Could other members lend their experiences with two bitches living together, preferably having had one for a couple of years before getting another? How did they get along? Did they fight? Do they still fight? Any regrets? Many thanks for your help - before I make the decision and jump in feet first! Oh by the way, I am talking about the doggie variety here!!??

hi,I always had bitches together up to about seven years ago when I bought my lab mattie and she hates other bitches.and the trouble is bitches do not forget and will carry on a fight days later wheras generally (in my experience) males have a good scrap then forget it but when we got Isla my young lab she was bought when mattie was in season and staying eslewhere so when she came back Isla was installed here and she has always accepted her so its how you introduce them I think and wether your bitch is dominant..good luck anyway

We have 9 entire bitches living together, ranging in age from 11 years to 16 months, three of them were bred by us, 4 came in as pups and two arrived as adults one of 1 year and 1 at 5 years. However i do have a breed that like to live as a pack, and I do realise that not all breeds enjhoy this.

You didn't mention what breed you were talking about

We always had bitches with us - very little problem ever with fighting. Our most recent experience was owning a whippet cross bitch for 3 years before getting our new puppy. They have been together 6 months now and no problems. There are always teething problems at the beginning, but there have never been any real power struggles.

Wendy

I have a Standard Poodle and would like another - but don't want to make a mistake as I am not the sort of person who can say, "Oh well this isn't working, let's get rid of the new one." Home for life and all that!

Most of how dogs get on is down to owners, the dogs must see you as the leader, thy are then both subordinates to you, and as such you are entitled to sort out any disagreements between them. In practice this means no letting things get heated, if a squabble is brewing you come down on the pair of them, and make it clear that you will not tolerate it. You will find the majority of people who show dogs keep bitches together, problems most often arise with individuals of a similar age and/or Status. If you have a good age gap, say two years this should not be a problem, as the second dog will tend to be side kick for no one through puppyhood. Poodles I have been told get on pretty well whether dogs or bitches.

Hi Ellie
We Have 6 bitches and have no problems. At the beginning you may have a few petty fights but this will probably be to distinguish the pecking order. The two pups we kept from the litter we bred have learned to respect the older ones. The older ones only have to grumble at the pups and they stop what they are doing ie getting a bit overpowering when playing. But generally they all play together and curl up together in one basket at the end of the day. As some one said earlier you have to be the pack leader and dont show any favouritism when you get your new arrival. Expect your other dog to feel a little as though its nose has been pushed out and make an extra special effort with her. Let her get used to the pup in her own time.

Longdog