We have a lakeland terrier bitch. We are thinking of having a companion for her but I am told that another bitch would fight with her. Is that true? She is spayed.

The usual advice is that a second dog should be the opposite sex, but saying that many pairs of bitches live happily together. Is your bitch good with other dogs in general? If she is well socialised and well behaved with other dogs, it should be Ok. As long as she knows that ultimately you are the pack leader, she respects you and does as she is asked, then she should accept a puppy. If she is spoiled or un socialised it may be better to have a male puppy and have him neutered. If you do get a bitch puppy, maybe see if the breeder will keep her til 10 weeks, she will be that little bit bigger and more confident to cope.

This is a question I am always being asked in rescue ... there is no straight answer .. it will always depend on a number of factors as westielover has said:

- the nature of your own dog
- the nature of your new dog
- your behaviour towards the dog(s) - ie are you boss
- what socialisation has gone before the introduction

I alway say to new owners be prepared for a little trouble ... it might not happen .. but sometimes the two dogs will have to go through a period where they try to establish their position in the pecking order. For the most part (99% of the time) this will show itself in non harmful ways so don't panic. I have brought many dogs into my house and it really is the minute minority of times I have trouble and then it is not always between dogs of opposite sexes. Just recently (2 days ago) I had to have a rescue dog put to sleep after she went for my male dog.

If you take on an adult dog it is always a good idea to do the introductions on neutral territory .. say on a walk .. if you have that chance. With a pup this is not as important as most dogs will accept a puppy.

Good luck