getting a companion for Mikey

[Scott Cesare]

Hello, This may sound like a silly question, but it's something I'm worried about. I have a 7 year old lab/mix who's the sweetest, most loving dog you can imagine - typical lab, he loves to cuddle and is very mellow. I'd like to get him a companion so he's not all by himself during the daytime. What I'm worried about is having him (Mikey) feel like I've brought someone new in to replace him. I don't want him to think we love him any less. Also, I want to be fair to the new dog and give him/her the love and attention he/she needs. Basically, how can I spread the love around without anyone feeling like they're being left out??

Also, does it matter if I get a girl companion or a boy? Mikey is neutered, if that factors in.

[Susie B]

I have a 7 yr old male sheltie/beagle mix and last January I rescued a 1 yr old lab/border collie mix (I think, they had no idea of her history). I finally moved to a house from a condo and wanted to expand my family. I did a little research and found that the best mix was a younger, smaller and opposite sex companion. After 7 months, they are getting along quite well. It's really brought out the puppy in Dooley, he's been very active and playing with toys again. They run and chase each other and it's really fun to watch. You need to find time alone with each of them, which sometimes is kind of hard to do. I still walk them separately and that is our bonding time alone. Today was their daycare day and they are both laying by me sound asleep. I'm very glad I expanded my family and I think Dooley is, too.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Susie

[Lesly Stevens]

Not a silly question at all! But don't worry about Mikey feeling that you've brought someone in to replace him - dogs don't think like that, only humans do!

Take Mikey with you to see how he gets along with the new dog. Often, the opposite sex works better than same sex, but not always true. Females are more difficult in that sense than males, but you never know. (I have a male and a female. The male was a rescue, and reported dog agressive. It's been well over 2 yrs., and all is well - they love each other very much, and my male has adjusted beautifully. His issues were rather serious, and did take a lot of work, but when you select the new dog, be it male or female, let the dogs be your guide in the way they interact.)

Once you bring the new dog home, keep that dog in one area of the house - use baby gates, an x-pen, and/or crate, until s/he gets used to the new home/situation. Supervise, supervise, supervise! The new dog will need to earn the freedom of the house, after he's learned the house rules.

Gradually integrate the new dog into the daily routine. Start out with separate outings to potty. let one out first, then once back in let the other one out. Same with feeding - separate them, and thereby prevent any fighting from starting. Supervise, supervise, supervise!

Spend One-on-one time with you with each dog, to keep the bond with you stronger than with the other dog. Provide short 5 or 10 min. training sessions individually throughout the day (one in crate while you work with the other).

I've found that a routine with some structure helps a lot when you have more than one dog. Just like kids, dogs thrive on routine!

Keep us posted!

Lesly, Maddy, & Bo





Hello, This may sound like a silly question, but it's something I'm worried about. I have a 7 year old lab/mix who's the sweetest, most loving dog you can imagine - typical lab, he loves to cuddle and is very mellow. I'd like to get him a companion so he's not all by himself during the daytime. What I'm worried about is having him (Mikey) feel like I've brought someone new in to replace him. I don't want him to think we love him any less. Also, I want to be fair to the new dog and give him/her the love and attention he/she needs. Basically, how can I spread the love around without anyone feeling like they're being left out??

Also, does it matter if I get a girl companion or a boy? Mikey is neutered, if that factors in.

[Scott Cesare]

Thank you Susie and Lesly! We have 3 shelters here in town and I'm checking them out to find a companion for Mike. I'll definitely take what you said into account. Thanks again. I love Doggie Bag Forums!