Just saying, out of interest like (my husband will kill me if he sees me asking this!) at what age would it be best to introduce a new dog to Molly?

She's now 7 months but ideally I'd like to wait until she's at least a year.  Also, She is a Westie, are they good at taking to other dogs?  I ask this as she is my baby and gets jealous if I stroke the cat so I'm only very tentatively thinking about it as I wouldn't want to upset her.  Would a male dog be best?

A friend of a friend has an 8 month old Westie dog and is thinking of giving him up as he is too 'boisterous'.  It makes me mad that people don't do proper research into these things before they get that cute little puppy.  I have tried passing on info such as 'training classes' and that he is now in his adolescent phase but they're still thinking about it.  Another person may be interested in taking him on, but if not I may have to as I couldn't bear to see him go into a home.

Its really a question of how well trained your first dog is and of course making sure your OH is totally happy with another dog - killing you for posting does not look good for this project! :D If your pal is serious about rehoming the Westie the dogs breeder might take him back or the breed rescue could take him. Some breed rescues use foster homes for the dogs so its not like going into a home, and they all insist on vetting prospective owners. Dont feel pressured into taking this dog on before your household is ready or youll break your heart if it dosent work out. I think you know its not sensible to get another dog now. :)

Well I agree with Lorelei if your OH kills you it will at least end your speculation about getting another dog :)

Although I must say I don't think I'd personally take on another dog so close in age to my own especially as they aren't "fully" grown up yet either, I don;t think I'd want two teenage dogs on my hands personally :)

Karen

Dizzy is only 10 weeks and I've already started saying about 'when' we get another! My hubby does a great impression of :rolleyes: but will support me so long as I don't do anything totally stupid or detrimental to our current situation. Still I know I'm going to have to wait a while for the next dog... Diz is enough dog for anybody! :)

You could maybe spend more time with your friends dog as it sounds like she needs the support, he needs the attention and your own dog needs to get over her jealousy. If done gently it could be good for all concerned :)

Hello, thanks for the replies, think I should clarify....

Think he would kill me if I suggested getting another puppy, but he has already said himself that he would not want this dog to end up in a dogs home and would consider taking him on.  The hubbys main concern (you'll have to excuse this) is that the dog would be trying to have his way with Molly all the time.  (Just out of interest, how would you prevent this happening?  I'm sure they wouldn't understand they're meant to be brother and sister!!!!)

I have never met the dog (this is a friend of a friend) but if it came to us taking him then I would obviously want to spend time with him and do a tentative introduction first with Molly before making any decisions (but then would I be able to say no after meeting him...........!!!!!!!!)

And from what I've heard (and from the very fact they are thinking of giving him up) I don't think they got him from a 'breeder' as such so no going back there.

I know in my heart of hearts it wouldn't be wise, but just looking at Mol, playing with her christmas presents and jabbing her stinky bone in my face for me to have a taste, I can't help but feel sorry for him.

I'm not too experienced with male dogs but it would be easiest to neuter one of the dogs, probably spay the female in order to stop the mounting, perhaps even both if you do not intend on breeding. I will say though that unless Molly is very well trained it will be wafully hard work having two adolecents at the same time - particularly if the owner is getting rid of the dog because it is a handful. The male will need a lot of training and time, and could actually disrupt the triaing and good behaviour that has developed with Molly. I got my second pup when my eldest (BC) was one and a half. (Pup, GR, was 8 weeks). Meg is now nearly 2 and Ellie is 8 months. Megan was well behaved when we got Ellie, recall was really good e.t.c. but when i take them out together now, despite lots of separate training it is still an ordeal as they distract each other. Imagine what it is like when a pup sees another dog when out for a walk, its difficult to distract them from wanting to go and play, well having two pups means that occurs for the entire walk!! Its exhausting. As you say you know in your heart of hearts that it wouldn't be wise, and i know it is heart breaking when you think of the other pup, but you also have to think what is best for you and Molly. There is always the chance that there is the ideal home for the other pup waiting out there.

I'm not too experienced with male dogs but it would be easiest to neuter one of the dogs, probably spay the female in order to stop the mounting, perhaps even both if you do not intend on breeding. I will say though that unless Molly is very well trained it will be awfully hard work having two adolecents at the same time - particularly if the owner is getting rid of the dog because it is a handful. The male will need a lot of training and time, and could actually disrupt the trianing and good behaviour that has developed with Molly. I got my second pup when my eldest (BC) was one and a half. (Pup, GR, was 8 weeks). Meg is now nearly 2 and Ellie is 8 months. Megan was well behaved when we got Ellie, recall was really good e.t.c. but when i take them out together now, despite lots of separate training it is still an ordeal as they distract each other. Imagine what it is like when a pup sees another dog when out for a walk, its difficult to distract them from wanting to go and play, well having two pups means that occurs for the entire walk!! Its exhausting. As you say you know in your heart of hearts that it wouldn't be wise, and i know it is heart breaking when you think of the other pup, but you also have to think what is best for you and Molly. There is always the chance that there is the ideal home for the other pup waiting out there.

When my daughter asked a similar question, another point was given by Admin - if you get your next dog too soon, you could also be left with the possiblity of losing both your dogs very close together (I know this is  a bit "doom and gloom", but was something I hadn't even considered). 
Tracy

I would agree here.  The best way to approach this is to think how many dogs you will want to own at a given time.

If it is two then I would get the second about half way through the older dogs lifespan, or if you really would like a second one sooner then get one that is an adult about 5 to 7 years old.  This way they will have canine companionship, and you will always have the steadying influence of the older dog for the youngster, and the love of life and vitality that will stop the older one getting old before their time.

I had aimed at having no more than four dogs under 12 years of age.  So for me the age gap needs to be around 3 years.  I have sort of succeeded, though do now have 5 and oldest isn't 12 until March when pup will be 6 months old.

I would always advise at least two years between dogs, as they need that long to get them to the stage when you can keep one eye on them and concentrate on a new dog.  It also helps in the hierachy issues for there to be a decent age gap helping to make the older dog usually above the younger in rank.