Hi everyone. I currently have a 13month old bitch and would like to get a dog of the same breed (not for breeding) as an older puppy/young dog, possibly from rescue. My current dog is great with other dogs when meeting them out on walks and fine with family/freinds dogs although she likes to be 'the boss'. However, we did once see her aggresive side when out walking her and we saw a lab bitch that had escaped and was in the road. My OH went to get this dog and ours started snarling and barking at it (she's very attached to her daddy!) We have never seen this behaviour since but I am worried this is how she will react to a new dog, particularly when bringing it into our house (her territory).
Any suggestions? The opportunity has arisen for us to get an 8 month old dog but the owners need to rehome it quickly due to personal circumstances so their would not be the opportunity for several meetings beforehand. We are still thinking about this one.

I tried this once and it was a total nightmare and resulted in a £900 vet bill. I then introduced a puppy and had no problems at all. I think when you try to introduce an older dog there will always be "top dog" issues.

:( If I had a penny right now for all the dogs of our Breed Pink that 'suddenly' get rehomed due to 'personal circumstances, you and I would be sipping Lap sang soooshong ( ;) ) at the Ritz and flicking our Manolo Blahniks in annoyance...

Funny how they are ALL at the teenage age when the circumstances 'change' :( (sorry 'pet gripe' of mine)

Anyhooooooo... dont know if you can hear me over the alarm bells that are ringing ;)

How much do you know of the dogs background (breeding especially) this is a lifelong companion, a lifelong decision shouldnt be taken quickly. The only time I can see why a rehoming should be quick is in circumstances of dogs being rejected from the pack...for their own safety and peace of the pack.

Liv.

Yeah I see your point about that 1 HuskyGal. Will it not be exactly the same though for a older pup/young dog from a rescue group? I know that two dogs together are generally far happier than one on its own and I'd love a companion for mine and for us aswell.

lol, sure that if you were in the lapsang su schong and manolos situations all the poor doggies would be coming to stay with you (to drink lapsang from golden bowls perhaps)

Personally I think you may be better waiting until your current dog is fully matured, mentally as much as physically, and trained to a standard you feel is acceptable :)

Usually going for two dogs of different sexes is the best way to avoid problems but the age difference wll help too - pecking orders can be established without the need for obvious behaviours being shown so, in your situation, I'd say give it at least another year or 18 months and then consider taking on another dog - male :)

HTH, regards Teri

Im inclined to agree with Teri, and bear in mind Sibes mature later than other breeds at 2yrs and over.

I would strongly recommend that you get in touch with Teri and Mick Brent
Husky Welfare as you are a new owner of this breed, and especially as a new owner looking at Rescue. You will get good advice and support in your rehoming here, which will be incredibly important.

I would not rush into this.
and here's a great article to help you understand your girls communication with other dogs Turid Rugaas - Calming signals ... this will help you speak 'dog' ;)

Hope this helps :)

Thanks HuskyGal. I had already googled the Husky Welfare and have the contact details. If you don't mind me asking seen I'm guessing you've had Huskys longer than me how many you have and how you found introducing them? It's not something I'm going to rush because the dog will need to fit in with us and our current dog so its got to be the right one but if the right dog comes along I want to make sure I've got all my research done and I'm fully prepared. I definately want another though!