Hi

I am picking up my puppy next week and would like some advice on how to go about bringing him up alongside my other dog?

I know that I should spend time with them individually to allow time for the pup to bond to humans and not just his new big brother. What I would like to know is how much interation should they be allowed to have with one another on a daily basis?

Can I let them play together, be in the same room together when we are sat down at night or should I keep them in seperate rooms and not give them any opportunity to bond?

My other dog is very dog friendly so there will definately be no problems with him not accepting him into the home!

All suggestions welcome

Thanks

Which older dog is this? The GSD (Madison) at 4 years, or the Chocolate Lab (Bailey) that was 6 months old on Oct 22nd? (post dated 6-10-05) Has something happened to either of your other dogs that you are asking for advice now? I'm sorry if this sounds a bit rude, but we have had a lot of 'funny' posters lately, and I just want to check that we aren't wasting our time.

Hi LindyLou

Although i own two dogs they don't both live with me. I bought Mad when I wa living with my parents and when I moved out into my own home last year it was agreed that it wouldn't be fair on Mad to take her with me and  away from everything she knew. So she is still living with my parents. I got Bailey when I got my own house and so this will be the first time that I have had two dogs under the one roof. Hence why I am a little unsure what to do. Both Bailey and Mad get on fine with each other and have both bonded to me but I didn't bring them up living together!

That's fine, just thought I'd better ask to try to get a better idea ;) (By the way, my 'pup' was one year old on 22nd Oct!)

The fact that your lab is still a puppy himself will mean that you will have your work cut out! It is never easy having 2 pups to look after. Believe me, I've done it! They should be alright together, just watch that Bailey isn't a bit too rough. He might forget that he is not a little puppy any more :D You may find that he will revert to being a very young, 'deaf', puppy again. Some do, but most do at his age. Personally I would have waited a bit longer between pups, but it's your decision :) Each pup will need it's own time with you, without the other one. This way you will be able to teach the basics a lot easier. There is no point shouting at the two of them to 'come' if they are running around the park together. They just won't listen to you. Been there, done that. Playing is much more fun than coming back to get a lead put on

If you can put them in separate crates for a 'time out' period you should find it a bit easier for yourself. You will need a break from them too.

I brought my pup in to my house and just put her down on the carpet. The others looked horrified What was this thing that mum had dared to bring home. It took them a few days to realise that she was here to stay. They all get on great now. Even my 7 year old bitch plays with her. She has never wanted to play before. Well, not with normal dogs. She would always play with my friends rescue racing greyhound who didn't know how to play :D At least not until she met Chloe ;)

Good luck with your new pup. You'll need it :D