Hi All!

I already have an apricot toy poodle who is now 10 months old. I am already tempted to get another, but given how young she is I am really thinking more around this time next year so she is more mature.  Is there anything I should be wary of if I go down this route?  Will they get together and get up to mischieve even if I wait till next year so she is more mature?  Will she be jealous of the puppy as I will need to spend time with the puppy for training?  What are the pitfalls?

She is very well behaved and toilet training was easy (but I did take 2 weeks off for the first 2 weeks with her!), so I am hoping that actually the new puppy will be just as easy to train.

I haven't spoken to the breeder but I will give her a call to see what she thinks.  I just really want to make sure that this is the right decision for my dog and us.

Thanks.

Personally I always advise at least two years (most dogs are still puppies/juveniles until then) needing your undivided attention for training, and simply enjoying their growing up.

I actually prefer a 3 year age gap, as but then the older dog is truly an adult and an asset in helping you bring up the next one.

>I am hoping that actually the new puppy will be just as easy to train.

It's likely that your existing dog might regress for a while - it's not uncommon :)

Like Brainless I like a long age gap: young enough to enjoy a puppy but old enough for all the training to 'stick' even when being pounced upon by a shark toothed loon.  Also, you want the existing dog/s to be secure enough with their place in your house/life/affections to stand being ignored for a bit whilst you do some intensive work with the new arrival. 

I do think it differs a little with individual dogs.  My eldest has always been a solid and sensible kind of chap and would probably have been fine at 2.5, waiting til he was 4.5 was more to do with our circumstances.  On the other hand, the youngster wasn't ready at 2, better at 2.5, but at 3 and a bit I'm sure that now is a good time for another :)

> She is very well behaved and toilet training was easy (but I did take 2 weeks off for the first 2 weeks with her!), so I am hoping that actually the new puppy will be just as easy to train.

Don't fall into the trap of believing that toilet training can always be successful after only 2 weeks.  You have the exception, not the rule. I expect to take months on toilet training to get it spot on.

Hi - Thanks for all the replies.  I will take my time in enjoying her then and wait she is at least 2 before thinking about it!  I guess I am really lucky with her toilet training and will remember that when I get a new puppy.  Thanks!

Mine are 10 months apart.  No problems at all.  It cheared my girls up.  My old one is 13 and acepted yet another bundle of fluff.

I'd do it again.  i've had hours of fun playing with them and watching them play.