Hello all
I have a male Westie that is now 2 and half and would love to get another one, should I get a bitch or a dog.  Hamish likes some dogs but others he hates, I really don't know why this is as there is no one particular type he either likes or dislikes.  What should I do, I don't want to go and get another one and find that Hamish just can't get on with it.  Any advice would be most appreciated XX

If you have a dog which is badly socialised, which, no offence, but it sounds like Hamish is, then I'd think really hard about getting another one, if I were you.

Like you said, there's no way of knowing if he will get on with them....

If you do get another one, please socialise it better to other dogs this time - do not let it bully or be bullied by another dog whilst a pup.  All play should be equal. 

Hi onetwothree, I appreciate your comments about Hamish, I didn't realise he was badly socialised, hes very placid and calm and loves everyone its just some dogs he dosent like, hes never nasty just growls a bit and barks.  I won't get another dog now but what do you recommend I should do to make him more sociable, he goes on regular walks twice a day and has never been a problem to me, I really would appreciate any advice

Jenny X

Jenny,

What is he like with some dogs. When you say he doesn't like them what does he do? would he or has he started to fight.

Some of mine occasionally bark when on leads at other dogs but being honest they just want to get off the lead and play with them.

Yes young dogs of ALL breed play like mad when young but it all comes down to training a rules.

At the moment I have 4 Westies under the age of 15 months.  I wouldn't recommend it for the faint hearted but it works ok for us ;-)

hi there, i just posted a message about my wee westie and a new kitten when i saw your message. I did the same last year and got a cairn pup as company for my wee westie who was 18mnths but be warned!!!!!!!! I got a bitch cairn and the two loved each other but the constant play fighting was a nightmare.They destroyed furniture, tore carpet and crashed into everyhthing and everyone whilst play fighting. the vet advised never to introduce such young dogs of either sex as terriers are young in nature for a very long time and will cause you a lot of greif. I was advised to get an older dog, but if you really want another pup, and i would too, please be warned they are little monsters when having a buddy to get into streif with!!!!!! good luck though !!!

BTW at the age of 2 1/2 this is a suitable age for a new dog.  He may be displaying protective barking etc and would be fine with a new one in the house. Can you arrange for him to be around another dog and see how he actually behaves.

I also have bailey a westie who is 2 and a half and have got another male puppy who is now 17 weeks called robbie. When bailey was introduced to a pup last year he pinned it down not harming it though which people have told me dogs do. Anyway we decided to get a pup for ourselves this year got another male and introduced them outside they were fine. Pup gets very excited and nips at bailey then he puts him in his place. I have been watching carefully now though as sometimes the pup trys to get very dominant i don't know if its because bailey is castrated and he is trying to be top dog. When this happens and play gets rougher i only have to stand up clap my hands and the pup runs to his bed thinking he is in trouble then looks sheepish. This doesn't happen often and are great company for each other and they are separated at night and if we are out during the day. Good luck with choosing.