Hi, thanks alot, maybe I will...

Question
Hi, thanks alot, maybe I will get another female then, I know my lab is good with other female dogs(my mum has two bichon/shiztuzs both spayed and were all together), I will need to get the new girl spayed when shes 5/6 months thou and am hoping that this girl wont be needing a cone, anwyays do you think there be a problem with them if I get a girl and spay her?


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Followup To
Question -
Hello, as you already know I have a 1 1/2 year old lab and a 7 month old jack russle terrier, the lab is female and is spayed the jack russl is male and isnt neutered. I don't plan on having "luke" neutered and am planning on getting another dog. I have found a breeder of border collies that will have a litter born the end of june and ready mid august, I plan to get my pup from this person. Now I don't know weather to get a male or a female, I would perfer a male as I don't need to have him neutered and I don't want to go through a spay surgey experiance again. The pup will be 6/8 weeks old when I get him, my question is: If I bring him up with my two dogs will they get along? without having him or my russle neutered?
Answer -
Hi,

Thanks for writing to me regarding your precious dog family.

In my opinion, based on over 20 years of experience, I believe that having two unneutered male dogs living in the same household, is a perscription for trouble.  

For health and social reasons, it would be most helpful to have both male dogs neutered.  The medical procedure for male dogs is far less dramatic than that for females.  The tales about changes in body weight etc are just that, tales.  It can only benefit your dogs to have them neutered.

Another factor to consider is that male dogs compete for territory and you may find that they may start to mark (pee) on your furniture, doorways and carpets. This is an to effort to gain control of the home territory and to establish their place in the pecking order of the pack. The tension between two unneutered male dogs can culminate in fights, some serious.  

Neutering male dogs has an extra advantage, in that it prevents testicular cancer.

I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

Please feel free to contact me should you have additional questions.

Regards,
Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com  

Answer
Hi,

I think that getting another female and having her spayed is a good idea and so is neutering both male dogs.  You have more than one option.

What I would suggest is that you have either the breeder or a seasoned behavorist/trainer evaluate the puppy you are thinking of bringing home to make certain that she is more of a submissive dog than an alpha.  It will be easier introducing her to your family.

When you have selected the dog you want, ask the breeder if you can bring a tee shirt that you have worn and a soft toy or wash cloth that you have rubbed all over your dogs, including their belly, hind quarters, mouth and paws.  This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the smells of her new family.  You would then do the same thing in reverse, rubbing the puppy all over with a soft toy or cloth and bringing that home to your own dogs.

I think things will work out well for you.  You are going about this in a highly intelligent manner which can only end in success!

Good luck!

Shelley