Another "second dog" question. What would you say is the best age gap to have between dogs? Sparky is only just under 5 months now, but we do intend getting another pup in the future. How long do you think we should wait before setting the wheels in motion?
Thanks,
Tracy

There's no right answer to this question Tracy. It's pretty much the same as choosing an age gap between children and people have different opinions on that in the same way - it boils down to personal preference. It can be harder work working with two very young dogs but then older dogs can be problematic or angelic as well. Depends on the dogs, your attitude to training, your methods etc.... and how much effort you are committed to.
Lara x

Hi Tracy,
As Lara says, everyone has probably got a different opinion! My oldest dog was 5 when we got a puppy, and still young enough to enjoy play. Then five years on we lost the younger dog, and after a bit got another puppy. Although the older one still likes a bit of play, not half as much, and quickly gets a bit fed up when the young one wants to carry on. So it is quite hard on the older dog to have this almost 10 year age gap, as she slows down a lot quicker than she used to. I know you're looking at the opposite end of the scale, as your pup is only 5 months - and I'm hoping to get another puppy myself soon - ours will be nearly 2 years by then. This sort of age gap is my personal preference - I think it gives you a chance to do a good bit of training with the first, and by the time they're two they've matured somewhat, while still being young enough to enjoy playing, etc.
Hilda

Hi Tracy

It also depends on what sex the second dog is going to be.

I have three boys all entire and wait around 2 years before introducing another dog. This has worked for me and as the others have said you can get a good bit of training in with your first dog before introducing a pup, as the pup will follow the older dogs lead.

HTH

Dessie :D :D

we got our second dog when our lab was 6months(bitch)we then added sam our Lab/springer and they just clicked from day one amber was still a pup a big pup granted thats why we picked the most outgoing and mischevious pup out of the litter so he wouldnt be to overwaed by her size, boy did we get that wrong poor amber didnt have aminutes piece he chased her from day one no minute one to be precise, she was still too inexpeieranced to put him in his place as perhaps an older dog wolud have done, still after the first week or so it settled down and they just adore each other they learnt togerth played together and miss each other terribly if one has a vets appt. while im on here any advice on wheather our next dog(glutton for pushiment) she be male or female ive read a few articles that seem to give the impresion that bitches tend to fight more than the boys both my current two have been neutered and our next one will as well. when we got amber our elderly cocker bitch was quite ill so they never had a proper chance to get to know each other.

If it's any help our lab bitch was 6 months old when we got our dal bitch pup, and the two were best friends all their lives (literally never a cross word), until the lab died at 13 years.
:)

I think it's worth bearing in mind that a lot of behaviour problems might not become evident until the dog is an adult. A dog may be fearful as a pup, which develops into an aggression problem as it gets older and more confident. Then you run the risk of the younger dog picking up on the older dogs fears and having the same problems themselves.

I also think it depends entirely on your first dog, because existing bad habits are easily passed on to a pup.

I'd love a puppy, but having let my heart rule my head twice, I'm now living with two neurotic (in different ways) adult dogs and wouldn't want to bring a pup in until they are much older and less work! I can't wait though, I think I need the reward of a nice, carefully bred puppy who I can bring up right to grow into a stable dog. I'll get another rescue when my nerves have recovered from the hell hounds.

Jo

I think a lot depends on the owners individual circumstances. Personally I think that having two dogs is a lot easier if you're able to spend a lot of time with them and if you haven't got too many other commitments (work etc.)
The gap between mine is 5 years which I think is just a bit too much. I think 2 or 3 years would have been better.

Thanks everyone - you've given me food for thought...
Tracy