introducing a new puppy to my dog

Question
I have a 8 month old springer spaniel. We are currently training him to be a working gundog. He is very friendly to people and dogs and has avery active and energetic life on the farm with another dog who he sees on a daily basis at the farm (he then comes home at night and sleeps in a kennel).
I am considering purchasing another springer puppy. I have several questions that i hope you can assist me with:
1. Should i get a bitch or a dog? (i have a dog at present, not castrated)
2. Will a new puppy be a problem on the training regime?
3. Could a new puppy be a good idea to offer him  ore comfort and companionship?
I basically want to also know if you think its a good odea?
Hope to hear from you soon. Thankyou. keeley

Answer
Hi Keeley,

Unless you plan to breed your dog, I always recommend spay/neuter.   This will help in getting along with another dog.  Will also lessen the desire to roam.

From my past experience either a male/female relationship works best or a male/male.  Two females can mean trouble as they seem to get more bossy/dominant as they mature.     I think your dog would enjoy the constant companionship although I do warn you that it can be much more difficult to train two dogs at one time as they will be more interested in playing with each other than playing with you.   I don't have any experience training with gundogs but I can only imagine it would be the same as basic obedience training.

If you are looking to keep you dog happy, then I definitely recommend two.