getting second dog

Question
Patti,
My family owns a very sweet terrier mix, and we're considering
getting another dog. So I have two questions.

1.  our current dog is 8 years old, and has never had another
dog companion. would this be a problem?

2. What kind of small dogs have good temperments, and are
good with other dogs?  We don't have a specific breed picked
out, so I would be open to any suggestions of breeds.

I'm sorry if that was a little confusing, but hopefully you'll be
able to figure it out, and answer my questions.

Thanks a lot  = )

Rebecca R.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

Getting a second dog would only be a problem if your current dog has a history of not getting along with other dogs. Even though your current dog has never had a dog companion, you probably know how well he gets along with other dogs from past experience.

A second younger dog is most inclined to follow the behavioral lead of the first dog. So if your first dog is shy of people and growls or barks at them, a new dog is likely to follow his example. If your first dog behaves aggressively towards children, dogs or cats, there is the possibility that he could be encouraged by the presence of a second dog to behave even more aggressively. If, however your current dog is happy and friendly, and able to settle down easily, chances are the new dog will readily learn the household rules with a good influence at his side.

If you're dead set on getting a second dog even if your current dog is known not to get along with other dogs, the introduction process will take longer, the dogs will need more supervision and time to adjust, but it can be done.

Since your current dog is 8 years old you should consider adopting a young adult, rather than a puppy. A much younger dog may irritate or even hurt him. An older, calmer, more predictable dog might be a better addition in this situation.

For general guidelines, it's usually not a good idea to have two females. A female and male or two males usually work better.

Here is a web page you should read before bringing home a new dog, it's about introducing your current dog to the new dog:
http://www.puplife.com/dogcaretips/twodogsgetalong.html

As far as a small dog with a good temperament, so much depends on the individual dog's socialization and past, particularly if it's an adult dog. Breed standards alone are never a guarantee, it's a potential. For example, I wouldn't recommend getting a Chihuahua, yet I have known Chihuahuas that are really good with other dogs. You have to take the time to judge each dog on it's own merits.

That said, here are some breeds that usually get along with other dogs:

Beagles are a gentle, sweet, happy lively and curious dog that just loves everyone. Sociable, brave and intelligent, calm and loving. Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and other household animals when they are young. Being a hound Beagles have been bred to be pack animals, so most of the time a beagle will get along well with other dogs.

Havanese are natural companion dogs: gentle and responsive. They become very attached to their human families and are excellent with children. Very affectionate and playful with a high degree of intelligence. These cheerful dogs are very sociable and will get along with everyone including people, dogs, cats and other pets.

The Bichon Frise is a most appealing little white dog that loves human company. It has an independent spirit, is intelligent, affectionate, bold and lively. It is a gentle dog that is not a yapper. It has a self-assured, happy temperament that is easy to live with. These bright little dogs are easy to train and just plain old love everyone. They need people to be happy. They are naturally sociable and are happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere. This sociable trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs & pets and are excellent with children.

A Pug is "a lot of dog in a small space." They are perky, rambunctious and loyal, affectionate and loving, with a happy disposition. They are playful and charming. Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both children and visitors.

Italian Greyhounds are a gentle, submissive and affectionate dog. They become very attached to their masters and can be reserved with strangers. This is a pet for a quiet household where there are no lively children, although they do get along well with behaved children and other dogs and cats.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Lively, outgoing and fearless lively little dogs that want to please. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does best with older considerate children and some can be reserved with strangers.

Be prepared to take time to look for not just any dog, but a dog that will succeed in your home. A dog with potential to fit in should never be disregarded because of size, gender, or appearance. Wonderful hearts come in many different packages!

A really good web site to browse available dogs is www.petfinder.com . At that web site, your pet search goes by zip code, so you will be sure to see dogs near where you live. Fill in the info requested in the "Quick Pet Search" on the left side of the petfinder home page.

I hope I've been a help. Best of luck.

Patti