react to the same or a different breed of dog.  I don't think it makes much difference.  

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  That site has some additional material on dogs and children you might read.